1
|
Yu JE, Yeo IJ, Han SB, Yun J, Kim B, Yong YJ, Lim YS, Kim TH, Son DJ, Hong JT. Significance of chitinase-3-like protein 1 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:1-18. [PMID: 38177294 PMCID: PMC10834487 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01131-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is a secreted glycoprotein that mediates inflammation, macrophage polarization, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. The expression of CHI3L1 is strongly upregulated by various inflammatory and immunological diseases, including several cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis. Several studies have shown that CHI3L1 can be considered as a marker of disease diagnosis, prognosis, disease activity, and severity. In addition, the proinflammatory action of CHI3L1 may be mediated via responses to various proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ. Therefore, CHI3L1 may contribute to a vast array of inflammatory diseases. However, its pathophysiological and pharmacological roles in the development of inflammatory diseases remain unclear. In this article, we review recent findings regarding the roles of CHI3L1 in the development of inflammatory diseases and suggest therapeutic approaches that target CHI3L1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Eun Yu
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - In Jun Yeo
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Bae Han
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesuk Yun
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Bongcheol Kim
- Senelix Co. Ltd., 25, Beobwon-ro 11-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05836, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Ji Yong
- PRESTI GEBIOLOGICS Co. Ltd., Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, 28161, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Soo Lim
- PRESTI GEBIOLOGICS Co. Ltd., Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, 28161, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hun Kim
- Autotelic Bio Inc., Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ju Son
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin Tae Hong
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sur M, Rasquinha MT, Arumugam R, Massilamany C, Gangaplara A, Mone K, Lasrado N, Yalaka B, Doiphode A, Gurumurthy C, Steffen D, Reddy J. Transgenic Mice Expressing Functional TCRs Specific to Cardiac Myhc-α 334-352 on Both CD4 and CD8 T Cells Are Resistant to the Development of Myocarditis on C57BL/6 Genetic Background. Cells 2023; 12:2346. [PMID: 37830560 PMCID: PMC10571761 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis is a predominant cause of congestive heart failure and sudden death in children and young adolescents that can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy. Lymphocytic myocarditis mediated by T cells can result from the recognition of cardiac antigens that may involve CD4 or CD8 T cells or both. In this report, we describe the generation of T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice on a C57BL/6 genetic background specific to cardiac myosin heavy chain (Myhc)-α 334-352 and make the following observations: First, we verified that Myhc-α 334-352 was immunogenic in wild-type C57BL/6 mice and induced antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses despite being a poor binder of IAb; however, the immunized animals developed only mild myocarditis. Second, TCRs specific to Myhc-α 334-352 in transgenic mice were expressed in both CD4 and CD8 T cells, suggesting that the expression of epitope-specific TCR is common to both cell types. Third, although T cells from naïve transgenic mice did not respond to Myhc-α 334-352, both CD4 and CD8 T cells from animals immunized with Myhc-α 334-352 responded to the peptide, indicating that antigen priming is necessary to break tolerance. Fourth, although the transgenic T cells could produce significant amounts of interferon-γ and interleukin-17, the immunized animals developed only mild disease, indicating that other soluble factors might be necessary for developing severe myocarditis. Alternatively, the C57BL/6 genetic background might be a major contributing factor for resistance to the development of myocarditis. Taken together, our model permits the determination of the roles of both CD4 and CD8 T cells to understand the disease-resistance mechanisms of myocarditis in a single transgenic system antigen-specifically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghna Sur
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Mahima T. Rasquinha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Rajkumar Arumugam
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, NJ 07901, USA
| | - Chandirasegaran Massilamany
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
- CRISPR Therapeutics, Boston, MA 02127, USA
| | - Arunkumar Gangaplara
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
- Miltenyi Biotec, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Kiruthiga Mone
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Ninaad Lasrado
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bharathi Yalaka
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, NJ 07901, USA
| | - Aakash Doiphode
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Krantisinh Nana Patil College of Veterinary Science, Shirwal 412801, Maharashtra, India
| | - Channabasavaiah Gurumurthy
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - David Steffen
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Jay Reddy
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.S.); (M.T.R.); (R.A.); (C.M.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (N.L.); (B.Y.); (A.D.); (D.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carlé C, Degboe Y, Ruyssen-Witrand A, Arleevskaya MI, Clavel C, Renaudineau Y. Characteristics of the (Auto)Reactive T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis According to the Immune Epitope Database. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054296. [PMID: 36901730 PMCID: PMC10001542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Accordingly, and to better understand T cells' contribution to RA, a comprehensive review based on an analysis of the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) was conducted. An immune CD8+ T cell senescence response is reported in RA and inflammatory diseases, which is driven by active viral antigens from latent viruses and cryptic self-apoptotic peptides. RA-associated pro-inflammatory CD4+ T cells are selected by MHC class II and immunodominant peptides, which are derived from molecular chaperones, host extra-cellular and cellular peptides that could be post-translationally modified (PTM), and bacterial cross-reactive peptides. A large panel of techniques have been used to characterize (auto)reactive T cells and RA-associated peptides with regards to their interaction with the MHC and TCR, capacity to enter the docking site of the shared epitope (DRB1-SE), capacity to induce T cell proliferation, capacity to select T cell subsets (Th1/Th17, Treg), and clinical contribution. Among docking DRB1-SE peptides, those with PTM expand autoreactive and high-affinity CD4+ memory T cells in RA patients with an active disease. Considering original therapeutic options in RA, mutated, or altered peptide ligands (APL) have been developed and are tested in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Carlé
- Referral Medical Biology Laboratory, Immunology Department, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Toulouse University Hospital Center, 31300 Toulouse, France
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Cytology, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Toulouse University Hospital Center, 31300 Toulouse, France
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITy), INSERM U1291, CNRS U5051, University Toulouse III, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Yannick Degboe
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITy), INSERM U1291, CNRS U5051, University Toulouse III, 31062 Toulouse, France
- Rheumatology Department, Toulouse University Hospital Center, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Marina I. Arleevskaya
- Central Research Laboratory, Kazan State Medical Academy, 420012 Kazan, Russia
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Cyril Clavel
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Cytology, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Toulouse University Hospital Center, 31300 Toulouse, France
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITy), INSERM U1291, CNRS U5051, University Toulouse III, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Yves Renaudineau
- Referral Medical Biology Laboratory, Immunology Department, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Toulouse University Hospital Center, 31300 Toulouse, France
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITy), INSERM U1291, CNRS U5051, University Toulouse III, 31062 Toulouse, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-561-776-245
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nel HJ, Malmström V, Wraith DC, Thomas R. Autoantigens in rheumatoid arthritis and the potential for antigen-specific tolerising immunotherapy. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2020; 2:e712-e723. [PMID: 38279365 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(20)30344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, develop and persist due to impaired immune self-tolerance, which has evolved to regulate inflammatory responses to injury or infection. After diagnosis, patients rarely achieve drug-free remission, and although at-risk individuals can be identified with genotyping, antibody tests, and symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis cannot yet be successfully prevented. Precision medicine is increasingly offering solutions to diseases that were previously considered to be incurable, and immunotherapy has begun to achieve this aim in cancer. Comparatively, modulating autoantigen-specific immune responses with immunotherapy for the cure of autoimmune diseases is at a relatively immature stage. Current treatments using non-specific immune or inflammatory suppression increase susceptibility to infection, and are rarely curative. However, early stage clinical trials suggesting that immunotherapy might allow extended duration of remission and even prevention of progression to disease suggest modulating tolerance in rheumatoid arthritis could be a promising opportunity for therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik J Nel
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Vivianne Malmström
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David C Wraith
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ranjeny Thomas
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yeo IJ, Lee CK, Han SB, Yun J, Hong JT. Roles of chitinase 3-like 1 in the development of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 203:107394. [PMID: 31356910 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) is a secreted glycoprotein that mediates inflammation, macrophage polarization, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. The expression of CHI3L1 is strongly increased by various inflammatory and immunological conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and several cancers. However, its physiological and pathophysiological roles in the development of cancer and neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases remain unclear. Several studies have reported that CHI3L1 promotes cancer proliferation, inflammatory cytokine production, and microglial activation, and that multiple receptors, such as advanced glycation end product, syndecan-1/αVβ3, and IL-13Rα2, are involved. In addition, the pro-inflammatory action of CHI3L1 may be mediated via the protein kinase B and phosphoinositide-3 signaling pathways and responses to various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ. Therefore, CHI3L1 could contribute to a vast array of inflammatory diseases. In this article, we review recent findings regarding the roles of CHI3L1 and suggest therapeutic approaches targeting CHI3L1 in the development of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- In Jun Yeo
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong-Kil Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Bae Han
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesuk Yun
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin Tae Hong
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schinnerling K, Rosas C, Soto L, Thomas R, Aguillón JC. Humanized Mouse Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis for Studies on Immunopathogenesis and Preclinical Testing of Cell-Based Therapies. Front Immunol 2019; 10:203. [PMID: 30837986 PMCID: PMC6389733 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodent models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been used over decades to study the immunopathogenesis of the disease and to explore intervention strategies. Nevertheless, mouse models of RA reach their limit when it comes to testing of new therapeutic approaches such as cell-based therapies. Differences between the human and the murine immune system make it difficult to draw reliable conclusions about the success of immunotherapies. To overcome this issue, humanized mouse models have been established that mimic components of the human immune system in mice. Two main strategies have been pursued for humanization: the introduction of human transgenes such as human leukocyte antigen molecules or specific T cell receptors, and the generation of mouse/human chimera by transferring human cells or tissues into immunodeficient mice. Recently, both approaches have been combined to achieve more sophisticated humanized models of autoimmune diseases. This review discusses limitations of conventional mouse models of RA-like disease and provides a closer look into studies in humanized mice exploring their usefulness and necessity as preclinical models for testing of cell-based therapies in autoimmune diseases such as RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katina Schinnerling
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Immune Regulation and Tolerance Research Group, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Rosas
- Departamento de Ciencias Morfológicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lilian Soto
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Immune Regulation and Tolerance Research Group, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Unidad de Dolor, Departamento de Medicina, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ranjeny Thomas
- Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Juan Carlos Aguillón
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Immune Regulation and Tolerance Research Group, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Deutschmann C, Roggenbuck D, Schierack P. The loss of tolerance to CHI3L1 – A putative role in inflammatory bowel disease? Clin Immunol 2019; 199:12-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
8
|
Wang E, Adams S, Stroncek DF, Marincola FM. Human Leukocyte Antigen and Human Neutrophil Antigen Systems. Hematology 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-35762-3.00113-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
9
|
Väänänen T, Vuolteenaho K, Kautiainen H, Nieminen R, Möttönen T, Hannonen P, Korpela M, Kauppi MJ, Laiho K, Kaipiainen-Seppänen O, Luosujärvi R, Uusitalo T, Uutela T, Leirisalo-Repo M, Moilanen E. Glycoprotein YKL-40: A potential biomarker of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis during intensive treatment with csDMARDs and infliximab. Evidence from the randomised controlled NEO-RACo trial. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183294. [PMID: 28841649 PMCID: PMC5571914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE YKL-40, a chitinase-like glycoprotein associated with inflammation and tissue remodeling, is produced by joint tissues and recognized as a candidate auto-antigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, we investigated YKL-40 as a potential biomarker of disease activity in patients with early RA at baseline and during intensive treatment aiming for early remission. METHODS Ninety-nine patients with early DMARD-naïve RA participated in the NEO-RACo study. For the first four weeks, the patients were treated with the combination of sulphasalazine, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and low dose prednisolone (FIN-RACo DMARD combination), and subsequently randomized to receive placebo or infliximab added on the treatment for further 22 weeks. Disease activity was evaluated using the 28-joint disease activity score and plasma YKL-40 concentrations were measured by immunoassay. RESULTS At the baseline, plasma YKL-40 concentration was 57 ± 37 (mean ± SD) ng/ml. YKL-40 was significantly associated with the disease activity score, interleukin-6 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate both at the baseline and during the 26 weeks' treatment. The csDMARD combination decreased YKL-40 levels already during the first four weeks of treatment, and there was no further reduction when the tumour necrosis factor-α antagonist infliximab was added on the combination treatment. CONCLUSIONS High YKL-40 levels were found to be associated with disease activity in early DMARD-naïve RA and during intensive treat-to-target therapy. The present results suggest YKL-40 as a useful biomarker of disease activity in RA to be used to steer treatment towards remission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuija Väänänen
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Katriina Vuolteenaho
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Hannu Kautiainen
- Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- MedCare Ltd, Äänekoski, Finland
| | - Riina Nieminen
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Timo Möttönen
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Pekka Hannonen
- Department of Medicine, Jyväskylä Central Hospital, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Markku Korpela
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Markku J. Kauppi
- Department of Medicine, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kari Laiho
- Department of Medicine, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland
| | | | - Riitta Luosujärvi
- Rheumatology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tea Uusitalo
- Department of Medicine, Hämeenlinna Central Hospital, Hämeenlinna, Finland
| | - Toini Uutela
- Department of Medicine, Lapland Central Hospital, Rovaniemi, Finland
| | | | - Eeva Moilanen
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Eming R, Hennerici T, Bäcklund J, Feliciani C, Visconti KC, Willenborg S, Wohde J, Holmdahl R, Sønderstrup G, Hertl M. Pathogenic IgG antibodies against desmoglein 3 in pemphigus vulgaris are regulated by HLA-DRB1*04:02-restricted T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:4391-9. [PMID: 25252957 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is considered as a model for an autoantibody-mediated organ-specific autoimmune disorder. IgG autoantibodies directed against the desmosomal cadherin desmoglein 3 (Dsg3), the major autoantigen in PV, cause loss of epidermal keratinocyte adhesion, resulting in blisters and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes. The association of human autoimmune diseases with distinct HLA alleles is a well-known phenomenon, such as the association with HLA-DRB1*04:02 in PV. However, direct evidence that HLA-DRB1*04:02-restricted autoreactive CD4(+) T cells recognizing immunodominant epitopes of Dsg3 initiate the production of Dsg3-reactive IgG autoantibodies is still missing. In this study, we show in a humanized HLA-DRB1*04:02-transgenic mouse model that HLA-DRB1*04:02-restricted T cell recognition of human Dsg3 epitopes leads to the induction of pathogenic IgG Abs that induce loss of epidermal adhesion, a hallmark in the immune pathogenesis of PV. Activation of Dsg3-reactive CD4(+) T cells by distinct human Dsg3 peptides that bind to HLA-DRβ1*04:02 is tightly regulated by the HLA-DRB1*04:02 allele and leads, via CD40-CD40L-dependent T cell-B cell interaction, to the production of IgG Abs that recognize both N- and COOH-terminal epitopes of the human Dsg3 ectodomain. These findings demonstrate key cellular and humoral immune events in the autoimmune cascade of PV in a humanized HLA-transgenic mouse model. We show that CD4(+) T cells recognizing immunodominant Dsg3 epitopes in the context of the PV-associated HLA-DRB1*04:02 induce the secretion of Dsg3-specific IgG in vivo. Finally, these results identify Dsg3-reactive CD4(+) T cells as potential therapeutic targets in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rüdiger Eming
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, D-35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Tina Hennerici
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Johan Bäcklund
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claudio Feliciani
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy; and
| | - Kevin C Visconti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Sebastian Willenborg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Wohde
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Rikard Holmdahl
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Grete Sønderstrup
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Michael Hertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wright GP, Ehrenstein MR, Stauss HJ. Regulatory T-cell adoptive immunotherapy: potential for treatment of autoimmunity. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 7:213-25. [DOI: 10.1586/eci.10.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
12
|
Pieringer H, Studnicka-Benke A. What is causing my arthritis, doctor? A glimpse beyond the usual suspects in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. QJM 2013; 106:219-28. [PMID: 23097394 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcs205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common, but heterogeneous, disease. Usually, when it comes to the pathogenesis of RA the physician faces a complex network of cytokines and cells of the immune system-the so-called effector level. However, is this network 'the cause' of the disease? Or is this rather the level most physicians are somewhat familiar with, as modern anti-rheumatic medications are having their targets there? In this review, we are looking beyond the usual culprits from the physician's perspective and discuss how other factors, such as genes, epigenetics, environmental factors, local joint characteristics or processes of aging might influence the clinical phenomenon RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Pieringer
- Academic Research Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine, General Hospital Linz, Krankenhausstrasse 9, Linz, Austria.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
West Nile virus T-cell ligand sequences shared with other flaviviruses: a multitude of variant sequences as potential altered peptide ligands. J Virol 2012; 86:7616-24. [PMID: 22573867 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00166-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Phylogenetic relatedness and cocirculation of several major human pathogen flaviviruses are recognized as a possible cause of deleterious immune responses to mixed infection or immunization and call for a greater understanding of the inter-Flavivirus protein homologies. This study focused on the identification of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted West Nile virus (WNV) T-cell ligands and characterization of their distribution in reported sequence data of WNV and other flaviviruses. H-2-deficient mice transgenic for either A2, A24, B7, DR2, DR3, or DR4 HLA alleles were immunized with overlapping peptides of the WNV proteome, and peptide-specific T-cell activation was measured by gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assays. Approximately 30% (137) of the WNV proteome peptides were identified as HLA-restricted T-cell ligands. The majority of these ligands were conserved in ∼≥88% of analyzed WNV sequences. Notably, only 51 were WNV specific, and the remaining 86, chiefly of E, NS3, and NS5, shared an identity of nine or more consecutive amino acids with sequences of 64 other flaviviruses, including several major human pathogens. Many of the shared ligands had an incidence of >50% in the analyzed sequences of one or more of six major flaviviruses. The multitude of WNV sequences shared with other flaviviruses as interspecies variants highlights the possible hazard of defective T-cell activation by altered peptide ligands in the event of dual exposure to WNV and other flaviviruses, by either infection or immunization. The data suggest the possible preferred use of sequences that are pathogen specific with minimum interspecies sequence homology for the design of Flavivirus vaccines.
Collapse
|
14
|
Sakaguchi S, Benham H, Cope AP, Thomas R. T‐cell receptor signaling and the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis: insights from mouse and man. Immunol Cell Biol 2012; 90:277-87. [DOI: 10.1038/icb.2012.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shimon Sakaguchi
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University Suita Japan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University Kyoto Japan
| | - Helen Benham
- The University of Queensland, Diamantina Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Andrew P Cope
- Academic Department of Rheumatology, Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology of Inflammation, Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, King's College London London UK
| | - Ranjeny Thomas
- The University of Queensland, Diamantina Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Cancer has become the leading cause of death in the developed world and has remained one of the most difficult diseases to treat. One of the difficulties in treating cancer is that conventional chemotherapies often have unacceptable toxicities toward normal cells at the doses required to kill tumor cells. Thus, the demand for new and improved tumor specific therapeutics for the treatment of cancer remains high. Alterations to cellular metabolism constitute a nearly universal feature of many types of cancer cells. In particular, many tumors exhibit deficiencies in one or more amino acid synthesis or salvage pathways forcing a reliance on the extracellular pool of these amino acids to satisfy protein biosynthesis demands. Therefore, one treatment modality that satisfies the objective of developing cancer cell-selective therapeutics is the systemic depletion of that tumor-essential amino acid, which can result in tumor apoptosis with minimal side effects to normal cells. While this strategy was initially suggested over 50 years ago, it has been recently experiencing a renaissance owing to advances in protein engineering technology, and more sophisticated approaches to studying the metabolic differences between tumorigenic and normal cells. Dietary restriction is typically not sufficient to achieve a therapeutically relevant level of amino acid depletion for cancer treatment. Therefore, intravenous administration of enzymes is used to mediate the degradation of such amino acids for therapeutic purposes. Unfortunately, the human genome does not encode enzymes with the requisite catalytic or pharmacological properties necessary for therapeutic purposes. The use of heterologous enzymes has been explored extensively both in animal studies and in clinical trials. However, heterologous enzymes are immunogenic and elicit adverse responses ranging from anaphylactic shock to antibody-mediated enzyme inactivation, and therefore have had limited utility. The one notable exception is Escherichia colil-asparaginase II (EcAII), which has been FDA-approved for the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The use of engineered human enzymes, to which natural tolerance is likely to prevent recognition by the adaptive immune system, offers a novel approach for capitalizing on the promising strategy of systemic depletion of tumor-essential amino acids. In this work, we review several strategies that we have developed to: (i) reduce the immunogenicity of a nonhuman enzyme, (ii) engineer human enzymes for novel catalytic specificities, and (iii) improve the pharmacological characteristics of a human enzyme that exhibits the requisite substrate specificity for amino acid degradation but exhibits low activity and stability under physiological conditions.
Collapse
|
16
|
Preventing and curing citrulline-induced autoimmune arthritis in a humanized mouse model using a Th2-polarizing iNKT cell agonist. Immunol Cell Biol 2011; 90:630-9. [PMID: 21912419 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2011.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate lymphocytes with unique reactivity to glycolipid antigens bound to non-polymorphic CD1d molecules. They are capable of rapidly releasing pro- and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines and constitute attractive targets for immunotherapy of a wide range of diseases including autoimmune disorders. In this study, we have explored the beneficial effects of OCH, a Th2-polarizing glycolipid agonist of iNKT cells, in a humanized mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in which citrullinated human proteins are targeted by autoaggressive immune responses in mice expressing an RA susceptibility human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR4 molecule. We found for the first time that treatment with OCH both prevents and cures citrulline-induced autoimmune arthritis as evidenced by resolved ankle swelling and reversed histopathological changes associated with arthritis. Also importantly, OCH treatment blocked the arthritogenic capacity of citrullinated antigen-experienced splenocytes without compromising their global responsiveness or altering the proportion of splenic naturally occurring CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells. Interestingly, administering the Th1-promoting iNKT cell glycolipid ligand α-C-galactosylceramide into HLA-DR4 transgenic mice increased the incidence of arthritis in these animals and exacerbated their clinical symptoms, strongly suggesting a role for Th1 responses in the pathogenesis of citrulline-induced arthritis. Therefore, our findings indicate a role for Th1-mediated immunopathology in citrulline-induced arthritis and provide the first evidence that iNKT cell manipulation by Th2-skewing glycolipids may be of therapeutic value in this clinically relevant model, a finding that is potentially translatable to human RA.
Collapse
|
17
|
Inhibitor of kappa B epsilon (IκBε) is a non-redundant regulator of c-Rel-dependent gene expression in murine T and B cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24504. [PMID: 21915344 PMCID: PMC3167847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of kappa B (IκBs) -α, -β and -ε effect selective regulation of specific nuclear factor of kappa B (NF-κB) dimers according to cell lineage, differentiation state or stimulus, in a manner that is not yet precisely defined. Lymphocyte antigen receptor ligation leads to degradation of all three IκBs but activation only of subsets of NF-κB-dependent genes, including those regulated by c-Rel, such as anti-apoptotic CD40 and BAFF-R on B cells, and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in T cells. We report that pre-culture of a mouse T cell line with tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF) inhibits IL-2 gene expression at the level of transcription through suppressive effects on NF-κB, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor expression and function. Selective upregulation of IκBε and suppressed nuclear translocation of c-Rel were very marked in TNF-treated, compared to control cells, whether activated via T cell receptor (TCR) pathway or TNF receptor. IκBε associated with newly synthesised c-Rel in activated cells and, in contrast to IκBα and -β, showed enhanced association with p65/c-Rel in TNF-treated cells relative to controls. Studies in IκBε-deficient mice revealed that basal nuclear expression and nuclear translocation of c-Rel at early time-points of receptor ligation were higher in IκBε-/- T and B cells, compared to wild-type. IκBε-/- mice exhibited increased lymph node cellularity and enhanced basal thymidine incorporation by lymphoid cells ex vivo. IκBε-/- T cell blasts were primed for IL-2 expression, relative to wild-type. IκBε-/- splenic B cells showed enhanced survival ex vivo, compared to wild-type, and survival correlated with basal expression of CD40 and induced expression of CD40 and BAFF-R. Enhanced basal nuclear translocation of c-Rel, and upregulation of BAFF-R and CD40 occurred despite increased IκBα expression in IκBε-/- B cells. The data imply that regulation of these c-Rel-dependent lymphoid responses is a non-redundant function of IκBε.
Collapse
|
18
|
Nielsen KR, Steffensen R, Boegsted M, Baech J, Lundbye-Christensen S, Hetland ML, Krintel SB, Johnsen HE, Nyegaard M, Johansen JS. Promoter polymorphisms in the chitinase 3-like 1 gene influence the serum concentration of YKL-40 in Danish patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in healthy subjects. Arthritis Res Ther 2011; 13:R109. [PMID: 21714862 PMCID: PMC3218924 DOI: 10.1186/ar3391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2011] [Revised: 05/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present study investigates the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) gene and serum concentrations of YKL-40 in Danish patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls as well as the association with RA in the Danish population. The CHI3L1 gene is located on chromosome 1q32.1 and encodes the YKL-40 glycoprotein. YKL-40 concentrations are elevated in the serum of patients with RA compared to healthy subjects, and YKL-40 has been suggested to be an auto-antigen and may play a role in development of RA and in inflammation. Methods Eight SNPs in the CHI3L1 gene and promotor were genotyped in 308 patients with RA and 605 controls (healthy blood donors) using TaqMan allele discrimination assays. Serum concentrations of YKL-40 were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results We found significant association between the serum concentrations of YKL-40 and polymorphism in the CHI3L1 gene among both patients with RA and controls. The g.-131(C > G) polymorphism (rs4950928) was most strongly associated with age adjusted serum concentrations of YKL-40 in patients with RA (P < 2.4e-8) and controls (P < 2.2e-16). No significant allelic- or genotypic association with RA was found in this Danish cohort. Conclusions We suggest that the g.-131(C > G) promoter polymorphism has a substantial impact on serum concentrations of YKL-40 in patients with RA and healthy subjects. However, the polymorphism does not seem to confer risk to RA itself. The effect of CHI3L1 polymorphism on clinical outcome or the response to treatment in patients with RA remains to be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaspar R Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Reberbansgade, Pobox 561, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
|
20
|
|
21
|
YKL-40-A Protein in the Field of Translational Medicine: A Role as a Biomarker in Cancer Patients? Cancers (Basel) 2010; 2:1453-91. [PMID: 24281168 PMCID: PMC3837317 DOI: 10.3390/cancers2031453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2010] [Revised: 07/01/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
YKL-40 is a 40 kDa glycoprotein produced by cancer cells, inflammatory cells and stem cells. It probably has a role in cell proliferation and differentiation, inflammation, protection against apoptosis, stimulation of angiogenesis, and regulation of extracellular tissue remodelling. Plasma levels of YKL-40 are often elevated in patients with localized or advanced cancer compared to age-matched healthy subjects. Several studies have demonstrated that high plasma YKL-40 is an independent prognostic biomarker of short survival in patients with different types of cancer. However, there is not yet sufficient data to support determination of plasma YKL-40 outside research projects as a biomarker for screening of gastrointestinal cancer and determination of treatment response and poor prognosis before or during treatment and follow-up. Plasma YKL-40 is also elevated in patients with other diseases than cancer, e.g., severe infections, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive lung disease, asthma, liver fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Co-morbidity should therefore always be considered in patients with cancer, since other sources than cancer cells can increase plasma YKL-40 levels. Future focused translational research projects combining basic and clinical research are needed in a joint effort to answer questions of the complex function and regulation of YKL-40 and the question if plasma YKL-40 is a clinical useful biomarker in patients with cancer.
Collapse
|
22
|
Simon GG, Hu Y, Khan AM, Zhou J, Salmon J, Chikhlikar PR, Jung KO, Marques ETA, August JT. Dendritic cell mediated delivery of plasmid DNA encoding LAMP/HIV-1 Gag fusion immunogen enhances T cell epitope responses in HLA DR4 transgenic mice. PLoS One 2010; 5:e8574. [PMID: 20052293 PMCID: PMC2797323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2009] [Accepted: 12/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes the identification and bioinformatics analysis of HLA-DR4-restricted HIV-1 Gag epitope peptides, and the application of dendritic cell mediated immunization of DNA plasmid constructs. BALB/c (H-2d) and HLA-DR4 (DRA1*0101, DRB1*0401) transgenic mice were immunized with immature dendritic cells transfected by a recombinant DNA plasmid encoding the lysosome-associated membrane protein-1/HIV-1 Gag (pLAMP/gag) chimera antigen. Three immunization protocols were compared: 1) primary subcutaneous immunization with 1×105 immature dendritic cells transfected by electroporation with the pLAMP/gag DNA plasmid, and a second subcutaneous immunization with the naked pLAMP/gag DNA plasmid; 2) primary immunization as above, and a second subcutaneous immunization with a pool of overlapping peptides spanning the HIV-1 Gag sequence; and 3) immunization twice by subcutaneous injection of the pLAMP/gag DNA plasmid. Primary immunization with pLAMP/gag-transfected dendritic cells elicited the greatest number of peptide specific T-cell responses, as measured by ex vivo IFN-γ ELISpot assay, both in BALB/c and HLA-DR4 transgenic mice. The pLAMP/gag-transfected dendritic cells prime and naked DNA boost immunization protocol also resulted in an increased apparent avidity of peptide in the ELISpot assay. Strikingly, 20 of 25 peptide-specific T-cell responses in the HLA-DR4 transgenic mice contained sequences that corresponded, entirely or partially to 18 of the 19 human HLA-DR4 epitopes listed in the HIV molecular immunology database. Selection of the most conserved epitope peptides as vaccine targets was facilitated by analysis of their representation and variability in all reported sequences. These data provide a model system that demonstrates a) the superiority of immunization with dendritic cells transfected with LAMP/gag plasmid DNA, as compared to naked DNA, b) the value of HLA transgenic mice as a model system for the identification and evaluation of epitope-based vaccine strategies, and c) the application of variability analysis across reported sequences in public databases for selection of historically conserved HIV epitopes as vaccine targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory G Simon
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Johansen JS, Schultz NA, Jensen BV. Plasma YKL-40: a potential new cancer biomarker? Future Oncol 2009; 5:1065-82. [PMID: 19792974 DOI: 10.2217/fon.09.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
YKL-40, a 40-kDa secreted glycoprotein, with its gene located on chromosome 1q32.1, is produced by cancer cells and inflammatory cells and has a role in inflammation, cell proliferation, differentiation, protection against apoptosis, stimulation of angiogenesis and regulation of extracellular tissue remodeling. Plasma levels of YKL-40 are elevated in a subgroup of patients with primary or advanced cancer compared with age-matched healthy subjects, but also in patients with many different diseases characterized by inflammation. Elevated plasma YKL-40 levels are an independent prognostic biomarker of short survival. There is still insufficient evidence to support its value outside of clinical trials as a screening tool, prognosticator of survival, predictor of treatment response and as a monitoring tool in the routine management of individual patients with cancer or diseases characterized by inflammation. Large prospective, longitudinal clinical cancer studies are needed to determine if plasma YKL-40 is a new cancer biomarker, or is mainly a biomarker of inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia S Johansen
- Department of Medicine O, Herlev Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730, Herlev, Denmark.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pratt AG, Isaacs JD, Mattey DL. Current concepts in the pathogenesis of early rheumatoid arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2009; 23:37-48. [PMID: 19233044 PMCID: PMC2652659 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2008.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease with a predilection for symmetrically distributed diarthroidal joints. It is clinically heterogeneous, with particular disease phenotypes defined according to a complex interplay of genes and the environment. In this chapter we first summarize current knowledge of RA genetic susceptibility, a field which has been transformed in recent years by powerful modern genotyping technologies. The importance of a recently described subclassification for the disease based upon the presence or absence of circulating autoantibodies to citrullinated peptides has further informed genetic studies, and we consider the implications for our understanding of RA pathogenesis. We then review the cellular and molecular processes that initiate and perpetuate joint destruction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur G Pratt
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Institute for Cellular Medicine, School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Coffman FD. Chitinase 3-Like-1 (CHI3L1): a putative disease marker at the interface of proteomics and glycomics. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2009; 45:531-62. [PMID: 19003601 DOI: 10.1080/10408360802334743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chitinase 3-Like-1 (CHI3L1) is a secreted 40 kDa glycoprotein that is upregulated in a number of human cancers and in non-neoplastic disease states characterized by chronic inflammation and tissue remodeling. Increased serum levels of CHI3L1 parallel disease severity, poorer prognosis, and shorter survival in many human neoplasias, including cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, ovaries, brain, thyroid, lung, and liver. Increased serum CHI3L1 also correlates with disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, liver fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and bacterial septicemia. CHI3L1 is a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) autoantigen, and MHC complexes containing specific CHI3L1 peptides have been found in RA patients; however, intranasal introduction of these same CHI3L1 peptides can induce tolerance towards them. CHI3L1 is a nonhydrolytic member of the human chitinase family that binds chitin tightly and heparin at lower affinity. Interactions with type I collagen, CHI3L1's only known protein-binding partner, helps regulate collagen fibril formation. The principal sources of CHI3L1 are activated macrophages and chondrocytes, neutrophils, and some tissue and tumor cells. CHI3L1 can act as a fibroblast mitogen and can activate several signaling pathways, however, no cell surface-binding partner for CHI3L1 has been identified. The ability of CHI3L1 to bind both proteins and carbohydrates allows potential interactions with a variety of cell-surface and extracellular-matrix proteins, proteoglycans, and polysaccharides, and thus CHI3L1 can interface between proteomics and glycomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick D Coffman
- Department of Pathology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Park JH, Lee JM, Kim SN, Lee SH, Jun SH, You JH, Ahn KS, Kang H. Treatment with SI000413, a new herbal formula, ameliorates murine collagen-induced arthritis. Biol Pharm Bull 2008; 31:1337-42. [PMID: 18591771 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.31.1337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We tested the effects of SI000413, a new formula, consisting of Pyrolae herba and Trachelospermi caulis, on type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). CIA was induced in DBA/1J mice by immunization with bovine type II collagen (CII) on days 1 and 21. SI000413 was orally administered 3 times per week throughout the experiment and indomethacin was served as a positive control. Clinical scores, the count of arthritic legs, levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and anti-CII antibody, and lymphocyte subsets in blood were examined. SI000413 suppressed CIA development in a dose dependent manner and reduced the incidence of arthritic legs in mice. Histological analysis showed administration of SI000413 reduced inflammatory signs and cartilage destruction. Serum levels of IL-6 and anti-CII antibody were significantly decreased in SI000413-treated mice and the percentages of CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell and B cell in blood were restored to normal levels. In conclusion, we demonstrate that SI000413 ameliorates CIA both clinically and histologically and inhibits the production of anti-CII antibody and pro-inflammatory cytokine in the CIA mouse. These findings suggest that SI000413 is a potential new therapeutic herbal formula for the treatment of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Hun Park
- Life Science RD Center, Sinil Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Chungju, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Khan AM, Miotto O, Nascimento EJM, Srinivasan KN, Heiny AT, Zhang GL, Marques ET, Tan TW, Brusic V, Salmon J, August JT. Conservation and variability of dengue virus proteins: implications for vaccine design. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e272. [PMID: 18698358 PMCID: PMC2491585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2008] [Accepted: 07/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic variation and rapid evolution are hallmarks of RNA viruses, the result of high mutation rates in RNA replication and selection of mutants that enhance viral adaptation, including the escape from host immune responses. Variability is uneven across the genome because mutations resulting in a deleterious effect on viral fitness are restricted. RNA viruses are thus marked by protein sites permissive to multiple mutations and sites critical to viral structure-function that are evolutionarily robust and highly conserved. Identification and characterization of the historical dynamics of the conserved sites have relevance to multiple applications, including potential targets for diagnosis, and prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. Methodology/Principal Findings We describe a large-scale identification and analysis of evolutionarily highly conserved amino acid sequences of the entire dengue virus (DENV) proteome, with a focus on sequences of 9 amino acids or more, and thus immune-relevant as potential T-cell determinants. DENV protein sequence data were collected from the NCBI Entrez protein database in 2005 (9,512 sequences) and again in 2007 (12,404 sequences). Forty-four (44) sequences (pan-DENV sequences), mainly those of nonstructural proteins and representing ∼15% of the DENV polyprotein length, were identical in 80% or more of all recorded DENV sequences. Of these 44 sequences, 34 (∼77%) were present in ≥95% of sequences of each DENV type, and 27 (∼61%) were conserved in other Flaviviruses. The frequencies of variants of the pan-DENV sequences were low (0 to ∼5%), as compared to variant frequencies of ∼60 to ∼85% in the non pan-DENV sequence regions. We further showed that the majority of the conserved sequences were immunologically relevant: 34 contained numerous predicted human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertype-restricted peptide sequences, and 26 contained T-cell determinants identified by studies with HLA-transgenic mice and/or reported to be immunogenic in humans. Conclusions/Significance Forty-four (44) pan-DENV sequences of at least 9 amino acids were highly conserved and identical in 80% or more of all recorded DENV sequences, and the majority were found to be immune-relevant by their correspondence to known or putative HLA-restricted T-cell determinants. The conservation of these sequences through the entire recorded DENV genetic history supports their possible value for diagnosis, prophylactic and/or therapeutic applications. The combination of bioinformatics and experimental approaches applied herein provides a framework for large-scale and systematic analysis of conserved and variable sequences of other pathogens, in particular, for rapidly mutating viruses, such as influenza A virus and HIV. Dengue viruses (DENVs) circulate in nature as a population of 4 distinct types, each with multiple genotypes and variants, and represent an increasing global public health issue with no prophylactic and therapeutic formulations currently available. Viral genomes contain sites that are evolutionarily stable and therefore highly conserved, presumably because changes in these sites have deleterious effects on viral fitness and survival. The identification and characterization of the historical dynamics of these sites in DENV have relevance to several applications such as diagnosis and drug and vaccine development. In this study, we have identified sequence fragments that were conserved across the majority of available DENV sequences, analyzed their historical dynamics, and evaluated their relevance as candidate vaccine targets, using various bioinformatics-based methods and immune assay in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) transgenic mice. This approach provides a framework for large-scale and systematic analysis of other human pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asif M. Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Olivo Miotto
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Systems Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eduardo J. M. Nascimento
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - K. N. Srinivasan
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Product Evaluation and Registration Division, Centre for Drug Administration, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - A. T. Heiny
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Guang Lan Zhang
- Cancer Vaccine Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - E. T. Marques
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tin Wee Tan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vladimir Brusic
- Cancer Vaccine Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jerome Salmon
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - J. Thomas August
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Boots AMH, Hubers H, Kouwijzer M, den Hoed-van Zandbrink L, Westrek-Esselink BM, van Doorn C, Stenger R, Bos ES, van Lierop MJC, Verheijden GF, Timmers CM, van Staveren CJ. Identification of an altered peptide ligand based on the endogenously presented, rheumatoid arthritis-associated, human cartilage glycoprotein-39(263-275) epitope: an MHC anchor variant peptide for immune modulation. Arthritis Res Ther 2008; 9:R71. [PMID: 17645792 PMCID: PMC2206373 DOI: 10.1186/ar2269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2007] [Revised: 06/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought to identify an altered peptide ligand (APL) based on the endogenously expressed synovial auto-epitope of human cartilage glycoprotein-39 (HC gp-39) for modulation of cognate, HLA-DR4-restricted T cells. For this purpose we employed a panel of well-characterized T cell hybridomas generated from HC gp-39-immunized HLA-DR4 transgenic mice. The hybridomas all respond to the HC gp-39(263–275) epitope when bound to HLA-DR4(B1*0401) but differ in their fine specificities. First, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and T-cell receptor (TCR) contact residues were identified by analysis of single site substituted analogue peptides for HLA-DR4 binding and cognate T cell recognition using both T hybridomas and polyclonal T cells from peptide-immunized HLA-DR4 transgenic mice. Analysis of single site substituted APL by cognate T cells led to identification of Phe265 as the dominant MHC anchor. The amino acids Ala268, Ser269, Glu271 and Thr272 constituted the major TCR contact residues, as substitution at these positions did not affect HLA-DR4(B1*0401) binding but abrogated T cell responses. A structural model for visualisation of TCR recognition was derived. Second, a set of non-classical APLs, modified at the MHC key anchor position but with unaltered TCR contacts, was developed. When these APLs were analysed, a partial TCR agonist was identified and found to modulate the HC gp-39(263–275)-specific, pro-inflammatory response in HLA-DR4 transgenic mice. We identified a non-classical APL by modification of the p1 MHC anchor in a synovial auto-epitope. This APL may qualify for rheumatoid arthritis immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Henk Hubers
- NV Organon, Research Laboratories, Oss, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ebo S Bos
- NV Organon, Research Laboratories, Oss, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
van Lierop MJC, den Hoed L, Houbiers J, Vencovsky J, Ruzickova S, Krystufkova O, van Schaardenburg M, van den Hoogen F, Vandooren B, Baeten D, De Keyser F, Sønderstrup G, Bos E, Boots AM. Endogenous HLA-DR-restricted presentation of the cartilage antigens human cartilage gp-39 and melanoma inhibitory activity in the inflamed rheumatoid joint. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 56:2150-9. [PMID: 17599744 DOI: 10.1002/art.22651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The cartilage proteins melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) and human cartilage gp-39 (HC gp-39) are candidate autoantigens in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study was undertaken to investigate the endogenous HLA-DR4-restricted presentation of these self proteins, in order to seek in vivo evidence in support of their potential immunologic role. METHODS MIA and HC gp-39 were assessed in synovial fluid (SF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in synovial tissue (ST) by immunohistochemistry. Presentation by SF cells was investigated using specific, HLA-DR-restricted T cell hybridomas. RESULTS MIA and HC gp-39 were detected in RA SF and ST, as well as in specimens from patients with other forms of arthritis. When HC gp-39-specific and MIA-specific HLA-DR4-restricted T cell hybridomas raised in HLA-DR4-transgenic mice were incubated with RA SF cells as antigen-presenting cells in the presence of HC gp-39 or MIA peptides, the corresponding T cell hybridomas showed strong responses, which were blocked by anti-HLA-DR antibodies. Weaker but qualitatively similar responses were observed with exogenous protein, indicating uptake and processing of these antigens by SF cells. More importantly, without addition of peptide or protein, endogenous presentation of MIA and HC gp-39 was detected in SF cells from 53% and 80% of HLA-DRB1*0401-positive RA patients, respectively. In addition, SF cells from 3 of 10 patients with spondylarthritis exhibited endogenous HC gp-39 presentation. CONCLUSION These data indicate that immunodominant epitopes of MIA and HC gp-39 are actively presented in an HLA-DR-restricted manner in the inflamed RA joint. The question remains as to whether this leads to activation of autoreactive T cells, which could play a role in either the immunopathology or the immunomodulation of arthritis.
Collapse
|
30
|
Tran CN, Davis MJ, Tesmer LA, Endres JL, Motyl CD, Smuda C, Somers EC, Chung KC, Urquhart AG, Lundy SK, Kovats S, Fox DA. Presentation of arthritogenic peptide to antigen-specific T cells by fibroblast-like synoviocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 56:1497-506. [PMID: 17469112 DOI: 10.1002/art.22573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the ability of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) to function as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for arthritogenic autoantigens found within inflamed joint tissues. METHODS Human class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-typed FLS were used as APCs for murine class II MHC-restricted CD4 T cell hybridomas. Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma)-treated, antigen-loaded FLS were cocultured with T cell hybridomas specific for immunodominant portions of human cartilage gp-39 (HC gp-39) or human type II collagen (CII). T cell hybridoma activation was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of culture supernatants for interleukin-2. Both synthetic peptide and synovial fluid (SF) were used as sources of antigen. APC function in cocultures was inhibited by using blocking antibodies to human class II MHC, CD54, or CD58, or to murine CD4, CD11a, or CD2. RESULTS Human FLS could present peptides from the autoantigens HC gp-39 and human CII to antigen-specific MHC-restricted T cell hybridomas. This response required pretreatment of FLS with IFNgamma, showed MHC restriction, and was dependent on human class II MHC and murine CD4 for effective antigen presentation. Furthermore, FLS were able to extract and present antigens found within human SF to both the HC gp-39 and human CII T cell hybridomas in an IFNgamma-dependent and MHC-restricted manner. CONCLUSION RA FLS can function as APCs and are able to present peptides derived from autoantigens found within joint tissues to activated T cells in vitro. In the context of inflamed synovial tissues, FLS may be an important and hitherto overlooked subset of APCs that could contribute to autoreactive immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinh N Tran
- University of Michigan Rheumatic Disease Core Center, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yao ZQ, Li R, Li ZG. A triple altered collagen II peptide with consecutive substitutions of TCR contacting residues inhibits collagen-induced arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2007; 66:423-4. [PMID: 17311900 PMCID: PMC1856015 DOI: 10.1136/ard.2006.057927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
32
|
Gorman C, Vyse T, Cope A. What does the immunogenetic basis of rheumatoid arthritis teach us about the immunobiology of the disease? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2006; 2:717-25. [PMID: 20477627 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2.5.717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in which, although the exact etiology is unknown, the contribution from genetic factors is approximately 60%. major histocompatibility complex alleles make the largest contribution to this genetic effect. The remainder is probably made up of an, as yet undefined, number of genes ( approximately 50-200) with low disease penetrance. Recent advances in genetic technology are now enabling us to start to identify some of these more moderate risk-conferring candidate genes. Evidence from functional studies of such genes is beginning to provide insight into the exact nature of the pathways and processes involved in disease susceptibility and expression. In this review, we will discuss how a growing number of genetic polymorphisms might underpin the immunological and molecular anomalies characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. Specifically, we will focus on one particular pathway, T-cell activation, with an emphasis on the genetic polymorphism that influences antigen presentation and recognition in antigen-presenting cells, as well as those genes that influence the thresholds of antigen-receptor signaling in T lymphocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Gorman
- Imperial College London, The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, 1 Aspenlea Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8LH, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Franco A, Albani S. Translating the concept of suppressor/regulatory T cells to clinical applications. Int Rev Immunol 2006; 25:27-47. [PMID: 16669133 DOI: 10.1080/08830180500544506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The in vivo expansion of suppressor/regulatory T cells (Tregs) is a desirable event in autoimmunity and transplantation. Here we summarize the general rules involved in antigen recognition by T cells and describe Tregs and their requirements, discussing different levels of immune intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Franco
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0731, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Möller B, Villiger PM. Inhibition of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 27:391-408. [PMID: 16738952 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-006-0012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2006] [Accepted: 03/21/2006] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of cytokines, particularly of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), in immuno-inflammatory diseases, has led to the greatest advances in medicine of recent years. We did a thorough review of the literature with a focus on inflammation models in rodents on modified gene expression or bioactivity for IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, and we summarized the results of randomized controlled clinical trials in human disease. What we have learned herewith is that important information can be achieved by the use of animal models in complex, immune-mediated diseases. However, a clear ranking for putative therapeutic targets appears difficult to obtain from an experimental approach alone. This is primarily due to the fact that none of the disease models has proven to cover more than one crucial pathogenetic aspect of the complex cascade of events leading to characteristic clinical disease signs and symptoms. This supports the notion that the addressed human immune-mediated diseases are polygenic and the summation of genetic, perhaps epigenetic, and environmental factors. Nevertheless, it has become apparent, so far, that TNF-alpha is of crucial importance in the development of antigen-dependent and antigen-independent models of inflammation, and that these results correlate well with clinical success. With some delay, clinical trials in conditions having some relationship with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) indicate new opportunities for blocking IL-1 or IL-6 therapeutically. It appears, therefore, that a translational approach with critical, mutual reflection of simultaneously performed experiments and clinical trials is important for rapid identification of new targets and development of novel treatment options in complex, immune-mediated, inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Möller
- Inselspital Bern, Klinik für Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie/Allergologie, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Feldmann M, Pusey CD. Is there a role for TNF-alpha in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis? Lessons from other chronic inflammatory diseases. J Am Soc Nephrol 2006; 17:1243-52. [PMID: 16624928 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2005121359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is the most common cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and immune-mediated pulmonary renal syndrome. Now that the acute manifestations of the disease generally can be controlled with immunosuppressive drugs, ANCA-associated vasculitis has become a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disorder. The need to develop safer and more effective treatment has led to great interest in the mediators of chronic inflammation. There are many lessons to be learned from studies of other chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The identification of a TNF-alpha-dependent cytokine cascade in the in vitro cultures of synovium in joints of patients with RA led to studies of TNF blockade in experimental models of arthritis and subsequently to clinical trials. These have culminated in the widespread introduction of anti-TNF therapy not only in RA but also in Crohn disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and several other chronic inflammatory disorders. Following a similar investigative pathway, studies that show the importance of TNF production by leukocytes and intrinsic renal cells in glomerulonephritis have been followed by the demonstration of the effectiveness of TNF blockade in several experimental models of glomerulonephritis and vasculitis. In experimental autoimmune vasculitis, improvement in disease was paralleled by a reduction in leukocyte transmigration, as demonstrated by intravital microscopy. The benefit of infliximab (a mAb to TNF) in ANCA-associated vasculitis was recently reported in a prospective open-label study. However, the use of etanercept (a soluble TNF receptor fusion protein) was not found to be of significant benefit in a randomized, controlled trial in patients with Wegener granulomatosis. Therefore, there is a need for further evaluation of the use of anti-TNF antibodies in patients with ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Feldmann
- Renal Section, Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Li R, Li X, Li Z. Altered collagen II peptides inhibited T-cell activation in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Immunol 2006; 118:317-23. [PMID: 16343992 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2005.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2005] [Revised: 09/15/2005] [Accepted: 09/21/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It has been reported that collagen II (CII)-derived peptide induced T-cell activation via its amino acids responsible for T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition. In this study, three altered CII263-272 peptide ligands (APL) containing multiple substitutions of TCR contact residues were synthesized. Their roles in inhibition of T-cell activation were evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in vitro. It was shown that 41% (25/61) of RA patients were responsive to the wild-type antigenic CII263-272. In contrast, marginal or silent T-cell responses to the three APLs were found, accompanied by inhibitory effects on secretion of Th1 type cytokines and expression of cell surface markers, CD69 and CD25. In addition, T-cell activation induced by the wild-type antigenic CII263-272 was inhibited by all the three APLs in a dose-dependent manner. It is demonstrated that APLs with substitutions of TCR contact residues are capable of down-regulating T-cell responses in PBLs of RA, suggesting that the CII-derived APLs are potentially therapeutic in RA.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Antigens, CD/biosynthesis
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Collagen Type II/immunology
- Collagen Type II/metabolism
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Female
- HLA-DR4 Antigen/immunology
- HLA-DR4 Antigen/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents/pharmacology
- Lectins, C-Type
- Ligands
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Peptide Fragments/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Interleukin-2/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Interleukin-2/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ru Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, People's Hospital, Beijing University Medical School, 11 Xizhimen South St., Beijing 100044, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hueber W, Kidd BA, Tomooka BH, Lee BJ, Bruce B, Fries JF, Sønderstrup G, Monach P, Drijfhout JW, van Venrooij WJ, Utz PJ, Genovese MC, Robinson WH. Antigen microarray profiling of autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 52:2645-55. [PMID: 16142722 DOI: 10.1002/art.21269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease in terms of disease manifestations, clinical outcomes, and therapeutic responses, we developed and applied a novel antigen microarray technology to identify distinct serum antibody profiles in patients with RA. METHODS Synovial proteome microarrays, containing 225 peptides and proteins that represent candidate and control antigens, were developed. These arrays were used to profile autoantibodies in randomly selected sera from 2 different cohorts of patients: the Stanford Arthritis Center inception cohort, comprising 18 patients with established RA and 38 controls, and the Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Aging Medical Information System cohort, comprising 58 patients with a clinical diagnosis of RA of <6 months duration. Data were analyzed using the significance analysis of microarrays algorithm, the prediction analysis of microarrays algorithm, and Cluster software. RESULTS Antigen microarrays demonstrated that autoreactive B cell responses targeting citrullinated epitopes were present in a subset of patients with early RA with features predictive of the development of severe RA. In contrast, autoimmune targeting of the native epitopes contained on synovial arrays, including several human cartilage gp39 peptides and type II collagen, were associated with features predictive of less severe RA. CONCLUSION Proteomic analysis of autoantibody reactivities provides diagnostic information and allows stratification of patients with early RA into clinically relevant disease subsets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Hueber
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Falta MT, Fontenot AP, Rosloniec EF, Crawford F, Roark CL, Bill J, Marrack P, Kappler J, Kotzin BL. Class II major histocompatibility complex-peptide tetramer staining in relation to functional avidity and T cell receptor diversity in the mouse CD4(+) T cell response to a rheumatoid arthritis-associated antigen. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 52:1885-96. [PMID: 15934080 DOI: 10.1002/art.21098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although studies have suggested that human cartilage (HC) gp-39 may be an antigen recognized by autoreactive CD4(+) T cells in rheumatoid arthritis, we previously failed to identify specific CD4(+) T cells in patients' synovial fluid or blood using a class II major histocompatibility complex-peptide tetramer composed of the immunodominant HC gp-39(263-275) epitope covalently linked to DR4. We undertook this study to better understand the parameters for specific binding of this tetramer. METHODS DR4-transgenic mice were immunized with the HC gp-39 peptide, and a set of peptide-responsive hybridomas was derived. Hybridomas were stained with the DR4-gp-39 tetramer and cultured with increasing amounts of peptide in the presence of DR4-expressing antigen-presenting cells to determine functional avidity. RESULTS Great variability was apparent in the ability of the tetramer to stain the hybridomas, and there was a strong correlation between the intensity of tetramer staining and functional avidity. Importantly, nearly 30% of the hybridomas did not stain with tetramer, and these cells exhibited relatively low functional avidity. Although the addition of an anti-T cell receptor (anti-TCR) monoclonal antibody during the staining procedure enhanced binding of the tetramer to a number of the hybridomas, a significant percentage remained unstainable. Analysis of TCR expression showed that >90% of the hybridomas expressed the same TCR beta-chain variable region (V(beta)10), and sequencing of the TCR junctional regions showed diversity in the third complementarity-determining region. CONCLUSION These results suggest that immune responses dominated by relatively low-affinity TCR interactions, such as those that may occur in autoimmune disease, will be difficult to detect using standard tetramer techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Falta
- University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colorado 80262, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Finn TP, Jones RE, Rich C, Dahan R, Link J, David CS, Chou YK, Offner H, Vandenbark AA. HLA-DRB1*1501 risk association in multiple sclerosis may not be related to presentation of myelin epitopes. J Neurosci Res 2005; 78:100-14. [PMID: 15372502 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.20227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated genetically with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles, including DRB1*1501, DRB5*0101, and DQB1*0602, and it is possible that these alleles contribute to MS through an enhanced ability to present encephalitogenic myelin peptides to pathogenic T cells. HLA-DRB1*1502, which contains glycine instead of valine at position 86 of the P1 peptide-binding pocket, is apparently not genetically associated with MS. To identify possible differences between these alleles in their antigen-presenting function, we determined if T-cell responses to known DRB1*1501-restricted myelin peptides might be diminished or absent in transgenic (Tg) DRB1*1502-expressing mice. We found that Tg DRB1*1502 mice had moderate to strong T-cell responses to several myelin peptides with favorable DRB1*1501 binding motifs, notably myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-35-55 (which was also encephalitogenic), proteolipid protein (PLP)-95-116, and MOG-194-208, as well as other PLP and MOG peptides. These peptides, with the exception of MOG-194-208, were also immunogenic in healthy human donors expressing either DRB1*1502 or DRB1*1501. In contrast, the DRB1*1502 mice had weak or absent responses to peptides with unfavorable DRB1*1501 binding motifs. Overall, none of the DRB1*1501-restricted myelin peptides tested selectively lacked immunogenicity in association with DRB1*1502. These results indicate that the difference in risk association with MS of DRB1*1501 versus DRB1*1502 is not due to a lack of antigen presentation by DRB1*1502, at least for this set of myelin peptides, and suggest that other mechanisms involving DRB1*1501 may account for increased susceptibility to MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Finn
- Neuroimmunology Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rubin B, Matron C. The mouse immune response to human fibrinogen reveals an autoimmune component against mouse fibrinogen. Cell Immunol 2005; 233:41-52. [PMID: 15876427 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2005.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2005] [Revised: 03/25/2005] [Accepted: 03/29/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The present experiments were carried out to analyze whether immunization of mice with human fibrinogen would induce autoimmunity like other heterologous proteins such as collagen type II, thyroglobulin or myelin basic protein. Our results demonstrate that human fibrinogen induces very strong immune responses in all mouse strains analyzed. Autoimmune responses with short-term memory to mouse fibrinogen are induced in genetically susceptible mice. These autoimmune Th2-type responses induce splenomegaly, enhanced coagulation times, and production of rheumatoid factors. The short-lived autoimmune memory was not regulated by either suppressor T cells or exhaustion of immune cells; rather this potentially dangerous autoimmune response was regulated by unknown, antigen-specific feedback mechanisms (they do not influence immune responses to proteins like HSA and OA in the same mice). Such feedback mechanisms were not found in the immune responses to other heterologous proteins inducing significant cross-reactive autoimmunity such as collagen type II, thyroglobulin, or myelin basic protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bent Rubin
- CNRS UMR 5165, CHU de Purpan, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 03, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Albani S, Prakken B. T cell epitope–specific immune therapy for rheumatic diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 54:19-25. [PMID: 16385493 DOI: 10.1002/art.21520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Albani
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
van Bilsen JHM, van Dongen H, Lard LR, van der Voort EIH, Elferink DG, Bakker AM, Miltenburg AMM, Huizinga TWJ, de Vries RRP, Toes REM. Functional regulatory immune responses against human cartilage glycoprotein-39 in health vs. proinflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:17180-5. [PMID: 15569925 PMCID: PMC535402 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0407704101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2004] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The class of immune response against autoantigens could profoundly influence the onset and/or outcome of autoimmune diseases. Until now, there is only limited information on the antigen-specific balance between proinflammatory and regulatory responses in humans. Here we analyzed the natural immune response against a candidate autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis, human cartilage glycoprotein-39 (HC gp-39). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals reacted against HC gp-39 with the production of IL-10 but not IFN-gamma. Ex vivo assays indicated that the naturally occurring HC gp-39-specific immune response in bulk is powerful enough to suppress antigen-specific recall responses, demonstrating that rather than being unresponsive, the HC gp-39-directed immune response in healthy individuals shows a strong bias toward a regulatory phenotype. Moreover, CD4(+) T cell lines directed against HC gp-39 expressed CD25, glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor, and Foxp3 molecules and were capable of suppressing antigen-specific T cell responses. Cell-cell contact was required for this suppression. As opposed to healthy individuals, the HC gp-39-directed immune response in 50% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis exhibits polarization toward a proinflammatory T helper 1 phenotype and is significantly less powerful in suppressing antigen-specific recall responses. Together these findings indicate that the presence of HC gp-39-specific immune responses in healthy individuals may have an inhibitory effect on inflammatory responses in areas where HC gp-39 is present. Furthermore, these data indicate that the class of HC gp-39-directed immune response in rheumatoid arthritis patients has shifted from an antiinflammatory toward a proinflammatory phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolanda H M van Bilsen
- Departments of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kamradt T, Schubert D. The role and clinical implications of G6PI in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2004; 7:20-8. [PMID: 15642150 PMCID: PMC1064898 DOI: 10.1186/ar1476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The antigens that trigger the pathogenic immune response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain unknown. Until recently it was assumed that either viral or microbial antigens, or joint-specific antigens were the target of arthritogenic T and B lymphocytes in RA. Consequently, murine models of arthritis are induced by immunization with either joint-specific antigens such as type II collagen or microbial products such as streptococcal cell wall. In the K/B×N T-cell receptor transgenic mouse model arthritis is caused by a systemic autoimmune response to the ubiquitously expressed glycolytic enzyme glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6PI). The autoreactive transgenic T cells recognize G6PI and provide help for the production of arthritogenic IgG antibodies against G6PI. More recently it was shown that G6PI immunization induces severe symmetrical peripheral polyarthritis in genetically unaltered DBA/I mice. In that model CD4+ T cells are necessary not only for the induction but also for the effector phase of arthritis. Here we review the pathomechanisms that lead from systemic autoreactivity to arthritis in these models, consider the relevance of anti-G6PI immune reactivity for RA, and discuss the insights into the pathogenesis of RA and possibly other autoimmune conditions that can be gained from these models.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibody Specificity
- Arthritis, Experimental/enzymology
- Arthritis, Experimental/etiology
- Arthritis, Experimental/immunology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/immunology
- Autoantibodies/immunology
- Autoantigens/immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases/enzymology
- Autoimmune Diseases/etiology
- Autoimmune Diseases/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cell Wall/chemistry
- Cell Wall/immunology
- Collagen Type II/immunology
- Collagen Type II/toxicity
- Complement System Proteins/immunology
- Crosses, Genetic
- Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology
- Humans
- Immunization
- Immunization, Passive
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Interleukin-1/physiology
- Mast Cells/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Transgenic
- Nervous System Autoimmune Disease, Experimental/etiology
- Nervous System Autoimmune Disease, Experimental/immunology
- Neutrophils/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kamradt
- Institut für Immunologie, Klinikum der Friedrich-Schiller Universität Jena, Jena, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Citrullination (deimination is an enzymatic, posttranslational conversion of arginine residues to citrulline residues) of joint-associated self-proteins may be a possible mechanism in the induction of autoimmune CD4 T-cell responses in rheumatoid arthritis. We have studied the immune response to normal or deiminated human fibrinogen (hFBG) in mouse strains expressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens similar to either RA-susceptible or non-susceptible HLA-DR4 alleles. Upon immunization with deiminated hFBG, all mouse strains analysed produced high amounts of anti-FBG antibodies, while relatively low levels of anti-citrulline antibodies and little or no anti-FBG antibodies crossreactive with mouse FBG (mFBG) were obtained. Mice immunized with normal hFBG also produced high amounts of anti-hFBG antibodies. However, whereas mice with MHC class II molecules similar to RA-non-susceptible HLA-DR4 alleles produced low levels of anti-hFBG antibodies with crossreactivity to mFBG, mouse strains with RA-susceptible HLA-DR4-equivalent MHC class II molecules contained high levels of such crossreactive anti-mFBG antibodies. Similar results were obtained with HLA-DR4*0401, human CD4-double-transgenic mice. However, none of the more than 600 mice investigated developed arthritis. These data indicate that the quality and/or quantity of anti-FBG autoantibodies or of anti-citrulline antibodies, produced in the studied mouse strains, are insufficient to induce arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Rubin
- CNRS, UMR 5165, CHU Purpan, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 03, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Baeten D, Steenbakkers PGA, Rijnders AMW, Boots AM, Veys EM, De Keyser F. Detection of major histocompatibility complex/human cartilage gp-39 complexes in rheumatoid arthritis synovitis as a specific and independent histologic marker. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 50:444-51. [PMID: 14872486 DOI: 10.1002/art.20012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Peptide 263-275 is the immunodominant epitope of human cartilage (HC) gp-39, a candidate autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We recently generated and characterized a monoclonal antibody (mAb) called 12A, which is directed against HLA-DR4/HC gp-39(263-275) complexes and inhibits specific T cell responses in vitro. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether presentation of the immunodominant epitope of HC gp-39 by shared epitope-positive synovial dendritic cells is a specific event in the development of chronic synovial inflammation in RA. METHODS Staining with mAb 12A was performed on synovium obtained from clinically swollen joints in 65 patients with RA and 67 non-RA controls and from joints without clinical effusion in 9 additional patients with RA. RESULTS Monoclonal antibody 12A staining was observed in the synovium of 40 of the 65 patients with RA. Histologically, expression of HC gp-39, lymphoid aggregates, CD3, and CD1a as well as the global inflammation score were higher in mAb 12A-positive RA synovium than in mAb 12A-negative synovium, indicating a follicular synovitis in these samples. Accordingly, mAb 12A stained dendritic cells in the close vicinity of lymphoid aggregates. No mAb 12A staining was detected in synovium obtained from RA joints without effusion. Clinically, there were no correlations between mAb 12A staining and clinical or biologic parameters in RA. However, positive staining was observed in 61.5% of the inflamed RA synovial samples compared with only 3.0% of the control samples (P < 0.001). This mAb 12A staining was not related to intracellular citrullinated peptides, which are another specific histologic marker for RA. CONCLUSION Presentation by synovial dendritic cells of the immunodominant epitope of HC gp-39, in the context of the shared epitope, is associated with characteristic histologic features of follicular synovitis and is highly specific for RA. This suggests a contribution to the autoimmune-related tissue inflammation and provides a new and independent tool for the immunopathologic diagnosis of RA.
Collapse
|
46
|
Clark JM, Annenkov AE, Panesar M, Isomäki P, Chernajovsky Y, Cope AP. T cell receptor zeta reconstitution fails to restore responses of T cells rendered hyporesponsive by tumor necrosis factor alpha. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:1696-701. [PMID: 14745016 PMCID: PMC341820 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0308231100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2003] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression and function of the antigen T cell receptor (TCR) play a central role in regulating immune responsiveness. Accordingly, targeting the expression of TCRalphabeta or its associated CD3 subunits profoundly influences T cell development and adaptive immunity. Down-regulation of the invariant TCRzeta chain has been documented in a wide variety of chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, and is thought to contribute to the paradoxical immune suppression observed in these diseases. Previously, we reported that prolonged exposure of T cell hybridoma clones to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) induces nondeletional and reversible hyporesponsiveness to TCR engagement, associated with down-regulation of TCRzeta chain expression, impaired TCR/CD3 complex assembly, and attenuation of TCR-induced membrane proximal tyrosine phosphorylation. Here, we have tested whether receptor specific T cell responses are rescued in TNF-treated T cell hybridomas by retroviral-mediated expression of zeta-chimeric (C2zeta) receptors or wild-type TCRzeta. Expression of C2zeta receptors at the cell surface is relatively refractory to chronic TNF stimulation. However, C2zeta receptor function depends on association with endogenous TCRzeta chains, whose expression is down-regulated by TNF, and so C2 receptor specific responses are attenuated in TNF-treated T cells. Unexpectedly, overexpression of wild-type TCRzeta maintains cell surface TCR/CD3 complex expression but fails to rescue receptor proximal signaling in TNF-treated T cells, suggesting the existence of hitherto unrecognized mechanisms through which TNF regulates T cell responsiveness. We provide additional evidence that TNF also uncouples distal TCR signaling pathways independently of its effects on TCRzeta expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Clark
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, 1 Aspenlea Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8LH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
There is considerable evidence of a key role for CD4+ T cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Several attractive candidate antigens, mostly joint-specific, have been studied, but information regarding T cell responses to these antigens in patients is limited and occasionally contradictory. Novel reagents (such as major histocompatibility complex and peptide tetramers) and sensitive techniques (such as intracellular cytokine staining) will aid in future studies to identify antigen-specific T cells. In addition, a new animal model of inflammatory arthritis has recently provided new perspective to the study of rheumatoid arthritis by drawing attention to systemic self-antigens as targets of autoimmunity and anti-self antibodies as markers of T cell activity and effectors of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean R Bennett
- Division of Clinical Immunology (B164), SOM #4627, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 East Ninth Avenue, Denver, CO 80262, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Peirce MJ, Wait R, Begum S, Saklatvala J, Cope AP. Expression profiling of lymphocyte plasma membrane proteins. Mol Cell Proteomics 2003; 3:56-65. [PMID: 14573526 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m300064-mcp200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The physicochemical properties of plasma membrane proteins of mammalian cells render them refractory to systematic analysis by two-dimensional electrophoresis. We have therefore used in vivo cell surface labeling with a water-soluble biotinylation reagent, followed by cell lysis and membrane purification, prior to affinity capture of biotinylated proteins. Purified membrane proteins were then separated by solution-phase isoelectric focusing and SDS-PAGE and identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography electrospray/tandem mass spectrometry. Using this approach, we identified 42 plasma membrane proteins from a murine T cell hybridoma and 46 from unfractionated primary murine splenocytes. These included three unexpected proteins; nicastrin, osteoclast inhibitory lectin, and a transmembrane domain-containing hypothetical protein of 11.4 kDa. Following stimulation of murine splenocytes with phorbol ester and calcium ionophore, we observed differences in expression of CD69, major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, the glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor family-related gene product, and surface immunoglobulin M and D that were subsequently confirmed by Western blot or flow cytometric analysis. This approach offers a generic and powerful strategy for investigating differential expression of surface proteins in many cell types under varying environmental and pathophysiological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Peirce
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W6 8LH, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Fusetti F, Pijning T, Kalk KH, Bos E, Dijkstra BW. Crystal structure and carbohydrate-binding properties of the human cartilage glycoprotein-39. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:37753-60. [PMID: 12851408 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m303137200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The human cartilage glycoprotein-39 (HCgp-39 or YKL40) is expressed by synovial cells and macrophages during inflammation. Its precise physiological role is unknown. However, it has been proposed that HCgp-39 acts as an autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis, and high expression levels have been associated with cancer development. HCgp-39 shares high sequence homology with family 18 chitinases, and although it binds to chitin it lacks enzymatic activity. The crystal structure of HCgp-39 shows that the protein displays a (beta/alpha)8-barrel fold with an insertion of an alpha + beta domain. A 43-A long carbohydrate-binding cleft is present at the C-terminal side of the beta-strands in the (beta/alpha)8 barrel. Binding of chitin fragments of different lengths identified nine sugar-binding subsites in the groove. Protein-carbohydrate interactions are mainly mediated by stacking of side chains of aromatic amino acid residues. Surprisingly, the specificity of chitin binding to HCgp-39 depends on the length of the oligosaccharide. Although chitin disaccharides tend to occupy the distal subsites, longer chains bind preferably to the central subsites in the groove. Despite the absence of enzymatic activity, long chitin fragments are distorted upon binding, with the GlcNAc at subsite -1 in a boat conformation, similar to what has been observed in chitinases. The presence of chitin in the human body has never been documented so far. However, the binding features observed in the complex structures suggest that either chitin or a closely related oligosaccharide could act as the physiological ligand for HCgp-39.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Fusetti
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hall FC, Visconti KC, Ahmad RC, Parry SL, Miltenburg AMM, McConnell HM, Mellins ED, Sønderstrup G. Cytokines elicited by T cell epitopes from a synovial autoantigen: altered peptide ligands can reduce interferon-gamma and interleukin-10 production. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 2003; 48:2375-85. [PMID: 12905493 DOI: 10.1002/art.11132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the cytokine responses associated with T cell epitopes from human cartilage glycoprotein 39 (HC gp-39) and the potential for modifying cytokine secretion using altered peptide ligands (APLs). METHODS Draining lymph node cells were harvested from HLA-DR*0401 transgenic mice that had been immunized with HC gp-39. Cytokine responses to 5 previously identified HLA-DR*0401-restricted HC gp-39 T cell epitopes were studied in vitro. The anchor and T cell receptor (TCR) contact residues of peptide 322-337 were identified, and this information was used to design alanine-substituted APLs. T cells were primed in vivo with wild-type peptide 322-337, restimulated with wild-type peptide or APLs, and the cytokine profiles were compared. RESULTS Restimulation with individual peptides elicited distinct cytokine profiles. HC gp-39 (peptide 322-337) elicited a dominant interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) response. Residues within the core (positions P1-P9) 322-337 peptide sequence were critical for T cell recognition. Surprisingly, the N-terminal flanking region was also important for recognition by 6 of 10 specific T cell hybridomas. Substitutions of charged TCR contact residues in the 322-337 core epitope (E332A and K335A) were associated with a significant reduction in the IFNgamma and interleukin-10 (IL-10) stimulation indices. Restimulation with peptides W325A and V326A was also associated with a trend toward reduced IFNgamma and IL-10 secretion. In contrast, restimulation with peptide D330N elicited cytokine profiles more comparable with those resulting from restimulation with wild-type peptide. CONCLUSION This study indicates that APLs of a proinflammatory HC gp-39 T cell epitope may be used to alter the cytokine response from a memory T cell population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances C Hall
- Stanford University School of medicine, 299 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|