References of "Maertens, Ludovic"
     in
Bookmark and Share    
Full Text
See detailBone Marrow-derived Myofibroblasts Are the Providers of Pro-invasive Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 in Primary Tumor.
Lecomte, Julie ULg; Masset, Anne; Blacher, Silvia ULg et al

in Neoplasia : An International Journal for Oncology Research (2012), 14(10), 943-51

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts are key contributors of the tumor microenvironment that regulates carcinoma progression. They consist of a heterogeneous cell population with diverse origins, phenotypes ... [more ▼]

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts are key contributors of the tumor microenvironment that regulates carcinoma progression. They consist of a heterogeneous cell population with diverse origins, phenotypes, and functions. In the present report, we have explored the contribution of bone marrow (BM)-derived cells to generate different fibroblast subsets that putatively produce the matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and affect cancer cell invasion. A murine model of skin carcinoma was applied to mice, irradiated, and engrafted with BM isolated from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice. We provide evidence that one third of BM-derived GFP(+) cells infiltrating the tumor expressed the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan NG2 (pericytic marker) or alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA, myofibroblast marker), whereas almost 90% of Thy1(+) fibroblasts were originating from resident GFP-negative cells. MMP13producing cells were exclusively alpha-SMA(+) cells and derived from GFP(+) BM cells. To investigate their impact on tumor invasion, we isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the BM of wild-type and MMP13-deficient mice. Wild-type MSC promoted cancer cell invasion in a spheroid assay, whereas MSCs obtained from MMP13-deficient mice failed to. Our data support the concept of fibroblast subset specialization with BM-derived alpha-SMA(+) cells being the main source of MMP13, a stromal mediator of cancer cell invasion. [less ▲]

Detailed reference viewed: 15 (5 ULg)
Full Text
See detailNebulized Anti-IL-13 Monoclonal Antibody Fab' Fragment Reduces Allergen-Induced Asthma
Hacha, Jonathan ULg; Tomlinson, K; Maertens, Ludovic ULg et al

in American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (2012), sous presse

Rationale: Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a prototypic Th2 cytokine and a central mediator of the complex cascade of events leading to asthmatic phenotype. Indeed, IL-13 plays key roles in IgE synthesis ... [more ▼]

Rationale: Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a prototypic Th2 cytokine and a central mediator of the complex cascade of events leading to asthmatic phenotype. Indeed, IL-13 plays key roles in IgE synthesis, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, mucus hypersecretion, subepithelial fibrosis and eosinophil infiltration. Objectives: We assessed the potential efficacy of inhaled anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody Fab' fragment on allergen-induced airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness and remodeling in an experimental model of allergic asthma. Anti-IL-13 Fab' was administered to mice as a liquid aerosol generated by inExpose® inhalation system in a tower allowing a nose-only exposure. Methods: BALB/c mice were treated by PBS, anti-IL-13 Fab' or A33 Fab' fragment and subjected to ovalbumin (OVA) exposure for 1 and 5 weeks (short term (ST) and long term (LT) protocols). Measurements and Main Results: Our data demonstrate a significant anti-asthma effect following nebulization of anti-IL-13 Fab' in a model of asthma driven by allergen exposure as compared to saline and non-immune Fab fragments. In short and long terms protocols, administration of the anti-IL-13 Fab' by inhalation significantly decreased bronchial responsiveness to methacholine, BALF eosinophilia, inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, and many features of airway remodeling. Levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloprotease levels were significantly lower in lung parenchyma of mice treated with anti-IL-13 Fab'. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that an inhaled anti-IL-13 Fab' significantly reduces airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness and remodeling. Specific neutralization of IL-13 in the lungs using an inhaled anti-IL-13 Fab' could represent a novel and effective therapy for the treatment of asthma. [less ▲]

Detailed reference viewed: 38 (4 ULg)