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Jose AM, Samarpita S, Panchal NK, Sabina EP, Rasool M. Selective blockade of IL-21 by myricetin impedes T follicular helper cell differentiation by negatively regulating the JAK/STAT/Bcl-6 pathway in a rheumatoid arthritis animal model. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:25. [PMID: 38164247 PMCID: PMC10757705 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03880-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-21 is a major lineage-defining factor that promotes Tfh cell differentiation. The current study investigated the molecular basis of myricetin, a flavonoid that impedes IL-21-mediated differentiation of Tfh cells in RA. Through high-throughput virtual screening of natural compounds that inhibit IL-21, we found that myricetin binds to IL-21 and hampers its interaction with IL-21 receptor (IL-21R). Our in vivo studies demonstrated that myricetin treatment ameliorated the clinical manifestations in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) mice by reducing paw thickness and cellular infiltration. In addition, myricetin inhibited splenic Tfh cell differentiation and IL-21 production in AIA mice. Myricetin negatively regulates JAK/STAT signaling and the downstream Bcl-6 transcription factor at the molecular level, which arrests Tfh cell differentiation. Our current research proposal to target IL-21 with myricetin inevitably represents a new molecular approach that expedites new alternative drugs for rheumatoid arthritis therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03880-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Miriam Jose
- Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 014 India
| | - Snigdha Samarpita
- Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 014 India
| | - Nagesh Kishan Panchal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 014 India
| | - Evan Prince Sabina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 014 India
| | - Mahaboobkhan Rasool
- Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 014 India
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Jose AM, Rasool M. Myricetin ameliorates the IL-21-induced tumorigenic phenotype of adjuvant-induced arthritis FLS by modulating the choline kinase signaling cascade. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2023; 59:811-820. [PMID: 38032403 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-023-00827-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The synovial intimal lining is mainly governed by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), which portray a transformed tumor-like phenotype in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Among the diverse cytokines that engender FLS, interleukin-21 (IL-21) was reported to stimulate hyperproliferation and perpetuate inflammation. Recently, choline kinase (ChoKα) has been reported to be an essential enzyme aiding RA-FLS hyperproliferation by altering phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis. The current study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of myricetin, a flavonoid, in abating the IL-21-induced tumor-like phenotype of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA)-FLS via the ChoKα signaling cascade. Our results showed that myricetin suppressed IL-21 receptor expression and activation of the ChoKα signaling cascade (N-Ras, Ral-GDS, and PI3K) in IL-21-induced AIA-FLS. Consequently, myricetin treatment decreased ChoKα and PLD2 enzymatic activity and inhibited the proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties of AIA-FLSs. Our results demonstrated that myricetin could be a promising anti-arthritic compound by abating IL-21-induced hyperproliferation, migration, and invasive behavior of AIA-FLS by downregulating the ChoKα signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Miriam Jose
- SMV 240, Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mahaboobkhan Rasool
- SMV 240, Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Ahmad SF, Nadeem A, Ansari MA, Bakheet SA, Alomar HA, Al-Mazroua HA, Ibrahim KE, Alshamrani AA, Al-Hamamah MA, Alfardan AS, Attia SM. CXCR3 antagonist NBI-74330 mitigates joint inflammation in Collagen-Induced arthritis model in DBA/1J mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110099. [PMID: 37018975 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by uncontrolled synovial proliferation, pannus formation, cartilage injury, and bone destruction. We used the CXCR3-specific antagonist NBI-74330 to block T-cell-mediated signaling in a DBA/1J mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). After CIA induction, DBA/1J mice were treated with NBI-74330 (100 mg/kg) daily from day 21 until day 34 and evaluated for arthritic score and histopathological changes. Furthermore, using flow cytometry, we investigated the effects of NBI-74330 on Th1 (IFN-γ, TNF-α, T-bet, STAT4, Notch-3, and RANKL), Th17 (IL-21, IL-17A, STAT3, and RORγt), and Th22 (IL-22) cells in splenic CD4+ and CXCR3+T-cells. We also used RT-PCR to assess the effect of mRNA levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, T-bet, RANKL, IL-17A, RORγt, and IL-22 in knee tissues. The IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A serum protein levels were measured using ELISA. Compared to vehicle-treated CIA mice, the severity of arthritic scores and histological severity of inflammation decreased significantly in NBI-74330-treated CIA mice. Moreover, compared to vehicle-treated CIA mice, the percentages of CD4+IFN-γ+, CD4+TNF-α+, CD4+T-bet+, CD4+STAT4+, CD4+Notch-3+, CXCR3+IFN-γ+, CXCR3+TNF-α+, CXCR3+T-bet+, CXCR3+STAT4+, CXCR3+Notch-3+, CD4+RANKL+, CD4+IL-21+, CD4+IL-17A+, CD4+STAT3+, CD4+RORγt+, and CD4+IL-22+ cells decreased in NBI-74330-treated CIA mice. Furthermore, NBI-74330-treatment downregulated IFN-γ, TNF-α, T-bet, RANKL, STAT3, IL-17A, RORγt, and IL-22 mRNA levels. Serum IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A levels were significantly lower in NBI-74330-treated CIA mice than in vehicle-treated CIA mice. This study demonstrates the antiarthritic effects of NBI-74330 in CIA mice. Therefore, these data suggest that NBI-74330 could be considered a potential RA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatun A Alomar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen A Al-Mazroua
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid E Ibrahim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A Alshamrani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Al-Hamamah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali S Alfardan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Brynedal B, Yoosuf N, Ulfarsdottir TB, Ziemek D, Maciejewski M, Folkersen L, Westerlind H, Müller M, Sahlström P, Jelinsky SA, Hensvold A, Padyukov L, Pomiano NV, Catrina A, Klareskog L, Berg L. Molecular signature of methotrexate response among rheumatoid arthritis patients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1146353. [PMID: 37051216 PMCID: PMC10084884 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1146353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMethotrexate (MTX) is the first line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but failure of satisfying treatment response occurs in a significant proportion of patients. Here we present a longitudinal multi-omics study aimed at detecting molecular and cellular processes in peripheral blood associated with a successful methotrexate treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.MethodsEighty newly diagnosed patients with RA underwent clinical assessment and donated blood before initiation of MTX, and 3 months into treatment. Flow cytometry was used to describe cell types and presence of activation markers in peripheral blood, the expression of 51 proteins was measured in serum or plasma, and RNA sequencing was performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Response to treatment after 3 months was determined using the EULAR response criteria. We assessed the changes in biological phenotypes during treatment, and whether these changes differed between responders and non-responders with regression analysis. By using measurements from baseline, we also tried to find biomarkers of future MTX response or, alternatively, to predict MTX response.ResultsAmong the MTX responders, (Good or Moderate according to EULAR treatment response classification, n = 60, 75%), we observed changes in 29 partly overlapping cell types proportions, levels of 13 proteins and expression of 38 genes during treatment. These changes were in most cases suppressions that were stronger among responders compared to non-responders. Within responders to treatment, we observed a suppression of FOXP3 gene expression, reduction of immunoglobulin gene expression and suppression of genes involved in cell proliferation. The proportion of many HLA-DR expressing T-cell populations were suppressed in all patients irrespective of clinical response, and the proportion of many IL21R+ T-cells were reduced exclusively in non-responders. Using only the baseline measurements we could not detect any biomarkers or prediction models that could predict response to MTX.ConclusionWe conclude that a deep molecular and cellular phenotyping of peripheral blood cells in RA patients treated with methotrexate can reveal previously not recognized differences between responders and non-responders during 3 months of treatment with MTX. This may contribute to the understanding of MTX mode of action and explain non-responsiveness to MTX therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boel Brynedal
- Translational Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Boel Brynedal,
| | - Niyaz Yoosuf
- Translational Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tinna Bjorg Ulfarsdottir
- Translational Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Helga Westerlind
- Translational Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Müller
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Sahlström
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Aase Hensvold
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Rheumatology, Academic Specialist Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leonid Padyukov
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Leonid Padyukov,
| | - Nancy Vivar Pomiano
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anca Catrina
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Klareskog
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Louise Berg
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Edo Á, Calvo-Barreiro L, Eixarch H, Bosch A, Chillón M, Espejo C. Therapeutic Effect of IL-21 Blockage by Gene Therapy in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1617-1633. [PMID: 35902536 PMCID: PMC9606180 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic role of the interleukin 21 (IL-21) in different autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), has been extensively studied. However, its pleiotropic nature makes it a cytokine that may exhibit different activity depending on the immunological stage of the disease. In this study, we developed a gene therapy strategy to block the interaction between IL-21 and its receptor (IL-21R) by using adeno-associated vectors (AAV) encoding a new soluble cytokine receptor (sIL21R) protein. We tested this strategy in a murine model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), obtaining different clinical effects depending on the time at which the treatment was applied. Although the administration of the treatment during the development of the immune response was counterproductive, the preventive administration of the therapeutic vectors showed a protective effect by reducing the number of animals that developed the disease, as well as an improvement at the histopathological level and a modification of the immunological profile of the animals treated with the AAV8.sIL21R. The beneficial effect of the treatment was also observed when inducing the expression of the therapeutic molecule once the first neurological signs were established in a therapeutic approach with a doxycyline (Dox)-inducible expression system. All these clinical results highlight the pleiotropicity of this cytokine in the different clinical stages and its key role in the EAE immunopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Edo
- Institut de Neurociències (INc), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, (Campus UAB), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Ed. H 5th level), 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Calvo-Barreiro
- Servei de Neurologia-Neuroimmunologia, Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129 (Ed. Collserola, Lab. 149), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Herena Eixarch
- Servei de Neurologia-Neuroimmunologia, Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129 (Ed. Collserola, Lab. 149), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Assumpció Bosch
- Institut de Neurociències (INc), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, (Campus UAB), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Ed. H 5th level), 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Miguel Chillón
- Institut de Neurociències (INc), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, (Campus UAB), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Ed. H 5th level), 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
- Vector Production Unit (UPV), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carmen Espejo
- Servei de Neurologia-Neuroimmunologia, Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129 (Ed. Collserola, Lab. 149), 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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Akama-Garren EH, Carroll MC. T Cell Help in the Autoreactive Germinal Center. Scand J Immunol 2022; 95:e13192. [PMID: 35587582 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The germinal center serves as a site of B cell selection and affinity maturation, critical processes for productive adaptive immunity. In autoimmune disease tolerance is broken in the germinal center reaction, leading to production of autoreactive B cells that may propagate disease. Follicular T cells are crucial regulators of this process, providing signals necessary for B cell survival in the germinal center. Here we review the emerging roles of follicular T cells in the autoreactive germinal center. Recent advances in immunological techniques have allowed study of the gene expression profiles and repertoire of follicular T cells at unprecedented resolution. These studies provide insight into the potential role follicular T cells play in preventing or facilitating germinal center loss of tolerance. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of T cell help in autoreactive germinal centers provides novel therapeutic targets for diseases of germinal center dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot H Akama-Garren
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael C Carroll
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Liu YW, Fu SH, Chien MW, Hsu CY, Lin MH, Dong JL, Lu RJH, Lee YJ, Chen PY, Wang CH, Sytwu HK. Blimp-1 moulds the epigenetic architecture of IL-21-mediated autoimmune diseases through an autoregulatory circuit. JCI Insight 2022; 7:151614. [PMID: 35503415 PMCID: PMC9220827 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive regulatory domain 1 (PRDM1) encodes B lymphocyte–induced maturation protein 1 (BLIMP1), also known as a master regulator of T cell homeostasis. We observed a negative relationship between Blimp-1 and IL-21 based on our previous data that Blimp-1 overexpression in T cells suppresses autoimmune diabetes while Blimp-1–deficient T cells contribute to colitis in NOD mice. Reanalysis of published data sets also revealed an inverse correlation between PRDM1 and IL21 in Crohn’s disease. Here, we illustrate that Blimp-1 repressed IL-21 by reducing chromatin accessibility and evicting an IL-21 activator, c-Maf, from the Il21 promoter. Moreover, Blimp-1 overexpression–mediated reduction in permissive chromatin structures at the Il21 promoter could override IL-21–accelerated autoimmune diabetogenesis in small ubiquitin-like modifier–defective c-Maf–transgenic mice. An autoregulatory feedback loop to harness IL-21 expression was unveiled by the evidence that IL-21 addition induced time-dependent Blimp-1 expression and subsequently enriched its binding to the Il21 promoter to suppress IL-21 overproduction. Furthermore, intervention of this feedback loop by IL-21 blockade, with IL-21R.Fc administration or IL-21 receptor deletion, attenuated Blimp-1 deficiency–mediated colitis and reinforced the circuit between Blimp-1 and IL-21 in the regulation of autoimmunity. We highlight the translation of Blimp-1–based epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles applicable to a personalized medicine approach in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Liu
- Molecular Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Huei Fu
- National Institute of Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Chien
- National Institute of Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yuan Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hong Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Ling Dong
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rita Jui-Hsien Lu
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jing Lee
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yang Chen
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hung Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Kang Sytwu
- National Institute of Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
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The Proinflammatory Cytokines IL-18, IL-21, and IFN-γ Differentially Regulate Liver Inflammation and Anti-Mitochondrial Antibody Level in a Murine Model of Primary Biliary Cholangitis. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:7111445. [PMID: 35300072 PMCID: PMC8922149 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7111445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic liver disease primarily featured by autoimmune-mediated damage of intrahepatic small- and medium-sized bile ducts. Elevated serum proinflammatory cytokines, serum anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs), liver inflammation, and fibrosis are also hallmarks of PBC disease. However, whether the elevated proinflammatory cytokines play a role in autoimmune cholangitis remains unknown. Herein, we utilized the p40-/-IL-2Rα-/- PBC mouse model to investigate the roles of proinflammatory cytokines IL-18, IL-21, and IFN-γ in the onset and progression of PBC. IL-18-/-, IFN-γ-/-, and IL-21-/- mice were crossed with p40-/-IL-2Ra+/- mice, respectively, to produce corresponding cytokine-deficient PBC models. Autoantibody level, liver inflammation, and bile duct injury were analyzed. We found that livers from p40-/-IL-2Rα-/- mice exhibit similar transcriptomic characters of PBC patients. In p40-/-IL-2Rα-/- mice, deletion of IL-18 has no remarkable effect on disease progression, while deletion of IL-21 indicates that it is necessary for AMA production but independent of liver inflammation and cholangitis. IFN-γ is responsible for both AMA production and liver inflammation in our model. Our results demonstrate that different proinflammatory cytokines can regulate different effector functions in PBC pathogenesis and need to be considered in PBC treatment.
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Jiang Y, Zheng Y, Dong Q, Liao W, Pang L, Chen J, He Q, Zhang J, Luo Y, Li J, Fu C, Fu Q. Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology to study the mechanism of Shentong Zhuyu decoction in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 285:114846. [PMID: 34826542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shentong Zhuyu decoction (STZYD) was first recorded in the classic of "Yilin Gaicuo" written by Wang Qingren, and recognized by the Chinese National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine as one of the 100 classic formulas. The formula has been widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with significant clinical effects. However, its mechanism of action is not completely clear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the mechanism of STZYD in the treatment of RA by network pharmacology and metabolomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of STZYD anti-RA were investigated by paw swelling, arthritis score, cytokine level, histopathological and micro-CT analysis in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats. The chemical constituents of STZYD and absorbed constituents in AIA rat serum were analyzed by UPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS. Based on the characterized chemical components, the network pharmacology was used to find potential targets and signaling pathways of STZYD in RA treatment. Meanwhile, the predicted pathway was determined by the Western blot (WB). Subsequently, non-targeted metabolomics of serum was performed to analyze metabolic profiles, potential biomarkers, and metabolic pathways of STZYD in the treatment of RA based on LC-MS technology. RESULTS STZYD significantly alleviated RA symptoms by improving paw redness and swelling, bone and cartilage damage, synovial hyperplasia, and infiltration of inflammatory cells, and decreased the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A and TNF-α in AIA rats. Totally, 59 chemical components of STZYD and 24 serum migrant ingredients were identified. A total of 655 genes of potential bioactive components in STZYD and 1025 related genes of RA were obtained. TNF signaling pathway was considered to one of the main signaling pathways of STZYD anti-RA by KEGG analysis, including a wide range intracellular signaling pathways. NF-κB signaling pathway regulates inflammation and immunity in the TNF signaling pathway. STZYD markedly inhibited the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway. Ten potential biomarkers were found in metabolomics based on LC-MS technology. Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism are the most related pathways of STZYD anti-RA. CONCLUSION The study based on serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology and metabolomics indicated that STZYD can improve RA through regulating inflammation and immunity related pathways, and provided a new possibility for treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yongfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Qin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Wan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Lan Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Jiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Qinman He
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Jinming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yuanhong Luo
- Chengdu Jingze Biopharmaceutical Co.,Ltd, Chengdu, 611100, China.
| | - Jiaxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Chaomei Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Qiang Fu
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China.
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10
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Kefaloyianni E. Soluble forms of cytokine and growth factor receptors: Mechanisms of generation and modes of action in the regulation of local and systemic inflammation. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:589-606. [PMID: 35113454 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cytokine and growth factor receptors are usually transmembrane proteins but they can also exist in soluble forms, either through cleavage and release of their ligand-binding extracellular domain, or through secretion of a soluble isoform. As an extension of this concept, transmembrane receptors on exosomes released into the circulation may act similarly to circulating soluble receptors. These soluble receptors add to the complexity of cytokine and growth factor signalling: they can function as decoy receptor that compete for ligand binding with their respective membrane-bound forms thereby attenuating signalling, or stabilize their ligands, or activate additional signalling events through interactions with other cell-surface proteins. Their soluble nature allows for a functional role away from the production sites, in remote cell types and organs. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that soluble receptors participate in the regulation and orchestration of various key cellular processes, particularly inflammatory responses. In this review, we will discuss release mechanisms of soluble cytokine and growth factor receptors, their mechanisms of action, as well as strategies for targeting their pathways in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Kefaloyianni
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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11
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Jian L, Li C, Wang X, Sun L, Ma Z, Zhao J. IL-21 impairs pro-inflammatory activity of M1-like macrophages exerting anti-inflammatory effects on rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmunity 2021; 55:75-85. [PMID: 34842006 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2021.2007374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective:Macrophages are the main source of inflammatory mediators and play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Interleukin-21 (IL-21) regulates both innate and adaptive immune responses and exerts major effects on inflammatory responses that promote the development of RA. However, its effect on macrophage polarisation remains unclear.Methods:CD14+ monocytes of the peripheral blood of Human healthy donors (HD) and RA, and macrophages of RA synovial fluid (RA-SF MΦs) were isolated. IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) was detected by flow cytometry. Cytokine production by MΦs from different sources pre-treated with IL-21 and/or LPS was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and ELISA. CD14+ monocytes were differentiated into M1-like and M2-like macrophages via stimulation with GM-CSF, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and LPS or M-CSF, IL-4, and IL-13, respectively. To determine the effect of IL-21 on macrophage polarisation, macrophage phenotypes, gene expression, and cytokine secretion were detected by flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and ELISA. TLR4 and ERK1/2 were determined by western blotting.Results:IL-21 exerted different effects on LPS-mediated inflammatory responses in various derived MΦs, and inhibited macrophages polarisation to M1-like macrophages and promote their polarisation to M2-like macrophages in HD and RA. Moreover, IL-21 inhibited LPS-mediated secretion of inflammatory cytokines, probably by downregulating the ERK1/2, in RA-SF MΦs.Conclusion:For the first time, we indicated that IL-21 inhibits LPS-mediated cytokine production in RA-SF MΦs, and impairs pro-inflammatory activity of M1-like macrophages, hereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects on RA. Thus, IL-21 might not be an appropriate therapeutic target for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Jian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Huadong Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhong Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxia Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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Wu F, Gao J, Kang J, Wang X, Niu Q, Liu J, Zhang L. B Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis:Pathogenic Mechanisms and Treatment Prospects. Front Immunol 2021; 12:750753. [PMID: 34650569 PMCID: PMC8505880 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.750753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common, chronic, systemic autoimmune disease, and its clinical features are the proliferation of joint synovial tissue, the formation of pannus and the destruction of cartilage. The global incidence of RA is about 1%, and it is more common in women. The basic feature of RA is the body’s immune system disorders, in which autoreactive CD4+T cells, pathogenic B cells, M1 macrophages, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and autoantibodies abnormally increase in the body of RA patients B cell depletion therapy has well proved the important role of B cells in the pathogenesis of RA, and the treatment of RA with B cells as a target has also been paid more and more attention. Although the inflammatory indicators in RA patients receiving B-cell depletion therapy have been significantly improved, the risk of infection and cancer has also increased, which suggests that we need to deplete pathogenic B cells instead of all B cells. However, at present we cannot distinguish between pathogenic B cells and protective B cells in RA patients. In this review, we explore fresh perspectives upon the roles of B cells in the occurrence, development and treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengping Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jinfang Gao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jie Kang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xuexue Wang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qing Niu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiaxi Liu
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Liyun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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13
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Anang DC, Balzaretti G, van Kampen A, de Vries N, Klarenbeek PL. The Germinal Center Milieu in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Immunological Drummer or Dancer? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10514. [PMID: 34638855 PMCID: PMC8508581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation, affecting approximately 1% of the general population. To alleviate symptoms and ameliorate joint damage, chronic use of immunosuppressives is needed. However, these treatments are only partially effective and may lead to unwanted side effects. Therefore, a more profound understanding of the pathophysiology might lead to more effective therapies, or better still, a cure. The presence of autoantibodies in RA indicates that B cells might have a pivotal role in the disease. This concept is further supported by the fact that a diverse antibody response to various arthritis-related epitopes is associated with arthritis development. In this context, attention has focused in recent years on the role of Germinal Centers (GCs) in RA. Since GCs act as the main anatomic location of somatic hypermutations, and, thus, contributing to the diversity and specificity of (auto) antibodies, it has been speculated that defects in germinal center reactions might be crucial in the initiation and maintenance of auto-immune events. In this paper, we discuss current evidence that various processes within GCs can result in the aberrant production of B cells that possess autoreactive properties and might result in the production of RA related autoantibodies. Secondly, we discuss various (pre-)clinical studies that have targeted various GC processes as novel therapies for RA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dornatien C. Anang
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam Rheumatology & Immunology Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.C.A.); (G.B.); (P.L.K.)
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giulia Balzaretti
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam Rheumatology & Immunology Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.C.A.); (G.B.); (P.L.K.)
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine van Kampen
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Niek de Vries
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam Rheumatology & Immunology Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.C.A.); (G.B.); (P.L.K.)
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul L. Klarenbeek
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam Rheumatology & Immunology Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.C.A.); (G.B.); (P.L.K.)
- Department of Rheumatology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Hoofdorp, 2000 AK Haarlem, The Netherlands
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14
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Follicular Regulatory T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:9943743. [PMID: 34337086 PMCID: PMC8294974 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9943743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells are the regulatory T cell subset mainly localized in the germinal center (GC), acting as modulators of GC responses. They can disrupt Tfh cell- and B cell-linked recognition, induce Tfh apoptosis, and suppress B cell function. Evidences show that dysregulated Tfr cells are associated with the disease activity index and serum autoantibody levels, influencing the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This review focuses on the interaction among Tfr, Tfh, and B cells, summarizes the characterization and function of Tfr cells, concludes the imbalance of CD4+T subsets in SLE, and presents potential therapies for SLE. In general, we discuss the roles of Tfr cells in the progress of SLE and provide potential treatments.
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15
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Ren HM, Lukacher AE, Rahman ZSM, Olsen NJ. New developments implicating IL-21 in autoimmune disease. J Autoimmun 2021; 122:102689. [PMID: 34224936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Elevated interleukin (IL)-21 is a common finding in the tissues and/or sera of patients with autoimmune disease. CD4 T cells are the primary producers of IL-21; often the IL-21 producing CD4 T cells will express molecules associated with follicular helper cells (TFH). Recent work has shown that the CD4 T cell-derived IL-21 is able to promote effector functions and memory differentiation of CD8 T cells in chronic infections and cancer. Autoimmunity has similarities to chronic infections and cancer. However, CD4 T cell-derived IL-21:IL21R signaling in CD8 T cells has not been fully appreciated in the context of autoimmunity. In this review, we assess the current knowledge regarding CD4 T cell-derived IL-21 and IL21R signaling within CD8 T cells and evaluate what implications it has within several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, Sjögren's syndrome, vitiligo, antiphospholipid syndrome, pemphigus, and giant cell arteritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Ren
- MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program at Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
| | - Aron E Lukacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Ziaur S M Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Nancy J Olsen
- Devision of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Penn State MS Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
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16
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Lu J, Wu J, Xia X, Peng H, Wang S. Follicular helper T cells: potential therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5095-5106. [PMID: 33880615 PMCID: PMC11073436 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03839-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with joint and systemic inflammation that is accompanied by the production of autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, which are a subset of CD4+ T cells, facilitate germinal center (GC) reactions by providing signals required for high-affinity antibody production and the generation of long-lived antibody-secreting plasma cells. Uncontrolled expansion of Tfh cells is observed in various systemic autoimmune diseases. Particularly, the frequencies of circulating Tfh-like (cTfh-like) cells, their subtypes and synovial-infiltrated T helper cells correlate with disease activity in RA patients. Therefore, reducing autoantibody production and restricting excessive Tfh cell responses are ideal ways to control RA pathogenesis. The present review summarizes current knowledge of the involvement of Tfh cells in RA pathogenesis and highlights the potential of these cells as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xueli Xia
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Huiyong Peng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China.
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, China.
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China.
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17
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Azizov V, Zaiss MM. Alcohol Consumption in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Path through the Immune System. Nutrients 2021; 13:1324. [PMID: 33923766 PMCID: PMC8072698 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Benefits and harms of different components of human diet have been known for hundreds of years. Alcohol is one the highest consumed, abused, and addictive substances worldwide. Consequences of alcohol abuse are increased risks for diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver, and nervous system, as well as reduced immune system function. Paradoxically, alcohol has also been a consistent protective factor against the development of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we focused on summarizing current findings on the effects of alcohol, as well as of its metabolites, acetaldehyde and acetate, on the immune system and RA. Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption can affect intestinal barrier integrity, as well as the microbiome, possibly contributing to RA. Additionally, systemic increase in acetate negatively affects humoral immune response, diminishing TFH cell as well as professional antigen-presenting cell (APC) function. Hence, alcohol consumption has profound effects on the efficacy of vaccinations, but also elicits protection against autoimmune diseases. The mechanism of alcohol's negative effects on the immune system is multivariate. Future studies addressing alcohol and its metabolite acetate's effect on individual components of the immune system remains crucial for our understanding and development of novel therapeutic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vugar Azizov
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mario M. Zaiss
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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18
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Chemokine Receptor 5 Antagonism Causes Reduction in Joint Inflammation in a Collagen-Induced Arthritis Mouse Model. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26071839. [PMID: 33805933 PMCID: PMC8036613 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26071839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease mainly affecting the synovial joints. A highly potent antagonist of C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), maraviroc (MVC), plays an essential role in treating several infectious diseases but has not yet been evaluated for its potential effects on RA development. This study focused on evaluating the therapeutic potential of MVC on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mice. Following CIA induction, animals were treated intraperitoneally with MVC (50 mg/kg) daily from day 21 until day 35 and evaluated for clinical score and histopathological changes in arthritic inflammation. We further investigated the effect of MVC on Th9 (IL-9, IRF-4, and GATA3) and Th17 (IL-21R, IL-17A, and RORγT) cells, TNF-α, and RANTES in CD8+ T cells in the spleen using flow cytometry. We also assessed the effect of MVC on mRNA and protein levels of IL-9, IL-17A, RORγT, and GATA3 in knee tissues using RT-PCR and western blot analysis. MVC treatment in CIA mice attenuated the clinical and histological severity of inflammatory arthritis, and it substantially decreased IL-9, IRF4, IL-21R, IL-17A, RORγT, TNF-α, and RANTES production but increased GATA3 production in CD8+ T cells. We further observed that MVC treatment decreased IL-9, IL-17A, and RORγt mRNA and protein levels and increased those of GATA3. This study elucidates the capacity of MVC to ameliorate the clinical and histological signs of CIA by reducing pro-inflammatory responses, suggesting that MVC may have novel therapeutic uses in the treatment of RA.
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19
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Plasma interleukin-21 levels and genetic variants are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:246. [PMID: 33673829 PMCID: PMC7936495 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04111-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by autoantibodies development and an elevated spectrum of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Previous reports highlighted a relationship between IL-21and the pathogenesis of RA. Although elevated IL-21 levels have been reported in RA patients, the association of common IL-21 genetic variants with a predisposition to RA development in the Chinese population lacks. Materials and methods Five hundred and fourteen Chinese subjects (healthy controls: 303 and rheumatoid arthritis patients: 211) were enrolled in the study. Clinical data of patients were collected from medical records, and patients were treated as per the guidelines. Common single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL-21 gene (rs907715, rs2221903, rs2055979 and rs6822844) were genotyped by TaqMan SNPs genotyping method. IL-21 level in plasma of RA patients and healthy subjects was measured by ELISA. Results The plasma level of IL-21 was significantly higher in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis relative to healthy controls (p < 0.0001). A positive correlation was observed between IL-21 level and DAS28 score, indicating the association of the cytokine with the worsening of the disease (Spearman r = 0.61, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of AA genotype (rs2055979) was significantly higher in RA subjects than in the controls (p < 0.0001, χ2 = 34.73, OR = 4.34, 95% CI = 2.623 to 7.219). Furthermore, elevated plasma IL-21 was observed in the rs2055979-AA genotype compared to CC type (p < 0.0001). Conclusion IL-21 plays a crucial function in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. IL-21 rs2055979 polymorphism is associated with IL-21 plasma levels and is predisposed to RA development in the Chinese population.
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20
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Woś I, Tabarkiewicz J. Effect of interleukin-6, -17, -21, -22, and -23 and STAT3 on signal transduction pathways and their inhibition in autoimmune arthritis. Immunol Res 2021; 69:26-42. [PMID: 33515210 PMCID: PMC7921069 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatic diseases are complex autoimmune diseases which include among others rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). These diseases are characterized by prolonged and increased secretion of inflammatory factors, eventually leading to inflammation. This is often accompanied by persistent pain and stiffness in the joint and finally bone destruction and osteoporosis. These diseases can occur at any age, regardless of gender or origin. Autoimmune arthritis is admittedly associated with long-term treatment, and discontinuation of medication is associated with unavoidable relapse. Therefore, it is important to detect the disease at an early stage and apply appropriate preventative measures. During inflammation, pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukins (IL)-6, -17, -21, -22, and -23 are secreted, while anti-inflammatory factors including IL-10 are downregulated. Research conducted over the past several years has focused on inhibiting inflammatory pathways and activating anti-inflammatory factors to improve the quality of life of people with rheumatic diseases. The aim of this paper is to review current knowledge on stimulatory and inhibitory pathways involving the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). STAT3 has been shown to be one of the crucial factors involved in inflammation and is directly linked with other pro-inflammatory factors and thus is a target of current research on rheumatoid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Woś
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Medicine, Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, College for Medical Sciences of University of Rzeszow, ul. Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Human Immunology, Institute of Medical Sciences, College for Medical Sciences of University of Rzeszow, ul. Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Jacek Tabarkiewicz
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Medicine, Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, College for Medical Sciences of University of Rzeszow, ul. Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Human Immunology, Institute of Medical Sciences, College for Medical Sciences of University of Rzeszow, ul. Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
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21
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IL-21 gene rs6822844 polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:221319. [PMID: 31763680 PMCID: PMC6944661 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20191449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in pathogenesis and activity of the rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Meanwhile, genetic polymorphisms in the IL-21 gene may alter its expression. Previous studies have reported conflicting results assessing the association between the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism and RA risk. Thus, it's necessary to perform a meta-analysis to definite above relationship. PubMed database was searched for all papers published until October 20, 2019. Nine case-control studies with 9998 cases and 10742 controls were retrieved based on the search criteria at last. Odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was used to calculate the strength of this association. Publication bias was detected using both Begg's and Egger's tests. Overall, the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with decreased RA risk (e.g. T-allele versus G-allele: OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.72-0.91, P < 0.001). In addition, decreased RA risk was also detected both in Asians (eg: TT+TG versus GG: OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.31-0.56, P < 0.001) and Caucasians (eg: TT+TG versus GG: OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.80-0.91, P < 0.001). A similar trend in association was found in the source of the control and genotype method subgroups. Furthermore, subgroup analysis of rheumatoid factor status revealed a protective relationship between the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism and RF+/RF- RA risk. A similar relationship was noted in the anti-citrullinated protein antibody status subgroup. The results of the present study suggest that the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism was significantly associated with decreased RA susceptibility.
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22
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Chen X, Jiang S, Zhou Z, Xu X, Ying S, Du L, Qiu K, Xu Y, Wu J, Wang X. Increased expression of interleukin-21-inducible genes in minor salivary glands are associated with primary Sjögren’s syndrome disease characteristics. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 60:2979-2989. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
To determine the upregulation of IL-21-inducible genes in minor salivary glands (MSGs) in 28 primary SS (pSS) patients and 12 non-pSS subjects and correlate it with disease characteristics.
Methods
RNA sequencing was utilized to compare IL-21-inducible genes expression in the MSGs between pSS and non-pSS subjects. The subgroups were characterized according to the IL-21 score calculated by seven IL-21-inducible genes. Furthermore, the disease characteristics and transcripts implicated in hypoxia and interferon signalling were assessed in two pSS subgroups.
Results
We observed that the expression of the IL-21-inducible genes (IL-21, IL-21R, JAK3, STAT1, HLA-B, CCR7 and CXCL10), the so-called IL-21 signature genes, was significantly increased in pSS patients. The upregulation of JAK3 expression may be induced by hypomethylation of the JAK3 promoter in pSS patients and putatively associated with POU2F2. The patients with increased IL-21 signature gene expression showed an increased EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index score and increased enrichment of B cells, memory B cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, the IL-21 scores in the anti-SSA+, SSB+, ANA+ and high IgG samples were higher than those in the respective antibody-negative samples and normal IgG. In addition, we found both hypoxia and IFN-relevant genes showed strong correlation with IL-21 signature gene expression, indicating their interaction in pSS.
Conclusion
IL-21 signature gene was associated with typical disease characteristics in pSS, which provides insight into the contribution of the IL-21 signalling pathway to the pathogenesis of the disease and might provide a novel treatment strategy for this subtype of pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Chen
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zihao Zhou
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Senhong Ying
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lifeng Du
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kairui Qiu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yesha Xu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Wu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Afzali S, Salehi S, Shahi A, Amirzargar A. B cell modulation strategies in the improvement of transplantation outcomes. Mol Immunol 2020; 125:140-150. [PMID: 32682148 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Successful transplantation outcome is the final goal in most end stage and nonfunctional organs; however, despite using different therapeutic strategies, antibody-mediated rejection is still a big obstacle. B cells have a key role in transplant rejection by several functions, such as antibody production, antigen presenting, contribution in T cell activation, forming the germinal center, and tertiary lymphoid organs. Therefore, B cells modulation seems to be very crucial in transplant outcome. A double-edged sword function is considered for B cells during transplantation; On the one hand, antibody production against the transplanted organ induces antibody-mediated rejection. On the other hand, IL10 production by regulatory B (Breg) cells induces graft tolerance. Nowadays, several monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are available for B cell modulation that are routinely used in transplant recipients, among which rituximab (anti-CD20 mAb) act in eliminating B cells. However, there are some other monoclonal antibodies, such as epratuzumab and Inotuzumab ozogamicin (IO), which exert anti-CD22 activity, resulting in disruption of B cell functions and induction of tolerance in autoimmune disease or B cell malignancies; that notwithstanding, these mAbs have not yet been tried in transplantation. In this review, we focus on different methods for modulating the activity of B cells as well as induction of Breg cells, aiming to prevent the allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Afzali
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Salehi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Shahi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Amirzargar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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24
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Tangye SG, Ma CS. Regulation of the germinal center and humoral immunity by interleukin-21. J Exp Med 2020; 217:132621. [PMID: 31821441 PMCID: PMC7037251 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we review the critical and non-redundant functions of IL-21 in regulating humoral immune responses. We particularly focus on studies in natura—from individuals from inborn errors of immunity that impact on IL-21 production and/or function. Cytokines play critical roles in regulating the development, survival, differentiation, and function of immune cells. Cytokines exert their function by binding specific receptor complexes on the surface of immune cells and activating intracellular signaling pathways, thereby resulting in induction of specific transcription factors and regulated expression of target genes. While the function of cytokines is often fundamental for the generation of robust and effective immunity following infection or vaccination, aberrant production or function of cytokines can underpin immunopathology. IL-21 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced predominantly by CD4+ T cells. Gene-targeting studies in mice, in vitro analyses of human and murine lymphocytes, and the recent discoveries and analyses of humans with germline loss-of-function mutations in IL21 or IL21R have revealed diverse roles of IL-21 in immune regulation and effector function. This review will focus on recent advances in IL-21 biology that have highlighted its critical role in T cell–dependent B cell activation, germinal center reactions, and humoral immunity and how impaired responses to, or production of, IL-21 can lead to immune dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart G Tangye
- Immunology Theme, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia.,Clinical Immunogenomics Consortium of Australasia, Darlinghurst, Australia
| | - Cindy S Ma
- Immunology Theme, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia.,Clinical Immunogenomics Consortium of Australasia, Darlinghurst, Australia
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25
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Ethanol consumption inhibits T FH cell responses and the development of autoimmune arthritis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1998. [PMID: 32332730 PMCID: PMC7181688 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15855-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is a consistent protective factor for the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The underlying mechanism for this tolerance-inducing effect of alcohol, however, is unknown. Here we show that alcohol and its metabolite acetate alter the functional state of T follicular helper (TFH) cells in vitro and in vivo, thereby exerting immune regulatory and tolerance-inducing properties. Alcohol-exposed mice have reduced Bcl6 and PD-1 expression as well as IL-21 production by TFH cells, preventing proper spatial organization of TFH cells to form TFH:B cell conjugates in germinal centers. This effect is associated with impaired autoantibody formation, and mitigates experimental autoimmune arthritis. By contrast, T cell independent immune responses and passive models of arthritis are not affected by alcohol exposure. These data clarify the immune regulatory and tolerance-inducing effect of alcohol consumption. Moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with protection from some autoimmune diseases. Here the authors show that ethanol and its metabolite acetate can protect mice from collagen-induced arthritis and provide evidence that the mechanism of this effect might be via inhibition of the effector function of T follicular helper cells.
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26
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Lokau J, Garbers C. Biological functions and therapeutic opportunities of soluble cytokine receptors. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 55:94-108. [PMID: 32386776 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines control the immune system by regulating the proliferation, differentiation and function of immune cells. They activate their target cells through binding to specific receptors, which either are transmembrane proteins or attached to the cell-surface via a GPI-anchor. Different tissues and individual cell types have unique expression profiles of cytokine receptors, and consequently this expression pattern dictates to which cytokines a given cell can respond. Furthermore, soluble variants of several cytokine receptors exist, which are generated by different molecular mechanisms, namely differential mRNA splicing, proteolytic cleavage of the membrane-tethered precursors, and release on extracellular vesicles. These soluble receptors shape the function of cytokines in different ways: they can serve as antagonistic decoy receptors which compete with their membrane-bound counterparts for the ligand, or they can form functional receptor/cytokine complexes which act as agonists and can even activate cells that would usually not respond to the ligand alone. In this review, we focus on the IL-2 and IL-6 families of cytokines and the so-called Th2 cytokines. We summarize for each cytokine which soluble receptors exist, were they originate from, how they are generated, and what their biological functions are. Furthermore, we give an outlook on how these soluble receptors can be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Lokau
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Garbers
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Magdeburg, Germany.
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27
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Rivellese F, Pontarini E, Pitzalis C. Tertiary Lymphoid Organs in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2020; 426:119-141. [PMID: 32483659 DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. RA mainly affects the joints, with inflammation of the synovial membrane, characterized by hyperplasia, neo-angiogenesis, and immune cell infiltration that drives local inflammation and, if untreated, can lead to joint destruction and disability. In parallel to the well-known clinical heterogeneity, the underlying synovitis can also be significantly heterogeneous. In particular, in about 40% of patients with RA, synovitis is characterized by a dense lymphocytic infiltrate that can acquire the features of fully functional tertiary lymphoid organs (TLO). These structures amplify autoimmunity and inflammation locally associated with worse prognosis and potential implications for treatment response. Here, we will review the current knowledge on TLO in RA, with a focus on their pathogenetic and clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Rivellese
- Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Elena Pontarini
- Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Costantino Pitzalis
- Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK.
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28
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Ding T, Niu H, Zhao X, Gao C, Li X, Wang C. T-Follicular Regulatory Cells: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2709. [PMID: 31849938 PMCID: PMC6901970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an incurable aggressive chronic inflammatory joint disease with a worldwide prevalence. High levels of autoantibodies and chronic inflammation may be involved in the pathology. Notably, T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells are critical mediators of T follicular helper (Tfh) cell generation and antibody production in the germinal center (GC) reaction. Changes in the number and function of Tfr cells may lead to dysregulation of the GC reaction and the production of aberrant autoantibodies. Regulation of the function and number of Tfr cells could be an effective strategy for precisely controlling antibody production, reestablishing immune homeostasis, and thereby improving the outcome of RA. This review summarizes advances in our understanding of the biology and functions of Tfr cells. The involvement of Tfr cells and other immune cell subsets in RA is also discussed. Furthermore, we highlight the potential therapeutic targets related to Tfr cells and restoring the Tfr/Tfh balance via cytokines, microRNAs, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, and the gut microbiota, which will facilitate further research on RA and other immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Ding
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hongqing Niu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiangcong Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chong Gao
- Pathology, Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Khattar M, Baum CE, Schroder P, Breidenbach JD, Haller ST, Chen W, Stepkowski S. Interleukin 21 (IL-21) regulates chronic allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in murine heart allograft rejection. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225624. [PMID: 31756235 PMCID: PMC6874341 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-21 is the most recently discovered common gamma-chain cytokine that promotes persistent T-cell responses in chronic infections, autoimmunity and cancer. However, the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the IL-21-BATF signaling axis, particularly in transplant rejection, remains unclear. We used heart transplant models to examine the effects of IL-21 blockade in prevention of chronic cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) using genetic knock-out and therapeutic approaches. Both wild-type C57BL/6 and IL-21-/- strains acutely rejected Balb/c skin grafts and once immunized with this skin graft, rejected Balb/c heart allografts in an accelerated fashion. However, when transplanted with heart grafts from the class-II major histocompatibility complex mutant, B6bm12 mice; wild-type recipients developed CAV, while IL-21-/- recipients were protected, even at day 100 post-transplant. Similarly, BATF-/- recipients, lacking the transcription factor BATF responsible for IL-21 production, did not develop CAV in B6-bm12 heart allografts. Strikingly, in a transient treatment protocol, the development of CAV in wild-type recipients of B6-bm12 hearts allografts was blocked by the administration of IL-21 receptor fusion protein (R-Fc). Thus, we demonstrate that CAV is regulated at least in part by IL-21 signaling and its blockade by genetic approaches or therapy with IL-21R-Fc prevents CAV in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithun Khattar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States of America
| | - Caitlin E. Baum
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States of America
| | - Paul Schroder
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Joshua D. Breidenbach
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States of America
| | - Steven T. Haller
- Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States of America
| | - Wenhao Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States of America
| | - Stanislaw Stepkowski
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Interleukin 21 Receptor/Ligand Interaction Is Linked to Disease Progression in Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091104. [PMID: 31540511 PMCID: PMC6770770 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) displays a marked fibro-inflammatory microenvironment in which infiltrated immune cells fail to eliminate the tumor cells and often—rather paradoxically—promote tumor progression. Of special interest are tumor-promoting T cells that assume a Th17-like phenotype because their presence in PDAC tissue is associated with a poor prognosis. In that context, the role of IL-21, a major cytokine released by Th17-like cells, was assessed. In all tissue samples (n = 264) IL-21+ immune cells were detected by immunohistochemistry and high density of those cells was associated with poor prognosis. In the majority of patients (221/264), tumor cells expressed the receptor for IL-21 (IL-21R) and also a downstream target of IL-21, Blimp-1 (199/264). Blimp-1 expression closely correlated with IL-21R expression and multivariate analysis revealed that expression of both IL-21R and Blimp-1 was associated with shorter survival time of the patients. In vitro data using pancreatic tumor cells lines provided a possible explanation: IL-21 activated ERK and STAT3 pathways and upregulated Blimp-1. Moreover, IL-21 increased invasion of tumor cell lines in a Blimp-1-dependent manner. As an in vivo correlate, an avian xenograft model was used. Here again Blimp-1 expression was significantly upregulated in IL-21 stimulated tumor cells. In summary, our data showed an association of IL-21+ immune cell infiltration and IL-21 receptor expression in PDAC with poor survival, most likely due to an IL-21-mediated promotion of tumor cell invasion and enhanced colony formation, supporting the notion of the tumor-promoting abilities of the tumor microenvironment.
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31
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Association between interleukin-21 gene rs6822844 polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190110. [PMID: 31366568 PMCID: PMC6695501 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Controversial results concerning the association between a polymorphism rs6822844 in the interleukin (IL) 21 (IL-21) gene and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have existed. A meta-analysis to confirm above relationships is necessary to be performed immediately. We conducted a search in the PubMed database, covering all papers published up to 20 October 2018. Overall, six case–control studies with 3244 cases and 3431 healthy controls were included. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of this association. Publication bias was assessed with both Egger’s and Begg’s tests. After calculation, we found that IL-21 rs6822844 polymorphism could decrease RA risk in overall genetic models (allelic contrast: OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.62–0.97, P=0.024; TG versus GG: OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.50–0.92, P=0.013, and dominant genetic model: OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55–0.94, P=0.016). Similarly, stratified analysis by race, source of control, significantly decreased association was found in Asians, Caucasians and hospital-based (HB) control source. Finally, in the subgroup analysis of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) status, poorly decreased relationship was detected between IL-21 rs6822844 polymorphism and RF negative and ACPA positive RA risk, respectively. No obvious evidence of publication bias was detected in overall analysis. In summary, our study indicated that IL-21 rs6822844 polymorphism was significantly associated with decreased RA susceptibility.
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El-Said H, Fayyad-Kazan M, Aoun R, Borghol N, Skafi N, Rouas R, Vanhamme L, Mourtada M, Ezzeddine M, Burny A, Fayyad-Kazan H, Badran B. MiR302c, Sp1, and NFATc2 regulate interleukin-21 expression in human CD4+CD45RO+ T lymphocytes. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:5998-6011. [PMID: 30343493 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine with potent regulatory effects on different immune cells. Recently, IL-21 has been contemplated for use in the treatment of cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating human IL-21 gene expression has not yet been described. In this study, we initially studied the promoter region and identified the transcription start site. We thereafter described the essential region upstream of the transcription start site and showed the in vivo binding of NFATc2 and SP1 transcription factors to this region, in addition to their positive role in IL-21 expression. We also studied the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating IL-21 expression. We, thus, established the miRNA profile of CD4+CD45RO+ versus CD4+CD45RA+ isolated from healthy volunteers and identified a signature composed of 12 differentially expressed miRNAs. We showed that miR-302c is able to negatively regulate IL-21 expression by binding directly to its target site in the 3'-untranslated region. Moreover, after using fresh human CD4-positive T cells, we observed the high acetylation level of histone H4, an observation well in line with the already described high expression of IL-21 in CD4+CD45RO+ versus CD4+CD45RA+ T cells. Altogether, our data identified different molecular mechanisms regulating IL-21 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan El-Said
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Fayyad-Kazan
- Department of Hematology, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Rabab Aoun
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nada Borghol
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Najwa Skafi
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Redouane Rouas
- Department of Hematology, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Mohamad Mourtada
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Ezzeddine
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Arsène Burny
- Department of Hematology, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Hussein Fayyad-Kazan
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bassam Badran
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Abstract
De novo donor-specific antibody (DSA) formation is a major problem in transplantation, and associated with long-term graft decline and loss as well as sensitization, limiting future transplant options. Forming high-affinity, long-lived antibody responses involves a process called the germinal center (GC) reaction, and requires interaction between several cell types, including GC B cells, T follicular helper (Tfh) and T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells. T follicular regulatory cells are an essential component of the GC reaction, limiting its size and reducing nonspecific or self-reactive responses.An imbalance between helper function and regulatory function can lead to excessive antibody production. High proportions of Tfh cells have been associated with DSA formation in transplantation; therefore, Tfr cells are likely to play an important role in limiting DSA production. Understanding the signals that govern Tfr cell development and the balance between helper and regulatory function within the GC is key to understanding how these cells might be manipulated to reduce the risk of DSA development.This review discusses the development and function of Tfr cells and their relevance to transplantation. In particular how current and future immunosuppressive strategies might allow us to skew the ratio between Tfr and Tfh cells to increase or decrease the risk of de novo DSA formation.
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Jian L, Sun L, Li C, Yu R, Ma Z, Wang X, Zhao J, Liu X. Interleukin‐21 enhances Toll‐like receptor 2/4‐mediated cytokine production via phosphorylation in the STAT3, Akt and p38 MAPK signalling pathways in human monocytic THP‐1 cells. Scand J Immunol 2019; 89:e12761. [PMID: 30977163 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Jian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology Peking University Third Hospital Beijing China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology Peking University Third Hospital Beijing China
| | - Changhong Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology Peking University Third Hospital Beijing China
| | - Ruohan Yu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology Peking University Third Hospital Beijing China
| | - Zhenzhen Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology Peking University Third Hospital Beijing China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology Peking University Third Hospital Beijing China
| | - Jinxia Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology Peking University Third Hospital Beijing China
| | - Xiangyuan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology Peking University Third Hospital Beijing China
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35
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Bates MA, Benninghoff AD, Gilley KN, Holian A, Harkema JR, Pestka JJ. Mapping of Dynamic Transcriptome Changes Associated With Silica-Triggered Autoimmune Pathogenesis in the Lupus-Prone NZBWF1 Mouse. Front Immunol 2019; 10:632. [PMID: 30984195 PMCID: PMC6450439 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Crystalline silica (cSiO2) is a widely recognized environmental trigger of autoimmune disease. In the lupus-prone female NZBWF1 mouse, airway exposure to cSiO2 triggers pulmonary ectopic lymphoid neogenesis, systemic autoantibody elevation, and glomerulonephritis. Here we tested the hypothesis that upregulation of adaptive immune function genes in the lung precedes cSiO2-triggering of autoimmune disease in this model. The study include three groups of mice, as follows: (1) necropsied 1 d after a single intranasal instillation of 1 mg cSiO2 or vehicle, (2) necropsied 1 d after four weekly single instillations of 1 mg cSiO2 or vehicle, or (3) necropsied 1, 5, 9, or 13 weeks after four weekly single instillations of 1 mg cSiO2 or vehicle. NanoString nCounter analysis revealed modest transcriptional changes associated with innate and adaptive immune response as early as 1 d after a single cSiO2 instillation. These responses were greatly expanded after four weekly cSiO2 instillations. Concurrent with ectopic lymphoid neogenesis, dramatic increases in mRNAs associated with chemokine release, cytokine production, sustained interferon activity, complement activation, and adhesion molecules were observed. As disease progressed, expression of these genes persisted and was further amplified. Consistent with autoimmune pathogenesis, the time between 5 and 9 weeks post-instillation reflected an important transition period where considerable immune gene upregulation in the lung was observed. Upon termination of the chronic study (13 weeks), cSiO2-induced changes in transcriptome signatures were similarly robust in kidney as compared to the lung, but more modest in spleen. Transcriptomic signatures in lung and kidney were indicative of infiltration and/or expansion of neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells, and T cells that corresponded with accelerated autoimmune pathogenesis. Taken together, airway exposure to cSiO2 elicited aberrant mRNA signatures for both innate and adaptive immunity that were consistent with establishment of the lung as the central autoimmune nexus for launching systemic autoimmunity and ultimately, kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Bates
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Abby D Benninghoff
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences and the School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Kristen N Gilley
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Andrij Holian
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Jack R Harkema
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - James J Pestka
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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36
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Mohammadi FS, Aslani S, Mostafaei S, Jamshidi A, Riahi P, Mahmoudi M. Are genetic variations in IL-21-IL-23R-IL-17A cytokine axis involved in a pathogenic pathway of rheumatoid arthritis? Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:17159-17171. [PMID: 30924147 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory cytokines have been established to be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The genetic polymorphisms in the interleukin (IL) 23 receptor (IL23R), IL21, and IL17 have been associated with RA risk. However, there is no conclusive understanding of the genes encoding the immunoinflammatory IL-21-IL-23R-IL-17A pathway in RA aetiopathogenesis. This meta-analysis was conducted to attain this goal. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Scopus and PubMed to look for the relevant case-control studies up until 2018. A Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis was carried out to assess the association between the polymorphisms and the risk of RA. The association was estimated by calculating the logarithm of odds ratio (Log OR) and 95% credible interval (95% CI). In this meta-analysis, 37 case-control studies comprising 23,506 RA patients and 25,984 healthy individuals were found for analyzing the IL23R, IL21, and IL1A gene polymorphism and risk of RA. In the IL23R gene rs1343151 SNP, the minor A allele significantly increased the risk of RA (Log OR = 0.085, 95% CI = 0.008, 0.156). Moreover, the minor AA genotype was significantly associated with increased RA risk (Log OR = 0.176, 95% CI = 0.028, 0.321). In addition, the C allele of the IL23R gene rs2201841 SNP significantly decreased the disease risk (Log OR = -0.544, 95% CI = -1.0, -0.065). Since Bayesian meta-analysis is a powerful strategy to pool the data, it can be mentioned that genetic polymorphisms of IL23R, but not IL21 and IL17A, are involved in susceptibility to RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saeed Aslani
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayan Mostafaei
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Jamshidi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Riahi
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Long D, Chen Y, Wu H, Zhao M, Lu Q. Clinical significance and immunobiology of IL-21 in autoimmunity. J Autoimmun 2019; 99:1-14. [PMID: 30773373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), an autocrine cytokine predominantly produced by follicular helper T (Tfh) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells, has been proven to play an important role in the immune system, for example, by promoting proliferation and the development of Tfh and Th17 cells, balancing helper T cell subsets, inducing B cell generation and differentiation into plasma cells, and enhancing the production of immunoglobulin. These effects are mainly mediated by activation of the JAK/STAT, MAPK and PI3K pathways. Some IL-21 target genes, such as B lymphocyte induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1), suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS), CXCR5 and Bcl-6, play important roles in the immune response. Therefore, IL-21 has been linked to autoimmune diseases. Indeed, IL-21 levels are increased in the peripheral blood and tissues of patients with systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type 1 diabetes (T1D), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and psoriasis. This increased IL-21 even positively associates with Tfh cells, plasma cells, autoantibodies and disease activity in SLE and RA. Additionally, IL-21 has been utilized as a therapeutic target in SLE, RA, T1D and psoriatic mouse models. Profoundly, clinical trials have shown safety and improvement in RA patients. However, tolerance and long-term pharmacodynamics effects with low bioavailability have been found in SLE patients. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the latest progress on IL-21 function and its signaling pathway and discuss the role of IL-21 in the pathogenesis of and therapy for autoimmune diseases, with the hope of providing potential therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Long
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yongjian Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
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Vallières F, Durocher I, Girard D. Biological activities of interleukin (IL)-21 in human monocytes and macrophages. Cell Immunol 2019; 337:62-70. [PMID: 30765203 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The biological roles of interleukin (IL)-21 in human monocytes and macrophages have been neglected. We previously demonstrated that IL-21 induce phagocytosis and established that Syk is a new molecular target of IL-21. Herein, we found that IL-21 is not chemoattractant for immature THP-1 and primary monocytes but can increase the capacity of THP-1 cells (not primary monocytes) to adhere onto a cell substratum by a Syk-dependent mechanism without altering the expression of a panel of cell surface molecules. Unlike THP- 1 and monocytes, IL-21 can increase metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 secretion and activity in monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM), as assessed by western blot and zymography experiments, respectively. We reported that IL-21 did not increase the production of IL-6 and the chemokines MIP-1α and GRO-α in HMDM. Therefore, IL-21 can increase functions other that phagocytosis, but this cytokine does not have a large spectrum of biological activities in monocytes and macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Vallières
- Laboratoire de recherche en inflammation et physiologie des granulocytes, Université du Québec, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Durocher
- Laboratoire de recherche en inflammation et physiologie des granulocytes, Université du Québec, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Denis Girard
- Laboratoire de recherche en inflammation et physiologie des granulocytes, Université du Québec, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada.
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Varkey R, Du Q, Karnell JL, Xiao X, Casey KA, Woods R, Rosenthal K, Wilson S, Dall’Acqua WF, Wu H, Herbst R, Ettinger R, Damschroder M. Discovery and characterization of potent IL-21 neutralizing antibodies via a novel alternating antigen immunization and humanization strategy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211236. [PMID: 30682117 PMCID: PMC6347146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a member of the common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc) family, is secreted by CD4+ T cells and natural killer T cells and induces effector function through interactions with the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R)/γc complex expressed on both immune and non-immune cells. Numerous studies suggest that IL-21 plays a significant role in autoimmune disorders. Therapeutic intervention to disrupt the IL-21/IL-21R/γc interaction and inhibit subsequent downstream signal transduction could offer a treatment paradigm for these diseases. Potent neutralizing antibodies reported in the literature were generated after extensive immunizations with human IL-21 alone and in combination with various adjuvants. To circumvent the laborious method of antibody generation while targeting a conserved functional epitope, we designed a novel alternating-antigen immunization strategy utilizing both human and cynomolgus monkey (cyno) IL-21. Despite the high degree of homology between human and cyno IL-21, our alternating-immunization strategy elicited higher antibody titers and more potent neutralizing hybridomas in mice than did the immunization with human IL-21 antigen alone. The lead hybridoma clone was humanized by grafting the murine complementarity-determining regions onto human germline framework templates, using a unique rational design. The final humanized and engineered antibody, MEDI7169, encodes only one murine residue at the variable heavy/light-chain interface, retains the sub-picomolar affinity for IL-21, specifically inhibits IL-21/IL-21R-mediated signaling events and is currently under clinical development as a potential therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases. This study provides experimental evidence of the immune system's potential to recognize and respond to shared epitopes of antigens from distinct species, and presents a generally applicable, novel method for the rapid generation of exceptional therapeutic antibodies using the hybridoma platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Varkey
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Qun Du
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jodi L. Karnell
- Department of Respiratory, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Xiaodong Xiao
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kerry A. Casey
- Department of Respiratory, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rob Woods
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kim Rosenthal
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Susan Wilson
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William F. Dall’Acqua
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Herren Wu
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ronald Herbst
- Department of Respiratory, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rachel Ettinger
- Department of Respiratory, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Melissa Damschroder
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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40
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Osada Y, Horie Y, Nakae S, Sudo K, Kanazawa T. STAT6 and IL-10 are required for the anti-arthritic effects of Schistosoma mansoni via different mechanisms. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 195:109-120. [PMID: 30194773 PMCID: PMC6300695 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate possible roles of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines in the anti-arthritic effects of a blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni (Sm), for mouse collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), wild-type (WT), signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) knock-out (KO) and interleukin (IL)-10 KO mice were infected with Sm. Three weeks after infection, the mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen (IIC). Arthritis severity was monitored by scoring, measurement of paw thickness and the presence of ankylosis. Serum anti-IIC IgG levels, splenic cytokine production and cytokine gene expression in the popliteal lymph nodes (PLNs) were measured and compared among WT and gene-KO mice. Consistent with our previous findings, Sm infection reduced the arthritis severity in WT mice. Splenic production of IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was reduced by the infection. In contrast, Sm infection markedly exacerbated CIA in STAT6 KO mice. In the KO mice, IL-17A production was increased by the infection. Conversely, Sm infection did not affect the exacerbated arthritis in IL-10 KO mice, although IL-17A production was reduced by the helminth. Our results suggest that signaling via STAT6 (presumably IL-4 and/or IL-13) and IL-10 is required for the suppression of CIA by Sm infection, but through different mechanisms. STAT6 was essential for helminth-induced reduction of IL-17A, whereas regulation of the basal arthritis severity by IL-10 was needed in order for it to be sufficiently suppressed by the helminth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Osada
- Department of Immunology and ParasitologyUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthJapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Y. Horie
- Department of Immunology and ParasitologyUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthJapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - S. Nakae
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical ScienceUniversity of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - K. Sudo
- Animal Research CenterTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - T. Kanazawa
- Department of Immunology and ParasitologyUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthJapanKitakyushuJapan
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41
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Dam EM, Maier AC, Hocking AM, Carlin J, Ng B, Buckner JH. Increased Binding of Specificity Protein 1 to the IL21R Promoter in B Cells Results in Enhanced B Cell Responses in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1978. [PMID: 30233580 PMCID: PMC6134023 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
B cells are implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on the presence of autoantibodies and the therapeutic response to B cell depletion. IL-21 has a significant role in B cell development and function. Here we assess B cell responses to IL-21 and the mechanisms responsible for altered IL-21R expression in RA. Flow cytometry of PBMC and cultured B cells was used to quantify protein and mRNA levels of IL-21R, IL-21 signaling through pSTAT3, specificity protein 1 (SP1) and to determine cytokine production (IL-6) and maturation status of B cells in RA and healthy control subjects. SP1 binding to the IL21R promoter region in B cells was assessed with ChIP-qPCR. We demonstrate an increase in IL-21R expression in total and memory B cells from RA subjects, which correlated with responsiveness to IL-21 stimulation. Stimulation of naïve RA B cells with IL-21 and CD40L resulted in an increase in differentiation into plasmablasts and an increase in IL-6 production in comparison to healthy controls, which was dose dependent on IL-21 stimulation. IL-21R expression on memory B cells in RA synovial fluid was comparable to peripheral blood making our study pertinent to understanding B cell responses in the joint and site of inflammation. We identified an increase in SP1 protein and mRNA in RA B cells and demonstrate an increase in binding of SP1 to the IL21R promoter region, which suggests a mechanism by which IL-21R expression is enhanced on B cells in RA. Taken together, our results indicate a mechanism by which IL-21 enhances B cell development and function in RA through an SP1 mediated increase in IL-21R expression on B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Dam
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alison C Maier
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Anne M Hocking
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jeffrey Carlin
- Division of Rheumatology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Bernard Ng
- Rheumatology Section, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jane H Buckner
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
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42
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Parmentier JM, Voss J, Graff C, Schwartz A, Argiriadi M, Friedman M, Camp HS, Padley RJ, George JS, Hyland D, Rosebraugh M, Wishart N, Olson L, Long AJ. In vitro and in vivo characterization of the JAK1 selectivity of upadacitinib (ABT-494). BMC Rheumatol 2018; 2:23. [PMID: 30886973 PMCID: PMC6390583 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-018-0031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-cytokine therapies such as adalimumab, tocilizumab, and the small molecule JAK inhibitor tofacitinib have proven that cytokines and their subsequent downstream signaling processes are important in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Tofacitinib, a pan-JAK inhibitor, is the first approved JAK inhibitor for the treatment of RA and has been shown to be effective in managing disease. However, in phase 2 dose-ranging studies tofacitinib was associated with dose-limiting tolerability and safety issues such as anemia. Upadacitinib (ABT-494) is a selective JAK1 inhibitor that was engineered to address the hypothesis that greater JAK1 selectivity over other JAK family members will translate into a more favorable benefit:risk profile. Upadacitinib selectively targets JAK1 dependent disease drivers such as IL-6 and IFNγ, while reducing effects on reticulocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, which potentially contributed to the tolerability issues of tofacitinib. Methods Structure-based hypotheses were used to design the JAK1 selective inhibitor upadacitinib. JAK family selectivity was defined with in vitro assays including biochemical assessments, engineered cell lines, and cytokine stimulation. In vivo selectivity was defined by the efficacy of upadacitinib and tofacitinib in a rat adjuvant induced arthritis model, activity on reticulocyte deployment, and effect on circulating NK cells. The translation of the preclinical JAK1 selectivity was assessed in healthy volunteers using ex vivo stimulation with JAK-dependent cytokines. Results Here, we show the structural basis for the JAK1 selectivity of upadacitinib, along with the in vitro JAK family selectivity profile and subsequent in vivo physiological consequences. Upadacitinib is ~ 60 fold selective for JAK1 over JAK2, and > 100 fold selective over JAK3 in cellular assays. While both upadacitinib and tofacitinib demonstrated efficacy in a rat model of arthritis, the increased selectivity of upadacitinib for JAK1 resulted in a reduced effect on reticulocyte deployment and NK cell depletion relative to efficacy. Ex vivo pharmacodynamic data obtained from Phase I healthy volunteers confirmed the JAK1 selectivity of upadactinib in a clinical setting. Conclusions The data presented here highlight the JAK1 selectivity of upadacinitinib and supports its use as an effective therapy for the treatment of RA with the potential for an improved benefit:risk profile. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s41927-018-0031-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Parmentier
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Jeff Voss
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Candace Graff
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Annette Schwartz
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Maria Argiriadi
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Michael Friedman
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Heidi S Camp
- 2Immunology Clinical Development, AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064 USA
| | - Robert J Padley
- 2Immunology Clinical Development, AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064 USA
| | - Jonathan S George
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Deborah Hyland
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Matthew Rosebraugh
- 3Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, AbbVie, North Chicago, IL USA
| | - Neil Wishart
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Lisa Olson
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Andrew J Long
- 1Immunology Discovery Research, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
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43
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Nerviani A, Pitzalis C. Role of chemokines in ectopic lymphoid structures formation in autoimmunity and cancer. J Leukoc Biol 2018; 104:333-341. [PMID: 29947426 PMCID: PMC6099300 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3mr0218-062r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic (or tertiary) lymphoid structures (ELS) are organized aggregates of lymphocytes resembling secondary lymphoid organs and developing in chronically inflamed nonlymphoid tissues during persistent infections, graft rejection, autoimmune conditions, and cancer. In this review, we will first depict the mechanisms regulating ELS generation, focusing on the role played by lymphoid chemokines. We will then characterize ELS forming in target organs during autoimmune conditions, here exemplified by rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer, highlighting the relevance of the tissue-specific factors. Finally, we will discuss the clinical significance of ELS and the therapeutic potential of their inhibition and/or enhancement depending on the disease considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Nerviani
- Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Costantino Pitzalis
- Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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44
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Evaluating IL-21 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Crohn's Disease. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2018; 2018:5962624. [PMID: 29849593 PMCID: PMC5914125 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5962624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is primarily a T cell-derived cytokine; it is upregulated in patients with Crohn's Disease (CD) and could be a potential new therapeutic target in CD. Methods In human material, IL-21 and IL-21R expression was investigated by in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in noninflammatory bowel disease (non-IBD) controls and patients with CD. The pathologic role of IL-21 was examined in murine models of T cell-dependent and T cell-independent colitis, either with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against IL-21 or with the transfer of CD4+CD45RBhighIL-21R-/- T cells. Colonic pathology was examined by endoscopy, histopathology, IHC, ELISA, and Luminex. Results In the human intestine, IL-21 and IL-21R mRNA and protein-expressing cells were observed in the mucosa, in lymphoid aggregates of submucosa in non-IBD controls, and in lymphoid aggregates of muscularis externa in patients with CD. IL-21 expression was most abundant in germinal centers (GCs) of the lymphoid aggregates, and IL-21R expression assessed semiquantitatively, was significantly higher in patients with CD compared to non-IBD controls. Following prophylactic and interventive anti-IL-21 mAb treatment in the adoptive transfer (AdTr) model, clinical and pathological parameters were significantly reduced. The most persistent finding was a reduction in colonic infiltrating neutrophils. As well, Rag2-/- mice receiving CD4+CD45RBhighIL-21R-/- T cells developed less severe colitis compared to Rag2-/- mice receiving CD4+CD45RBhighIL-21R+/+ T cells. No effect of reduced IL-21 signalling was observed in T cell-independent colitis. Conclusion Our study shows that patients with CD have significant expression of IL-21 and IL-21R in the gut. As well, we show that neutralization of IL-21 in experimental T cell-driven colitis is associated with a reduction in clinical and pathological findings. This amelioration seems to be associated with a reduction in colon-infiltrating neutrophils.
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Adler AS, Bedinger D, Adams MS, Asensio MA, Edgar RC, Leong R, Leong J, Mizrahi RA, Spindler MJ, Bandi SR, Huang H, Tawde P, Brams P, Johnson DS. A natively paired antibody library yields drug leads with higher sensitivity and specificity than a randomly paired antibody library. MAbs 2018; 10:431-443. [PMID: 29376776 PMCID: PMC5916548 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2018.1426422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep sequencing and single-chain variable fragment (scFv) yeast display methods are becoming more popular for discovery of therapeutic antibody candidates in mouse B cell repertoires. In this study, we compare a deep sequencing and scFv display method that retains native heavy and light chain pairing with a related method that randomly pairs heavy and light chain. We performed the studies in a humanized mouse, using interleukin 21 receptor (IL-21R) as a test immunogen. We identified 44 high-affinity binder scFv with the native pairing method and 100 high-affinity binder scFv with the random pairing method. 30% of the natively paired scFv binders were also discovered with the randomly paired method, and 13% of the randomly paired binders were also discovered with the natively paired method. Additionally, 33% of the scFv binders discovered only in the randomly paired library were initially present in the natively paired pre-sort library. Thus, a significant proportion of “randomly paired” scFv were actually natively paired. We synthesized and produced 46 of the candidates as full-length antibodies and subjected them to a panel of binding assays to characterize their therapeutic potential. 87% of the antibodies were verified as binding IL-21R by at least one assay. We found that antibodies with native light chains were more likely to bind IL-21R than antibodies with non-native light chains, suggesting a higher false positive rate for antibodies from the randomly paired library. Additionally, the randomly paired method failed to identify nearly half of the true natively paired binders, suggesting a higher false negative rate. We conclude that natively paired libraries have critical advantages in sensitivity and specificity for antibody discovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Adler
- a GigaGen Inc., One Tower Place , Suite 750, South San Francisco , CA USA
| | - Daniel Bedinger
- b Carterra Inc. , 825 N 300 W, Suite C309, Salt Lake City , UT USA
| | - Matthew S Adams
- a GigaGen Inc., One Tower Place , Suite 750, South San Francisco , CA USA
| | - Michael A Asensio
- a GigaGen Inc., One Tower Place , Suite 750, South San Francisco , CA USA
| | - Robert C Edgar
- a GigaGen Inc., One Tower Place , Suite 750, South San Francisco , CA USA
| | - Renee Leong
- a GigaGen Inc., One Tower Place , Suite 750, South San Francisco , CA USA
| | - Jackson Leong
- a GigaGen Inc., One Tower Place , Suite 750, South San Francisco , CA USA
| | - Rena A Mizrahi
- a GigaGen Inc., One Tower Place , Suite 750, South San Francisco , CA USA
| | - Matthew J Spindler
- a GigaGen Inc., One Tower Place , Suite 750, South San Francisco , CA USA
| | | | - Haichun Huang
- c Bristol-Myers Squibb , 700 Bay Road, Redwood City , CA USA
| | - Pallavi Tawde
- c Bristol-Myers Squibb , 700 Bay Road, Redwood City , CA USA
| | - Peter Brams
- c Bristol-Myers Squibb , 700 Bay Road, Redwood City , CA USA
| | - David S Johnson
- a GigaGen Inc., One Tower Place , Suite 750, South San Francisco , CA USA
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Wang B, Zhao P, Zhou Y, Meng L, Zhu W, Jiang C, Wang L, Cai Y, Lu S, Hou W. Increased expression of Th17 cytokines and interleukin-22 correlates with disease activity in pristane-induced arthritis in rats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188199. [PMID: 29182672 PMCID: PMC5705111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify the key changed subtype of T helper cells (Th cells) and their cytokines in pristane-induced arthritis (PIA) in rats. The severity of arthritis was evaluated by body weight, clinical score, the perimeter of ankle and mid-paw and histological assessment of ankle joints. Cytokines of Th1, Th2 and Th17 were determined in the spleen and inguinal lymph nodes at 28 days after pristane injection by real-time qPCR. The mRNA levels of IL-22 receptors, IL-22R1 and IL-22BP, in the spleen were quantified by real-time qPCR. Additionally, IL-22 expression in synovial membrane was detected by Western blotting, and serum IL-22 concentration was determined by ELISA. Correlation between IL-22 concentration and clinical score was analyzed. By screening the cytokines of Th1, Th2 and Th17 expression profile, we found that the mRNA levels of Th17 cytokines were significantly increased in PIA rats. Particularly, a significant increase in the protein expression of IL-22 was determined in synovial membrane and serum from PIA rats, and correlated with clinical score. We conclude that IL-22 expression level was increased and correlated with disease severity, which indicated that IL-22 may play an important role in development of PIA, and was helpful to explorer the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liesu Meng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenhua Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Congshan Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Linyu Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongsong Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Osteonecrosis and Joint Reconstruction Ward, Joint Surgery, Xi’an Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shemin Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weikun Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Osteonecrosis and Joint Reconstruction Ward, Joint Surgery, Xi’an Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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47
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Autoantibodies against interleukin-21 correlate with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2017; 37:75-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-017-3862-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Dinesh P, Rasool M. Multifaceted role of IL‐21 in rheumatoid arthritis: Current understanding and future perspectives. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:3918-3928. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Palani Dinesh
- Immunopathology LabSchool of Bio Sciences and TechnologyVIT UniversityVelloreTamil NaduIndia
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49
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Jain S, Ward JM, Shin DM, Wang H, Naghashfar Z, Kovalchuk AL, Morse HC. Associations of Autoimmunity, Immunodeficiency, Lymphomagenesis, and Gut Microbiota in Mice with Knockins for a Pathogenic Autoantibody. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:2020-2033. [PMID: 28727987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A number of mouse strains transgenic for B-cell receptors specific for nucleic acids or other autoantigens have been generated to understand how autoreactive B cells are regulated in normal and autoimmune mice. Previous studies of nonautoimmune C57BL/6 mice heterozygous for both the IgH and IgL knockins of the polyreactive autoantibody, 564, produced high levels of autoantibodies in a largely Toll-like receptor 7-dependent manner. Herein, we describe studies of mice homozygous for the knockins that also expressed high levels of autoantibodies but, unlike the heterozygotes, exhibited a high incidence of mature B-cell lymphomas and enhanced susceptibility to bacterial infections. Microarray analyses and serological studies suggested that lymphomagenesis might be related to chronic B-cell activation promoted by IL-21. Strikingly, mice treated continuously with antibiotic-supplemented water did not develop lymphomas or abscesses and exhibited less autoimmunity. This mouse model may help us understand the reasons for enhanced susceptibility to lymphoma development exhibited by humans with a variety of autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and highly active rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Jain
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Jerrold M Ward
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Dong-Mi Shin
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongsheng Wang
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Zohreh Naghashfar
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Alexander L Kovalchuk
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Herbert C Morse
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland.
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Genome-wide association study to identify variants associated with acute severe vaso-occlusive pain in sickle cell anemia. Blood 2017; 130:686-688. [PMID: 28584135 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-02-769661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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