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van Haaren MJH, Steller LB, Vastert SJ, Calis JJA, van Loosdregt J. Get Spliced: Uniting Alternative Splicing and Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8123. [PMID: 39125692 PMCID: PMC11311815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune responses demand the rapid and precise regulation of gene protein expression. Splicing is a crucial step in this process; ~95% of protein-coding gene transcripts are spliced during mRNA maturation. Alternative splicing allows for distinct functional regulation, as it can affect transcript degradation and can lead to alternative functional protein isoforms. There is increasing evidence that splicing can directly regulate immune responses. For several genes, immune cells display dramatic changes in isoform-level transcript expression patterns upon activation. Recent advances in long-read RNA sequencing assays have enabled an unbiased and complete description of transcript isoform expression patterns. With an increasing amount of cell types and conditions that have been analyzed with such assays, thousands of novel transcript isoforms have been identified. Alternative splicing has been associated with autoimmune diseases, including arthritis. Here, GWASs revealed that SNPs associated with arthritis are enriched in splice sites. In this review, we will discuss how alternative splicing is involved in immune responses and how the dysregulation of alternative splicing can contribute to arthritis pathogenesis. In addition, we will discuss the therapeutic potential of modulating alternative splicing, which includes examples of spliceform-based biomarkers for disease severity or disease subtype, splicing manipulation using antisense oligonucleotides, and the targeting of specific immune-related spliceforms using antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice J. H. van Haaren
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Levina Bertina Steller
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan J. Vastert
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jorg J. A. Calis
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jorg van Loosdregt
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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2
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Schumacher N, Thomsen I, Brundert F, Hejret V, Düsterhöft S, Tichý B, Schmidt-Arras D, Voss M, Rose-John S. EGFR stimulation enables IL-6 trans-signalling via iRhom2-dependent ADAM17 activation in mammary epithelial cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119489. [PMID: 37271223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) has considerable pro-inflammatory properties and is a driver of many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Cellular responses to IL-6 are mediated by membrane-bound or soluble forms of the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) complexed with the signal-transducing subunit gp130. While expression of the membrane-bound IL-6R is restricted to selected cell types, soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) enables gp130 engagement on all cells, a process termed IL-6 trans-signalling and considered to be pro-inflammatory. sIL-6R is predominantly generated through proteolytic processing by the metalloproteinase ADAM17. ADAM17 also liberates ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is a prerequisite for EGFR activation and results in stimulation of proliferative signals. Hyperactivation of EGFR mostly due to activating mutations drives cancer development. Here, we reveal an important link between overshooting EGFR signalling and the IL-6 trans-signalling pathway. In epithelial cells, EGFR activity induces not only IL-6 expression but also the proteolytic release of sIL-6R from the cell membrane by increasing ADAM17 surface activity. We find that this derives from the transcriptional upregulation of iRhom2, a crucial regulator of ADAM17 trafficking and activation, upon EGFR engagement, which results in increased surface localization of ADAM17. Also, phosphorylation of the EGFR-downstream mediator ERK mediates ADAM17 activity via interaction with iRhom2. In sum, our study reveals an unforeseen interplay between EGFR activation and IL-6 trans-signalling, which has been shown to be fundamental in inflammation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neele Schumacher
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Kiel University, Germany.
| | - Ilka Thomsen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Kiel University, Germany
| | - Florian Brundert
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Kiel University, Germany
| | - Vaclav Hejret
- CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Düsterhöft
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, University Hospital Aachen/RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Boris Tichý
- CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
| | | | - Matthias Voss
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Kiel University, Germany
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Kiel University, Germany
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3
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Rose-John S, Jenkins BJ, Garbers C, Moll JM, Scheller J. Targeting IL-6 trans-signalling: past, present and future prospects. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:666-681. [PMID: 37069261 PMCID: PMC10108826 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00856-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key immunomodulatory cytokine that affects the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, including autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions and cancer. Classical IL-6 signalling involves the binding of IL-6 to the membrane-bound IL-6 receptor α-subunit (hereafter termed 'mIL-6R') and glycoprotein 130 (gp130) signal-transducing subunit. By contrast, in IL-6 trans-signalling, complexes of IL-6 and the soluble form of IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) signal via membrane-bound gp130. A third mode of IL-6 signalling - known as cluster signalling - involves preformed complexes of membrane-bound IL-6-mIL-6R on one cell activating gp130 subunits on target cells. Antibodies and small molecules have been developed that block all three forms of IL-6 signalling, but in the past decade, IL-6 trans-signalling has emerged as the predominant pathway by which IL-6 promotes disease pathogenesis. The first selective inhibitor of IL-6 trans-signalling, sgp130, has shown therapeutic potential in various preclinical models of disease and olamkicept, a sgp130Fc variant, had promising results in phase II clinical studies for inflammatory bowel disease. Technological developments have already led to next-generation sgp130 variants with increased affinity and selectivity towards IL-6 trans-signalling, along with indirect strategies to block IL-6 trans-signalling. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the biological outcomes of IL-6-mediated signalling and the potential for targeting this pathway in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Rose-John
- Biochemical Institute, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christoph Garbers
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC:I3), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jens M Moll
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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4
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Gupta D, Orehek S, Turunen J, O’Donovan L, Gait MJ, El-Andaloussi S, Wood MJA. Modulation of Pro-Inflammatory IL-6 Trans-Signaling Axis by Splice Switching Oligonucleotides as a Therapeutic Modality in Inflammation. Cells 2023; 12:2285. [PMID: 37759507 PMCID: PMC10526877 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a crucial role in maintaining normal homeostatic processes under the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This context-dependent effect from a cytokine is due to two distinctive forms of signaling: cis-signaling and trans-signaling. IL-6 cis-signaling involves binding IL-6 to the membrane-bound IL-6 receptor and Glycoprotein 130 (GP130) signal-transducing subunit. By contrast, in IL-6 trans-signaling, complexes of IL-6 and the soluble form of the IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) signal via membrane-bound GP130. Various strategies have been employed in the past decade to target the pro-inflammatory effect of IL-6 in numerous inflammatory disorders. However, their development has been hindered since these approaches generally target global IL-6 signaling, also affecting the anti-inflammatory effects of IL-6 signaling too. Therefore, novel strategies explicitly targeting the pro-inflammatory IL-6 trans-signaling without affecting the IL-6 cis-signaling are required and carry immense therapeutic potential. Here, we have developed a novel approach to specifically decoy IL-6-mediated trans-signaling by modulating alternative splicing in GP130, an IL-6 signal transducer, by employing splice switching oligonucleotides (SSO), to induce the expression of truncated soluble isoforms of the protein GP130. This isoform is devoid of signaling domains but allows for specifically sequestering the IL-6/sIL-6R receptor complex with high affinity in serum and thereby suppressing inflammation. Using the state-of-the-art Pip6a cell-penetrating peptide conjugated to PMO-based SSO targeting GP130 for efficient in vivo delivery, reduced disease phenotypes in two different inflammatory mouse models of systemic and intestinal inflammation were observed. Overall, this novel gene therapy platform holds great potential as a refined therapeutic intervention for chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanu Gupta
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14151 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sara Orehek
- Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14151 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Janne Turunen
- Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14151 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Liz O’Donovan
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Michael J. Gait
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Samir El-Andaloussi
- Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14151 Huddinge, Sweden
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5
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Müller SA, Shmueli MD, Feng X, Tüshaus J, Schumacher N, Clark R, Smith BE, Chi A, Rose-John S, Kennedy ME, Lichtenthaler SF. The Alzheimer's disease-linked protease BACE1 modulates neuronal IL-6 signaling through shedding of the receptor gp130. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:13. [PMID: 36810097 PMCID: PMC9942414 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00596-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protease BACE1 is a major drug target for Alzheimer's disease, but chronic BACE1 inhibition is associated with non-progressive cognitive worsening that may be caused by modulation of unknown physiological BACE1 substrates. METHODS To identify in vivo-relevant BACE1 substrates, we applied pharmacoproteomics to non-human-primate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after acute treatment with BACE inhibitors. RESULTS Besides SEZ6, the strongest, dose-dependent reduction was observed for the pro-inflammatory cytokine receptor gp130/IL6ST, which we establish as an in vivo BACE1 substrate. Gp130 was also reduced in human CSF from a clinical trial with a BACE inhibitor and in plasma of BACE1-deficient mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that BACE1 directly cleaves gp130, thereby attenuating membrane-bound gp130 and increasing soluble gp130 abundance and controlling gp130 function in neuronal IL-6 signaling and neuronal survival upon growth-factor withdrawal. CONCLUSION BACE1 is a new modulator of gp130 function. The BACE1-cleaved, soluble gp130 may serve as a pharmacodynamic BACE1 activity marker to reduce the occurrence of side effects of chronic BACE1 inhibition in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan A Müller
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Merav D Shmueli
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Xiao Feng
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Tüshaus
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ryan Clark
- Neuroscience, Merck & Co. Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brad E Smith
- Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co. Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | - An Chi
- Chemical Biology, Merck & Co. Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany. .,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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6
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Millrine D, Rice CM, Fernandez JU, Jones SA. Tracking the Host Response to Infection in Peritoneal Models of Acute Resolving Inflammation. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2691:81-95. [PMID: 37355539 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3331-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial host defense is dependent on the rapid recruitment of inflammatory cells to the site of infection, the elimination of invading pathogens, and the efficient resolution of inflammation that minimizes damage to the host. The peritoneal cavity provides an accessible and physiologically relevant system where the delicate balance of these processes may be studied. Here, we describe murine models of peritoneal inflammation that enable studies of competent antimicrobial immunity and inflammation-associated tissue damage as a consequence of recurrent bacterial challenge. The inflammatory hallmarks of these models reflect the clinical and molecular features of peritonitis seen in renal failure patients on peritoneal dialysis. The development of these models relies on the preparation of a cell-free supernatant derived from an isolate of Staphylococcus epidermidis (termed SES). Intraperitoneal administration of SES induces a Toll-like receptor 2-driven acute inflammatory response that is characterized by an initial transient influx of neutrophils that are replaced by a more sustained recruitment of mononuclear cells and lymphocytes. Adaptation of this model using a repeated administration of SES allows investigations into the development of adaptive immunity and the hallmarks associated with tissue remodelling and fibrosis. These models are therefore clinically relevant and provide exciting opportunities to study innate and adaptive immunity and the response of the stromal tissue compartment to bacterial infection and the ensuing inflammatory reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Millrine
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Christopher M Rice
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Javier U Fernandez
- Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Simon A Jones
- Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
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7
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Garbers C, Rose-John S. Dissecting Interleukin-6 Classic and Trans-signaling in Inflammation and Cancer. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2691:207-224. [PMID: 37355548 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3331-1_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine synthesized by many cells in the human body. IL-6 binds to a membrane-bound receptor (IL-6R), which is only present on hepatocytes, some epithelial cells, and some leukocytes. The complex of IL-6 and IL-6R binds to the ubiquitously expressed receptor subunit gp130, which forms a homodimer and thereby initiates intracellular signaling, e.g., the JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways. Proteases can cleave the membrane-bound IL-6R from the cell surface and generate a soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R), which retains its ability to bind IL-6. The IL-6/sIL-6R complex associates with gp130 and induces signaling even on cells which do not express the IL-6R. This paradigm has been called IL-6 trans-signaling, whereas signaling via the membrane-bound IL-6R is referred to as classic signaling. We have generated several molecular tools to differentiate between both pathways and to analyze the consequences of cellular IL-6 signaling in vivo. One of these tools is soluble gp130Fc, which selectively inhibits IL-6 trans-signaling. This protein under the WHO name Olamkicept has successfully undergone phase II clinical trials in patients with autoimmune diseases. Here, in this chapter, we describe several molecular tools to differentiate between IL-6 classic and trans-signaling and to analyze the consequences of cellular IL-6 signaling in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Garbers
- Medical Faculty, Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC:I3), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.
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8
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Wang H, Chen H, Fu Y, Liu M, Zhang J, Han S, Tian Y, Hou H, Hu Q. Effects of Smoking on Inflammatory-Related Cytokine Levels in Human Serum. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123715. [PMID: 35744838 PMCID: PMC9227219 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and several cancers resulting from tobacco smoking, are initially characterized by chronic systemic inflammation. Cytokine imbalances can result in inflammation, making it important to understand the pathological mechanisms behind cytokine production. In this study, we collected blood samples from 78 healthy male volunteers, including non-smokers (n = 30), current smokers (n = 30), and ex-smokers (n = 18), and utilized the liquid suspension chip technique to investigate and compare the expression levels of 17 cytokines and chemokines in the human serum of these volunteers. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of CXCL9/MIG and sIL-6R significantly increased after smoking, and continued to increase after quitting smoking. The expression levels of TARC, ITAC, and sVEGFR-3 increased after smoking but decreased after quitting smoking; the expression level of SAA significantly decreased after smoking and showed an upward trend after quitting smoking. Seven cytokines (IL-1β, BCA-1, TNF-α, CRP, ENA-78, MDC, and TNFRII) did not vary between the three groups, while four cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, and SCF) were not detected in any serum sample. In conclusion, this study assessed the physiological production of cytokines and chemokines, highlighting the differences in each due to smoking status. Our results could help evaluate the early development of smoking-related chronic diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hongwei Hou
- Correspondence: (H.H.); (Q.H.); Tel.: +86-135-9809-8330 (H.H.); +86-139-0384-3190 (Q.H.); Fax: +86-0371-67672625 (H.H. & Q.H.)
| | - Qingyuan Hu
- Correspondence: (H.H.); (Q.H.); Tel.: +86-135-9809-8330 (H.H.); +86-139-0384-3190 (Q.H.); Fax: +86-0371-67672625 (H.H. & Q.H.)
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9
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Birga AM, Ren L, Luo H, Zhang Y, Huang J. Prediction of New Risk Genes and Potential Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis from Multiomics Data. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6783659. [PMID: 35140805 PMCID: PMC8820924 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6783659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease for which there is a lack of therapeutic options. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified over 100 genetic loci associated with RA susceptibility; however, the most causal risk genes (RGs) associated with, and molecular mechanism underlying, RA remain unknown. In this study, we collected 95 RA-associated loci from multiple GWASs and detected 87 candidate high-confidence risk genes (HRGs) from these loci via integrated multiomics data (the genome-scale chromosome conformation capture data, enhancer-promoter linkage data, and gene expression data) using the Bayesian integrative risk gene selector (iRIGS). Analysis of these HRGs indicates that these genes were indeed, markedly associated with different aspects of RA. Among these, 36 and 46 HRGs have been reported to be related to RA and autoimmunity, respectively. Meanwhile, most novel HRGs were also involved in the significantly enriched RA-related biological functions and pathways. Furthermore, drug repositioning prediction of the HRGs revealed three potential targets (ERBB2, IL6ST, and MAPK1) and nine possible drugs for RA treatment, of which two IL-6 receptor antagonists (tocilizumab and sarilumab) have been approved for RA treatment and four drugs (trastuzumab, lapatinib, masoprocol, and arsenic trioxide) have been reported to have a high potential to ameliorate RA. In summary, we believe that this study provides new clues for understanding the pathogenesis of RA and is important for research regarding the mechanisms underlying RA and the development of therapeutics for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anteneh M. Birga
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu, China
| | - Liping Ren
- School of Health Care Technology, Chengdu Neusoft University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huaichao Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu, China
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10
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Martínez-Pérez C, Kay C, Meehan J, Gray M, Dixon JM, Turnbull AK. The IL6-like Cytokine Family: Role and Biomarker Potential in Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1073. [PMID: 34834425 PMCID: PMC8624266 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IL6-like cytokines are a family of regulators with a complex, pleiotropic role in both the healthy organism, where they regulate immunity and homeostasis, and in different diseases, including cancer. Here we summarise how these cytokines exert their effect through the shared signal transducer IL6ST (gp130) and we review the extensive evidence on the role that different members of this family play in breast cancer. Additionally, we discuss how the different cytokines, their related receptors and downstream effectors, as well as specific polymorphisms in these molecules, can serve as predictive or prognostic biomarkers with the potential for clinical application in breast cancer. Lastly, we also discuss how our increasing understanding of this complex signalling axis presents promising opportunities for the development or repurposing of therapeutic strategies against cancer and, specifically, breast neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Pérez
- Breast Cancer Now Edinburgh Research Team, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (C.K.); (J.M.D.); (A.K.T.)
- Translational Oncology Research Group, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK; (J.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Charlene Kay
- Breast Cancer Now Edinburgh Research Team, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (C.K.); (J.M.D.); (A.K.T.)
- Translational Oncology Research Group, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK; (J.M.); (M.G.)
| | - James Meehan
- Translational Oncology Research Group, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK; (J.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Mark Gray
- Translational Oncology Research Group, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK; (J.M.); (M.G.)
| | - J. Michael Dixon
- Breast Cancer Now Edinburgh Research Team, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (C.K.); (J.M.D.); (A.K.T.)
| | - Arran K. Turnbull
- Breast Cancer Now Edinburgh Research Team, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (C.K.); (J.M.D.); (A.K.T.)
- Translational Oncology Research Group, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK; (J.M.); (M.G.)
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11
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Rose-John S. Blocking only the bad side of IL-6 in inflammation and cancer. Cytokine 2021; 148:155690. [PMID: 34474215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is considered an inflammatory cytokine, which is involved not only in most inflammatory states but it also plays a prominent role in inflammation associated cancers. The response of cells to the cytokine strictly depends on the presence of the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R),which presents IL-6 to the signal transducing receptor subunit gp130, which is expressed on all cells of the body. The expression of IL-6R is limited to some cells, which are therefore IL-6 target cells. The IL-6R can be cleaved by proteases and the thus generated soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) still binds the ligand IL-6. The complex of IL-6 and sIL-6R can bind to gp130 on any cell, induce dimerization of gp130 and intracellular signaling. This process has been named IL-6 trans-signaling. A fusion protein of soluble gp130 with the constant portion of human IgG1 (sgp130Fc) turned out to be a potent and specific inhibitor of IL-6 trans-signaling. In many animal models of human diseases the significance of IL-6 trans-signaling has been analyzed. It turned out that the activities of IL-6 mediated by the sIL-6R are the pro-inflammatory activities of the cytokine whereas activities of IL-6 mediated by the membrane-bound IL-6R are rather protective and regenerative. The sgp130Fc protein has recently been developed into a biologic. The possible consequences of a specific IL-6 trans-signaling blockade is discussed in the light of the recent successfully concluded phase II clinical trials in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
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12
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Heise D, Derrac Soria A, Hansen S, Dambietz C, Akbarzadeh M, Berg AF, Waetzig GH, Jones SA, Dvorsky R, Ahmadian MR, Scheller J, Moll JM. Selective inhibition of IL-6 trans-signaling by a miniaturized, optimized chimeric soluble gp130 inhibits T H17 cell expansion. Sci Signal 2021; 14:eabc3480. [PMID: 34404751 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abc3480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) signals through three mechanisms called classic signaling, trans-signaling, and trans-presentation. IL-6 trans-signaling is distinctly mediated through a soluble form of its transmembrane receptor IL-6R (sIL-6R) and the coreceptor gp130 and is implicated in multiple autoimmune diseases. Although a soluble form of gp130 (sgp130) inhibits only IL-6 trans-signaling, it also blocks an analogous trans-signaling mechanism of IL-11 and its soluble receptor sIL-11R. Here, we report miniaturized chimeric soluble gp130 variants that efficiently trap IL-6:sIL-6R but not IL-11:sIL-11R complexes. We designed a novel IL-6 trans-signaling trap by fusing a miniaturized sgp130 variant to an IL-6:sIL-6R complex-binding nanobody and the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG). This trap, called cs-130Fc, exhibited improved inhibition of as well as increased selectivity for IL-6 trans-signaling compared to the conventional fusion protein sgp130Fc. We introduced affinity-enhancing mutations in cs-130Fc and sgp130Fc that further improved selectivity toward IL-6 trans-signaling. Moreover, cs-130Fc efficiently inhibited the expansion of T helper 17 (TH17) cells in cultures of mouse CD4+ T cells treated with IL-6:sIL-6R. Thus, these variants may provide or lead to the development of more precisely targeted therapeutics for inflammatory disorders associated with IL-6 trans-signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Heise
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Alicia Derrac Soria
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Systems Immunity University Research Institute, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Selina Hansen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Christine Dambietz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Mohammad Akbarzadeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Anna F Berg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Georg H Waetzig
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel 24105, Germany
- CONARIS Research Institute AG, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Simon A Jones
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Systems Immunity University Research Institute, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Radovan Dvorsky
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Mohammad R Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany.
| | - Jens M Moll
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany.
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13
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Takeuchi T, Yoshida H, Tanaka S. Role of interleukin-6 in bone destruction and bone repair in rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102884. [PMID: 34229044 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory form of arthritis leading to the progressive bone and joint destruction. Many factors are closely involved in the pathology of RA, in particular bone-related cells and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Because RA patients with progressive bone destruction experience accelerated deterioration of their quality of life, inhibition of disease progression and joint destruction has become an important clinical goal. Recent studies have also found that drug intervention targeting proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 results in bone repair in addition to suppression of bone and joint destruction, and these results suggest the potential for new therapeutic goals. Regarding the relationship between IL-6 and bone destruction, essential roles of osteoclasts have been reported over many years; however, more recent studies have explored the relationship of IL-6 with osteoblasts and osteocytes. In this review, we highlight the perspectives of basic and clinical research, adding new findings on the relationships between IL-6 and bone-related cells associated with inflammation, and the possibility of bone repair by blocking IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Yoshida
- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 200 Kajiwara, Kamakura City, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sakae Tanaka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
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14
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Rose-John S. Therapeutic targeting of IL-6 trans-signaling. Cytokine 2021; 144:155577. [PMID: 34022535 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine, which is involved in innate and acquired immunity, in neural cell maintenance and in metabolism. IL-6 can be synthesized by many different cells including myeloid cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and lymphocytes. The synthesis of IL-6 is strongly stimulated by Toll like receptors and by IL-1. Therefore, IL-6 levels in the body are high during infection and inflammatory processes. Moreover, IL-6 is a prominent growth factor of tumor cells and plays a major role in inflammation associated cancer. On target cells, IL-6 binds to an IL-6 receptor, which is not signaling competent. The complex of IL-6 and IL-6 receptor associate with a second receptor subunit, glycoprotein gp130, which dimerizes and initiates intracellular signaling. Cells, which do not express the IL-6 receptor are not responsive to IL-6. They can, however, be stimulated by the complex of IL-6 and a soluble form of the IL-6 receptor, which is generated by limited proteolysis and to a lesser extent by translation from an alternatively spliced mRNA. This process has been named IL-6 trans-signaling. This review article will explain the biology of IL-6 trans-signaling and the specific inhibition of this mode of signaling, which has been recognized to be fundamental in inflammation and cancer.
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15
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Wiegertjes R, van de Loo FAJ, Blaney Davidson EN. A roadmap to target interleukin-6 in osteoarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 59:2681-2694. [PMID: 32691066 PMCID: PMC7516110 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Joint inflammation is present in the majority of OA patients and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6, are actively involved in disease progression. Increased levels of IL-6 in serum or synovial fluid from OA patients correlate with disease incidence and severity, with IL-6 playing a pivotal role in the development of cartilage pathology, e.g. via induction of matrix-degrading enzymes. However, IL-6 also increases expression of anti-catabolic factors, suggesting a protective role. Until now, this dual role of IL-6 is incompletely understood and may be caused by differential effects of IL-6 classic vs trans-signalling. Here, we review current evidence regarding the role of IL-6 classic- and trans-signalling in local joint pathology of cartilage, synovium and bone. Furthermore, we discuss targeting of IL-6 in experimental OA models and provide future perspective for OA treatment by evaluating currently available IL-6 targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske Wiegertjes
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Fons A J van de Loo
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esmeralda N Blaney Davidson
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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16
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Metcalfe RD, Putoczki TL, Griffin MDW. Structural Understanding of Interleukin 6 Family Cytokine Signaling and Targeted Therapies: Focus on Interleukin 11. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1424. [PMID: 32765502 PMCID: PMC7378365 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are small signaling proteins that have central roles in inflammation and cell survival. In the half-century since the discovery of the first cytokines, the interferons, over fifty cytokines have been identified. Amongst these is interleukin (IL)-6, the first and prototypical member of the IL-6 family of cytokines, nearly all of which utilize the common signaling receptor, gp130. In the last decade, there have been numerous advances in our understanding of the structural mechanisms of IL-6 family signaling, particularly for IL-6 itself. However, our understanding of the detailed structural mechanisms underlying signaling by most IL-6 family members remains limited. With the emergence of new roles for IL-6 family cytokines in disease and, in particular, roles of IL-11 in cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and cancer, there is an emerging need to develop therapeutics that can progress to clinical use. Here we outline our current knowledge of the structural mechanism of signaling by the IL-6 family of cytokines. We discuss how this knowledge allows us to understand the mechanism of action of currently available inhibitors targeting IL-6 family cytokine signaling, and most importantly how it allows for improved opportunities to pharmacologically disrupt cytokine signaling. We focus specifically on the need to develop and understand inhibitors that disrupt IL-11 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley D Metcalfe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Technology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tracy L Putoczki
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael D W Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Technology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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17
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Chen L, Zhou H, Guo B, Guan Z. Clinical efficacy of platelet transfusion therapy in patients with leukemia and analysis of risk factors for ineffective transfusion. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:2554-2561. [PMID: 32194759 PMCID: PMC7039127 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical efficacy of platelet transfusion therapy in patients with leukemia was investigated to analyze risk factors for ineffective transfusion. A total of 105 cases of patients with leukemia admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from August 2016 to November 2018 were selected as research subjects. A total of 49 patients received transfusion of apheresis platelet suspension, and were group A. Fifty-six patients who received mixed multi-person platelet suspension were group B. The percentage plate recovery (PPR) and corrected count increment (CCI), interleukin-11 (IL-11) and soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) levels were compared between the two groups, and the correlation of PPR and CCI with serum IL-11 and sgp130 levels was analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting ineffective transfusion in patients with leukemia. After transfusion, PPR and CCI in both groups were significantly higher than those before transfusion (P<0.05). IL-11 was significantly increased in both groups after transfusion, and sgp130 was significantly decreased in the two groups after transfusion (P<0.05). Serum IL-11 level in leukemia patients was positively correlated with PPR and CCI (r=0.7693, P<0.001), (r=0.7760, P<0.001), and serum sgp130 level in leukemia patients was negatively correlated with PPR and CCI (r=-0.7086, P<0.001), (r=-0.7733, P<0.001). There were differences between the effective group and the ineffective group in transfusion frequency, fever, infection and splenomegaly (P<0.05). Fever (OR, 0.382; 95% CI, 0.183-0.972) and infection (OR, 0.367; 95% CI, 0.140-0.956) were independent risk factors for ineffective transfusion. In conclusion, apheresis platelet or mixed multi-person platelet suspension transfusion can significantly improve the disorder of platelet count in patients with leukemia, and improve the clinical efficacy. Fever and infection are independent risk factors leading to ineffective transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233000, P.R. China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233000, P.R. China
| | - Bo Guo
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233000, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Guan
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233000, P.R. China
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18
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Wilkinson AN, Chang K, Kuns RD, Henden AS, Minnie SA, Ensbey KS, Clouston AD, Zhang P, Koyama M, Hidalgo J, Rose-John S, Varelias A, Vuckovic S, Gartlan KH, Hill GR. IL-6 dysregulation originates in dendritic cells and mediates graft-versus-host disease via classical signaling. Blood 2019; 134:2092-2106. [PMID: 31578204 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019000396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is characterized by interleukin-6 (IL-6) dysregulation. IL-6 can mediate effects via various pathways, including classical, trans, and cluster signaling. Given the recent availability of agents that differentially inhibit these discrete signaling cascades, understanding the source and signaling and cellular targets of this cytokine is paramount to inform the design of clinical studies. Here we demonstrate that IL-6 secretion from recipient dendritic cells (DCs) initiates the systemic dysregulation of this cytokine. Inhibition of DC-driven classical signaling after targeted IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) deletion in T cells eliminated pathogenic donor Th17/Th22 cell differentiation and resulted in long-term survival. After engraftment, donor DCs assume the same role, maintaining classical IL-6 signaling-dependent GVHD responses. Surprisingly, cluster signaling was not active after transplantation, whereas inhibition of trans signaling with soluble gp130Fc promoted severe, chronic cutaneous GVHD. The latter was a result of exaggerated polyfunctional Th22-cell expansion that was reversed by IL-22 deletion or IL-6R inhibition. Importantly, inhibition of IL-6 classical signaling did not impair the graft-versus-leukemia effect. Together, these data highlight IL-6 classical signaling and downstream Th17/Th22 differentiation as important therapeutic targets after alloSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Wilkinson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Karshing Chang
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel D Kuns
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrea S Henden
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Simone A Minnie
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Ping Zhang
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Motoko Koyama
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Juan Hidalgo
- Animal Physiology Unit, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences, and
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany; and
| | - Antiopi Varelias
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Slavica Vuckovic
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate H Gartlan
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Geoffrey R Hill
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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19
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ADAM17 Activity and IL-6 Trans-Signaling in Inflammation and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111736. [PMID: 31694340 PMCID: PMC6895846 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
All ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) are transmembrane proteins, which need to be proteolytically cleaved in order to be systemically active. The major protease responsible for this cleavage is the membrane metalloprotease ADAM17, which also has been implicated in cleavage of TNFα and interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor. It has been recently shown that in the absence of ADAM17, the main protease for EGF-R ligand processing, colon cancer formation is largely abrogated. Intriguingly, colon cancer formation depends on EGF-R activity on myeloid cells rather than on intestinal epithelial cells. A major activity of EGF-R on myeloid cells is the stimulation of IL-6 synthesis. Subsequently, IL-6 together with the ADAM17 shed soluble IL-6 receptor acts on intestinal epithelial cells via IL-6 trans-signaling to induce colon cancer formation, which can be blocked by the inhibitor of IL-6 trans-signaling, sgp130Fc. Blockade of IL-6 trans-signaling therefore offers a new therapeutic window downstream of the EGF-R for the treatment of colon cancer and possibly of other EGF-R related neoplastic diseases.
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20
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Jones SA, Takeuchi T, Aletaha D, Smolen J, Choy EH, McInnes I. Interleukin 6: The biology behind the therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1136/conmed-2018-000005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The cytokine interleukin (IL)−6 performs a diverse portfolio of functions in normal physiology and disease. These functions extend beyond the typical role for an inflammatory cytokine, and IL-6 often displays hormone-like properties that affect metabolic processes associated with lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and the neuroendocrine system. Consequently, the biology of IL-6 is complex. Recent advances in the field have led to novel interpretations of how IL-6 delivers immune homeostasis in health and yet drives disease pathology during infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Various biological drugs that target IL-6 are in clinical practice or emerging in clinical trials and pre-clinical development programmes. The challenge is knowing how and when to apply these therapies. In this review, we will explore the biology behind IL-6 directed therapies and identify some key hurdles for future investigation.
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21
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Jones SA, Jenkins BJ. Recent insights into targeting the IL-6 cytokine family in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Nat Rev Immunol 2018; 18:773-789. [DOI: 10.1038/s41577-018-0066-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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22
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Abstract
The interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokines is a group of cytokines consisting of IL-6, IL-11, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M (OSM), cardiotrophin 1 (CT-1), cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC), and IL-27. They are grouped into one family because the receptor complex of each cytokine contains two (IL-6 and IL-11) or one molecule (all others cytokines) of the signaling receptor subunit gp130. IL-6 family cytokines have overlapping but also distinct biologic activities and are involved among others in the regulation of the hepatic acute phase reaction, in B-cell stimulation, in the regulation of the balance between regulatory and effector T cells, in metabolic regulation, and in many neural functions. Blockade of IL-6 family cytokines has been shown to be beneficial in autoimmune diseases, but bacterial infections and metabolic side effects have been observed. Recent advances in cytokine blockade might help to minimize such side effects during therapeutic blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Kiel University, Olshausenstrasse 40, Kiel, Germany
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23
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Garbers C, Rose-John S. Dissecting Interleukin-6 Classic- and Trans-Signaling in Inflammation and Cancer. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1725:127-140. [PMID: 29322414 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7568-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 is a cytokine synthesized by many cells in the human body. IL-6 binds to a membrane bound IL-6R, which is only present on hepatocytes, some epithelial cells and some leukocytes. The complex of IL-6 and IL-6R binds to the ubiquitously expressed receptor subunit gp130, which forms a homodimer and thereby initiates intracellular signaling via the JAK/STAT and the MAPK pathways. IL-6R expressing cells can cleave the receptor protein to generate a soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R), which can still bind IL-6 and can associate with gp130 and induce signaling even on cells, which do not express IL-6R. This paradigm has been called IL-6 trans-signaling whereas signaling via the membrane bound IL-6R is referred to as classic signaling. We have generated several molecular tools to differentiate between IL-6 classic- and trans-signaling and to analyze the consequence of cellular IL-6 signaling in vivo.
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24
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Rose-John S. The Soluble Interleukin 6 Receptor: Advanced Therapeutic Options in Inflammation. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2017; 102:591-598. [DOI: 10.1002/cpt.782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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25
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The role of IL-6 in host defence against infections: immunobiology and clinical implications. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2017; 13:399-409. [DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2017.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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26
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Schinnerling K, Aguillón JC, Catalán D, Soto L. The role of interleukin-6 signalling and its therapeutic blockage in skewing the T cell balance in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Immunol 2017; 189:12-20. [PMID: 28369786 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic blockage of cytokine signalling in autoimmune diseases has improved our understanding of the role of these cytokines in triggering, shaping and perpetuating autoimmune responses. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), immunopathology is driven by a predominance of arthritogenic T helper cells secreting interferon-γ [T helper type 1 (Th1)] and interleukin (IL)-17 (Th17) over regulatory T cells (Treg ). The pleiotropic cytokine IL-6 is crucial to the differentiation of Th17 cells and the balance between pathogenic Th17 and protective Treg . Targeting the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) by humanized antibodies improves signs and symptoms of RA, and has provided new insights into the mechanisms of inflammation and immune regulation. Here we review current evidence on the role of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of RA and the molecular consequences of IL-6R blockage in disease, with special focus on the Th17/Treg balance and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schinnerling
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - J C Aguillón
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - D Catalán
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - L Soto
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Hospital Clínico, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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27
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Yamamoto M, Matsumoto S. Gut microbiota and colorectal cancer. Genes Environ 2016; 38:11. [PMID: 27350830 PMCID: PMC4917993 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-016-0038-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The mucosal immune system is unique to the gastrointestinal mucosa, in which a large number of immune cells are located and exert multiple functions. Meanwhile, ~100 trillion microorganisms are thought to co-inhabit in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, immune cells and gut microbiota have a mutual influence and the maintenance of this symbiotic relationship results in gut homeostasis. A recent study suggested that a disturbance of gut microbiota-so called "dysbiosis"-is related to various diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated cancer (CAC). In this review, we discuss the relationship between gut microbiota and the mucosal immune system with regard to the development of IBD and CAC. In addition, we elucidate the possibility of probiotics in treatment against these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Yamamoto
- Yakult Central Institute, 5-11 Izumi, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo, 186-8650 Japan
| | - Satoshi Matsumoto
- Yakult Central Institute, 5-11 Izumi, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo, 186-8650 Japan
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Kraakman MJ, Dragoljevic D, Kammoun HL, Murphy AJ. Is the risk of cardiovascular disease altered with anti-inflammatory therapies? Insights from rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Transl Immunology 2016; 5:e84. [PMID: 27350883 PMCID: PMC4910124 DOI: 10.1038/cti.2016.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is the most common form of CVD, which is complex and multifactorial with an elevated risk observed in people with either metabolic or inflammatory diseases. Accumulating evidence now links obesity with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation and has renewed our understanding of this condition and its associated comorbidities. An emerging theme linking disease states with atherosclerosis is the increased production of myeloid cells, which can initiate and exacerbate atherogenesis. Although anti-inflammatory drug treatments exist and have been successfully used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a commonly observed side effect is dyslipidemia, inadvertently, a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. The mechanisms leading to dyslipidemia associated with anti-inflammatory drug use and whether CVD risk is actually increased by this dyslipidemia are of great therapeutic importance and currently remain poorly understood. Here we review recent data providing links between inflammation, hematopoiesis, dyslipidemia and CVD risk in the context of anti-inflammatory drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Kraakman
- Department of Haematopoiesis and Leukocyte Biology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dragana Dragoljevic
- Department of Haematopoiesis and Leukocyte Biology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helene L Kammoun
- Department of Haematopoiesis and Leukocyte Biology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Department of Haematopoiesis and Leukocyte Biology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Rothaug M, Becker-Pauly C, Rose-John S. The role of interleukin-6 signaling in nervous tissue. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:1218-27. [PMID: 27016501 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders and in the physiological homeostasis of neural tissue. Profound neuropathological changes, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease are associated with increased IL-6 expression in brain. Increased nocturnal concentrations of serum IL-6 are found in patients with impaired sleep whereas IL-6-deficient mice spend more time in rapid eye movement sleep associated with dreaming. IL-6 is crucial in the differentiation of oligodendrocytes, regeneration of peripheral nerves and acts as a neurotrophic factor. It exerts its cellular effects through two distinct pathways which include the anti-inflammatory pathway involving the membrane-bound IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) expressed on selective cells, including microglia, in a process known as classical signaling that is also critical for bacterial defense. In classical signaling binding of IL-6 to the membrane-bound IL-6R activates the β-receptor glycoprotein 130 (gp130) and subsequent down-stream signaling. The alternative, rather pro-inflammatory pathway, shown to mediate neurodegeneration in mice, termed trans-signaling, depends on a soluble form of the IL-6R that is capable of binding IL-6 to stimulate a response on distal cells that express gp130. A naturally occurring soluble form of gp130 (sgp130) has been identified that can specifically bind and neutralize the IL-6R/IL-6 complex. Thus, trans-signaling is blocked but classical signaling is completely unaffected. A modified, recombinant dimerized version of sgp130 (sgp130Fc) has successfully been used to block inflammatory processes in mice and may also be used in the clarification of IL-6 trans-signaling in neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Rothaug
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 40, D-24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - Christoph Becker-Pauly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 40, D-24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 40, D-24098 Kiel, Germany.
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A soluble form of the interleukin-6 family signal transducer gp130 is dimerized via a C-terminal disulfide bridge resulting from alternative mRNA splicing. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 470:870-6. [PMID: 26809098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.01.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling can be divided into classic signaling (via the membrane-bound IL-6 receptor, IL-6R) and trans-signaling (via the soluble IL-6R, sIL-6R), and both modes of signaling activate cells via a homodimer of the ubiquitously expressed β-receptor glycoprotein 130 (gp130). IL-6 trans-signaling is responsible for most of the pro-inflammatory activities of IL-6 and plays a role in many inflammatory diseases including inflammation-driven cancers. IL-6 trans-signaling can be selectively inhibited by soluble forms of gp130. To date, three forms of sgp130 (full-length sgp130, sgp130-RAPS and sgp130-E10) with different molecular weight have been described, which originate from alternative splicing or alternative polyadenylation of the gp130 mRNA. All these proteins are capable of blocking signaling of the IL-6/sIL-6R complex, albeit with different efficacy. The full length form of sgp130 comprises the domains D1 to D6 and a short unique C-terminus which arises from alternative splicing. In the present study, we analyze the role of a unique cysteine residue (Cys-628) within this C-terminus, which is contained neither in the membrane-bound gp130 nor in the two other sgp130 forms. Full-length sgp130 can form a disulfide-linked dimer via this cysteine residue. These natural sgp130 dimers are absent under reducing conditions or in a sgp130 C628A mutant. Although the disulfide-dimerized sgp130 represents only a small fraction of the total amount of sgp130 and, thus, may appear to be dispensable for the global inhibitory activities of sgp130 in the circulation, it may represent a further possibility to modulate gradients of sgp130 with different properties depending on the local redox potential in a cell- or tissue-dependent manner.
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Ebbinghaus M, Segond von Banchet G, Massier J, Gajda M, Bräuer R, Kress M, Schaible HG. Interleukin-6-dependent influence of nociceptive sensory neurons on antigen-induced arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:334. [PMID: 26590032 PMCID: PMC4654804 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0858-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an important mediator of inflammation. In addition to cells involved in inflammation, sensory nociceptive neurons express the IL-6 signal-transducer glycoprotein 130 (gp130). These neurons are not only involved in pain generation but also produce neurogenic inflammation by release of neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Whether IL-6 activation of sensory neurons contributes to the induction of inflammation is unknown. This study explored whether the action of IL-6 on sensory neurons plays a role in the generation of neurogenic inflammation and arthritis induction. METHODS In SNS-gp130(-/-) mice lacking gp130 selectively in sensory neurons and appropriate control littermates (SNS-gp130(flox/flox)), we induced antigen-induced arthritis (AIA), and assessed swelling, histopathological arthritis scores, pain scores, expression of CGRP in sensory neurons, serum concentrations of CGRP and cytokines, and the cytokine release from single cell suspensions from lymph nodes and spleens. In wild-type mice CGRP release was determined during development of AIA and, in cultured sensory neurons, upon IL-6 stimulation. RESULTS Compared to SNS-gp130(flox/flox) mice SNS-gp130(-/-) mice showed significantly weaker initial swelling, reduced serum concentrations of CGRP, IL-6, and IL-2, no inflammation-evoked upregulation of CGRP in sensory neurons, but similar histopathological arthritis scores during AIA. During the initial swelling phase of AIA, CGRP was significantly increased in the serum, knee and spleen. In vitro, IL-6 augmented the release of CGRP from cultured sensory neurons. Upon antigen-specific restimulation lymphocytes from SNS-gp130(-/-) mice released more interleukin-17 and interferon-γ than lymphocytes from SNS-gp130(flox/flox) mice. In naive lymphocytes from SNS-gp130(flox/flox) and SNS-gp130(-/-) mice CGRP reduced the release of IL-2 (a cytokine which inhibits the release of interleukin-17 and interferon-γ). CONCLUSIONS IL-6 signaling in sensory neurons plays a role in the expression of arthritis. Selective deletion of gp130 signaling in sensory neurons reduces the swelling of the joint (most likely by reducing neurogenic inflammation) but increases some proinflammatory systemic cellular responses such as the release of interleukin-17 and interferon-γ from lymphocytes upon antigen-specific restimulation. Thus IL-6 signaling in sensory neurons is not only involved in pain generation but also in the coordination of the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Ebbinghaus
- Institute of Physiology I/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Teichgraben 8, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Gisela Segond von Banchet
- Institute of Physiology I/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Teichgraben 8, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Julia Massier
- Institute of Physiology I/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Teichgraben 8, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Mieczyslaw Gajda
- Institute of Pathology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Ziegelmühlenweg 1, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Rolf Bräuer
- Institute of Pathology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Ziegelmühlenweg 1, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Michaela Kress
- Division of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Innsbruck Medical University, Fritz-Pregl-Strasse 3, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Hans-Georg Schaible
- Institute of Physiology I/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Teichgraben 8, 07740, Jena, Germany.
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Gottschalk TA, Tsantikos E, Hibbs ML. Pathogenic Inflammation and Its Therapeutic Targeting in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2015; 6:550. [PMID: 26579125 PMCID: PMC4623412 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus) is a highly complex and heterogeneous autoimmune disease that most often afflicts women in their child-bearing years. It is characterized by circulating self-reactive antibodies that deposit in tissues, including skin, kidneys, and brain, and the ensuing inflammatory response can lead to irreparable tissue damage. Over many years, clinical trials in SLE have focused on agents that control B- and T-lymphocyte activation, and, with the single exception of an agent known as belimumab which targets the B-cell survival factor BAFF, they have been disappointing. At present, standard therapy for SLE with mild disease is the agent hydroxychloroquine. During disease flares, steroids are often used, while the more severe manifestations with major organ involvement warrant potent, broad-spectrum immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate. Current treatments have severe and dose-limiting toxicities and thus a more specific therapy targeting a causative factor or signaling pathway would be greatly beneficial in SLE treatment. Moreover, the ability to control inflammation alongside B-cell activation may be a superior approach for disease control. There has been a recent focus on the innate immune system and associated inflammation, which has uncovered key players in driving the pathogenesis of SLE. Delineating some of these intricate inflammatory mechanisms has been possible with studies using spontaneous mouse mutants and genetically engineered mice. These strains, to varying degrees, exhibit hallmarks of the human disease and therefore have been utilized to model human SLE and to test new drugs. Developing a better understanding of the initiation and perpetuation of disease in SLE may uncover suitable novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we discuss the involvement of inflammation in SLE disease pathogenesis, with a focus on several key proinflammatory cytokines and myeloid growth factors, and review the known outcomes or the potential for targeting these factors in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Gottschalk
- Leukocyte Signalling Laboratory, Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Monash University , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - Evelyn Tsantikos
- Leukocyte Signalling Laboratory, Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Monash University , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - Margaret L Hibbs
- Leukocyte Signalling Laboratory, Department of Immunology and Pathology, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Monash University , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
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Abstract
Interleukin-6 is a cytokine involved in the regulation of the immune system and the central nervous system. Interleukin-6 binds to an interleukin-6 receptor, and then associates with a dimer of the ubiquitously expressed gp130 receptor subunit, which initiates intracellular signaling. The interleukin-6 receptor is found in a soluble form, which is generated by proteolytic cleavage and also to a minor extent by translation from an alternatively spliced mRNA. The complex of interleukin-6 bound to the interleukin-6 receptor can stimulate cells, which only express gp130. Such cells are not responsive to interleukin-6 alone. We have for the first time identified the molecular basis of pro-and anti-inflammatory properties of interleukin-6 and we have defined the generation of the soluble IL-6R as a crucial point in the regulation between these two properties. Furthermore, we have deduced a therapeutic principle, which enables us to exclusively block the pro-inflammatory activities of this important cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Rose-John
- Department of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Germany.
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Schaper F, Rose-John S. Interleukin-6: Biology, signaling and strategies of blockade. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 26:475-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Elevated Serum Levels of Soluble TNF Receptors and Adhesion Molecules Are Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type-1 Diabetes. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:279393. [PMID: 26339132 PMCID: PMC4539119 DOI: 10.1155/2015/279393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims. To examine the association of the serum levels of TNF receptors, adhesion molecules, and inflammatory mediators with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in T1D patients. Methods. Using the multiplex immunoassay, we measured serum levels of eight proteins in 678 T1D subjects aged 20–75 years. Comparisons were made between 482 T1D patients with no complications and 196 T1D patients with DR. Results. The levels of sTNFR-I, sTNFR-II, CRP, SAA, sgp130, sIL6R, sVCAM1, and sICAM1 were significantly higher in the T1D patients with DR as compared to T1D patients with no complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant association for five proteins after adjustment for age, sex, and disease duration (sTNFR-I: OR = 1.57, sgp130: OR = 1.43, sVCAM1: OR = 1.27, sICAM1: OR = 1.42, and CRP: OR = 1.15). Conditional logistic regression on matched paired data revealed that subjects in the top quartile for sTNFR-I (OR = 2.13), sTNFR-II (OR = 1.66), sgp130 (OR = 1.82), sIL6R (OR = 1.75), sVCAM1 (OR = 1.98), sICAM1 (OR = 2.23), CRP (OR = 2.40) and SAA (OR = 2.03), had the highest odds of having DR. Conclusions. The circulating markers of inflammation, endothelial injury, and TNF signaling are significantly associated with DR in patients with T1D. TNFR-I and TNFR-II receptors are highly correlated, but DR associated more strongly with TNFR-I in these patients.
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IL-6 as a keystone cytokine in health and disease. Nat Immunol 2015; 16:448-57. [DOI: 10.1038/ni.3153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1392] [Impact Index Per Article: 154.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Hashizume M, Tan SL, Takano J, Ohsawa K, Hasada I, Hanasaki A, Ito I, Mihara M, Nishida K. Tocilizumab, a humanized anti-IL-6R antibody, as an emerging therapeutic option for rheumatoid arthritis: molecular and cellular mechanistic insights. Int Rev Immunol 2014; 34:265-79. [PMID: 25099958 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2014.938325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a major role in the initiation and maintenance of joint inflammation and destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The therapeutic success of biologics targeting tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin (IL)-6 receptor (IL-6R) has broadened the treatment options for RA. These agents have potential overlapping and discriminating biologic effects, as well as different pharmacological features. Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds and neutralizes IL-6R, resulting in the inhibition of various IL-6-mediated biological activities, including inflammation-related, immunomodulatory and tissue/matrix remodelling effects. Randomized, double-blind, controlled phase III studies and a number of early clinical observational studies have shown that treatment with TCZ results in rapid and sustained improvement in the signs and symptoms of RA among different patient populations. These studies have established the efficacy and safety of TCZ. Here, we review the pleiotropic functions of IL-6 and how it impinges on many aspects of RA pathogenesis, and highlight the clinical experience to date with TCZ as an emerging new treatment option for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misato Hashizume
- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Gotemba , Japan
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Wolf J, Rose-John S, Garbers C. Interleukin-6 and its receptors: a highly regulated and dynamic system. Cytokine 2014; 70:11-20. [PMID: 24986424 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 400] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine with well-defined pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. Although only small amounts in the picogram range can be detected in healthy humans, IL-6 expression is highly and transiently up-regulated in nearly all pathophysiological states. IL-6 induces intracellular signaling pathways after binding to its membrane-bound receptor (IL-6R), which is only expressed on hepatocytes and certain subpopulations of leukocytes (classic signaling). Transduction of the signal is mediated by the membrane-bound β-receptor glycoprotein 130 (gp130). In a second pathway, named trans-signaling, IL-6 binds to soluble forms of the IL-6R (sIL-6R), and this agonistic IL-6/sIL-6R complexes can in principle activate all cells due to the uniform expression of gp130. Importantly, several soluble forms of gp130 (sgp130) are found in the human blood, which are considered to be the natural inhibitors of IL-6 trans-signaling. Most pro-inflammatory roles of IL-6 have been attributed to the trans-signaling pathway, whereas anti-inflammatory and regenerative signaling, including the anti-bacterial acute phase response of the liver, is mediated by IL-6 classic signaling. In this simplistic view, only a minority of cell types expresses the IL-6R and is therefore responsive for IL-6 classic signaling, whereas gp130 is ubiquitously expressed throughout the human body. However, several reports point towards a much more complex situation. A plethora of factors, including proteases, cytokines, chemical drugs, and intracellular signaling pathways, are able to modulate the cellular expression of the membrane-bound and soluble forms of IL-6R and gp130. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of regulatory mechanisms that control and regulate the dynamic expression of IL-6 and its two receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Wolf
- Institute of Biochemistry, Kiel University, Olshausenstrasse 40, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Kiel University, Olshausenstrasse 40, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Christoph Garbers
- Institute of Biochemistry, Kiel University, Olshausenstrasse 40, Kiel, Germany.
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Langeslag M, Malsch P, Welling A, Kress M. Reduced excitability of gp130-deficient nociceptors is associated with increased voltage-gated potassium currents and Kcna4 channel upregulation. Pflugers Arch 2014; 466:2153-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-014-1443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Choy EH, Kavanaugh AF, Jones SA. The problem of choice: current biologic agents and future prospects in RA. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2013; 9:154-63. [DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2013.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine which is involved in many inflammatory processes and in the development of cancer. In addition, IL-6 has been shown to be important for the induction of hepatic acute-phase proteins, for the regeneration of the liver and for the stimulation of B-cells. IL-6 binds to a transmembrane IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), which is present on hepatocytes and some leukocytes. The complex of IL-6 and IL-6R associates with a second protein, gp130, which is expressed on all cells of the body. Since neither IL-6 nor IL-6R has a measurable affinity for gp130, cells, which do not express IL-6R, are not responsive to the cytokine IL-6. It could be shown, however, that a naturally occurring soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) in complex with IL-6 can bind to gp130 on cells with no IL-6R expression. Therefore, cells shedding the sIL-6R render cells, which only express gp130, responsive to the cytokine. This process has been called trans-signaling. In the present chapter, we summarize the known activities of IL-6 with a special emphasis on regenerative activities, which often depend on the sIL-6R. A designer cytokine called Hyper-IL-6, which is a fusion protein of IL-6 and the sIL-6R, can mimic IL-6 trans-signaling responses in vitro and in vivo with considerably higher efficacy than the combination of the natural proteins IL-6 and sIL-6R. We present recent examples from animal models in which the therapeutic potential of Hyper-IL-6 has been evaluated. We propose that Hyper-IL-6 can be used to induce potent regeneration responses in liver, kidney, and other tissues and therefore will be a novel therapeutic approach in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eithan Galun
- Goldyne Savad Inst. of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
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Tormo AJ, Letellier MC, Sharma M, Elson G, Crabé S, Gauchat JF. IL-6 activates STAT5 in T cells. Cytokine 2012; 60:575-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Rose-John S. IL-6 trans-signaling via the soluble IL-6 receptor: importance for the pro-inflammatory activities of IL-6. Int J Biol Sci 2012; 8:1237-47. [PMID: 23136552 PMCID: PMC3491447 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.4989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 700] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine with many activities. It has functions in the regulation of the immune system and the nervous system. Furthermore, IL-6 is involved in liver regeneration and in the metabolic control of the body. On target cells, IL-6 binds to an 80 kDa IL-6 receptor (IL-6R). The complex of IL-6 and IL-6R associates with a second protein, gp130, which thereupon dimerizes and initiates intracellular signaling. Whereas gp130 is expressed on all cells, IL-6R is only present on few cells in the body including hepatocytes and some leukocytes. Cells, which do not express IL-6R cannot respond to the cytokine, since gp130 alone has no measurable affinity for IL-6. Interestingly, a soluble form of IL-6R (sIL-6R) comprising the extracellular portion of the receptor can bind IL-6 with a similar affinity as the membrane bound IL-6R. The complex of IL-6 and sIL-6R can bind to gp130 on cells, which do not express the IL-6R, and which are unresponsive to IL-6. This process has been called trans-signaling. Here I will review published evidence that IL-6 trans-signaling is pro-inflammatory whereas classic IL-6 signaling via the membrane bound IL-6R is needed for regenerative or anti-inflammatory activities of the cytokine. Furthermore, the detailed knowledge of IL-6 biology has important consequences for therapeutic strategies aimed at the blockade of the cytokine IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
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Sodenkamp J, Waetzig GH, Scheller J, Seegert D, Grötzinger J, Rose-John S, Ehlers S, Hölscher C. Therapeutic targeting of interleukin-6 trans-signaling does not affect the outcome of experimental tuberculosis. Immunobiology 2012; 217:996-1004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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McGeough MD, Pena CA, Mueller JL, Pociask DA, Broderick L, Hoffman HM, Brydges SD. Cutting edge: IL-6 is a marker of inflammation with no direct role in inflammasome-mediated mouse models. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:2707-11. [PMID: 22904305 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
IL-6 is a known downstream target of IL-1β and is consistently increased in serum from patients with NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated conditions. Therefore, IL-6 could be a therapeutic target in the treatment of IL-1β-provoked inflammation. IL-6 was increased in serum with accompanying neutrophilia in tissues of an inducible mouse model of Muckle-Wells syndrome. However, an IL-6-null background failed to provide phenotypic rescue and did not significantly impact inflammatory cytokine levels. In a second model of IL-1β-driven inflammation, NLRP3 activation by monosodium urate crystals similarly increased IL-6. Consistent with our Muckle-Wells syndrome model, ablation of IL-6 did not impact an acute neutrophilic response in this in vivo evaluation of gouty arthritis. Taken together, our results indicate that IL-6 is a reliable marker of inflammation, with no direct role in inflammasome-mediated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D McGeough
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Burton MD, Johnson RW. Interleukin-6 trans-signaling in the senescent mouse brain is involved in infection-related deficits in contextual fear conditioning. Brain Behav Immun 2012; 26:732-8. [PMID: 22062497 PMCID: PMC3699311 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the senescent brain in response to peripheral immune stimulation is thought to induce behavioral pathology, however, few studies have examined if the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines is accompanied by an increase in cytokine signaling. Here, we focused on IL-6 as a prototypic pro-inflammatory cytokine and used phosphorylated STAT3 as a marker of IL-6 signaling. In an initial study, IL-6 mRNA and the magnitude and duration of STAT3 activation were increased in the hippocampus of senescent mice compared to adults after i.p. injection of LPS. The LPS-induced increase in STAT3 activity was ablated in aged IL-6(-/-) mice, suggesting IL-6 is a key driver of STAT3 activity in the aged brain. To determine if IL-6 activated the classical or trans-signaling pathway, before receiving LPS i.p., aged mice were injected ICV with sgp130, an antagonist of the trans-signaling pathway. Importantly, the LPS-induced increases in both IL-6 and STAT3 activity in the hippocampus were inhibited by sgp130. To assess hippocampal function, aged mice were injected ICV with sgp130 and i.p. with LPS immediately after the acquisition phase of contextual fear conditioning, and immobility was assessed in the retention phase 48h later. LPS reduced immobility in aged mice, indicating immune activation interfered with memory consolidation. However, sgp130 blocked the deficits in contextual fear conditioning caused by LPS. Taken together, the results suggest IL-6 trans-signaling is increased in the senescent brain following peripheral LPS challenge and that sgp130 may protect against infection-related neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction in the aged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Burton
- Laboratory of Integrative Immunology and Behavior, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Waetzig GH, Rose-John S. Hitting a complex target: an update on interleukin-6 trans-signalling. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:225-36. [PMID: 22324903 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.660307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key target in inflammation and cancer. Selective inhibition of IL-6 trans-signalling could provide the same or even higher therapeutic efficacy with a better side effect profile than complete IL-6 inhibition. Animal studies with IL-6 inhibitors show that the classic IL-6 signalling pathway via the membrane-bound IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) has important physiological functions, whereas blocking the trans-signalling pathway via the soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) is sufficient to prevent or treat IL-6-driven diseases. Due to the success of the anti-IL-6R antibody tocilizumab and difficulties of constructing selective trans-signalling inhibitors, most drug candidates in clinical development target IL-6 or IL-6R and, thus, both IL-6 pathways. By contrast, the fusion protein sgp130Fc selectively targets IL-6/sIL-6R trans-signalling by utilising the soluble gp130 receptor as the natural inhibitor of trans-signalling. AREAS COVERED The authors summarise recent developments in the field with a focus on animal studies highlighting the mechanistic differences between classic and trans-signalling and their therapeutic implications. EXPERT OPINION Characterising disease mechanisms in terms of the employed IL-6 pathways will help to select the right therapeutic IL-6 inhibitor in the future. The trans-signalling inhibitor sgp130Fc is about to enter the clinic and holds promise for a clinically different profile in comparison with complete IL-6 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg H Waetzig
- Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Institute of Biochemistry, Kiel, Germany
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Hidalgo E, Essex SJ, Yeo L, Curnow SJ, Filer A, Cooper MS, Thomas AM, McGettrick HM, Salmon M, Buckley CD, Raza K, Scheel-Toellner D. The response of T cells to interleukin-6 is differentially regulated by the microenvironment of the rheumatoid synovial fluid and tissue. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 63:3284-93. [DOI: 10.1002/art.30570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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