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Interleukin-21 Receptor Might be a Novel Therapeutic Target for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jecm.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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102
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Samuelson EM, Laird RM, Papillion AM, Tatum AH, Princiotta MF, Hayes SM. Reduced B lymphoid kinase (Blk) expression enhances proinflammatory cytokine production and induces nephrosis in C57BL/6-lpr/lpr mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92054. [PMID: 24637841 PMCID: PMC3956874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BLK, which encodes B lymphoid kinase, was recently identified in genome wide association studies as a susceptibility gene for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and risk alleles mapping to the BLK locus result in reduced gene expression. To determine whether BLK is indeed a bona fide susceptibility gene, we developed an experimental mouse model, namely the Blk+/−.lpr/lpr (Blk+/−.lpr) mouse, in which Blk expression levels are reduced to levels comparable to those in individuals carrying a risk allele. Here, we report that Blk is expressed not only in B cells, but also in IL-17-producing γδ and DN αβ T cells and in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Moreover, we found that solely reducing Blk expression in C57BL/6-lpr/lpr mice enhanced proinflammatory cytokine production and accelerated the onset of lymphoproliferation, proteinuria, and kidney disease. Together, these findings suggest that BLK risk alleles confer susceptibility to SLE through the dysregulation of a proinflammatory cytokine network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Samuelson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Renee M. Laird
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Amber M. Papillion
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Arthur H. Tatum
- Department of Pathology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Princiotta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Sandra M. Hayes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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103
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Park HJ, Kim DH, Lim SH, Kim WJ, Youn J, Choi YS, Choi JM. Insights into the role of follicular helper T cells in autoimmunity. Immune Netw 2014; 14:21-9. [PMID: 24605077 PMCID: PMC3942504 DOI: 10.4110/in.2014.14.1.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicular helper T (TFH) cells are recently highlighted as their crucial role for humoral immunity to infection as well as their abnormal control to induce autoimmune disease. During an infection, naïve T cells are differentiating into TFH cells which mediate memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells in germinal center (GC). TFH cells are characterized by their expression of master regulator, Bcl-6, and chemokine receptor, CXCR5, which are essential for the migration of T cells into the B cell follicle. Within the follicle, crosstalk occurs between B cells and TFH cells, leading to class switch recombination and affinity maturation. Various signaling molecules, including cytokines, surface molecules, and transcription factors are involved in TFH cell differentiation. IL-6 and IL-21 cytokine-mediated STAT signaling pathways, including STAT1 and STAT3, are crucial for inducing Bcl-6 expression and TFH cell differentiation. TFH cells express important surface molecules such as ICOS, PD-1, IL-21, BTLA, SAP and CD40L for mediating the interaction between T and B cells. Recently, two types of microRNA (miRNA) were found to be involved in the regulation of TFH cells. The miR-17-92 cluster induces Bcl-6 and TFH cell differentiation, whereas miR-10a negatively regulates Bcl-6 expression in T cells. In addition, follicular regulatory T (TFR) cells are studied as thymus-derived CXCR5(+)PD-1(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cells that play a significant role in limiting the GC response. Regulation of TFH cell differentiation and the GC reaction via miRNA and TFR cells could be important regulatory mechanisms for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we review recent studies on the various factors that affect TFH cell differentiation, and the role of TFH cells in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jai Park
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea. ; Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Do-Hyun Kim
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea. ; Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Lim
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea. ; Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Won-Ju Kim
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea. ; Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Jeehee Youn
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Youn-Soo Choi
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Je-Min Choi
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea. ; Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
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104
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Moens L, Tangye SG. Cytokine-Mediated Regulation of Plasma Cell Generation: IL-21 Takes Center Stage. Front Immunol 2014; 5:65. [PMID: 24600453 PMCID: PMC3927127 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During our life, we are surrounded by continuous threats from a diverse range of invading pathogens. Our immune system has evolved multiple mechanisms to efficiently deal with these threats so as to prevent them from causing disease. Terminal differentiation of mature B cells into plasma cells (PC) – the antibody (Ab) secreting cells of the immune system – is critical for the generation of protective and long-lived humoral immune responses. Indeed, efficient production of antigen (Ag)-specific Ab by activated B cells underlies the success of most currently available vaccines. The mature B-cell pool is composed of several subsets, distinguished from one according to size, surface marker expression, location, and Ag exposure, and they all have the capacity to differentiate into PCs. For a B-cell to acquire the capacity to produce Abs, it must undergo an extensive differentiation process driven by changes in gene expression. Two broad categories of Ags exist that cause B-cell activation and differentiation: T cell dependent (TD) or T cell independent (TI). In addition to the B-cell subset and nature of the Ag, it is important to consider the cytokine environment that can also influence how B-cell differentiation is achieved. Thus, while many cytokines can induce Ab-secretion by B cells after activation with mimics of TD and TI stimuli in vitro, they can have different efficacies and specificities, and can often preferentially induce production of one particular Ig isotype over another. Here, we will provide an overview of in vitro studies (mouse and human origin) that evaluated the role of different cytokines in inducing the differentiation of distinct B-cell subsets to the PC lineage. We will place particular emphasis on IL-21, which has emerged as the most potent inducer of terminal B-cell differentiation in humans. We will also focus on the role of IL-21 and defects in B-cell function and how these contribute to human immunopathologies such as primary immunodeficiencies and B-cell mediated autoimmune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Moens
- Immunology and Immunodeficiency Group, Immunology Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research , Darlinghurst, NSW , Australia
| | - Stuart G Tangye
- Immunology and Immunodeficiency Group, Immunology Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research , Darlinghurst, NSW , Australia ; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales , Darlinghurst, NSW , Australia
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105
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Ikeda S, Saijo S, Murayama MA, Shimizu K, Akitsu A, Iwakura Y. Excess IL-1 signaling enhances the development of Th17 cells by downregulating TGF-β-induced Foxp3 expression. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:1449-58. [PMID: 24431229 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
IL-1R antagonist-deficient (Il1rn(-/-)) mice develop autoimmune arthritis in which IL-17A plays a crucial role. Although many studies have shown that Th17 cell differentiation is dependent on TGF-β and IL-6, we found that Th17 cells developed normally in Il1rn(-/-)Il6(-/-) mice in vivo. Then, we analyzed the mechanisms of Th17 cell differentiation in Il1rn(-/-)Il6(-/-) mice. We found that IL-21 production was increased in the lymph nodes of Il1rn(-/-) mice, naive Il6(-/-) CD4(+) T cells differentiated into Th17 cells when cultured with TGF-β and IL-21, and the differentiation was greatly enhanced when IL-1 was added to the culture. Th17 cell differentiation was not induced by either TGF-β or IL-1 alone or in combination. IL-21 induced IL-1R expression in naive CD4(+) T cells, and IL-1 inhibited TGF-β-induced Foxp3 expression, resulting in the promotion of Th17 cell differentiation. Furthermore, IL-1 augmented the expression of Th17 cell-specific transcription factors such as Nfkbiz and Batf. These results indicate that excess IL-1 signaling can overcome the requirement of IL-6 in the differentiation of Th17 cells by suppressing Foxp3 expression and inducing Th17 cell-specific transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ikeda
- Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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106
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Baan CC, de Graav GN, Boer K. T Follicular Helper Cells in Transplantation: The Target to Attenuate Antibody-Mediated Allogeneic Responses? CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2014; 1:166-172. [PMID: 25927019 PMCID: PMC4405228 DOI: 10.1007/s40472-014-0019-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated, humoral rejection has been recognized as a common cause of transplant dysfunction and is responsible for 30-50 % of failed allografts. The production of antibody is dependent on instructions from memory CD4+ T helper cells that interact with antigen-specific B cells. Recently, a specialized T-cell subset has been identified-T follicular helper (Tfh) cells-which support activated B cells via interleukin (IL)-21 after binding to the IL-21 receptor expressed by these B cells. Therefore, neutralizing the IL-21 pathway will selectively inhibit the allogeneic IL-21-driven Tfh- and B-cell functions. However, little is known of the role of Tfh cells in alloreactivity. In this review, we debate the role of Tfh cells in B-cell-mediated allogeneic responses by discussing their mechanisms of actions. In addition, we speculate about the use of agents that intervene in Tfh-B-cell interaction and consequently prevent or treat antibody-mediated rejection in patients after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla C. Baan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, Room Nc508, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gretchen N. de Graav
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, Room Nc508, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Boer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, Room Nc508, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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107
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Abstract
T cells are the master regulators of adaptive immune responses and maintenance of their tolerance is critical to prevent autoimmunity. However, in the case of carcinogenesis, the tumor microenvironment aids T-cell tolerance, which contributes to uncontrolled tumor growth. Recently, there has been significant progress in understanding the intrinsic extracellular (positive and negative costimulatory molecules on APCs) and intracellular mechanisms (E3 ubiquitin ligases, transcriptional and epigenetic repressors), as well as extrinsic mechanisms (Tregs and tolerogenic dendritic cells) that are required for the implementation and maintenance of T-cell tolerance. Ultimately, understanding and manipulating T-cell tolerance will help to break the tolerance state in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roza Nurieva
- Department of Immunology & Center for Inflammation & Cancer, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Junmei Wang
- Department of Immunology & Center for Inflammation & Cancer, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anupama Sahoo
- Department of Immunology & Center for Inflammation & Cancer, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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108
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Liu J, Sun Y. How does Chinese medicine target cytokine imbalance in rheumatoid arthritis? Chin J Integr Med 2013; 19:874-80. [PMID: 24170633 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-013-1620-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) manifests as an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokine imbalance is suggested to play critical roles in the development of RA. Currently, various treatments for RA, including biological agents such as antibodies against inflammation mediators, or Chinese herbal medicines, intervene the disease by restoring the balance of cytokines. Chinese medicine (CM) can not only suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but also induce the expression of cytokines with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Thus, Chinese medicine can effectively reduce inflammatory cell infiltration into synovial tissue, pannus formation, and degradation of the extracellular matrix surrounding cartilage cells, thereby reducing subchondral bone damage. This paper reviews the changes of cytokine profiling during development of RA and discuss the mechanisms by which Chinese medicine restores the cytokine balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Department of Rheumatism Immunity, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, China,
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109
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Liu SM, King C. IL-21–Producing Th Cells in Immunity and Autoimmunity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:3501-6. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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110
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Hua F, Comer GM, Stockert L, Jin B, Nowak J, Pleasic-Williams S, Wunderlich D, Cheng J, Beebe JS. Anti-IL21 receptor monoclonal antibody (ATR-107): Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic evaluation in healthy volunteers: a phase I, first-in-human study. J Clin Pharmacol 2013; 54:14-22. [PMID: 23913720 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of ATR-107, a fully human monoclonal anti-IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) antibody, administered as ascending single doses, subcutaneously or intravenously, was evaluated in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in healthy subjects. The dose levels were 3-300 mg by SC and 30-120 mg by IV. The most important adverse events were hypersensitivity reactions occurring in three out of six subjects in 300 mg SC cohort and considered as dose limiting toxicity. More than 75% of the subjects who received ATR-107 developed anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), which had no discernible impact on PK or safety. The PK of ATR-107 appeared to be dose -proportional. T1/2 was shorter than typical therapeutic antibodies. Bioavailability of ATR-107 was about 30%. IL-21R occupancy was measured in circulating B cells in the 60 and 120 mg IV cohort. The data indicated that single dose of ATR-107 was able to maximally occupy IL-21Rs through at least Day 42. Further escalation in the FIH study was halted partially due to the high rates of ADA formation. In conclusion, ATR-107 had a prolonged PD effect measured by IL-21R occupancy; was highly immunogenic after single dose administration and had PK properties with rapid clearance and low bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Hua
- Department of Quantitative Clinical Sciences, BioTx Clinical Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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111
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Block KE, Huang H. The cellular source and target of IL-21 in K/BxN autoimmune arthritis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:2948-55. [PMID: 23960240 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
IL-21 is a pluripotent cytokine that regulates B cell and plasma cell differentiation and is thought be an autocrine factor for follicular helper T cell (T(FH)) and Th17 differentiation. Although IL-21 has been implicated in autoimmune diseases, its relevant cellular source and target cells have not been well characterized. We investigated this issue in the K/BxN mouse model of autoimmune arthritis. Adoptive transfer of KRN-transgenic CD4⁺ T cells into appropriate hosts drives germinal center (GC) formation and autoantibody production against glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, leading to joint inflammation and destruction. By comparing transfer of T or B cells deficient in IL-21 or IL-21R, we were able to dissect the contribution of each cell type. T cells deficient in IL-21 did not induce GC formation or autoantibody production, but they went through normal T(FH) differentiation. However, T cells lacking IL-21R induced Ab titers, GC B cell frequency, and arthritis development similar to wild-type T cells, suggesting that IL-21 is not required for T(FH) differentiation and function. IL-21 acts on B cells, because IL-21R expression on B cells was required to induce disease. In contrast, Th17 cells, a T cell subset that also produces IL-21 and can provide help to B cells, are not required for the GC response and arthritis. These data have implications in developing effective therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and other Ab-mediated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine E Block
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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112
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Li Q, Liu Z, Dang E, Jin L, He Z, Yang L, Shi X, Wang G. Follicular helper T Cells (Tfh) and IL-21 involvement in the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68145. [PMID: 23861861 PMCID: PMC3702561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid (BP) is characterized by the T cell-dependent production of autoantibodies. Recent studies have indicated that follicular T helper cells (Tfh), the key modulator of B cell activation and autoantibody production, are critical in the development of several autoimmune diseases. Tfh cells perform their functions via IL-21, their hallmark cytokine. In the present study, the frequencies of Tfh cells were investigated in the peripheral blood samples of BP patients to evaluate whether Tfh cells involve in this clinical entity. Significantly higher Tfh cell counts were observed in the peripheral blood of BP patients than those in healthy controls (median: 11.25% vs. 4.95%, respectively; P<0.001). Additionally, the serum IL-21 levels in BP patients were higher than those of the healthy controls (median: 103.98 pg/mL vs 46.77 pg/mL, respectively; P<0.001). The frequencies of Tfh cells and IL-21 levels were both positively correlated with anti-BP180-NC16A autoantibody titers (R = 0.712, P<0.01 and R = 0.578, P = 0.030, respectively). After effective therapy, the frequencies of Tfh cells as well as the serum IL-21 levels in BP patients decreased along with clinical improvement. Most importantly, Tfh depleted CD4(+) T cells and anti-IL-21 neutralization antibody could inhibit the T cell-induced B cell activation and secretion of BP autoantibody in vitro. Those results suggest that Tfh cells play an important role in autoantibody production and are involved in the pathogenesis of BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuju Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenfeng Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Erle Dang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng He
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luting Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
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113
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114
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Ahearne MJ, Willimott S, Piñon L, Kennedy DB, Miall F, Dyer MJS, Wagner SD. Enhancement of CD154/IL4 proliferation by the T follicular helper (Tfh) cytokine, IL21 and increased numbers of circulating cells resembling Tfh cells in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2013; 162:360-70. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Ahearne
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine; MRC Toxicology Unit; University of Leicester; Leicester; UK
| | - Shaun Willimott
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine; MRC Toxicology Unit; University of Leicester; Leicester; UK
| | - Lucia Piñon
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine; MRC Toxicology Unit; University of Leicester; Leicester; UK
| | | | - Fiona Miall
- Department of Haematology; Leicester Royal Infirmary; Leicester; UK
| | | | - Simon D. Wagner
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine; MRC Toxicology Unit; University of Leicester; Leicester; UK
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115
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Cénit MC, Márquez A, Cordero-Coma M, Fonollosa A, Adán A, Martínez-Berriotxoa A, Llorenç V, Díaz Valle D, Blanco R, Cañal J, Díaz-Llopis M, García Serrano JL, de Ramón E, del Rio MJ, Begoña Gorroño-Echebarría M, Martín-Villa JM, Ortego-Centeno N, Martín J. Evaluation of the IL2/IL21, IL2RA and IL2RB genetic variants influence on the endogenous non-anterior uveitis genetic predisposition. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2013; 14:52. [PMID: 23676143 PMCID: PMC3658927 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-14-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Recently, different genetic variants located within the IL2/IL21 genetic region as well as within both IL2RA and IL2RB loci have been associated to multiple autoimmune disorders. We aimed to investigate for the first time the potential influence of the IL2/IL21, IL2RA and IL2RB most associated polymorphisms with autoimmunity on the endogenous non-anterior uveitis genetic predisposition. Methods A total of 196 patients with endogenous non-anterior uveitis and 760 healthy controls, all of them from Caucasian population, were included in the current study. The IL2/IL21 (rs2069762, rs6822844 and rs907715), IL2RA (2104286, rs11594656 and rs12722495) and IL2RB (rs743777) genetic variants were genotyped using TaqMan® allelic discrimination assays. Results A statistically significant difference was found for the rs6822844 (IL2/IL21 region) minor allele frequency in the group of uveitis patients compared with controls (P-value=0.02, OR=0.64 CI 95%=0.43-0.94) although the significance was lost after multiple testing correction. Furthermore, no evidence of association with uveitis was detected for the analyzed genetic variants of the IL2RA or IL2RB loci. Conclusion Our results indicate that analyzed IL2/IL21, IL2RA and IL2RB polymorphisms do not seem to play a significant role on the non-anterior uveitis genetic predisposition although further studies are needed in order to clear up the influence of these loci on the non-anterior uveitis susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Carmen Cénit
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, IPBLN, CSIC, Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Avenida del Conocimiento, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain.
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116
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Zhu M, Pleasic-Williams S, Lin TH, Wunderlich DA, Cheng JB, Masferrer JL. pSTAT3: a target biomarker to study the pharmacology of the anti-IL-21R antibody ATR-107 in human whole blood. J Transl Med 2013; 11:65. [PMID: 23496892 PMCID: PMC3606126 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-11-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background IL-21 has been shown to play an important role in autoimmune diseases. ATR-107 is an antibody which directly targets the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R). To aid the clinical development of ATR-107, there is a need for understanding the mechanism of action (MOA) of this antibody when assessing target engagement in human subjects. Methods To determine ATR-107 biological activity and potency in human blood, its inhibitory function against IL-21 induced STAT3 phosphorylation in human peripheral T and B cells was measured. Results The data show that IL-21 induces STAT3 phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner, consistent with its migration to the nuclear. Using a flow cytometry based functional whole blood assay, ATR-107 is demonstrated to be a potent IL-21 pathway inhibitor. It competes with IL-21 for receptor binding in a competitive manner, but once it binds to the receptor it behaves like a non-competitive inhibitor, most probably due to the long observed koff. The concentration-dependent inhibition observed with ATR-107 correlates inversely with the levels of receptor occupancy, both in ex vivo whole blood assays and directly in human blood when ATR-107 was given to healthy volunteers. Conclusions IL-21 induced phosphorylation of STAT3 in T and B cells can be used as a biomarker to evaluate the target engagement of ATR-107 in human whole blood. The antibody behaves like a potent non-competitive inhibitor blocking IL-21 induced STAT3 phosphorylation for a long period of time. These results may help with the translation of preclinical information and dose selection towards ATR-107 clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhu
- Precision Medicine, Pfizer BioTx Clinical R&D, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA.
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117
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Carbone G, Wilson A, Diehl SA, Bunn J, Cooper SM, Rincon M. Interleukin-6 receptor blockade selectively reduces IL-21 production by CD4 T cells and IgG4 autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Biol Sci 2013; 9:279-88. [PMID: 23493630 PMCID: PMC3596713 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.5996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are known to be increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody to the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), reduces disease activity in RA, although its mechanisms of action remain unclear. Since IL-6 regulates cytokine production by CD4 T cells during activation, we investigated whether treatment with tocilizumab altered the phenotype and cytokine production by CD4 T cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We show here that tocilizumab treatment does not change the production of cytokines by naïve CD4 T cells. However, tocilizumab treatment causes a selective decrease of IL-21 production by memory/activated CD4 T cells. Since IL-21 is known to promote plasma cell differentiation, we examined the effect of tocilizumab on the production of autoantibodies. We show that there is a decrease in the levels of IgG4 anti-CCP antibodies, but there is no effect on IgG1 anti-CCP antibodies. In addition, we show that IL-21 is a powerful inducer of IgG4 production by B cells. Thus, IL-6 contributes to the presence of IgG4-specific anti-CCP autoantibodies in RA patients, likely through its effect on IL-21 production by CD4 T cells, and IL-6R blockade down-regulates this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Carbone
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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118
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Liu R, Wu Q, Su D, Che N, Chen H, Geng L, Chen J, Chen W, Li X, Sun L. A regulatory effect of IL-21 on T follicular helper-like cell and B cell in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2012; 14:R255. [PMID: 23176102 PMCID: PMC3674600 DOI: 10.1186/ar4100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Interleukin (IL)-21 is a member of type I cytokine family. Recent studies indicate that IL-21 can promote T follicular helper (Tfh) cell differentiation and survival, a specialized T cell subset which provides help for B cell. It can also regulate the activation, proliferation and differentiation of human B cell and immunoglobulin (Ig) production as well as isotype switching of plasma cell. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by auto-antibodies overproduction such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody, suggesting a pivotal role of Tfh cell and B cell in the pathogenesis of RA. This study aimed to investigate whether IL-21 had a regulatory effect on Tfh cell and B cell in RA. Methods Serum IL-21 concentrations were measured by ELISA. The correlations between serum IL-21 levels and clinical features of RA patients were analyzed by Spearman's rank test. The percentages of Tfh-like cells, IL-21 receptor (R) expression on Tfh-like cells and B cells in peripheral blood (PB) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated by rIL-21 (100 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of anti-CD40 and/or anti-IgM, and changes of IL-21R, activation-associated surface markers (CD25, CD69 and CD40), the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of B cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Production of IgG and IgM in the culture supernatants was determined by ELISA. Results The results showed that the serum IL-21 levels in RA patients were significantly higher than that of healthy controls (HC). IL-21 concentrations were positively correlated with 28-joint count disease activity score (DAS28) and anti-CCP antibody in RA patients with high IL-21 levels. Furthermore, the frequencies of peripheral CXCR5+PD-1+CD4+ Tfh-like cells markedly increased in RA patients and the percentages of Tfh-like cells were positively correlated with DAS28 and anti-CCP antibody levels. Moreover, elevated IL-21 levels were also correlated with the frequencies of Tfh-like cells. IL-21R expression on both Tfh-like cells and B cells were significantly enhanced in RA patients. In cultures vitro, exogenous IL-21 upregulated IL-21R expression and activation-associated surface markers on B cells and promoted more B cell proliferation in RA than in HC. This IL-21-mediated effect could be reversed by IL-21R-specific neutralizing antibody. Importantly, IL-21 promoted more differentiation of B cell into plasmablast and higher levels of IgG and IgM production in RA than in HC. Conclusions Increased serum IL-21 levels in RA patients correlate with DAS28, anti-CCP antibody and frequencies of Tfh-like cells. IL-21 supports B cell activation, proliferation and antibody secretion via IL-21R pathway. Thus, IL-21 may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA and antagonizing IL-21 could be a novel strategy for the therapy of RA.
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Sweet RA, Lee SK, Vinuesa CG. Developing connections amongst key cytokines and dysregulated germinal centers in autoimmunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2012; 24:658-64. [PMID: 23123277 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Systemic autoimmunity owing to overactivity of Tfh and dysregulated germinal centers has been described in mice and humans. Cytokines such as IL-21, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-17 are elevated in the plasma of mouse models of lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, and in subsets of patients with autoimmune disease. Monoclonal antibodies targeting these cytokines are entering clinical trials. While these cytokines exert pleiotropic effects on immune cells and organs, it is becoming clear that each and all of them can profoundly regulate Tfh numbers and/or function and induce or maintain the aberrant germinal center reactions that lead to pathogenic autoantibody formation. Here we review recent discoveries into the roles of IL-21, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-17 in germinal center responses and antibody-driven autoimmunity. These new insights used in conjunction with biomarkers of an overactive Tfh pathway may help stratify patients to rationalize the use of emerging monoclonal anti-cytokine antibody therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Sweet
- Department of Pathogens and Immunity, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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120
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Interleukin-6: from an inflammatory marker to a target for inflammatory diseases. Trends Immunol 2012; 33:571-7. [PMID: 22883707 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The incidence and diversity of chronic inflammatory diseases is increasing worldwide. However, the complexity of clinical symptoms has made it difficult to develop therapies that provide a substantial improvement for extended periods of time in a wide range of patient groups. Thus, there is a need for new therapies that target inflammatory responses without compromising immune defense. Interleukin (IL)-6, one of the first identified cytokines, has recently been recognized as a potential target in inflammatory disease. Here, I discuss how this cytokine has evolved from being a marker of inflammation to a successful target to control inflammation. I will summarize the results from the recent clinical studies using IL-6 receptor blockade, and describe potential mechanisms by which IL-6 can contribute to the progression of inflammatory diseases.
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Zivojinovic S, Pejnovic N, Sefik-Bukilica M, Kovacevic L, Soldatovic I, Bugarski D, Mojsilovic S, Damjanov N. Effects of TNF inhibitor on innate inflammatory and Th17 cytokines in stimulated whole blood from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Inflammopharmacology 2012; 20:323-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s10787-012-0143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Maurer MF, Garrigues U, Jaspers SR, Meengs B, Rixon MW, Stevens BL, Lewis KB, Julien SH, Bukowski TR, Wolf AC, Hamacher NB, Snavely M, Dillon SR. Generation and characterization of human anti-human IL-21 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. MAbs 2012; 4:69-83. [PMID: 22327431 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.4.1.18713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a type I four-helical bundle cytokine that exerts a variety of significant effects on many hematopoietic cells, including T and B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. IL-21 is produced predominantly by CD4+ T cells and natural killer T cells and, when aberrantly overexpressed, appears to play important roles in a wide variety of autoimmune disorders. To generate potential therapeutic reagents capable of inhibiting IL-21 for clinical use, we immunized human immunoglobulin transgenic mice with IL-21 and then identified and cloned a panel of human anti-human IL-21 binding monoclonal antibodies. IL-21 neutralizing and IL-21-binding, non-neutralizing antibodies were assigned to distinct epitope "bins" based on surface plasmon resonance competition studies. The most potent neutralizing antibodies had extremely high (sub pM) affinity for IL-21 and were able to block IL-21 activity in various biological assays using either an IL-21R-transfected pre-B-cell line or primary human B cells, and their neutralizing activity was, in some cases, superior to that of a soluble form of the high affinity heterodimeric IL-21 receptor. Characterization of this panel of IL-21 antibodies provided the basis for the selection of a therapeutic candidate antibody capable of inhibiting IL-21 activity for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark F Maurer
- Department of Preclinical Research and Development, ZymoGenetics, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
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Liu H, Liu G, Gong L, Zhang Y, Jiang G. Local suppression of IL-21 in submandibular glands retards the development of Sjögren's syndrome in non-obese diabetic mice. J Oral Pathol Med 2012; 41:728-35. [PMID: 22643047 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2012.01175.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to verify the validity of IL-21 local suppression in submandibular glands of preventing the development of Sjögren's syndrome in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and figure out the mechanism. METHODS IL-21 levels in submandibular glands were suppressed by ductal cannulation of IL-21 shRNA lentivirus. Then, saliva flow rates (SFR) and histopathologic changes of submandibular glands were measured to assess the severity of disease development. Real-time PCR, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the changes of T helper cells and related cytokines. RESULTS The reduction in SFRs in NOD mice was significantly alleviated from 9 to 17 weeks of age along with the suppression of IL-21 in submandibular glands. Lymphocytic infiltration was also milder than control NOD mice. Moreover, the lower level of IL-21 led to the down-regulation of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells. CONCLUSIONS Local suppression of IL-21 in submandibular glands could retard the development of Sjögren's syndrome in NOD mice. IL-21 might contribute to the development of B-cell disorder in Sjögren's syndrome via Tfh cells pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Maddur MS, Miossec P, Kaveri SV, Bayry J. Th17 cells: biology, pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and therapeutic strategies. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 181:8-18. [PMID: 22640807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 439] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Revised: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Th17 cells that secrete the cytokines IL-17A and IL-17F and express lineage-specific transcription factor RORC (RORγt in mice) represent a distinct lineage of CD4(+) T cells. Transforming growth factor-β and inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-21, IL-1β, and IL-23, play central roles in the generation of Th17 cells. Th17 cells are critical for the clearance of extracellular pathogens, including Candida and Klebsiella. However, under certain conditions, these cells and their effector molecules, such as IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, GM-CSF, and CCL20, are associated with the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergy and asthma. This review discusses these disease states and the various therapeutic strategies under investigation to target Th17 cells, which include blocking the differentiation and amplification of Th17 cells, inhibiting or neutralizing the cytokines of Th17 cells, and suppressing the transcription factors specific for Th17 cells.
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Kwok SK, Cho ML, Park MK, Oh HJ, Park JS, Her YM, Lee SY, Youn J, Ju JH, Park KS, Kim SI, Kim HY, Park SH. Interleukin-21 promotes osteoclastogenesis in humans with rheumatoid arthritis and in mice with collagen-induced arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 64:740-51. [DOI: 10.1002/art.33390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Wang G, Wang J, Fan X, Ansari GAS, Khan MF. Protein adducts of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal contribute to trichloroethene-mediated autoimmunity via activating Th17 cells: dose- and time-response studies in female MRL+/+ mice. Toxicology 2012; 292:113-22. [PMID: 22178267 PMCID: PMC3264691 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Revised: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Trichloroethene (TCE), a common occupational and environmental toxicant, is known to induce autoimmunity. Previous studies in our laboratory showed increased oxidative stress in TCE-mediated autoimmunity. To further establish the role of oxidative stress and to investigate the mechanisms of TCE-mediated autoimmunity, dose- and time-response studies were conducted in MRL+/+ mice by treating them with TCE via drinking water at doses of 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0mg/ml for 12, 24 or 36 weeks. TCE exposure led to dose-related increases in malondialdehyde (MDA)-/hydroxynonenal (HNE)-protein adducts and their corresponding antibodies in the sera and decreases in GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio in the kidneys at 24 and 36 weeks, with greater changes at 36 weeks. The increases in these protein adducts and decreases in GSH/GSSG ratio were associated with significant elevation in serum anti-nuclear- and anti-ssDNA-antibodies, suggesting an association between TCE-induced oxidative stress and autoimmune response. Interestingly, splenocytes from mice treated with TCE for 24 weeks secreted significantly higher levels of IL-17 and IL-21 than did splenocytes from controls after stimulation with MDA-mouse serum albumin (MSA) or HNE-MSA adducts. The increased release of these cytokines showed a dose-related response and was more pronounced in mice treated with TCE for 36 weeks. These studies provide evidence that MDA- and or HNE-protein adducts contribute to TCE-mediated autoimmunity, which may be via activation of Th17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangduo Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
| | - Jianling Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
| | - Xiuzhen Fan
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
| | - G. A. S. Ansari
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
| | - M. Firoze Khan
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
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Biswas PS, Kang K, Gupta S, Bhagat G, Pernis AB. A murine autoimmune model of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus associated with deregulated production of IL-17 and IL-21. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 900:233-51. [PMID: 22933072 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-720-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
T-helper cell 17 (Th17) cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune disorders including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). In this chapter we describe a murine model where deregulated production of IL-17 and IL-21 can lead to either lupus-like disease or RA-like symptoms depending on the genetic background. We delineate the key techniques that can be used to dissect the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of these diseases at both a cellular and molecular level including in vitro Th17 cell differentiation, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, and retroviral transduction experiments. We also describe the methodologies that can be utilized to monitor the classic clinical findings of RA and SLE in murine models. Given the broad involvement of deregulated production of IL-17 and IL-21 in autoimmunity, many of these techniques could also be valuable for the investigation of these pathways in murine models of other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha S Biswas
- Autoimmunity & Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
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128
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Th17 cell cytokine secretion profile in host defense and autoimmunity. Inflamm Res 2011; 61:87-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-011-0419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Zivojinovic SM, Pejnovic NN, Sefik-Bukilica MN, Kovacevic LV, Soldatovic II, Damjanov NS. Tumor necrosis factor blockade differentially affects innate inflammatory and Th17 cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol 2011; 39:18-21. [PMID: 22133625 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.110697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitor (etanercept) on innate inflammatory and Th17 cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Serum samples were collected from 40 patients with active RA refractory to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs who initiated therapy with etanercept plus methotrexate (MTX). Treatment response was assessed at Week 24 according to the European League Against Rheumatism response criteria. Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), TNF-α, IL-32, IL-23, IL-17A, IL-21, and IL-22 were measured in patients with RA and 25 healthy controls. RESULTS Patients with RA had increased levels of IL-6 (p < 0.001), IL-32 (p < 0.001), IL-23 (p < 0.001), and a trend toward increased IL-21 in the sera compared to controls. At 24 weeks' posttreatment, followup serum samples of etanercept responders had decreased levels of IL-6 (p < 0.001) and increased IL-21 (p < 0.05) and IL-32 (p < 0.001), while there were no differences in cytokine levels in non-responders. Serum IL-6 levels were positively correlated with levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.458, p < 0.01), C-reactive protein (r = 0.593, p < 0.01), and 28-joint Disease Activity Score (r = 0.432, p < 0.01) at baseline. Serum IL-21 levels were positively correlated with levels of rheumatoid factor (r = 0.513, r = 0.633, both p < 0.01) and antimutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies (r = 0.515, p < 0.01; r = 0.428, p < 0.05) at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment with etanercept. CONCLUSION Multiple inflammatory pathways contribute to persistent chronic inflammation in RA. In contrast to nonresponders, etanercept therapy modulated serum cytokine levels and caused a marked decrease of IL-6 levels in responders. IL-21 might be involved in the regulation of autoantibody production in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sladjana M Zivojinovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Medical Faculty, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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Petrelli A, Carvello M, Vergani A, Lee KM, Tezza S, Du M, Kleffel S, Chengwen L, Mfarrej BG, Hwu P, Secchi A, Leonard WJ, Young D, Sayegh MH, Markmann JF, Zajac AJ, Fiorina P. IL-21 is an antitolerogenic cytokine of the late-phase alloimmune response. Diabetes 2011; 60:3223-34. [PMID: 22013017 PMCID: PMC3219943 DOI: 10.2337/db11-0880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been shown to affect Treg/Teff balance. However, the mechanism by which IL-21 orchestrates alloimmune response and interplays with Tregs is still unclear. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The interplay between IL-21/IL-21R signaling, FoxP3 expression, and Treg survival and function was evaluated in vitro in immunologically relevant assays and in vivo in allogenic and autoimmune models of islet transplantation. RESULTS IL-21R expression decreases on T cells and B cells in vitro and increases in the graft in vivo, while IL-21 levels increase in vitro and in vivo during anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulation/allostimulation in the late phase of the alloimmune response. In vitro, IL-21/IL-21R signaling (by using rmIL-21 or genetically modified CD4(+) T cells [IL-21 pOrf plasmid-treated or hIL-21-Tg mice]) enhances the T-cell response during anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulation/allostimulation, prevents Treg generation, inhibits Treg function, induces Treg apoptosis, and reduces FoxP3 and FoxP3-dependent gene transcripts without affecting FoxP3 methylation status. In vivo targeting of IL-21/IL-21R expands intragraft and peripheral Tregs, promotes Treg neogenesis, and regulates the antidonor immune response, whereas IL-21/IL-21R signaling in Doxa-inducible ROSA-rtTA-IL-21-Tg mice expands Teffs and FoxP3(-) cells. Treatment with a combination of mIL-21R.Fc and CTLA4-Ig (an inhibitor of the early alloimmune response) leads to robust graft tolerance in a purely alloimmune setting and prolonged islet graft survival in NOD mice. CONCLUSIONS IL-21 interferes with different checkpoints of the FoxP3 Treg chain in the late phase of alloimmune response and, thus, acts as an antitolerogenic cytokine. Blockade of the IL-21/IL-21R pathway could be a precondition for tolerogenic protocols in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Petrelli
- Transplantation Research Center, Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Carvello
- Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Vergani
- Transplantation Research Center, Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Kang Mi Lee
- Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara Tezza
- Transplantation Research Center, Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ming Du
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sonja Kleffel
- Transplantation Research Center, Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Liu Chengwen
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Center for Cancer Immunology Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Bechara G. Mfarrej
- Transplantation Research Center, Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patrick Hwu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Center for Cancer Immunology Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Antonio Secchi
- Department of Medicine, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Warren J. Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Deborah Young
- Immunology and Inflammation, Pfizer, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mohamed H. Sayegh
- Transplantation Research Center, Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James F. Markmann
- Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allan J. Zajac
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Paolo Fiorina
- Transplantation Research Center, Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Corresponding author: Paolo Fiorina,
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Astry B, Harberts E, Moudgil KD. A cytokine-centric view of the pathogenesis and treatment of autoimmune arthritis. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2011; 31:927-40. [PMID: 22149412 PMCID: PMC3234492 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2011.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are immune mediators that play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that targets the synovial joints. The cytokine environment in the peripheral lymphoid tissues and the target organ (the joint) has a strong influence on the outcome of the initial events that trigger autoimmune inflammation. In susceptible individuals, these events drive inflammation and tissue damage in the joints. However, in resistant individuals, the inflammatory events are controlled effectively with minimal or no overt signs of arthritis. Animal models of human RA have permitted comprehensive investigations into the role of cytokines in the initiation, progression, and recovery phases of autoimmune arthritis. The discovery of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and its association with inflammation and autoimmune pathology has reshaped our viewpoint regarding the pathogenesis of arthritis, which previously was based on a simplistic T helper 1 (Th1)-Th2 paradigm. This review discusses the role of the newer cytokines, particularly those associated with the IL-17/IL-23 axis in arthritis. Also presented herein is the emerging information on IL-32, IL-33, and IL-35. Ongoing studies examining the role of the newer cytokines in the disease process would improve understanding of RA as well as the development of novel cytokine inhibitors that might be more efficacious than the currently available options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Astry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Erin Harberts
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kamal D. Moudgil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Takakubo Y, Konttinen YT. Immune-regulatory mechanisms in systemic autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. Clin Dev Immunol 2011; 2012:941346. [PMID: 22110541 PMCID: PMC3207139 DOI: 10.1155/2012/941346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 08/06/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic autoimmune and rheumatic diseases (SAIRDs) are thought to develop due to the failure of autoimmune regulation and tolerance. Current therapies, such as biologics, have improved the clinical results of SAIRDs; however, they are not curative treatments. Recently, new discoveries have been made in immune tolerance and inflammation, such as tolerogenic dendritic cells, regulatory T and B cells, Th 17 cells, inflammatory and tolerogenic cytokines, and intracellular signaling pathways. They lay the foundation for the next generation of the therapies beyond the currently used biologic therapies. New drugs should target the core processes involved in disease mechanisms with the aim to attain complete cure combined with safety and low costs compared to the biologic agents. Re-establishment of autoimmune regulation and tolerance in SAIRDs by the end of the current decade should be the final and realistic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Takakubo
- Department of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, PO Box 700, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00029 HUS, Finland.
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Kang KY, Kim HO, Kwok SK, Ju JH, Park KS, Sun DI, Jhun JY, Oh HJ, Park SH, Kim HY. Impact of interleukin-21 in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome: increased serum levels of interleukin-21 and its expression in the labial salivary glands. Arthritis Res Ther 2011; 13:R179. [PMID: 22030011 PMCID: PMC3308114 DOI: 10.1186/ar3504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interleukin (IL)-21 is a cytokine that controls the functional activity of effector T helper cells and the differentiation of Th17 cells, and promotes B-cell differentiation. To test whether IL-21 participates in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), serum IL-21 level was measured and IL-21 expression in the labial salivary glands (LSG) was examined. METHODS Serum IL-21 levels in 40 primary SS, 40 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 38 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and 20 healthy controls were measured. Serum IL-21 levels of SS patients were assessed for correlations with laboratory data, including anti-nuclear antibody, anti-Ro/La antibodies, globulin, immunoglobulin (Ig) class, and IgG subclass. LSGs from 16 primary SS and 4 controls with sicca symptoms were evaluated for IL-21 and IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) expression by immunohistochemistry. Confocal microscopy was performed to further characterize the IL-21 positive cells. RESULTS Primary SS patients had significantly higher serum IL-21 levels than controls, and these increments correlated positively with levels of IgG, IgG1. Serum IgG1 levels correlated with anti-Ro antibody titers. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that lymphocytic foci and the periductal area of the LSGs from SS patients expressed high levels of IL-21 and lower levels of IL-21R, whereas the control LSGs showed minimal expression of both antigens. The more the lymphocyte infiltrated, IL-21 expression in LSGs showed a tendency to increase. Confocal microscopic analyses revealed that IL-21 expressing infiltrating lymphocytes in the LSGs of SS patients also expressed CXCR5. CONCLUSIONS Primary SS is associated with high serum IL-21 levels that correlate positively with serum IgG, especially IgG1, levels. The expression of IL-21 is increased as more lymphocytes infiltrated in LSGs. These observations suggest that IL-21 may play an important role in primary SS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwi Young Kang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, 410, Gaesin-dong, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju, 361-711, South Korea
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Dolff S, Abdulahad WH, Westra J, Doornbos-van der Meer B, Limburg PC, Kallenberg CGM, Bijl M. Increase in IL-21 producing T-cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Res Ther 2011; 13:R157. [PMID: 21959034 PMCID: PMC3308088 DOI: 10.1186/ar3474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease accompanied by a disturbed T-cell balance skewed towards effector T-cells, in particular Th17-cells. The novel cytokine interleukin-21 (IL-21) is suggested to be crucial for triggering T-cell responses towards IL-17 producing cells. Thus, we aimed to investigate the ability of T-cells to produce IL-21 and IL-17 in SLE patients. METHODS Peripheral blood of 34 SLE patients and 18 healthy controls (HC) was stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (Ca-Io). Percentages of IL-21- and IL-17A expressing T-cells were analysed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of the transcription factors B-cell lymphoma-6 (BCL-6) and factors retinoid-related orphan receptor (ROR-γt) were assessed in T-cells by real-time RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Additionally, IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) expression on B- and T-cells of patients and HC was analyzed. RESULTS Significantly increased percentages of IL-21 expressing CD4+ T-cells and CD8+ T-cells were found in SLE patients as compared to HC. The percentages of IL-21+ CD4+ T-cells and CD8+ T-cells correlated significantly with the percentages of IL-17A+ CD4+ T-cells and CD8+ T-cells, respectively. The relative expression of BCL-6 and ROR-γt did not differ between SLE patients and HC. IL-21R expression occurred mainly on B-cells and was not different comparing SLE patients and HC. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates an increased proportion of IL-21+ T-cells in SLE patients correlating with the proportion of IL-17+ T-cells. This suggests a pivotal role of IL-21 in the pathogenesis of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Cuesta-Montero L, Belinchón I. Conectivopatías y psoriasis. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2011; 102:487-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Connective Tissue Diseases and Psoriasis. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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137
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Abstract
CD4(+) T cells are the master regulators of adaptive immune responses, and many autoimmune diseases arise due to a breakdown of self-tolerance in CD4(+) T cells. Activation of CD4(+) T cells is regulated by not only the binding of peptide-major histocompatibility complexes to T-cell receptor but also costimulatory signals from antigen-presenting cells. Recently, there has been progress in understanding the extracellular and intracellular mechanisms that are required for implementation and maintenance of T-cell tolerance. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying T-cell tolerance will lead to development of pharmacological approaches either to promote the tolerance state in terms of autoimmunity or to break tolerance in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roza I Nurieva
- Department of Immunology and Center for Inflammation and Cancer, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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138
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Abstract
The study of complex genetics in autoimmune diseases has progressed at a tremendous pace over the last 4 years, as a direct result of the enormous gains made by genome wide association studies (GWAS). Novel genetic findings are continuously being reported alongside the rapid development of genetic technologies, sophisticated statistical analysis, and larger sample collections. It is now becoming clear that multiple genes contribute to disease risk in many complex genetic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and that there are common genetic risk factors that underlie a spectrum of autoimmune diseases. This review details the current genetic landscape of RA, and describes what GWAS has taught us in terms of missing heritability, subsets of disease, existence of genetic heterogeneity, and shared autoimmune risk loci. Finally, this review addresses the initial challenges faced in translating the wealth of genetic findings into determining the biological mechanisms that contribute to the relationship between genotype and phenotype. Unraveling the mechanism of how genes directly influence the cause of RA will lead to a better understanding of the disease and will ultimately have a direct clinical impact, informing the development of new therapies that can be utilized in the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate McAllister
- Arthritis Research United Kingdom Epidemiology Unit, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen Eyre
- Arthritis Research United Kingdom Epidemiology Unit, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Gisela Orozco
- Arthritis Research United Kingdom Epidemiology Unit, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, UK
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Abstract
IL-21 is a pleiotropic type 1 cytokine that shares the common cytokine receptor γ-chain, γ(c), with IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15. IL-21 is most homologous to IL-2. These cytokines are encoded by adjacent genes, but they are functionally distinct. Whereas IL-2 promotes development of regulatory T cells and confers protection from autoimmune disease, IL-21 promotes differentiation of Th17 cells and is implicated in several autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the roles of IL-21 and IL-2 in CNS autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and uveitis have been controversial. Here, we generated Il21-mCherry/Il2-emGFP dual-reporter transgenic mice and showed that development of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) correlated with the presence of T cells coexpressing IL-21 and IL-2 into the retina. Furthermore, Il21r(-/-) mice were more resistant to EAU development than wild-type mice, and adoptive transfer of Il21r(-/-) T cells induced much less severe EAU, underscoring the need for IL-21 in the development of this disease and suggesting that blocking IL-21/γ(c)-signaling pathways may provide a means for controlling CNS auto-inflammatory diseases.
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140
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Neves M, Alves JD. Factors implicated in the generation and persistence of long-lived plasma cell-mediated autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev 2011; 10:375-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Vanaudenaerde BM, Verleden SE, Vos R, Vleeschauwer SID, Willems-Widyastuti A, Geenens R, Raemdonck DEV, Dupont LJ, Verbeken EK, Meyts I. Innate and Adaptive Interleukin-17–producing Lymphocytes in Chronic Inflammatory Lung Disorders. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2011; 183:977-86. [DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201007-1196pp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Kato H, Fox DA. Are Th17 cells an appropriate new target in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis? Clin Transl Sci 2011; 3:319-26. [PMID: 21167010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-8062.2010.00233.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Th17 cells play crucial roles not only in host defense but also in many human autoimmune diseases and corresponding animal models. Although many of the fundamental principles regarding Th17 biology have been rapidly elucidated in mice, there remain numerous controversies regarding the differentiation, plasticity, and pathogenicity of human Th17 cells. In this review, we consider these open questions in comparison to what has already been clarified in mice, and discuss the potential impact of discoveries related to the Th17 pathway on the development of new therapeutic strategies in Th17 driven autoimmune diseases, specifically rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kato
- University of Michigan Health System, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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143
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Sarra M, Franzè E, Pallone F, Monteleone G. Targeting interleukin-21 in inflammatory diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2011; 15:695-702. [PMID: 21391901 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.561319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION IL-21, a new member of the type 1 cytokine superfamily, is produced by various subsets of CD4(+) T cells and binds to a composite receptor that consists of a specific receptor, termed IL-21 receptor and the common γ-chain subunit. Initially considered to be a critical regulator of T and B cell function, IL-21 is now known to regulate the activity of many other cell types, including both immune and non-immune cells. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss the biological features of IL-21 and summarize recent advances in the pathogenic role of IL-21 in chronic inflammatory diseases. Moreover, we discuss why IL-21 blockers can have a place in the therapeutic armamentarium for patients with immune-mediated diseases and the potential risks of such treatments. EXPERT OPINION Data emerging from studies in human and experimental models of autoimmunity suggest that IL-21 is critically involved in the initiation and/or progression of inflammatory reactions where self-reactive immune cells or antibodies cause damage in tissue. Thus, theoretically, targeting IL-21 could help attenuate the activation of inflammatory pathways and facilitate the resolution of tissue damaging immune responses. However, one should also take into consideration some potential risks that could derive from the blockade of IL-21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Sarra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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McGuire HM, Walters S, Vogelzang A, Lee CM, Webster KE, Sprent J, Christ D, Grey S, King C. Interleukin-21 is critically required in autoimmune and allogeneic responses to islet tissue in murine models. Diabetes 2011; 60:867-75. [PMID: 21357471 PMCID: PMC3046847 DOI: 10.2337/db10-1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Type 1 diabetes is an incurable chronic autoimmune disease. Although transplantation of pancreatic islets may serve as a surrogate source of insulin, recipients are subjected to a life of immunosuppression. Interleukin (IL)-21 is necessary for type 1 diabetes in NOD mice. We examined the efficacy of an IL-21-targeted therapy on prevention of diabetes in NOD mice, in combination with syngeneic islet transplantation. In addition, we assessed the role of IL-21 responsiveness in islet allograft rejection in mouse animal models. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS NOD mice were treated with IL-21R/Fc, an IL-21-neutralizing chimeric protein. This procedure was combined with syngeneic islet transplantation to treat diabetic NOD mice. Survival of allogeneic islet grafts in IL-21R-deficient mice was also assessed. RESULTS Evidence is provided that IL-21 is continually required by the autoimmune infiltrate, such that insulitis was reduced and reversed and diabetes inhibited by neutralization of IL-21 at a late preclinical stage. Recovery from autoimmune diabetes was achieved by combining neutralization of IL-21 with islet transplantation. Furthermore, IL-21-responsiveness by CD8+ T-cells was sufficient to mediate islet allograft rejection. CONCLUSIONS Neutralization of IL-21 in NOD mice can inhibit diabetes, and when paired with islet transplantation, this therapeutic approach restored normoglycemia. The influence of IL-21 on a graft-mounted immune response was robust, since the absence of IL-21 signaling prevented islet allograft rejection. These findings suggest that therapeutic manipulation of IL-21 may serve as a suitable treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. McGuire
- Department of Immunology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biotechnology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stacey Walters
- Department of Immunology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexis Vogelzang
- Department of Immunology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carol M.Y. Lee
- Department of Immunology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kylie E. Webster
- Department of Immunology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan Sprent
- Department of Immunology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Christ
- Department of Immunology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shane Grey
- Department of Immunology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cecile King
- Department of Immunology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Corresponding author: Cecile King,
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Yuan FL, Li X, Lu WG, Li CW, Xu RS, Dong J. IL-33: a promising therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2011; 15:529-34. [PMID: 21446881 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.560838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Cytokine-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, the IL-1-family-related cytokine, IL-33, was detected at high levels in experimental inflammatory arthritis and in the early phase of human RA, and was reported to exert profound pro-inflammatory effects in several experimental autoimmune models. Moreover, administration of IL-33 leads to the development of severe inflammatory arthritis, suggesting that IL-33 may be therapeutically relevant in RA, and the targeting of IL-33 or the IL-33 receptor has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases such as RA. In this article, we discuss the biological features of IL-33 and summarize recent advances in our understanding of the role of IL-33 in the pathogenesis and treatment of RA. It is hoped that this information may aid the development of novel therapeutic strategies for RA.
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146
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Ertelt JM, Johanns TM, Rowe JH, Way SS. Interleukin (IL)-21-independent pathogen-specific CD8+ T-cell expansion, and IL-21-dependent suppression of CD4+ T-cell IL-17 production. Immunology 2011; 131:183-91. [PMID: 20465570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2010.03287.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although interleukin-21 (IL-21) potently activates and controls the differentiation of immune cells after stimulation in vitro, the role for this pleiotropic cytokine during in vivo infection remains poorly defined. Herein, the requirement for IL-21 in innate and adaptive host defence after Listeria monocytogenes infection was examined. In the innate phase, IL-21 deficiency did not cause significant defects in infection susceptibility, or in the early activation of natural killer and T cells. In the adaptive phase, L. monocytogenes-specific CD8(+) T cells expand to a similar magnitude in IL-21-deficient mice compared with control mice. Interestingly, the IL-21-independent expansion of L. monocytogenes-specific CD8(+) T cells was maintained even in the combined absence of IL-12 and type I interferon (IFN) receptor. Similarly, L. monocytogenes-specific CD4(+) T cells expanded and produced similar levels of IFN-γ regardless of IL-21 deficiency. Unexpectedly however, IL-21 deficiency caused significantly increased CD4(+) T-cell IL-17 production, and this effect became even more pronounced after L. monocytogenes infection in mice with combined defects in both IL-12 and type I IFN receptor that develop a T helper type 17-dominated CD4(+) T-cell response. Despite increased CD4(+) T-cell IL-17 production, L. monocytogenes-specific T cells re-expanded and conferred protection against secondary challenge with virulent L. monocytogenes regardless of IL-21 deficiency, or combined defects in IL-21, IL-12, and type I IFN receptor. Together, these results demonstrate non-essential individual and combined roles for IL-21, IL-12 and type I IFNs in priming pathogen-specific CD8(+) T cells, and reveal IL-21-dependent suppression of IL-17 production by CD4(+) T cells during in vivo infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Ertelt
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Infectious Disease and Microbiology Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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147
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Lissilaa R, Buatois V, Magistrelli G, Williams AS, Jones GW, Herren S, Shang L, Malinge P, Guilhot F, Chatel L, Hatterer E, Jones SA, Kosco-Vilbois MH, Ferlin WG. Although IL-6 trans-signaling is sufficient to drive local immune responses, classical IL-6 signaling is obligate for the induction of T cell-mediated autoimmunity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:5512-21. [PMID: 20870936 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1002015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
IL-6-mediated T cell-driven immune responses are associated with signaling occurring through the membrane-bound cognate receptor α-chain (mIL-6Rα). Once formed, IL-6-mIL-6Rα complexes induce the homodimerization and subsequent phosphorylation of the ubiquitously expressed signal-transducing protein, gp130. This signaling event is defined as classical IL-6 signaling. However, many inflammatory processes assigned to IL-6 may be mediated via binding a naturally occurring soluble IL-6Rα, which forms an agonistic complex (IL-6/soluble IL-6Rα) capable of evoking responses on a wide range of cell types that lack mIL-6Rα (IL-6 trans-signaling). To dissect the differential contribution of the two IL-6 signaling pathways in cell-mediated inflammatory processes, we pharmaceutically targeted each using two murine models of human arthritis. Whereas intra-articular neutralization of trans-signaling attenuated local inflammatory responses, the classical pathway was found to be obligate and sufficient to induce pathogenic T cells and humoral responses, leading to systemic disease. Our data illustrate that mechanisms occurring in the secondary lymphoid organs underlying arthropathies are mediated via the classical pathway of IL-6 signaling, whereas trans-signaling contributes only at the local site, that is, in the affected tissues.
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148
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Yuan FL, Hu W, Lu WG, Li X, Li JP, Xu RS, Li CW, Chen FH, Jin C. Targeting interleukin-21 in rheumatoid arthritis. Mol Biol Rep 2010; 38:1717-21. [PMID: 20848219 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0285-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2010] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a new member of the type I cytokine superfamily, which binds to a composite receptor that consists of a private receptor (IL-21R) and the common cytokine receptor γ chain. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that IL-21 contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases because of its pro-inflammatory and immune-mediated properties. IL-21 induced T-cell activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). IL-21R RNA transcripts were found in synovial tissue samples of patients with RA. In addition, blockade of the IL-21/IL-21R pathway ameliorated disease in animal models of RA and significantly inhibited inflammatory cytokine production in vitro. Moreover, IL-21R deficiency in the K/BxN mouse model of inflammatory arthritis was sufficient to block arthritis initiation completely. All theses findings suggest that IL-21 has important biological effects in autoimmunity that might be a promising therapeutic target for RA. In this review, we discuss the biological features of IL-21 and summarize recent advances in the role of IL-21 in the pathogenesis and treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Lai Yuan
- The Third Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Wuxi, 214041 Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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149
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Calero I, Nieto JA, Sanz I. B cell therapies for rheumatoid arthritis: beyond B cell depletion. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2010; 36:325-43. [PMID: 20510237 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Initially suggested by the presence of rheumatoid factor autoantibodies, multiple pathogenic roles for B cells (both antibody-mediated and antibody-independent) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) now are supported by a growing body of experimental observations and human studies. The pathogenic significance of B cells in this disease also has been established conclusively by the proven benefit of Rituximab-induced B cell depletion in RA patients refractory to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockade. This article reviews the rationale for the use of B cell-targeting therapies in RA and discusses the caveats and limitations of indiscriminate B cell depletion as currently applied, ncluding incomplete depletion of pathogenic B cells and elimination of protective B cells. Finally, it presents alternative therapeutic strategies that exploit current knowledge of B cell activation, survival, and differentiation to provide more selective B cell and plasma cell targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Calero
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Virgen de la Luz, Calle de la Hermandad de Donantes de Sangre, Cuenca 16002, Spain
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150
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Abstract
Identification of interleukin-17 (IL-17) as a powerful proinflammatory cytokine and the recent recognition of a T-helper cell subset that secretes it have focused attention on the role of IL-17 and Th17 cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other immune-mediated diseases. While understanding of its role in RA is still evolving, evidence from both animal models and human systems provides a compelling rationale for therapeutic targeting of IL-17 in RA. Both direct and indirect approaches to accomplish this are feasible. Mechanistic studies in the context of clinical trials will be required to understand why some strategies may be preferable from the perspectives of efficacy and safety.
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