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Amarnani A, Lopez-Ocasio M, Dilshat R, Anumukonda K, Davila J, Malakhov N, Huan C, Magnusdottir E, Steingrimsson E, Roman CA. Mitf regulates gene expression networks implicated in B cell homeostasis, germinal center responses, and tolerance. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339325. [PMID: 38444862 PMCID: PMC10912573 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The microphthalmia transcription factor Mitf has been shown to regulate B cell activation and tolerance. However, the underlying B cell-specific mechanisms responsible, and those that distinguish Mitf from closely related Mitf/TFE (MiT) transcription factors Tfe3, Tfeb, and Tfec, remain obscure. Methods Two complementary mouse models of Mitf and MiT deficiency were used: the Mitfmi-vga9/mi-vga9 systemic loss-of-function mutation, and B-cell specific MiT family inactivation via transgenic expression of a trans-dominant negative (TDN) protein (TDN-B). These models were employed to identify MiT family candidate target genes and pathways. Results Both models displayed spontaneous splenomegaly coincident with elevated plasma cell numbers, autoantibody titers, and proteinuria. These abnormalities appeared dependent on T helper cells, but independent of other non-B cell intrinsic effects of systemic Mitf inactivation. MiT inactivation in B cells augmented aspects of lupus-like autoimmune disease on the C57BL/6-Faslpr/lpr background. In both models, RNAseq of ex vivo resting B cells showed transcriptional upregulation of genes that control cell cycle, germinal center responses, and plasma cell differentiation. Among the genes strongly upregulated in both models were Socs6, Isp53 (Baiap1), S1pR2, and IgG2b/c. Mitf null B cells, but not TDN-B cells, showed evidence of type I interferon dysregulation. Discussion These studies clarify Mitf's role as 1) a key regulator of a B cell intrinsic germinal center program that influences self-tolerance through novel target genes, and 2) a regulator of systemic inflammatory processes that can impact the B cell microenvironment. This distinction of Mitf's function from that of related MiT transcription factors advances our understanding of B cell regulation and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhimanyu Amarnani
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Graduate Studies, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- School of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Maria Lopez-Ocasio
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Graduate Studies, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ramile Dilshat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Kamala Anumukonda
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Graduate Studies, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Anuko Tech Inc., Hillsborough, NJ, United States
| | - Jonathan Davila
- School of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Department of Urology, Northwell Health, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Nikita Malakhov
- School of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, NewYork-Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chongmin Huan
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Graduate Studies, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Erna Magnusdottir
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Eirikur Steingrimsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Christopher A. Roman
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Graduate Studies, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- School of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
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Sun L, Wang N, Feng Y, Huo X, Feng Q, Zhao X, Li Y, Yan L, Xie X, Hu J. The distribution of heterophilic antigens and their relationship with autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275658. [PMID: 38022676 PMCID: PMC10667719 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Microbial infections are associated with the occurrence of autoimmune diseases, but the mechanisms of microbial infection inducing autoimmune diseases are not fully understood. The existence of heterophilic antigens between microorganisms and human tissues may explain part of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Here, we investigate the distribution of heterophilic antigens and its relationship with autoimmune diseases. Methods Monoclonal antibodies against a variety of microorganisms were prepared. The titer, subclass and reactivity of antibodies with microorganisms were identified, and heterophilic antibodies that cross-reacted with human tissues were screened by human tissue microarray. The reactivity of these heterophilic antibodies with different individuals and different species was further examined by immunohistochemistry. Results In this study, 21 strains of heterophilic antibodies were screened. The results showed that these heterophilic antibodies were produced due to the existence of heterophilic antigens between microorganism and human body and the distribution of heterophilic antigens had individual, tissue and species differences. Conclusion Our study showed that heterophilic antigens exist widely between microorganisms and human body, and the heterophilic antigens carried by microorganisms may break the immune tolerance of the body through carrier effect and initiate immune response, which may be one of the important mechanisms of infection inducing autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Sun
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nana Wang
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yangmeng Feng
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xueping Huo
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qing Feng
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangrong Zhao
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Li
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liting Yan
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Wang N, Yigit B, van der Poel CE, Cuenca M, Carroll MC, Herzog RW, Engel P, Terhorst C. The Checkpoint Regulator SLAMF3 Preferentially Prevents Expansion of Auto-Reactive B Cells Generated by Graft-vs.-Host Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:831. [PMID: 31057553 PMCID: PMC6482334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Absence of the mouse cell surface receptor SLAMF3 in SLAMF3-/- mice suggested that this receptor negatively regulates B cell homeostasis by modulating activation thresholds of B cell subsets. Here, we examine whether anti-SLAMF3 affects both B and T cell subsets during immune responses to haptenated ovalbumin [NP-OVA] and in the setting of chronic graft vs. host disease (cGVHD) induced by transferring B6.C-H2bm12/KhEg (bm12) CD4+ T cells into B6 WT mice. We find that administering αSLAMF3 to NP-OVA immunized B6 mice primarily impairs antibody responses and Germinal center B cell [GC B] numbers, whilst CXCR5+, PD-1+, and ICOS+ T follicular helper (TFH) cells are not significantly affected. By contrast, administering αSLAMF3 markedly enhanced autoantibody production upon induction of cGVHD by the transfer of bm12 CD4+ T cells into B6 recipients. Surprisingly, αSLAMF3 accelerated both the differentiation of GC B and donor-derived TFH cells initiated by cGVHD. The latter appeared to be induced by decreased numbers of donor-derived Treg and T follicular regulatory (TFR) cells. Collectively, these data show that control of anti-SLAMF3-induced signaling is requisite to prevent autoantibody responses during cGVHD, but reduces responses to foreign antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninghai Wang
- Division of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Burcu Yigit
- Division of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Cees E van der Poel
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marta Cuenca
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Michael C Carroll
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Pablo Engel
- Immunology Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Immunology and Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cox Terhorst
- Division of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Chronic kidney disease-associated cardiovascular disease: scope and limitations of animal models. Cardiovasc Endocrinol 2017; 6:120-127. [PMID: 31646129 DOI: 10.1097/xce.0000000000000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a heterogeneous range of disorders affecting up to 11% of the world's population. The majority of patients with CKD die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) before progressing to end-stage renal disease. CKD patients have an increased risk of atherosclerotic disease as well as a unique cardiovascular phenotype. There remains no clear aetiology for these issues and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of CKD-associated CVD is urgently needed. Although nonanimal studies can provide insights into the nature of disease, the whole-organism nature of CKD-associated CVD means that high-quality animal models, at least for the immediate future, are likely to remain a key tool in improving our understanding in this area. We will discuss the methods used to induce renal impairment in rodents and the methods available to assess cardiovascular phenotype and in each case describe the applicability to humans.
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T-bet +CD11c + B cells are critical for antichromatin immunoglobulin G production in the development of lupus. Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:225. [PMID: 28982388 PMCID: PMC5629756 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1438-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus is high titers of circulating autoantibodies. Recently, a novel CD11c+ B-cell subset has been identified that is critical for the development of autoimmunity. However, the role of CD11c+ B cells in the development of lupus is unclear. Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a lupus-like syndrome with high autoantibody production. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of CD11c+ B cells in the pathogenesis of lupus in cGVHD mice. Methods cGVHD was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 5 × 107 Bm12 splenocytes into B6 mice. Flow cytometry was used to analyze mice splenocytes and human samples. Magnetic beads were used to isolate mice B cells. Gene expression was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies in serum and supernatants. Results The percentage and absolute number of CD11c+ B cells was increased in cGVHD-induced lupus, with elevated levels of antichromatin immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgG2a in sera. CD11c+ plasma cells from cGVHD mice produced large amounts of antichromatin IgG2a upon stimulation. Depletion of CD11c+ B cells reduced antichromatin IgG and IgG2a production. T-bet was upregulated in CD11c+ B cells. Knockout of T-bet in B cells alleviated cGVHD-induced lupus. Importantly, the percentage of T-bet+CD11c+ B cells increased in lupus patients and positively correlated with serum antichromatin levels. Conclusion T-bet+CD11c+ B cells promoted high antichromatin IgG production in the lupus-like disease model cGVHD. In lupus patients, the percentage of T-bet+CD11c+ B cells was elevated and positively correlated with antichromatin antibodies. The findings provide potential therapeutic insight into lupus disease treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-017-1438-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Wang N, Keszei M, Halibozek P, Yigit B, Engel P, Terhorst C. Slamf6 negatively regulates autoimmunity. Clin Immunol 2016; 173:19-26. [PMID: 27368806 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2016.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The nine SLAM family (Slamf) receptors are positive or negative regulators of adaptive and innate immune responses, and of several autoimmune diseases. Here we report that the transfer of Slamf6-/- B6 CD4+ T cells into co-isogenic bm12 mice causes SLE-like autoimmunity with elevated levels of autoantibodies. In addition, significantly higher percentages of Tfh cells and IFN-γ-producing CD4+ cells, as well as GC B cells were observed. Interestingly, the expression of the Slamf6-H1 isoform in Slamf6-/- CD4+ T cells did not induce this lupus-like phenotype. By contrast, Slamf1-/- or Slamf5-/- CD4+ T cells caused the same pathology as WT CD4+ T cells. As the transfer of Slamf [1+6]-/- or Slamf [1+5+6]-/- CD4+ T cells induced WT levels of autoantibodies, the presence of Slamf1 was requisite for the induction of increased levels of autoantibodies by Slamf6-/- CD4+ T cells. We conclude that Slamf6 functions as an inhibitory receptor that controls autoimmune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninghai Wang
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Marton Keszei
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter Halibozek
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Burcu Yigit
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pablo Engel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cox Terhorst
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Allman WR, Liu L, Coleman AS, Akkoyunlu M. MRL Strains Have a BAFFR Mutation without Functional Consequence. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154518. [PMID: 27149280 PMCID: PMC4858247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been shown that B cell activating factor receptor (BAFFR) is critical for B cell development and survival. In this study, we sought to evaluate the expression and function of BAFFR across multiple stains of mice that vary in their potential to develop systemic autoimmune disease. The inability of a commercial antibody to bind to BAFFR in the autoimmune prone mouse strains, MRL and MRL/Lpr led to the discovery of a mutation in TNFRSF13C gene (encoding BAFFR) that resulted in a Pro44Ser substitution in the N-terminus near the BAFF binding site in these strains. To define the biological consequences of mutant BAFFR, we compared the expression and activity of BAFFR in MRL and MRL/Lpr mice to BALB/c, which express the consensus version of TNFRSF13C. B cells from MRL and MRL/Lpr mice expressed mutant BAFFR on surface and were capable of responding to BAFF as exhibited by BAFF-mediated reduction in apoptosis and NF-κB2 activation. Signaling through MAPK ERK1/2 was not significantly induced by BAFF in MRL/Lpr mice; however, MAPK ERK1/2 signaling was intact in MRL mice. The inability of MRL/Lpr B cells to significantly activate ERK1/2 in response to BAFF was due to the high basal activity of the signaling pathway in these cells. In fact, basal activity of ERK1/2 in B cells correlated with the degree of autoimmune susceptibility exhibited by each strain. In addition, aged MRL/Lpr mice with severe autoimmune disease had high BAFF levels, low surface BAFFR, and high basal NF-κB2 activation, a pattern which is attributed to the high frequency of antibody secreting cells. We conclude that P44S BAFFR mutation does not hinder BAFFR function or enhance B cell activity in MRL/Lpr and MRL mice and that other susceptibility loci on the MRL background contributed to the hyperactivity of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Windy R. Allman
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993–0002, United States of America
| | - Lunhua Liu
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993–0002, United States of America
| | - Adam S. Coleman
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993–0002, United States of America
| | - Mustafa Akkoyunlu
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20993–0002, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Klarquist J, Janssen EM. The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice. J Vis Exp 2015:e53319. [PMID: 26554458 DOI: 10.3791/53319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with diverse clinical and immunological manifestations. Several spontaneous and inducible animal models mirror common components of human disease, including the bm12 transfer model. Upon transfer of bm12 splenocytes or purified CD4 T cells, C57BL/6 mice rapidly develop large frequencies of T follicular helper cells (Tfh), germinal center (GC) B cells, and plasma cells followed by high levels of circulating anti-nuclear antibodies. Since this model utilizes mice on a pure C57BL/6 background, researchers can quickly and easily study disease progression in transgenic or knockout mouse strains in a relatively short period of time. Here we describe protocols for the induction of the model and the quantitation Tfh, GC B cells, and plasma cells by multi-color flow cytometry. Importantly, these protocols can also be used to characterize disease in most mouse models of SLE and identify Tfh, GC B cells, and plasma cells in other disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Klarquist
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Edith M Janssen
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine;
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Raftery MJ, Lalwani P, Krautkrӓmer E, Peters T, Scharffetter-Kochanek K, Krüger R, Hofmann J, Seeger K, Krüger DH, Schönrich G. β2 integrin mediates hantavirus-induced release of neutrophil extracellular traps. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 211:1485-97. [PMID: 24889201 PMCID: PMC4076588 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20131092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
β2 Integrin–mediated systemic release of neutrophil extracellular traps is a novel mechanism of immunopathology associated with hantavirus infection. Rodent-borne hantaviruses are emerging human pathogens that cause severe human disease. The underlying mechanisms are not well understood, as hantaviruses replicate in endothelial and epithelial cells without causing any cytopathic effect. We demonstrate that hantaviruses strongly stimulated neutrophils to release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Hantavirus infection induced high systemic levels of circulating NETs in patients and this systemic NET overflow was accompanied by production of autoantibodies to nuclear antigens. Analysis of the responsible mechanism using neutrophils from β2 null mice identified β2 integrin receptors as a master switch for NET induction. Further experiments suggested that β2 integrin receptors such as complement receptor 3 (CR3) and 4 (CR4) may act as novel hantavirus entry receptors. Using adenoviruses, we confirmed that viral interaction with β2 integrin induced strong NET formation. Collectively, β2 integrin–mediated systemic NET overflow is a novel viral mechanism of immunopathology that may be responsible for characteristic aspects of hantavirus-associated disease such as kidney and lung damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Raftery
- Institute of Medical Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pritesh Lalwani
- Institute of Medical Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ellen Krautkrӓmer
- Department of Nephrology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Peters
- Department of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Renate Krüger
- Institute of Medical Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Institute of Medical Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany Division of Virology, Labor Berlin Charité-Vivantes GmbH, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl Seeger
- Institute of Medical Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Detlev H Krüger
- Institute of Medical Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Günther Schönrich
- Institute of Medical Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Avci P, Sadasivam M, Gupta A, De Melo WC, Huang YY, Yin R, Chandran R, Kumar R, Otufowora A, Nyame T, Hamblin MR. Animal models of skin disease for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:331-55. [PMID: 23293893 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.761202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Discovery of novel drugs, treatments, and testing of consumer products in the field of dermatology is a multi-billion dollar business. Due to the distressing nature of many dermatological diseases, and the enormous consumer demand for products to reverse the effects of skin photodamage, aging, and hair loss, this is a very active field. AREAS COVERED In this paper, we will cover the use of animal models that have been reported to recapitulate to a greater or lesser extent the features of human dermatological disease. There has been a remarkable increase in the number and variety of transgenic mouse models in recent years, and the basic strategy for constructing them is outlined. EXPERT OPINION Inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases are all represented by a range of mouse models both transgenic and normal. Skin cancer is mainly studied in mice and fish. Wound healing is studied in a wider range of animal species, and skin infections such as acne and leprosy also have been studied in animal models. Moving to the more consumer-oriented area of dermatology, there are models for studying the harmful effect of sunlight on the skin, and testing of sunscreens, and several different animal models of hair loss or alopecia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Avci
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Department of Dermatology, Boston MA, USA
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Feng D, Yang L, Bi X, Stone RC, Patel P, Barnes BJ. Irf5-deficient mice are protected from pristane-induced lupus via increased Th2 cytokines and altered IgG class switching. Eur J Immunol 2012; 42:1477-87. [PMID: 22678902 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201141642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphisms in the transcription factor interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) have been identified that show a strong association with an increased risk of developing the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A potential pathological role for IRF5 in SLE development is supported by the fact that increased IRF5 mRNA and protein are observed in primary blood cells of SLE patients and this correlates with an increased risk of developing the disease. Here, we demonstrate that IRF5 is required for pristane-induced SLE via its ability to control multiple facets of autoimmunity. We show that IRF5 is required for pathological hypergammaglobulinemia and, in the absence of IRF5, IgG class switching is reduced. Examination of in vivo cytokine expression (and autoantibody production) identified an increase in Irf5(-/-) mice of Th2 cytokines. In addition, we provide clear evidence that loss of Irf5 significantly weakens the in vivo type I IFN signature critical for disease pathogenesis in this model of murine lupus. Together, these findings demonstrate the importance of IRF5 for autoimmunity and provide a significant new insight into how overexpression of IRF5 in blood cells of SLE patients may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Feng
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, New Jersey Medical School, UMDNJ, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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Shao WH, Zhen Y, Finkelman FD, Eisenberg RA, Cohen PL. Intrinsic unresponsiveness of Mertk-/- B cells to chronic graft-versus-host disease is associated with unmodulated CD1d expression. J Autoimmun 2012; 39:412-9. [PMID: 22854104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Activation and migration of marginal zone B (MZB) cells into follicular (FO) regions of the spleen has been proposed as one of the mechanisms that regulate the development of autoreactive B cells. The mer receptor tyrosine kinase (Mertk) mediates apoptotic cell clearance and regulates activation and cytokine secretion. In the well-studied class II chronic GVH model of bm12 cells into B6 hosts, we observed that Mertk deficient B6 mice did not generate autoantibodies in response to this allogeneic stimulus. We posited that Mertk is important in MHC-II-mediated B cell signaling. In the present study, we show that B cells from Mertk(-/-) mice but not WT B6 mice exhibited decreased calcium mobilization and tyrosine phosphorylation when stimulated by MHC-II cross-linking. The finding that Mertk was important for class II signaling in B cells was further supported by the preponderance of a-allotype autoantibodies in cGVH in RAG-KO mice reconstituted with a mixture of bone marrow from Mertk(-/-) mice (b-allotype) and C20 mice (a-allotype). MZB cells from Mertk(-/-) mice were unable to down regulate surface CD1d expression and subsequent inclusion in the MZ, associated with significantly lower germinal center responses compared to MZB cells from WT. Moreover, Mertk(-/-) mice treated with an anti-CD1d down regulating antibody responded significantly to bm12 cells, while no response was observed in Mertk(-/-) mice treated with control antibodies. Taken together, these findings extend the role of Mertk to include CD1d down regulation on MZB cells, a potential mechanism limiting B cell activation in cGVH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hai Shao
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia PA 19140, USA
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Seavey MM, Lu LD, Stump KL. Animal models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and ex vivo assay design for drug discovery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; Chapter 5:Unit 5.60. [PMID: 21935901 DOI: 10.1002/0471141755.ph0560s53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a debilitating and often fatal autoimmune disease that involves multiple organ systems. It can develop for years before being diagnosed. Current treatments for SLE usually involve the use of cytotoxic or immunosuppressive agents that can lead to infection or cancer. The design of appropriate models and assays will determine the efficiency and speed with which an investigator can test a new chemical entity (NCE) or expect results to move a drug discovery program forward. This unit describes a series of preclinical assays for the identification of new agents for the treatment of SLE. Most importantly, this unit will guide the reader through a step-by-step process to select appropriate models, validation drugs, and readouts, depending on the objective of the study. The reader will acquire a working knowledge of what models are available and the potential advantages and disadvantages of each, including ex vivo assays relevant to the discovery of new SLE therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Seavey
- Worldwide Discovery Research, Cephalon, Inc., West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
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Rho JH, Zhang W, Murali M, Roehrl MHA, Wang JY. Human proteins with affinity for dermatan sulfate have the propensity to become autoantigens. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 178:2177-90. [PMID: 21514432 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2010] [Revised: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The mystery of why and how a small, seemingly disparate subset of all self molecules become functional autoantigens holds a key to understanding autoimmune diseases. Here and in a companion article in this issue, we show that affinity of self molecules to the glycosaminoglycan dermatan sulfate (DS) is a common property of autoantigens and leads to a specific autoreactive B-1a cell response. Autoimmune ANA/ENA reference sera react preferentially with DS affinity-fractionated cellular proteins. Studying patients with autoimmune diseases, we discovered patient-specific complex autoantigen patterns that are far richer and more diverse than previously thought, indicating significant pathological heterogeneity even within traditionally defined clinical entities, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. By shotgun sequencing of DS affinity-enriched proteomes extracted from cell lines, we identified approximately 200 autoantigens, both novel and previously linked to autoimmunity, including several well-known families of autoantigens related to the nucleosome, ribonucleoproteins, the cytoskeleton, and heat shock proteins. Using electron microscopy, we recognized direct interaction with dead cells as an origin of autoantigenic association of DS with self molecules. DS affinity may be a unifying property of the human autoantigen-ome (ie, totality of self molecules that can serve as functional autoantingens) and thus provides a promising tool for discovery of autoantigens, molecular diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, and development of cause-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-hyun Rho
- Department of Medicine, Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Keszei M, Detre C, Rietdijk ST, Muñoz P, Romero X, Berger SB, Calpe S, Liao G, Castro W, Julien A, Wu YY, Shin DM, Sancho J, Zubiaur M, Morse HC, Morel L, Engel P, Wang N, Terhorst C. A novel isoform of the Ly108 gene ameliorates murine lupus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 208:811-22. [PMID: 21422172 PMCID: PMC3135348 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20101653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The expression of the new Ly108 isoform H1 weakens lupus-like disease of C57BL/6.Sle1b mice. Studies of human systemic lupus erythematosus patients and of murine congenic mouse strains associate genes in a DNA segment on chromosome 1 with a genetic predisposition for this disease. The systematic analysis of lupus-prone congenic mouse strains suggests a role for two isoforms of the Ly108 receptor in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this study, we demonstrate that Ly108 is involved in the pathogenesis of lupus-related autoimmunity in mice. More importantly, we identified a third protein isoform, Ly108-H1, which is absent in two lupus-prone congenic animals. Introduction of an Ly108-H1–expressing transgene markedly diminishes T cell–dependent autoimmunity in congenic B6.Sle1b mice. Thus, an immune response–suppressing isoform of Ly108 can regulate the pathogenesis of lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marton Keszei
- Division of Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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16
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Cauwe B, Martens E, Sagaert X, Dillen C, Geurts N, Li S, Mertens J, Thijs G, Van den Steen PE, Heremans H, De Vos R, Blockmans D, Arnold B, Opdenakker G. Deficiency of gelatinase B/MMP-9 aggravates lpr-induced lymphoproliferation and lupus-like systemic autoimmune disease. J Autoimmun 2011; 36:239-52. [PMID: 21376533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Gelatinase B/matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a key enzyme involved in inflammatory, hematological, vascular and neoplastic diseases. In previous studies, we explored the intracellular substrate set or 'degradome' of MMP-9 and found many systemic autoantigens as novel intracellular gelatinase B substrates. Little is known, however, about the functional role of MMP-9 in the development of systemic autoimmunity in vivo. B6(lpr/lpr) mice with defective Fas-mediated apoptosis were used to investigate the functions of MMP-9 in lymphocyte proliferation and in the development of systemic autoimmunity. Combined Fas and gelatinase B deficiency resulted in extreme lymphoproliferative disease with enhanced lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, and significantly reduced survival compared with single Fas deficiency. At the cellular level, this was corroborated by increased lymph node accumulation of 'double negative' T cells, B cells and myeloid cells. In addition, higher autoantibody titers and more pronounced autoimmune tissue injury were found in the absence of MMP-9, culminating in chronically enhanced systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like autoimmunity. After cleavage by MMP-9 the SLE autoantigens U1snRNP A and ribosomal protein P0 were hardly recognized by plasma samples of both B6(lpr/lpr).MMP-9⁻/⁻ and B6(lpr/lpr).MMP-9+/+ mice, pointing to a destruction of B cell epitopes by MMP-9-mediated proteolysis. In addition, the same loss of immunodominant epitopes was observed with plasma samples from SLE patients, suggesting that MMP-9 suppresses systemic antibody-mediated autoimmunity by clearance of autoepitopes in immunogenic substrates. Thus, new protective functions for MMP-9 were revealed in the suppression of lymphoproliferation and dampening of systemic autoimmunity, cautioning against the long-term use of MMP inhibitors in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) and SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Cauwe
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Shao WH, Kuan AP, Wang C, Abraham V, Waldman MA, Vogelgesang A, Wittenburg G, Choudhury A, Tsao PY, Miwa T, Eisenberg RA, Cohen PL. Disrupted Mer receptor tyrosine kinase expression leads to enhanced MZ B-cell responses. J Autoimmun 2010; 35:368-74. [PMID: 20822883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2010.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2010] [Revised: 08/07/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Control of lymphocyte homeostasis is essential to ensure efficient immune responses and to prevent autoimmunity. Splenic marginal zone B cells are important producers of autoantibodies, and are subject to stringent tolerance mechanisms to prevent autoimmunity. In this paper, we explore the role of the Mer tyrosine kinase (Mertk) in regulating autoreactive B cells. This receptor tyrosine kinase serves to bind apoptotic cells, to mediate their phagocytosis, and to regulate subsequent cytokine production. Mice lacking Mertk suffer from impaired apoptotic cell clearance and develop a lupus-like autoimmune syndrome. Here we show that such Mertk-KO mice have expanded numbers of splenic marginal zone B cells. Mertk-KO mice bearing a DNA-specific immunoglobulin heavy-chain transgene (3H9) produced anti-DNA antibodies that appeared to be secreted largely by marginal zone B cells. Finally, Mertk-KO mice developed greater antibody responses after NP-Ficoll immunization than their B6 counterparts. Taken together, our data show that Mertk has a major effect on the development of the marginal zone B-cell compartment. Mertk is also important in establishing DNA-specific B-cell tolerance in 3H9 anti-DNA transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hai Shao
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Temple University, USA
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