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Drougkas K, Skarlis C, Mavragani C. Type I Interferons in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: Pathogenesis, Clinical Features and Treatment Options. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2024; 35:365-380. [PMID: 39193187 PMCID: PMC11345602 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.270324.tis] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Type I interferon (IFN) pathway dysregulation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's disease (SjD), systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermatomyositis (DM) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Genetic and epigenetic alterations have been involved in dysregulated type I IFN responses in systemic autoimmune disorders. Aberrant type I IFN production and secretion have been associated with distinct clinical phenotypes, disease activity, and severity as well as differentiated treatment responses among SARDs. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of type I IFNs in systemic autoimmune diseases including SLE, RA, SjD, SSc, and DM focusing on pathophysiological, clinical, and therapeutical aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Drougkas
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Skarlis
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Clio Mavragani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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2
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Yu CY, Lee HS, Joo YB, Cho SK, Choi CB, Sung YK, Kim TH, Jun JB, Yoo DH, Bae SC, Kim K, Bang SY. Transcriptomic network analysis reveals key drivers of response to anti-TNF biologics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1422-1431. [PMID: 37572297 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anti-TNF biologics have been widely used to ameliorate disease activity in patients with RA. However, a large fraction of patients show a poor response to these agents. Moreover, no clinically applicable predictive biomarkers have been established. This study aimed to identify response-associated biomarkers using longitudinal transcriptomic data in two independent RA cohorts. METHODS RNA sequencing data from peripheral blood cell samples of Korean and Caucasian RA cohorts before and after initial treatment with anti-TNF biologics were analysed to assess treatment-induced expression changes that differed between highly reliable excellent responders and null responders. Weighted correlation network, immune cell composition, and key driver analyses were performed to understand response-associated transcriptomic networks and cell types and their correlation with disease activity indices. RESULTS In total, 305 response-associated genes showed significantly different treatment-induced expression changes between excellent and null responders. Co-expression network construction and subsequent key driver analysis revealed that 41 response-associated genes played a crucial role as key drivers of transcriptomic alteration in four response-associated networks involved in various immune pathways: type I IFN signalling, myeloid leucocyte activation, B cell activation, and NK cell/lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity. Transcriptomic response scores that we developed to estimate the individual-level degree of expression changes in the response-associated key driver genes were significantly correlated with the changes in clinical indices in independent patients with moderate or ambiguous response outcomes. CONCLUSION This study provides response-specific treatment-induced transcriptomic signatures by comparing the transcriptomic landscape between patients with excellent and null responses to anti-TNF drugs at both gene and network levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae-Yeon Yu
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Soon Lee
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Bin Joo
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Kyung Cho
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Bum Choi
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Sung
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Bum Jun
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hyun Yoo
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Cheol Bae
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangwoo Kim
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Young Bang
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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3
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Yamada S, Nagafuchi Y, Fujio K. Pathophysiology and stratification of treatment-resistant rheumatoid arthritis. Immunol Med 2024; 47:12-23. [PMID: 37462450 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2023.2235734] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis and timely therapeutic intervention are clinical challenges of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially for treatment-resistant or difficult-to-treat patients. Little is known about the immunological mechanisms involved in refractory RA. In this review, we summarize previous research findings on the immunological mechanisms of treatment-resistant RA. Genetic prediction of treatment-resistant RA is challenging. Patients with and without anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide autoantibodies are considered part of distinct subgroups, especially regarding long-term clinical prognosis and treatment responses. B cells, T cells and other immune cells and fibroblasts are of pathophysiological importance and are associated with treatment responses. Finally, we propose a new hypothesis that stratifies patients with RA into two subgroups with distinct immunological pathologies based on our recent immunomics analysis of RA. One RA subgroup with a favorable prognosis is characterized by increased interferon signaling. Another subgroup with a worse prognosis is characterized by enhanced acquired immune responses. Increases in dendritic cell precursors and diversified autoreactive anti-modified protein antibodies may have pathophysiological roles, especially in the latter subgroup. These findings that improve treatment response predictions might contribute to future precision medicine for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeko Yamada
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nagafuchi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Lien HJT, Pedersen TT, Jakobsen B, Flatberg A, Chawla K, Sætrom P, Fenstad MH. Single-cell resolution of longitudinal blood transcriptome profiles in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and healthy control pregnancies. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:300-311. [PMID: 38049980 PMCID: PMC10894842 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Comparative longitudinal analyses of cellular composition and peripheral blood gene expression in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy pregnancies. METHODS In total, 335 whole blood samples from 84 RA, SLE and healthy controls before pregnancy, at each trimester, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post partum were analysed. We combined bulk and single cell RNA analyses for cell-type estimation, validated by flow cytometry, before combining this in a cell-type adjusted analysis for an improved resolution of unrecognised gene expression changes associated with RA and SLE pregnancies. RESULTS Patients were well regulated throughout pregnancy, and few had pregnancy complications. In SLE, the interferon signature was augmented during pregnancy, and the pregnancy signature was continued post partum. An altered cell type composition strongly influences the profile. In the pregnancy signature, transcripts involved in galactosylation potentially altering the effector functions of autoantibodies became more evident. Several genes in the adjusted RA signature are expressed in mucosal associated invariant T cells. CONCLUSION We found distinct RA, SLE and pregnancy signatures, and no expression patterns could be attributed to medication or disease activity. Our results support the need for close postpartum follow-up of patients with SLE. Gene expression patterns in RA were closer to healthy controls than to SLE, and primarily became evident after cell-type adjustment. Adjusting for cell abundance unravelled gene expression signatures less associated with variation in cell-composition and highlighted genes with expression profiles associated with changes in specialised cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Julie T Lien
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tina T Pedersen
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Rheumatology, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bente Jakobsen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Rheumatology, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arnar Flatberg
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Genomics Core Facility, HF, Sentral Stab, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Konika Chawla
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- BioCore - Bioinformatics Core Facility, HF, Sentral stab, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pål Sætrom
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Computer Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mona H Fenstad
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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5
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Rodríguez-Carrio J, Burska A, Conaghan PG, Dik WA, Biesen R, Eloranta ML, Cavalli G, Visser M, Boumpas DT, Bertsias G, Wahren-Herlenius M, Rehwinkel J, Frémond ML, Crow MK, Rönnblom L, Versnel MA, Vital EM. 2022 EULAR points to consider for the measurement, reporting and application of IFN-I pathway activation assays in clinical research and practice. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:754-762. [PMID: 36858821 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type I interferons (IFN-Is) play a role in a broad range of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), and compelling evidence suggests that their measurement could have clinical value, although testing has not progressed into clinical settings. OBJECTIVE To develop evidence-based points to consider (PtC) for the measurement and reporting of IFN-I assays in clinical research and to determine their potential clinical utility. METHODS EULAR standardised operating procedures were followed. A task force including rheumatologists, immunologists, translational scientists and a patient partner was formed. Two systematic reviews were conducted to address methodological and clinical questions. PtC were formulated based on the retrieved evidence and expert opinion. Level of evidence and agreement was determined. RESULTS Two overarching principles and 11 PtC were defined. The first set (PtC 1-4) concerned terminology, assay characteristics and reporting practices to enable more consistent reporting and facilitate translation and collaborations. The second set (PtC 5-11) addressed clinical applications for diagnosis and outcome assessments, including disease activity, prognosis and prediction of treatment response. The mean level of agreement was generally high, mainly in the first PtC set and for clinical applications in systemic lupus erythematosus. Harmonisation of assay methodology and clinical validation were key points for the research agenda. CONCLUSIONS IFN-I assays have a high potential for implementation in the clinical management of RMDs. Uptake of these PtC will facilitate the progress of IFN-I assays into clinical practice and may be also of interest beyond rheumatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Asturias, Spain
| | - Agata Burska
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - Philip G Conaghan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - Willem A Dik
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Biesen
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Department of Rheumatology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maija-Leena Eloranta
- Uppsala University, Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Giulio Cavalli
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianne Visser
- EULAR PARE Patient Research Partner, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Medicine, University of Crete, Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- University of Crete, Medical School, Department of Rheumatology-Clinical Immunology, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Marie Wahren-Herlenius
- Karolinska Institutet, Division of Rheumatology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Rehwinkel
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marie-Louise Frémond
- Université de Paris Cité, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Immuno-Hématologie et Rhumatologie pédiatriques, Paris, France
| | - Mary K Crow
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lars Rönnblom
- Uppsala University, Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marjan A Versnel
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Immunology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Edward M Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
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6
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Yamada S, Nagafuchi Y, Wang M, Ota M, Hatano H, Takeshima Y, Okubo M, Kobayashi S, Sugimori Y, Masahiro N, Yoshida R, Hanata N, Suwa Y, Tsuchida Y, Iwasaki Y, Sumitomo S, Kubo K, Shimane K, Setoguchi K, Azuma T, Kanda H, Shoda H, Zhang X, Yamamoto K, Ishigaki K, Okamura T, Fujio K. Immunomics analysis of rheumatoid arthritis identified precursor dendritic cells as a key cell subset of treatment resistance. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:809-819. [PMID: 36918189 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the immunology underlying variable treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We performed large-scale transcriptome analyses of peripheral blood immune cell subsets to identify immune cells that predict treatment resistance. METHODS We isolated 18 peripheral blood immune cell subsets of 55 patients with RA requiring addition of new treatment and 39 healthy controls, and performed RNA sequencing. Transcriptome changes in RA and treatment effects were systematically characterised. Association between immune cell gene modules and treatment resistance was evaluated. We validated predictive value of identified parameters for treatment resistance using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and mass cytometric analysis cohorts. We also characterised the identified population by synovial single cell RNA-sequencing analysis. RESULTS Immune cells of patients with RA were characterised by enhanced interferon and IL6-JAK-STAT3 signalling that demonstrate partial normalisation after treatment. A gene expression module of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) reflecting the expansion of dendritic cell precursors (pre-DC) exhibited strongest association with treatment resistance. Type I interferon signalling was negatively correlated to pre-DC gene expression. qPCR and mass cytometric analysis in independent cohorts validated that the pre-DC associated gene expression and the proportion of pre-DC were significantly higher before treatment in treatment-resistant patients. A cluster of synovial DCs showed both features of pre-DC and pro-inflammatory conventional DC2s. CONCLUSIONS An increase in pre-DC in peripheral blood predicted RA treatment resistance. Pre-DC could have pathophysiological relevance to RA treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeko Yamada
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nagafuchi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan .,Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mineto Ota
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Hatano
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Human Immunogenetics, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yusuke Takeshima
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mai Okubo
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satomi Kobayashi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sugimori
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nakano Masahiro
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Autoimmune Diseases, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ryochi Yoshida
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Hanata
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Suwa
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Tsuchida
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Iwasaki
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Sumitomo
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanae Kubo
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Shimane
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keigo Setoguchi
- Allergy and Immunological Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hiroko Kanda
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Immune-Mediated Diseases Therapy Center, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shoda
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kazuhiko Yamamoto
- Laboratory for Autoimmune Diseases, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Ishigaki
- Laboratory for Human Immunogenetics, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Okamura
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Burska A, Rodríguez-Carrio J, Biesen R, Dik WA, Eloranta ML, Cavalli G, Visser M, Boumpas DT, Bertsias G, Wahren-Herlenius M, Rehwinkel J, Frémond ML, Crow MK, Ronnblom L, Conaghan PG, Versnel M, Vital E. Type I interferon pathway assays in studies of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a systematic literature review informing EULAR points to consider. RMD Open 2023; 9:e002876. [PMID: 36863752 PMCID: PMC9990675 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically review the literature for assay methods that aim to evaluate type I interferon (IFN-I) pathway activation and to harmonise-related terminology. METHODS Three databases were searched for reports of IFN-I and rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases. Information about the performance metrics of assays measuring IFN-I and measures of truth were extracted and summarised. A EULAR task force panel assessed feasibility and developed consensus terminology. RESULTS Of 10 037 abstracts, 276 fulfilled eligibility criteria for data extraction. Some reported more than one technique to measure IFN-I pathway activation. Hence, 276 papers generated data on 412 methods. IFN-I pathway activation was measured using: qPCR (n=121), immunoassays (n=101), microarray (n=69), reporter cell assay (n=38), DNA methylation (n=14), flow cytometry (n=14), cytopathic effect assay (n=11), RNA sequencing (n=9), plaque reduction assay (n=8), Nanostring (n=5), bisulphite sequencing (n=3). Principles of each assay are summarised for content validity. Concurrent validity (correlation with other IFN assays) was presented for n=150/412 assays. Reliability data were variable and provided for 13 assays. Gene expression and immunoassays were considered most feasible. Consensus terminology to define different aspects of IFN-I research and practice was produced. CONCLUSIONS Diverse methods have been reported as IFN-I assays and these differ in what elements or aspects of IFN-I pathway activation they measure and how. No 'gold standard' represents the entirety of the IFN pathway, some may not be specific for IFN-I. Data on reliability or comparing assays were limited, and feasibility is a challenge for many assays. Consensus terminology should improve consistency of reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Burska
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- University of Oviedo, Area of Immunology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Robert Biesen
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Department of Rheumatology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Willem A Dik
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Rotterdam, Netherlands Immunology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maija-Leena Eloranta
- Uppsala University, Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Giulio Cavalli
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- EULAR, PARE Patient Research Partners, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marianne Visser
- University of Crete, Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- University of Crete, Medical School, Department of Rheumatology-Clinical Immunology, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- University of Crete, Medical School, Department of Rheumatology-Clinical Immunology, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Marie Wahren-Herlenius
- Karolinska Institutet, Division of Rheumatology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Rehwinkel
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Marie-Louise Frémond
- Université de Paris Cité, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Immuno-Hématologie et Rhumatologie pédiatriques, Paris, France
| | - Mary K Crow
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, New York, USA
| | - Lars Ronnblom
- Uppsala University, Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P G Conaghan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - Marjan Versnel
- Erasmus MC, Department of Immunology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ed Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
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8
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Rodríguez-Carrio J, Burska A, Conaghan PG, Dik WA, Biesen R, Eloranta ML, Cavalli G, Visser M, Boumpas DT, Bertsias G, Wahren-Herlenius M, Rehwinkel J, Frémond ML, Crow MK, Ronnblom L, Vital E, Versnel M. Association between type I interferon pathway activation and clinical outcomes in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a systematic literature review informing EULAR points to consider. RMD Open 2023; 9:e002864. [PMID: 36882218 PMCID: PMC10008483 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type I interferons (IFN-I) contribute to a broad range of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Compelling evidence suggests that the measurement of IFN-I pathway activation may have clinical value. Although several IFN-I pathway assays have been proposed, the exact clinical applications are unclear. We summarise the evidence on the potential clinical utility of assays measuring IFN-I pathway activation. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted across three databases to evaluate the use of IFN-I assays in diagnosis and monitor disease activity, prognosis, response to treatment and responsiveness to change in several RMDs. RESULTS Of 366 screened, 276 studies were selected that reported the use of assays reflecting IFN-I pathway activation for disease diagnosis (n=188), assessment of disease activity (n=122), prognosis (n=20), response to treatment (n=23) and assay responsiveness (n=59). Immunoassays, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and microarrays were reported most frequently, while systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, systemic sclerosis and primary Sjögren's syndrome were the most studied RMDs. The literature demonstrated significant heterogeneity in techniques, analytical conditions, risk of bias and application in diseases. Inadequate study designs and technical heterogeneity were the main limitations. IFN-I pathway activation was associated with disease activity and flare occurrence in SLE, but their incremental value was uncertain. IFN-I pathway activation may predict response to IFN-I targeting therapies and may predict response to different treatments. CONCLUSIONS Evidence indicates potential clinical value of assays measuring IFN-I pathway activation in several RMDs, but assay harmonisation and clinical validation are urged. This review informs the EULAR points to consider for the measurement and reporting of IFN-I pathway assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- Area of Immunology, University of Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Asturias, Spain
| | - Agata Burska
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - P G Conaghan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - Willem A Dik
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, department of Immunology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Biesen
- Department of Rheumatology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maija-Leena Eloranta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Giulio Cavalli
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianne Visser
- EULAR, PARE Patient Research Partners, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Crete, Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Department of Rheumatology-Clinical Immunology, University of Crete, Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Marie Wahren-Herlenius
- Karolinska Institutet, Division of Rheumatology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Rehwinkel
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Marie-Louise Frémond
- Université de Paris Cité, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Immuno-Hématologie et Rhumatologie pédiatriques, Paris, France
| | - Mary K Crow
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, New York, USA
| | - Lars Ronnblom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ed Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - Marjan Versnel
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Song S, Zhao R, Qiao J, Liu J, Cheng T, Zhang SX, Li XF. Predictive value of drug efficacy by M6A modification patterns in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940918. [PMID: 36052084 PMCID: PMC9427021 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis is a highly heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by unpredictable disease flares and significant differences in therapeutic response to available treatments. One possible reason for poor efficacy is that it cannot be treated accurately due to no optimal stratification for RA patients. Objective This study aims to construct an RA classification model by m6A characters and further predict response to medication. Methods Twenty m6A regulators were used to construct a random forest diagnosis model, and RNA-seq analysis was employed for external validation. The RNA modification patterns mediated by 20 m6A regulators were systematically evaluated in 1191 RA samples and explored different molecular clusters associated with other immune microenvironment characteristics and biological pathways. Then, we established an m6A score model to quantify the m6A modification patterns. The model was applied to patients at baseline to test the association between m6Ascore and infliximab responsiveness. Results The m6A diagnosis model showed good discriminatory ability in distinguishing RA. Patients with RA were classified into three clusters with distinct molecular and cellular signatures. Cluster A displayed strongly activated inflammatory cells and pathways. Specific innate lymphocytes occupied cluster B. Cluster C was mainly enriched in prominent adaptive lymphocytes and NK-mediated cytotoxicity signatures with the highest m6A score. Patients with a low m6Ascore exhibited significantly infliximab therapeutic benefits compared with those with a high m6Ascore (p< 0.05). Conclusion Our study is the first to provide a comprehensive analysis of m6A modifications in RA, which provides an innovative patient stratification framework and potentially enables improved therapeutic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Song
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jun Qiao
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ting Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Feng Li,
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10
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Myasoedova E, Athreya AP, Crowson CS, Davis JM, Warrington KJ, Walchak RC, Carlson E, Kalari KR, Bongartz T, Tak PP, van Vollenhoven RF, Padyukov L, Emery P, Morgan A, Wang L, Weinshilboum RM, Matteson EL. Toward Individualized Prediction of Response to Methotrexate in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pharmacogenomics-Driven Machine Learning Approach. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2022; 74:879-888. [PMID: 34902228 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the ability of machine learning (ML) approaches with clinical and genomic biomarkers to predict methotrexate treatment response in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Demographic, clinical, and genomic data from 643 patients of European ancestry with early RA (mean age 54 years; 70% female) subdivided into a training (n = 336) and validation cohort (n = 307) were used. The genomic data comprised 160 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with RA or methotrexate metabolism. Response to methotrexate monotherapy was defined as good or moderate by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) response criteria at the 3-month follow-up. Supervised ML methods were trained with 5 repeats and 10-fold cross-validation using the training cohort. Prediction performance was validated in the independent validation cohort. RESULTS Supervised ML methods combining age, sex, smoking, rheumatoid factor, baseline Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) scores and 160 SNPs predicted EULAR response at 3 months with the area under the receiver operating curve of 0.84 (P = 0.05) in the training cohort and achieved a prediction accuracy of 76% (P = 0.05) in the validation cohort (sensitivity 72%, specificity 77%). Intergenic SNPs rs12446816, rs13385025, rs113798271, and ATIC (rs2372536) had variable importance above 60.0 and along with baseline DAS28 scores were among the top predictors of methotrexate response. CONCLUSION Pharmacogenomic biomarkers combined with baseline DAS28 scores can be useful in predicting response to methotrexate in patients with early RA. Applying ML to predict treatment response holds promise for guiding effective RA treatment choices, including timely escalation of RA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul P Tak
- Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Candel Therapeutics, Needham, Massachusetts
| | | | - Leonid Padyukov
- Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul Emery
- University of Leeds and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Ann Morgan
- University of Leeds and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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11
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Cooles FAH, Isaacs JD. The interferon gene signature as a clinically relevant biomarker in autoimmune rheumatic disease. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2022; 4:e61-e72. [PMID: 38288732 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(21)00254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The interferon gene signature (IGS) is derived from the expression of interferon-regulated genes and is classically increased in response to type I interferon exposure. A raised whole blood IGS has increasingly been reported in rheumatic diseases as sequencing technology has advanced. Although its role remains unclear, we explore how a raised IGS can function as a clinically relevant biomarker, independent of whether it is a bystander effect or a key pathological process. For example, a raised IGS can act as a diagnostic biomarker when predicting rheumatoid arthritis in patients with arthralgia and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, or predicting systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) in those with antinuclear antibodies; a theragnostic biomarker when predicting response for patients receiving disease modifying therapy, such as rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis; a biomarker of disease activity (early rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, SLE); or finally a predictor of clinical characteristics, such as lupus nephritis in SLE or disease burden in primary Sjögren's syndrome. A high IGS does not uniformly predict worse clinical phenotypes across all diseases, as demonstrated by a reduced disease burden in primary Sjögren's syndrome, nor does it predict a universally poorer response to all therapies, as shown in rheumatoid arthritis. This dichotomy highlights both the complexity of type I interferon signalling in vivo and the current lack of standardisation when calculating the IGS. The IGS as a biomarker warrants further exploration, with beneficial clinical applications anticipated in multiple rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye A H Cooles
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John D Isaacs
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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12
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Willemsen J, Neuhoff MT, Hoyler T, Noir E, Tessier C, Sarret S, Thorsen TN, Littlewood-Evans A, Zhang J, Hasan M, Rush JS, Guerini D, Siegel RM. TNF leads to mtDNA release and cGAS/STING-dependent interferon responses that support inflammatory arthritis. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109977. [PMID: 34758308 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key driver of several inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis, in which affected tissues show an interferon-stimulated gene signature. Here, we demonstrate that TNF triggers a type-I interferon response that is dependent on the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. We show that TNF inhibits PINK1-mediated mitophagy and leads to altered mitochondrial function and to an increase in cytosolic mtDNA levels. Using cGAS-chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we demonstrate that cytosolic mtDNA binds to cGAS after TNF treatment. Furthermore, TNF induces a cGAS-STING-dependent transcriptional response that mimics that of macrophages from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Finally, in an inflammatory arthritis mouse model, cGAS deficiency blocked interferon responses and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and joint swelling. These findings elucidate a molecular mechanism linking TNF to type-I interferon signaling and suggest a potential benefit for therapeutic targeting of cGAS/STING in TNF-driven diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joschka Willemsen
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland.
| | - Marie-Therese Neuhoff
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hoyler
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Emma Noir
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Clemence Tessier
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Sarret
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Tara N Thorsen
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | | | - Juan Zhang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Maroof Hasan
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - James S Rush
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Danilo Guerini
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Richard M Siegel
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel 4002, Switzerland
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13
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Papadopoulos VE, Skarlis C, Evangelopoulos ME, Mavragani CP. Type I interferon detection in autoimmune diseases: challenges and clinical applications. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:883-903. [PMID: 34096436 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1939686] [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: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accumulating data highlights that the dysregulation of type I interferon (IFN) pathways plays a central role in the pathogenesis of several systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Advances in understanding the role of type I IFNs in these disorders can lead to targeted drug development as well as establishing potential disease biomarkers. AREAS COVERED Here, we summarize current knowledge regarding the role of type I IFNs in the major systemic, as well as organ-specific, autoimmune disorders, including prominent inflammatory CNS disorders like multiple sclerosis. EXPERT OPINION Type I IFN involvement and its clinical associations in a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases represents a promising area for research aiming to unveil common pathogenetic pathways in systemic and organ-specific autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis E Papadopoulos
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, First Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Skarlis
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleftheria Evangelopoulos
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, First Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Clio P Mavragani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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14
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Ge X, Frank-Bertoncelj M, Klein K, McGovern A, Kuret T, Houtman M, Burja B, Micheroli R, Shi C, Marks M, Filer A, Buckley CD, Orozco G, Distler O, Morris AP, Martin P, Eyre S, Ospelt C. Functional genomics atlas of synovial fibroblasts defining rheumatoid arthritis heritability. Genome Biol 2021; 22:247. [PMID: 34433485 PMCID: PMC8385949 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide association studies have reported more than 100 risk loci for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These loci are shown to be enriched in immune cell-specific enhancers, but the analysis so far has excluded stromal cells, such as synovial fibroblasts (FLS), despite their crucial involvement in the pathogenesis of RA. Here we integrate DNA architecture, 3D chromatin interactions, DNA accessibility, and gene expression in FLS, B cells, and T cells with genetic fine mapping of RA loci. RESULTS We identify putative causal variants, enhancers, genes, and cell types for 30-60% of RA loci and demonstrate that FLS account for up to 24% of RA heritability. TNF stimulation of FLS alters the organization of topologically associating domains, chromatin state, and the expression of putative causal genes such as TNFAIP3 and IFNAR1. Several putative causal genes constitute RA-relevant functional networks in FLS with roles in cellular proliferation and activation. Finally, we demonstrate that risk variants can have joint-specific effects on target gene expression in RA FLS, which may contribute to the development of the characteristic pattern of joint involvement in RA. CONCLUSION Overall, our research provides the first direct evidence for a causal role of FLS in the genetic susceptibility for RA accounting for up to a quarter of RA heritability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Ge
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mojca Frank-Bertoncelj
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Klein
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amanda McGovern
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tadeja Kuret
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miranda Houtman
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Blaž Burja
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Raphael Micheroli
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chenfu Shi
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Andrew Filer
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christopher D Buckley
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Gisela Orozco
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew P Morris
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Martin
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen Eyre
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Caroline Ospelt
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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15
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Stockfelt M, Lundell AC, Hetland ML, Østergaard M, Uhlig T, Heiberg MS, Haavardsholm EA, Nurmohamed MT, Lampa J, Nordström D, Petersen KH, Gudbjornsson B, Gröndal G, Aldridge J, Andersson K, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, van Vollenhoven R, Rudin A. Plasma interferon-alpha is associated with double-positivity for autoantibodies but is not a predictor of remission in early rheumatoid arthritis-a spin-off study of the NORD-STAR randomized clinical trial. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:189. [PMID: 34256800 PMCID: PMC8278690 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02556-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The type I interferon (IFN) gene signature is present in a subgroup of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Protein levels of IFNα have not been measured in RA and it is unknown whether they associate with clinical characteristics or treatment effect. METHODS Patients with early untreated RA (n = 347) were randomized to methotrexate combined with prednisone, certolizumab-pegol, abatacept, or tocilizumab. Plasma IFNα protein levels were determined by single molecular array (Simoa) before and 24 weeks after treatment initiation and were related to demographic and clinical factors including clinical disease activity index, disease activity score in 28 joints, swollen and tender joint counts, and patient global assessment. RESULTS IFNα protein positivity was found in 26% of the patients, and of these, 92% were double-positive for rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). IFNα protein levels were reduced 24 weeks after treatment initiation, and the absolute change was similar irrespective of treatment. IFNα protein positivity was associated neither with disease activity nor with achievement of CDAI remission 24 weeks after randomization. CONCLUSION IFNα protein positivity is present in a subgroup of patients with early RA and associates with double-positivity for autoantibodies but not with disease activity. Pre-treatment IFNα positivity did not predict remission in any of the treatment arms, suggesting that the IFNα system is distinct from the pathways of TNF, IL-6, and T-cell activation in early RA. A spin-off study of the NORD-STAR randomized clinical trial, NCT01491815 (ClinicalTrials), registered 12/08/2011, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01491815 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit Stockfelt
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, S-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Rheumatology Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Anna-Carin Lundell
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, S-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Merete Lund Hetland
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Till Uhlig
- Division of Rheumatology and Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Espen A Haavardsholm
- Division of Rheumatology and Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael T Nurmohamed
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology and Amsterdam Rheumatology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jon Lampa
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dan Nordström
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, Helsinki University and University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kim Hørslev Petersen
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Bjorn Gudbjornsson
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Gerdur Gröndal
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jonathan Aldridge
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, S-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Andersson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, S-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Ronald van Vollenhoven
- Department of Rheumatology and Amsterdam Rheumatology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Rudin
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, S-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Rheumatology Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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16
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Chasset F, Dayer JM, Chizzolini C. Type I Interferons in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases: Distinguishing Between Afferent and Efferent Functions for Precision Medicine and Individualized Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:633821. [PMID: 33986670 PMCID: PMC8112244 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.633821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A sustained increase in type I interferon (IFN-I) may accompany clinical manifestations and disease activity in systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs). Despite the very frequent presence of IFN-I in SADs, clinical manifestations are extremely varied between and within SADs. The present short review will address the following key questions associated with high IFN-I in SADs in the perspective of precision medicine. 1) What are the mechanisms leading to high IFN-I? 2) What are the predisposing conditions favoring high IFN-I production? 3) What is the role of IFN-I in the development of distinct clinical manifestations within SADs? 4) Would therapeutic strategies targeting IFN-I be helpful in controlling or even preventing SADs? In answering these questions, we will underlie areas of incertitude and the intertwined role of autoantibodies, immune complexes, and neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Chasset
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Michel Dayer
- Emeritus Professor of Medicine, School of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Chizzolini
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
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Identifying Infliximab- (IFX-) Responsive Blood Signatures for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/5556784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe chronic pathogenic inflammatory abnormality that damages small joints. Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment procedures for RA have been established because of its severe symptoms and relatively high morbidity. Medication and surgery are the two major therapeutic approaches. Infliximab (IFX) is a novel biological agent applied for the treatment of RA. IFX improves physical functions and benefits the achievement of clinical remission even under discontinuous medication. However, not all patients react to IFX, and distinguishing IFX-sensitive and IFX-resistant patients is quite difficult. Thus, how to predict the therapeutic effects of IFX on patients with RA is one of the urgent translational medicine problems in the clinical treatment of RA. In this study, we present a novel computational method for the identification of the applicable and substantial blood gene signatures of IFX sensitivity by liquid biopsy, which may assist in the establishment of a clinical drug sensitivity test standard for RA and contribute to the revelation of unique IFX-associated pharmacological mechanisms.
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18
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Ptacek J, Hawtin RE, Sun D, Louie B, Evensen E, Mittleman BB, Cesano A, Cavet G, Bingham CO, Cofield SS, Curtis JR, Danila MI, Raman C, Furie RA, Genovese MC, Robinson WH, Levesque MC, Moreland LW, Nigrovic PA, Shadick NA, O’Dell JR, Thiele GM, Clair EWS, Striebich CC, Hale MB, Khalili H, Batliwalla F, Aranow C, Mackay M, Diamond B, Nolan GP, Gregersen PK, Bridges SL. Diminished cytokine-induced Jak/STAT signaling is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and disease activity. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244187. [PMID: 33444321 PMCID: PMC7808603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic and incurable autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation in synovial lining of joints. To identify the signaling pathways involved in RA, its disease activity, and treatment response, we adapted a systems immunology approach to simultaneously quantify 42 signaling nodes in 21 immune cell subsets (e.g., IFNα→p-STAT5 in B cells) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 194 patients with longstanding RA (including 98 patients before and after treatment), and 41 healthy controls (HC). We found multiple differences between patients with RA compared to HC, predominantly in cytokine-induced Jak/STAT signaling in many immune cell subsets, suggesting pathways that may be associated with susceptibility to RA. We also found that high RA disease activity, compared to low disease activity, was associated with decreased (e.g., IFNα→p-STAT5, IL-10→p-STAT1) or increased (e.g., IL-6→STAT3) response to stimuli in multiple cell subsets. Finally, we compared signaling in patients with established, refractory RA before and six months after initiation of methotrexate (MTX) or TNF inhibitors (TNFi). We noted significant changes from pre-treatment to post-treatment in IFNα→p-STAT5 signaling and IL-10→p-STAT1 signaling in multiple cell subsets; these changes brought the aberrant RA signaling profiles toward those of HC. This large, comprehensive functional signaling pathway study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of RA and shows the potential of quantification of cytokine-induced signaling as a biomarker of disease activity or treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Ptacek
- Nodality, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Rachael E. Hawtin
- Nodality, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Dongmei Sun
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Brent Louie
- Nodality, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Erik Evensen
- Nodality, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | | - Alessandra Cesano
- Nodality, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Guy Cavet
- Nodality, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Clifton O. Bingham
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stacey S. Cofield
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey R. Curtis
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Maria I. Danila
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Chander Raman
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Furie
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Mark C. Genovese
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - William H. Robinson
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | | | - Larry W. Moreland
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Peter A. Nigrovic
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nancy A. Shadick
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James R. O’Dell
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Geoffrey M. Thiele
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - E. William St Clair
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Matthew B. Hale
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Houman Khalili
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Franak Batliwalla
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Meggan Mackay
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Betty Diamond
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Garry P. Nolan
- Nodality, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Peter K. Gregersen
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - S. Louis Bridges
- Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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19
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Dinçer ABK, Torgutalp M, Yayla ME, Gülöksüz EGA, Sezer S, Yurteri EU, Okatan IE, Turgay M, Kınıklı G, Ateş A. Serum Levels of Beta-2 Microglobulin in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients and its Relationship with Disease Activity: Can it be used as a Disease Activity Marker? AKTUEL RHEUMATOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1289-8809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background Beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) is mainly released from activated lymphocytes. Increased serum β2M levels have been shown in autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to analyse the serum levels of β2M in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to evaluate its relationship with disease activity measures.
Material and Methods This cross-sectional study included 137 RA patients, 102 ankylosing spondylitis patients (AS) and 50 healthy controls (HC). To assess the disease activity of RA patients, the 28-joint Disease Activity Score-Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (DAS28-ESR), the 28-joint Disease Activity Score-C-Reactive Protein (DAS28-CRP), the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) were used. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results Serum β2M levels were significantly higher in RA patients (2.95±1.19 mg/L) compared with HC (2.21±0.54 mg/L) and AS patients (2.200.58 mg/L) (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between β2M levels and DAS28-ESR (rs=0.359, p<0.001), DAS28-CRP (rs=0.293, p=0.001), SDAI (rs=0.332, p<0.001) and CDAI (rs=0.291, p=0.001). Serum β2M levels were higher in the RA group with DAS28-ESR ≥3.2 (3.30±1.42 mg/L) than in the DAS28-ESR <3.2 group (2.67±0.87 mg/L) (p=0.002).
Conclusion Our study revealed that serum β2M levels were higher in RA patients than in healthy controls, and, in contrast to other studies, we found positive correlations between β2M levels and RA disease activity measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Murat Torgutalp
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara
| | - Müçteba Enes Yayla
- Department of Rheumatology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara
| | | | - Serdar Sezer
- Rheumatology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara
| | | | | | - Murat Turgay
- Rheumatology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara
| | - Gülay Kınıklı
- Rheumatology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara
| | - Aşkın Ateş
- Rheumatology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara
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20
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Glennon-Alty L, Moots RJ, Edwards SW, Wright HL. Type I interferon regulates cytokine-delayed neutrophil apoptosis, reactive oxygen species production and chemokine expression. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 203:151-159. [PMID: 32990354 PMCID: PMC7806414 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are key regulators of a number of inflammatory conditions in which neutrophils play an important role in pathology, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), where type I IFNs are implicated in disease pathology. However, IFNs are usually generated in vivo together with other cytokines that also have immunoregulatory functions, but such interactions are poorly defined experimentally. We measured the effects of type I (IFN-α) IFN, elevated in both RA and SLE, on the functions of healthy neutrophils incubated in vitro in the absence and presence of proinflammatory cytokines typically elevated in inflammatory diseases [tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)]. IFN-α alone had no effect on neutrophil apoptosis; however, it abrogated the anti-apoptotic effect of GM-CSF (18 h, P < 0·01). The enhanced stability of the anti-apoptotic protein myeloid cell leukaemia 1 (Mcl-1) and delayed activation of caspase activation normally regulated by GM-CSF were blocked by IFN-α: this effect was mediated, in part, by activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). IFN-α alone also primed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and maintained the transient priming effect of TNF-α for up to 4 h: it also down-regulated GM-CSF- and TNF-α-activated expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL8, CCL3 and CCL4 but, in contrast, increased the expression of CXCL10. These novel data identify complex regulatory signalling networks in which type I IFNs profoundly alter the response of neutrophils to inflammatory cytokines. This is likely to have important consequences in vivo and may explain the complexity and heterogeneity of inflammatory diseases such as RA, in which multiple cytokine cascades have been activated.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Glennon-Alty
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.,Liverpool Health Partners, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - R J Moots
- Department of Rheumatology, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - S W Edwards
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - H L Wright
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
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21
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Mavragani CP, Nezos A, Dovrolis N, Andreou NP, Legaki E, Sechi LA, Bamias G, Gazouli M. Type I and II Interferon Signatures Can Predict the Response to Anti-TNF Agents in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: Involvement of the Microbiota. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2020; 26:1543-1553. [PMID: 32812029 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izaa216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-TNF agents have been a cornerstone of IBD therapy; however, response to treatment has been variable, and clinically applicable biomarkers are urgently needed. We hypothesized that the type I and type II interferon (IFN) signatures may be a confounding factor for response to antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment via interactions with the host and its gut microbiota. METHODS Peripheral blood from 30 IBD patients and 10 healthy controls was subjected to real-time quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for type I and type II IFN genes (IFNGs), both at baseline and after treatment with anti-TNF. Correlation between IFN signatures and microbiota composition was also determined for a subgroup of patients and controls. RESULTS At baseline, type I IFN score was significantly higher in IBD patients (P = 0.04 vs controls). Responders to subsequent anti-TNF treatment had significantly lower baseline scores for both type I and II IFN signatures (P < 0.005 vs nonresponders for both comparisons). During treatment with anti-TNF, the expression of type I and II IFNGs was significantly elevated in responders and decreased in nonresponders. In addition, changes in IFN signatures correlated to specific alterations in the abundance of several microbial taxa of the gut microbiome. CONCLUSIONS Baseline expression of type I and II IFN signatures and their kinetics during anti-TNF administration significantly correlate to treatment responses in IBD patients. Peripheral blood IFN signatures may serve as clinically meaningful biomarkers for the identification of subgroups of patients with favorable response to anti-TNF treatment. Additionally, the distinct synergies between different IFN types and microbiota might help drive therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clio P Mavragani
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Adrianos Nezos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolas Dovrolis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Evangelia Legaki
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Leonardo A Sechi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giorgos Bamias
- GI-Unit, 3rd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gazouli
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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22
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Novel biomarkers of a peripheral blood interferon signature associated with drug-naïve early arthritis patients distinguish persistent from self-limiting disease course. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8830. [PMID: 32483203 PMCID: PMC7264129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63757-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We profiled gene expression signatures to distinguish rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from non-inflammatory arthralgia (NIA), self-limiting arthritis (SLA), and undifferentiated arthritis (UA) as compared to healthy controls as novel potential biomarkers for therapeutic responsiveness. Global gene expression profiles of PBMCs from 43 drug-naïve patients presenting with joint symptoms were evaluated and differentially expressed genes identified by comparative analysis with 24 healthy volunteers. Patients were assessed at presentation with follow up at 6 and 12 months. Gene ontology and network pathway analysis were performed using DAVID Bioinformatics Resources v6.7. Gene expression profiles were also determined after disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment in the inflammatory arthritis groups (i.e. RA and UA) and confirmed by qRT-PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis and Area Under the Curve (AUC) estimation were performed to assess the diagnostic value of candidate gene expression signatures. A type I interferon (IFN) gene signature distinguished DMARD-naïve patients who will subsequently develop persistent inflammatory arthritis (i.e. RA and UA) from those with NIA. In patients with RA, the IFN signature is characterised by up-regulation of SIGLEC1 (p = 0.00597) and MS4A4A (p = 0.00000904). We also identified, EPHB2 (p = 0.000542) and PDZK1IP1 (p = 0.0206) with RA-specific gene expression profiles and elevated expression of the ST6GALNAC1 (p = 0.0023) gene in UA. ROC and AUC risk score analysis suggested that MSA4A (AUC: 0.894, 0.644, 0.720), PDZK1IP1 (AUC: 0.785, 0.806, 0.977), and EPHB2 (AUC: 0.794, 0.723, 0.620) at 0, 6, and 12 months follow-up can accurately discriminate patients with RA from healthy controls and may have practical value for RA diagnosis. In patients with early inflammatory arthritis, ST6GALNAC1 is a potential biomarker for UA as compared with healthy controls whereas EPHB2, MS4A4A, and particularly PDZK1IP1 may discriminate RA patients. SIGLEC1 may also be a useful marker of disease activity in UA.
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23
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Burja B, Mertelj T, Frank-Bertoncelj M. Hi- JAKi-ng Synovial Fibroblasts in Inflammatory Arthritis With JAK Inhibitors. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:124. [PMID: 32432116 PMCID: PMC7214667 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase (JAK)-Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is one of the central signaling hubs in inflammatory, immune and cancer cells. Inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway with JAK inhibitors (jakinibs) constitutes an important therapeutic strategy in cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). FDA has approved different jakinibs for the treatment of RA, including tofacitinib, baricitinib and upadacitinib, and several jakinibs are being tested in clinical trials. Here, we reviewed published studies of jakinib effects on resolving synovial pathology in inflammatory arthritis. We discussed the results of jakinibs on structural joint damage in clinical trials and explored the effects of jakinibs across different in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo synovial experimental models. We delved rigorously into experimental designs of in vitro fibroblast studies, deconvoluted jakinib efficacy in synovial fibroblasts across diverse experimental conditions and discussed their translatability in vivo. Synovial fibroblasts can readily activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in response to cytokine stimulation. We highlighted rather limited effects of jakinibs on the in vitro cultured synovial fibroblasts and inferred that direct and indirect (immune cell-dependent) actions of jakinibs are required to curb the fibroblast pathology in vivo. These actions have not been mimicked optimally in current in vitro experimental designs, where inflammatory stimuli do not naturally clear out with treatment as they do in vivo. While summarizing the broad knowledge of synovial jakinib effects, our review uniquely challenges future study designs to better mimick the jakinib actions in broader cell communities, as occurring in vivo in the inflamed synovium. This can deepen our understanding of collective synovial activities of jakinibs and their therapeutic limitations, thereby fostering jakinib development in arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaž Burja
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tonja Mertelj
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
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24
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Using the Immunophenotype to Predict Response to Biologic Drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Pers Med 2019; 9:jpm9040046. [PMID: 31581724 PMCID: PMC6963853 DOI: 10.3390/jpm9040046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a key mediator of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and its discovery led to the development of highly successful anti-TNF therapy. Subsequently, other biologic drugs targeting immune pathways, namely interleukin-6 blockade, B cell depletion, and T cell co-stimulation blockade, have been developed. Not all patients respond to a biologic drug, leading to a knowledge gap between biologic therapies available and the confident prediction of response. So far, genetic studies have failed to uncover clinically informative biomarkers to predict response. Given that the targets of biologics are immune pathways, immunological study has become all the more pertinent. Furthermore, advances in single-cell technology have enabled the characterization of many leucocyte subsets. Studying the blood immunophenotype may therefore, define biomarker profiles relevant to each individual patient's disease and treatment outcome. This review summarises our current understanding of how immune biomarkers might be able to predict treatment response to biologic drugs.
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25
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Nasonov EL, Avdeeva AS. IMMUNOINFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH TYPE I INTERFERON: NEW EVIDENCE. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.14412/1995-4484-2019-452-461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases (IIRDs) are a large group of pathological conditions with impaired immunological tolerance to autogenous tissues, leading to inflammation and irreversible organ damage. The review discusses current ideas on the role of type I interferons in the immunopathogenesis of IIRDs, primarily systemic lupus erythematosus, and new possibilities for personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. L. Nasonov
- V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology;
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
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26
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Bonelli M, Dalwigk K, Platzer A, Olmos Calvo I, Hayer S, Niederreiter B, Holinka J, Sevelda F, Pap T, Steiner G, Superti-Furga G, Smolen JS, Kiener HP, Karonitsch T. IRF1 is critical for the TNF-driven interferon response in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes : JAKinibs suppress the interferon response in RA-FLSs. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-11. [PMID: 31285419 PMCID: PMC6802656 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-019-0267-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by persistent synovial inflammation. The major drivers of synovial inflammation are cytokines and chemokines. Among these molecules, TNF activates fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), which leads to the production of inflammatory mediators. Here, we show that TNF regulates the expression of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) in human FLSs as well as in a TNF transgenic arthritis mouse model. Transcriptomic analyses of IRF1-deficient, TNF-stimulated FLSs define the interferon (IFN) pathway as a major target of IRF1. IRF1 expression is associated with the expression of IFNβ, which leads to the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Blocking the JAK-STAT pathway with the Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKinib) baricitinib or tofacitinib reduces the expression of IFN-regulated genes (IRGs) in TNF-activated FLSs. Therefore, we conclude that TNF induces a distinct inflammatory cascade, in which IRGs are key elements, in FLSs. The IFN-signature might be a promising biomarker for the efficient and personalized use of new treatment strategies for RA, such as JAKinibs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bonelli
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karolina Dalwigk
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Platzer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabel Olmos Calvo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Hayer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Niederreiter
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Holinka
- Department of Orthopaedics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Sevelda
- Department of Orthopaedics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Pap
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Günter Steiner
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans P Kiener
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Karonitsch
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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27
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Crow MK, Ronnblom L. Type I interferons in host defence and inflammatory diseases. Lupus Sci Med 2019; 6:e000336. [PMID: 31205729 PMCID: PMC6541752 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2019-000336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN) can have dual and opposing roles in immunity, with effects that are beneficial or detrimental to the individual depending on whether IFN pathway activation is transient or sustained. Determinants of IFN production and its functional consequences include the nature of the microbial or nucleic acid stimulus, the type of nucleic acid sensor involved in inducing IFN, the predominant subtype of type I IFN produced and the immune ecology of the tissue at the time of IFN expression. When dysregulated, the type I IFN system drives many autoimmune and non-autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including SLE and the tissue inflammation associated with chronic infection. The type I IFN system may also contribute to outcomes for patients affected by solid cancers or myocardial infarction. Significantly more research is needed to discern the mechanisms of induction and response to type I IFNs across these diseases, and patient endophenotyping may help determine whether the cytokine is acting as 'friend' or 'foe', within a particular patient, and at the time of treatment. This review summarises key concepts and discussions from the second International Summit on Interferons in Inflammatory Diseases, during which expert clinicians and scientists evaluated the evidence for the role of type I IFNs in autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Crow
- Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Lars Ronnblom
- Section of Rheumatology, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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28
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Lequerré T, Rottenberg P, Derambure C, Cosette P, Vittecoq O. Predictors of treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis. Joint Bone Spine 2019; 86:151-158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Rodríguez-Carrio J, López P, Alperi-López M, Caminal-Montero L, Ballina-García FJ, Suárez A. IRF4 and IRGs Delineate Clinically Relevant Gene Expression Signatures in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3085. [PMID: 30666255 PMCID: PMC6330328 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Overactivation of the type I interferon (IFN) signature has been observed in several systemic autoimmune conditions, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Impaired control of Interferon-Responding Genes (IRGs) expression by their regulatory mechanisms, including Interferon Regulatory Factors (IRFs), may underlie these findings and it may explain the heterogeneity observed among these conditions. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the associations between IRF4 gene expression and those of IRGs in SLE and RA patients to gain insight about its links with the IFN signature as well as to explore the potential clinical relevance of these associations. Methods: The gene expression of IRF4 and IRGs (IFI44, IFI44L, IFI6, and MX1) in peripheral blood was analyzed in 75 SLE patients, 98 RA patients, and 28 healthy controls. A group of 13 biological-naïve RA patients was prospectively followed upon TNFα-blockade. The associations among IRF4 and IRGs were evaluated by principal component analyses (PCA), correlations and network analyses. Publicly available datasets were used for replication. Results: A broad activation of IRGs was observed in autoimmune patients, although certain heterogeneity can be distinguished, whereas IRF4 was only upregulated in RA. The differential expression of IRF4 in RA was then confirmed in publicly available gene expression datasets. PCA revealed different associations among IRF4 and IRGs in each condition, which was later confirmed by correlation and network analyses. Cluster analysis identified 3 gene expression signatures on the basis of IRF4 and IRGs expression which were differentially used by SLE and RA patients. Cluster III was associated with markers of disease severity in SLE patients. Cluster II, hallmarked by IRF4 upregulation, was linked to clinical stage and mild disease course in RA. TNFα-blockade led to changes in the association between IRF4 and IRGs, whereas increasing IRF4 expression was associated with a good clinical outcome in RA. Conclusions: The differential expression of IRF4 and IRGs observed in SLE and RA can delineate gene expression signatures associated with clinical features and treatment outcomes. These results support a clinically-relevant phenomenon of shaping of the IFN signature by IRF4 in autoimmune patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Bone and Mineral Research Unit, REDinREN del ISCIII, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Patricia López
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alperi-López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Luis Caminal-Montero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Francisco J Ballina-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Suárez
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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Merrill JT, Furie R, Werth VP, Khamashta M, Drappa J, Wang L, Illei G, Tummala R. Anifrolumab effects on rash and arthritis: impact of the type I interferon gene signature in the phase IIb MUSE study in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus Sci Med 2018; 5:e000284. [PMID: 30588322 PMCID: PMC6280909 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2018-000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective This post hoc analysis compared anifrolumab 300 mg every 4 weeks with placebo on rash and arthritis measures with different stringency in patients with moderate to severe SLE (phase IIb; MUSE; NCT01438489). Subgroups were analysed by type I interferon gene signature (IFNGS test–high or test–low). Methods Rash was measured with the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) Index and modified Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (mCLASI). Arthritis was evaluated using SLEDAI-2K, BILAG and swollen and tender joint counts. Outcomes were measured at week 52. Results More anifrolumab-treated patients demonstrated resolution of rash by SLEDAI-2K versus placebo: 39/88 (44.3%) versus 13/88 (14.8%), OR (90% CI) 4.56 (2.48 to 8.39), p<0.001; improvement of BILAG: 48/82 (58.5%) versus 24/85 (28.2%), OR (90% CI) 3.59 (2.08 to 6.19), p<0.001; and ≥50% improvement by mCLASI: 57/92 (62.0%) versus 30/89 (33.7%), OR (90% CI) 3.31 (1.97 to 5.55), p<0.001. More anifrolumab-treated patients had improved arthritis by SLEDAI-2K versus placebo: 55/97 (56.7%) versus 42/99 (42.4%), OR (90% CI) 1.88 (1.16 to 3.04), p=0.032; and BILAG: 65/94 (69.1%) versus 47/95 (49.5%), OR (90% CI) 2.47 (1.48 to 4.12), p=0.003; and mean (SD) swollen and tender joint reductions: –5.5 (6.3) versus –3.4 (5.9), p=0.004. Comparable results were demonstrated in IFNGS test–high patients (n=151). In IFNGS test–low patients (n=50), substantial numerical differences in partial rash and arthritis responses were observed in anifrolumab-treated patients versus placebo, with statistical significance only for rash by BILAG in this small population. Conclusions Anifrolumab treatment was associated with improvements versus placebo in specific SLE features of arthritis and rash using measures of different stringency. Although driven by robust data in the prevalent IFNGS test–high population, further evaluation in IFNGS test–low patients is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan T Merrill
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Richard Furie
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York, USA
| | - Victoria P Werth
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Munther Khamashta
- Rheumatology Department, Dubai Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jorn Drappa
- Research and Development, MedImmune, LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Liangwei Wang
- Biometrics & Information Sciences, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Gabor Illei
- Clinical Development, MedImmune, LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Raj Tummala
- Inflammation, Autoimmunity & Neuroscience, Global Medicines Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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Merrill JT, Furie R, Werth VP, Khamashta M, Drappa J, Wang L, Illei G, Tummala R. Anifrolumab effects on rash and arthritis: impact of the type I interferon gene signature in the phase IIb MUSE study in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus Sci Med 2018; 5:e000284. [PMID: 30588322 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2019-lsm.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This post hoc analysis compared anifrolumab 300 mg every 4 weeks with placebo on rash and arthritis measures with different stringency in patients with moderate to severe SLE (phase IIb; MUSE; NCT01438489). Subgroups were analysed by type I interferon gene signature (IFNGS test-high or test-low). METHODS Rash was measured with the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) Index and modified Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (mCLASI). Arthritis was evaluated using SLEDAI-2K, BILAG and swollen and tender joint counts. Outcomes were measured at week 52. RESULTS More anifrolumab-treated patients demonstrated resolution of rash by SLEDAI-2K versus placebo: 39/88 (44.3%) versus 13/88 (14.8%), OR (90% CI) 4.56 (2.48 to 8.39), p<0.001; improvement of BILAG: 48/82 (58.5%) versus 24/85 (28.2%), OR (90% CI) 3.59 (2.08 to 6.19), p<0.001; and ≥50% improvement by mCLASI: 57/92 (62.0%) versus 30/89 (33.7%), OR (90% CI) 3.31 (1.97 to 5.55), p<0.001. More anifrolumab-treated patients had improved arthritis by SLEDAI-2K versus placebo: 55/97 (56.7%) versus 42/99 (42.4%), OR (90% CI) 1.88 (1.16 to 3.04), p=0.032; and BILAG: 65/94 (69.1%) versus 47/95 (49.5%), OR (90% CI) 2.47 (1.48 to 4.12), p=0.003; and mean (SD) swollen and tender joint reductions: -5.5 (6.3) versus -3.4 (5.9), p=0.004. Comparable results were demonstrated in IFNGS test-high patients (n=151). In IFNGS test-low patients (n=50), substantial numerical differences in partial rash and arthritis responses were observed in anifrolumab-treated patients versus placebo, with statistical significance only for rash by BILAG in this small population. CONCLUSIONS Anifrolumab treatment was associated with improvements versus placebo in specific SLE features of arthritis and rash using measures of different stringency. Although driven by robust data in the prevalent IFNGS test-high population, further evaluation in IFNGS test-low patients is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan T Merrill
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Richard Furie
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York, USA
| | - Victoria P Werth
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Munther Khamashta
- Rheumatology Department, Dubai Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jorn Drappa
- Research and Development, MedImmune, LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Liangwei Wang
- Biometrics & Information Sciences, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Gabor Illei
- Clinical Development, MedImmune, LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Raj Tummala
- Inflammation, Autoimmunity & Neuroscience, Global Medicines Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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Lombardi A, Tsomos E, Hammerstad SS, Tomer Y. Interferon alpha: The key trigger of type 1 diabetes. J Autoimmun 2018; 94:7-15. [PMID: 30115527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
IFNα is a cytokine essential to a vast array of immunologic processes. Its induction early in the innate immune response provides a priming mechanism that orchestrates numerous subsequent pathways in innate and adaptive immunity. Despite its beneficial effects in viral infections IFNα has been reported to be associated with several autoimmune diseases including autoimmune thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, primary biliary cholangitis, and recently emerged as a major cytokine that triggers Type 1 Diabetes. In this review, we dissect the role of IFNα in T1D, focusing on the potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Evidence from human and mouse studies indicates that IFNα plays a key role in enhancing islet expression of HLA-I in patients with T1D, thereby increasing autoantigen presentation and beta cell activation of autoreactive cytotoxic CD8 T-lymphocytes. The binding of IFNα to its receptor induces the secretion of chemokines, attracting monocytes, T lymphocytes, and NK cells to the infected tissue triggering autoimmunity in susceptible individuals. Furthermore, IFNα impairs insulin production through the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress as well as by impairing mitochondrial function. Due to its central role in the early phases of beta cell death, targeting IFNα and its pathways in genetically predisposed individuals may represent a potential novel therapeutic strategy in the very early stages of T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lombardi
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Effie Tsomos
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sara S Hammerstad
- Department of Endocrinology, Morbid Obesity and Preventive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Aker, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yaron Tomer
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Abstract
The type I interferon pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, myositis, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In normal immune responses, type I interferons have a critical role in the defence against viruses, yet in many rheumatic diseases, large subgroups of patients demonstrate persistent activation of the type I interferon pathway. Genetic variations in type I interferon-related genes are risk factors for some rheumatic diseases, and can explain some of the heterogeneity in type I interferon responses seen between patients within a given disease. Inappropriate activation of the immune response via Toll-like receptors and other nucleic acid sensors also contributes to the dysregulation of the type I interferon pathway in a number of rheumatic diseases. Theoretically, differences in type I interferon activity between patients might predict response to immune-based therapies, as has been demonstrated for rheumatoid arthritis. A number of type I interferon and type I interferon pathway blocking therapies are currently in clinical trials, the results of which are promising thus far. This Review provides an overview of the many ways in which the type I interferon system affects rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L. Wampler Muskardin
- Colton Center for Autoimmunity, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy B. Niewold
- Colton Center for Autoimmunity, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Rodríguez-Carrio J, Alperi-López M, López P, Ballina-García FJ, Suárez A. Heterogeneity of the Type I Interferon Signature in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Potential Limitation for Its Use As a Clinical Biomarker. Front Immunol 2018; 8:2007. [PMID: 29387065 PMCID: PMC5775969 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.02007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An increased expression of interferon (IFN)-responding genes (IRGs), the so-called IFN signature, has been reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, some controversy exists concerning its clinical relevance. The main aim of this study is to evaluate whether quantitative and qualitative differences in the activation of the IFN pathway may account for these findings. METHODS The expression of IFN-induced protein 44 (IFI44), IFN-induced protein 44 like (IFI44L), IFN alpha inducible protein 6, and MX dynamin-like GTPase 1 (MX1) was determined in peripheral blood in 98 RA patients (IFI6) and 28 controls. RA patients were classified into groups according to their clinical stage and treatments received: very early RA (VERA), biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) naive, and bDMARD. An additional group of 13 RA patients candidates for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) blockade was also recruited. The associations among IRGs were evaluated by network and principal component analyses. RESULTS The expression of all IRGs was increased in RA to different levels. The IFN score was increased in all RA groups (VERA, bDMARD-naïve, and bDMARD), but important differences in their degree of activation and in the relationships among IRGs were observed. The IFN score correlated with the accumulated disease activity score 28-joints, and it was found to be a predictor of clinical outcome in VERA. No differences in the IFN score were observed between the bDMARD-naive and bDMARD groups, but opposite associations with the clinical parameters were noted. Interestingly, the correlations among IRGs delineate different pictures between these two groups. The IFN score at baseline predicted poor clinical outcome upon TNFα blockade. Although no absolute changes in the IFN score were found, TNFα-blockade shifted the associations among IRGs. CONCLUSION A certain heterogeneity within the IFN signature can be recognized in RA, depending on the clinical stage. The structure of the IFN signature may be a potential explanation for the controversy in this field and must be considered to decipher its clinical relevancein RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alperi-López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Patricia López
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Ballina-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Suárez
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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Romão VC, Vital EM, Fonseca JE, Buch MH. Right drug, right patient, right time: aspiration or future promise for biologics in rheumatoid arthritis? Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:239. [PMID: 29065909 PMCID: PMC5655983 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1445-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Individualising biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) to maximise outcomes and deliver safe and cost-effective care is a key goal in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Investigation to identify predictive tools of bDMARD response is a highly active and prolific area of research. In addition to clinical phenotyping, cellular and molecular characterisation of synovial tissue and blood in patients with RA, using different technologies, can facilitate predictive testing. This narrative review will summarise the literature for the available bDMARD classes and focus on where progress has been made. We will also look ahead and consider the increasing use of 'omics' technologies, the potential they hold as well as the challenges, and what is needed in the future to fully realise our ambition of personalised bDMARD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco C. Romão
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Edward M. Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maya H. Buch
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Psarras A, Emery P, Vital EM. Type I interferon-mediated autoimmune diseases: pathogenesis, diagnosis and targeted therapy. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 56:1662-1675. [PMID: 28122959 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kew431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are a group of molecules with pleiotropic effects on the immune system forming a crucial link between innate and adaptive immune responses. Apart from their important role in antiviral immunity, IFN-Is are increasingly recognized as key players in autoimmune CTDs such as SLE. Novel therapies that target IFN-I appear effective in SLE in early trials, but effectiveness is related to the presence of IFN-I biomarkers. IFN-I biomarkers may also act as positive or negative predictors of response to other biologics. Despite the high failure rate of clinical trials in SLE, subgroups of patients often respond better. Fully optimizing the potential of these agents is therefore likely to require stratification of patients using IFN-I and other biomarkers. This suggests the unified concept of type I IFN-mediated autoimmune diseases as a grouping including patients with a variety of different traditional diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Psarras
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Unit.,Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Unit.,Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Edward M Vital
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Unit.,Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Tchetina EV, Demidova NV, Markova GA, Taskina EA, Glukhova SI, Karateev DE. Increased baseline RUNX2, caspase 3 and p21 gene expressions in the peripheral blood of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug-naïve rheumatoid arthritis patients are associated with improved clinical response to methotrexate therapy. Int J Rheum Dis 2017; 20:1468-1480. [PMID: 28741869 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential of the baseline gene expression in the whole blood of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug-naïve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients for predicting the response to methotrexate (MTX) treatment. METHODS Twenty-six control subjects and 40 RA patients were examined. Clinical, immunological and radiographic parameters were assessed before and after 24 months of follow-up. The gene expressions in the whole blood were measured using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The protein concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to suggest thresholds that were associated with the prediction of the response. RESULTS Decreases in the disease activity at the end of the study were accompanied by significant increases in joint space narrowing score (JSN). Positive correlations between the expressions of the Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) genes with the level of C-reactive protein and MMP-9 expression with Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS28) and swollen joint count were noted at baseline. The baseline tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α gene expression was positively correlated with JSN at the end of the follow-up, whereas p21, caspase 3, and runt-related transcription factor (RUNX)2 were correlated with the ΔDAS28 values. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the expressions of MMP-9 and ULK1 might be associated with disease activity. Increased baseline gene expressions of RUNX2, p21 and caspase 3 in the peripheral blood might predict better responses to MTX therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Tchetina
- Immunology & Molecular Biology Laboratory, Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia V Demidova
- Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Department, Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Galina A Markova
- Immunology & Molecular Biology Laboratory, Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena A Taskina
- Osteoarthritis Laboratory, Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana I Glukhova
- Statistics Department, Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry E Karateev
- Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Department, Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
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Xie X, Li F, Li S, Tian J, Chen JW, Du JF, Mao N, Chen J. Application of omics in predicting anti-TNF efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2017; 37:13-23. [PMID: 28600618 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-017-3639-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive joint erosion. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are the most widely used biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug in RA. However, there continue to be one third of RA patients who have poor or no response to TNF antagonists. Following consideration of the uncertainty of therapeutic effects and the high price of TNF antagonists, it is worthy to predict the treatment responses before anti-TNF therapy. According to the comparisons between the responders and non-responders to TNF antagonists by omic technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, rheumatologists are eager to find significant biomarkers to predict the effect of TNF antagonists in order to optimize the personalized treatment in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xie
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jin-Wei Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jin-Feng Du
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ni Mao
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Han BK, Kuzin I, Gaughan JP, Olsen NJ, Bottaro A. Baseline CXCL10 and CXCL13 levels are predictive biomarkers for tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot, prospective study. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:93. [PMID: 27102921 PMCID: PMC4840903 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-0995-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TNF inhibitors have been used as a treatment for moderate to severe RA patients. However, reliable biomarkers that predict therapeutic response to TNF inhibitors are lacking. In this study, we investigated whether chemokines may represent useful biomarkers to predict the response to TNF inhibitor therapy in RA. METHODS RA patients (n = 29) who were initiating adalimumab or etanercept were recruited from the rheumatology clinics at Cooper University Hospital. RA patients were evaluated at baseline and 14 weeks after TNF inhibitor therapy, and serum levels of CXCL10, CXCL13, and CCL20 were measured by ELISA. Responders (n = 16) were defined as patients who had good or moderate response at week 14 by EULAR response criteria, and nonresponders (n = 13) were defined as having no response. RESULTS Responders had higher levels of baseline CXCL10 and CXCL13 compared to nonresponders (p = 0.03 and 0.002 respectively). There was no difference in CCL20 levels. CXCL10 and CXCL13 were highly correlated with each other, and were higher in seropositive RA patients. CXCL10 and CXCL13 levels were decreased after TNF inhibitor therapy in responders. Baseline additive levels of CXCL10 + 13 were correlated with changes in DAS score at 14 weeks after TNF inhibitor therapy (r = 0.42, p = 0.03), and ROC curve analyses for predictive ability of CXCL10 + 13 showed an AUC of 0.83. CONCLUSIONS Elevated baseline levels of CXCL10 and CXCL13 were associated with favorable response to TNF inhibitor therapy in RA. Subjects with high CXCL10 and high CXCL13 may represent a subset of RA patients whose inflammatory reactions are primarily driven by TNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby Kwanghoon Han
- Division of Rheumatology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
| | - Igor Kuzin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - John P Gaughan
- Cooper Research Institute, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Nancy J Olsen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Penn State MS Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Andrea Bottaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
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40
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Kasama T, Isozaki T, Takahashi R, Miwa Y. Clinical effects of tocilizumab on cytokines and immunological factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 35:301-306. [PMID: 27085681 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-6 is one of the crucial proinflammatory cytokines. The dysregulation of IL-6 plays a pivotal role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is involved in several of the common clinical manifestations associated with active RA. Recent therapies targeting IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have resulted in clinical improvements in signs and symptoms, disability and quality of life in patients with early and long-standing RA. Because it has been demonstrated that cytokines and inflammatory/immunological factors appear to be important and sensitive mediators in RA patients treated with tocilizumab and with anti-TNF biologics, it is important to investigate whether tocilizumab administration has any effect(s) on the profiles of cytokines and inflammatory/immunological factors and whether these changes correlate with the clinical improvement in RA disease activity. In this review, we discuss the effects on cytokine regulation and the differentiation of immune cells, especially T cells, after tocilizumab therapy in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Kasama
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Showa University Kototoyosu Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takeo Isozaki
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Takahashi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Miwa
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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41
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de Jong TD, Vosslamber S, Mantel E, de Ridder S, Wesseling JG, van der Pouw Kraan TCTM, Leurs C, Hegen H, Deisenhammer F, Killestein J, Lundberg IE, Vencovsky J, Nurmohamed MT, van Schaardenburg D, Bultink IEM, Voskuyl AE, Pegtel DM, van der Laken CJ, Bijlsma JWJ, Verweij CL. Physiological evidence for diversification of IFNα- and IFNβ-mediated response programs in different autoimmune diseases. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:49. [PMID: 26882897 PMCID: PMC4756531 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-0946-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Activation of the type I interferon (IFN) response program is described for several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), myositis (IIM) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While IFNα contributes to SLE pathology, IFNβ therapy is often beneficial in MS, implying different immunoregulatory roles for these IFNs. This study was aimed to investigate potential diversification of IFNα-and IFNβ-mediated response programs in autoimmune diseases. Methods Peripheral blood gene expression of 23 prototypical type I IFN response genes (IRGs) was determined in 54 healthy controls (HCs), 69 SLE (47 test, 22 validation), 149 IFNβ-treated MS (71 test, 78 validation), 160 untreated MS, 78 IIM and 76 RA patients. Patients with a type I IFN signature were selected for analysis. Results We identified IFNα- and IFNβ-specific response programs (GC-A and GC-B, respectively) in SLE and IFNβ-treated MS patients. Concordantly, the GC-A/GC-B log-ratio was positive for all SLE patients and negative for virtually all IFNβ-treated MS patients, which was confirmed in additional cohorts. Applying this information to other autoimmune diseases, IIM patients displayed positive GC-A/GC-B log-ratios, indicating predominant IFNα activity. The GC-A/GC-B log-ratio in RA was lower and approached zero in part of the patients, implying relative importance of both clusters. Remarkably, GC-A/GC-B log-ratios appeared most heterogeneous in untreated MS; half of the patients displayed GC-A dominance, whereas others showed GC-B dominance or log-ratios near zero. Conclusions Our findings show diversification of the type I IFN response in autoimmune diseases, suggesting different pathogenic roles of the type I IFNs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-016-0946-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamarah D de Jong
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Saskia Vosslamber
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Elise Mantel
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sander de Ridder
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - John G Wesseling
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Cyra Leurs
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Harald Hegen
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | | | - Joep Killestein
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ingrid E Lundberg
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Mike T Nurmohamed
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Dirkjan van Schaardenburg
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Irene E M Bultink
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexandre E Voskuyl
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - D Michiel Pegtel
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Conny J van der Laken
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Johannes W J Bijlsma
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Cornelis L Verweij
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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42
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Wampler Muskardin T, Vashisht P, Dorschner JM, Jensen MA, Chrabot BS, Kern M, Curtis JR, Danila MI, Cofield SS, Shadick N, Nigrovic PA, St Clair EW, Bingham CO, Furie R, Robinson W, Genovese M, Striebich CC, O'Dell JR, Thiele GM, Moreland LW, Levesque M, Bridges SL, Gregersen PK, Niewold TB. Increased pretreatment serum IFN-β/α ratio predicts non-response to tumour necrosis factor α inhibition in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2015; 75:1757-62. [PMID: 26546586 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies suggest that circulating type I interferon (IFN) may predict response to biological agents in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Prediction of response prior to initiating therapy would represent a major advancement. METHODS We studied sera from a test set of 32 patients with RA from the Auto-immune Biomarkers Collaborative Network Consortium and a validation set of 92 patients with RA from the Treatment Efficacy and Toxicity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Database and Repository registry. The test set included those with good response or no response to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors at 14 weeks by European League Against Rheumatism criteria. The validation set included subjects with good, moderate or no response at 12 weeks. Total serum type I IFN activity, IFN-α and IFN-β activity were measured using a functional reporter cell assay. RESULTS In the test set, an increased ratio of IFN-β to IFN-α (IFN-β/α activity ratio) in pretreatment serum associated with lack of response to TNF inhibition (p=0.013). Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody titre and class of TNF inhibitor did not influence this relationship. A receiver-operator curve supported a ratio of 1.3 as the optimal cut-off. In the validation set, subjects with an IFN-β/α activity ratio >1.3 were significantly more likely to have non-response than good response (OR=6.67, p=0.018). The test had 77% specificity and 45% sensitivity for prediction of non-response compared with moderate or good response. Meta-analysis of test and validation sets confirmed strong predictive capacity of IFN-β/α activity ratio (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS Increased pretreatment serum IFN-β/α ratio strongly associated with non-response to TNF inhibition. This study supports further investigation of serum type I IFN in predicting outcome of TNF inhibition in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Priyanka Vashisht
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | | | - Mark A Jensen
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Beverly S Chrabot
- Gwen Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marlena Kern
- Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institute Medical Research, North Shore LIJ Health System, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Curtis
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Maria I Danila
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Stacey S Cofield
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Nancy Shadick
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter A Nigrovic
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Clifton O Bingham
- Divisions of Rheumatology and Allergy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Richard Furie
- Division of Rheumatology and Allergy-Clinical Immunology, North Shore-LIJ Health System, Lake success, New York, USA
| | - William Robinson
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Mark Genovese
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - James R O'Dell
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Thiele
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Larry W Moreland
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marc Levesque
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - S Louis Bridges
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter K Gregersen
- Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institute Medical Research, North Shore LIJ Health System, New York, New York, USA
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López de Padilla CM, Niewold TB. The type I interferons: Basic concepts and clinical relevance in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Gene 2015; 576:14-21. [PMID: 26410416 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing scientific and clinical interest in elucidating the biology of type I Interferons, which began approximately 60 years ago with the concept of "viral interference", a property that reduces the ability of a virus to infect cells. Although our understanding of the multiple cellular and molecular functions of interferons has advanced significantly, much remains to be learned and type I Interferons remain an active and fascinating area of inquiry. In this review, we cover some general aspects of type I interferon genes, with emphasis on interferon-alpha, and various aspects of molecular mechanisms triggered by type I interferons and toll-like receptor signaling by the Janus activated kinase/signal transducer activation of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway and interferon regulatory factor pathway. We will also describe the role of type I interferons in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and its potential use as therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy B Niewold
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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44
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de Jong TD, Vosslamber S, Blits M, Wolbink G, Nurmohamed MT, van der Laken CJ, Jansen G, Voskuyl AE, Verweij CL. Effect of prednisone on type I interferon signature in rheumatoid arthritis: consequences for response prediction to rituximab. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:78. [PMID: 25889713 PMCID: PMC4416246 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Elevated type I interferon (IFN) response gene (IRG) expression has proven clinical relevance in predicting rituximab non-response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Interference between glucocorticoids (GCs) and type I IFN signaling has been demonstrated in vitro. Since GC use and dose are highly variable among patients before rituximab treatment, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of GC use on IRG expression in relation to rituximab response prediction in RA. Methods In two independent cohorts of 32 and 182 biologic-free RA patients and a third cohort of 40 rituximab-starting RA patients, peripheral blood expression of selected IRGs was determined by microarray or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and an IFN-score was calculated. The baseline IFN-score was tested for its predictive value towards rituximab response in relation to GC use using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis in the rituximab cohort. Patients with a decrease in disease activity score (∆DAS28) >1.2 after 6 months of rituximab were considered responders. Results We consistently observed suppression of IFN-score in prednisone users (PREDN+) compared to non-users (PREDN−). In the rituximab cohort, analysis on PREDN− patients (n = 13) alone revealed improved prediction of rituximab non-response based on baseline IFN-score, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.975 compared to 0.848 in all patients (n = 40). Using a group-specific IFN-score cut-off for all patients and PREDN− patients alone, sensitivity increased from 41% to 88%, respectively, combined with 100% specificity. Conclusions Because of prednisone-related suppression of IFN-score, higher accuracy of rituximab response prediction was achieved in PREDN− patients. These results suggest that the IFN-score-based rituximab response prediction model could be improved upon implementation of prednisone use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamarah D de Jong
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7075, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Saskia Vosslamber
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7075, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Marjolein Blits
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7075, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Conny J van der Laken
- Department of Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Department of Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexandre E Voskuyl
- Department of Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Cornelis L Verweij
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7075, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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45
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Herdy B, Karonitsch T, Vladimer GI, Tan CSH, Stukalov A, Trefzer C, Bigenzahn JW, Theil T, Holinka J, Kiener HP, Colinge J, Bennett KL, Superti-Furga G. The RNA-binding protein HuR/ELAVL1 regulates IFN-β mRNA abundance and the type I IFN response. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:1500-11. [PMID: 25678110 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201444979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Secretion of type I interferon (IFN) is the first cellular reaction to invading pathogens. Despite the protective function of these cytokines, an excessive response to their action can contribute to serious pathologies, such as autoimmune diseases. Transcripts of most cytokines contain adenylate-uridylate (A/U)-rich elements (AREs) that make them highly unstable. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are mediators of the regulatory mechanisms that determine the fate of mRNAs containing AREs. Here, we applied an affinity proteomic approach and identified lethal, abnormal vision, drosophila-like 1 (ELAVL1)/Hu antigen R (HuR) as the predominant RBP of the IFN-β mRNA ARE. Reduced expression or chemical inhibition of HuR severely hampered the type I IFN response in various cell lines and fibroblast-like synoviocytes isolated from joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients. These results define a role for HuR as a potent modulator of the type I IFN response. Taken together, HuR could be used as therapeutic target for diseases where type I IFN production is exaggerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Herdy
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Karonitsch
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregory I Vladimer
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chris S H Tan
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexey Stukalov
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Trefzer
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes W Bigenzahn
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamara Theil
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Holinka
- Department of Orthopedics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans P Kiener
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jacques Colinge
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Keiryn L Bennett
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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46
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Type I IFNs as biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis: towards disease profiling and personalized medicine. Clin Sci (Lond) 2014; 128:449-64. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20140554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RA (rheumatoid arthritis) is a chronic rheumatic condition hallmarked by joint inflammation and destruction by self-reactive immune responses. Clinical management of RA patients is often hampered by its heterogeneous nature in both clinical presentation and outcome, thereby highlighting the need for new predictive biomarkers. In this sense, several studies have recently revealed a role for type I IFNs (interferons), mainly IFNα, in the pathogenesis of a subset of RA patients. Genetic variants associated with the type I IFN pathway have been linked with RA development, as well as with clinical features. Moreover, a role for IFNα as a trigger for RA development has also been described. Additionally, a type I IFN signature has been associated with the early diagnosis of RA and clinical outcome prediction in patients undergoing biological drug treatment, two challenging issues for decision-making in the clinical setting. Moreover, these cytokines have been related to endothelial damage and vascular repair failure in different autoimmune disorders. Therefore, together with chronic inflammation and disease features, they could probably account for the increased cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality of these patients. The main aim of the present review is to provide recent evidence supporting a role for type I IFNs in the immunopathology of RA, as well as to analyse their possible role as biomarkers for disease management.
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47
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Bienkowska J, Allaire N, Thai A, Goyal J, Plavina T, Nirula A, Weaver M, Newman C, Petri M, Beckman E, Browning JL. Lymphotoxin-LIGHT pathway regulates the interferon signature in rheumatoid arthritis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112545. [PMID: 25405351 PMCID: PMC4236099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A subset of patients with autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus appear to be exposed continually to interferon (IFN) as evidenced by elevated expression of IFN induced genes in blood cells. In lupus, detection of endogenous chromatin complexes by the innate sensing machinery is the suspected driver for the IFN, but the actual mechanisms remain unknown in all of these diseases. We investigated in two randomized clinical trials the effects on RA patients of baminercept, a lymphotoxin-beta receptor-immunoglobulin fusion protein that blocks the lymphotoxin-αβ/LIGHT axis. Administration of baminercept led to a reduced RNA IFN signature in the blood of patients with elevated baseline signatures. Both RA and SLE patients with a high IFN signature were lymphopenic and lymphocyte counts increased following baminercept treatment of RA patients. These data demonstrate a coupling between the lymphotoxin-LIGHT system and IFN production in rheumatoid arthritis. IFN induced retention of lymphocytes within lymphoid tissues is a likely component of the lymphopenia observed in many autoimmune diseases. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00664716.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadwiga Bienkowska
- Translational Medicine, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Norm Allaire
- Translational Medicine, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alice Thai
- Translational Medicine, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jaya Goyal
- Translational Medicine, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tatiana Plavina
- Translational Medicine, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ajay Nirula
- Immunobiology, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Megan Weaver
- Global Clinical Operations, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Charlotte Newman
- Global Clinical Operations, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michelle Petri
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Evan Beckman
- Immunobiology, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey L. Browning
- Immunobiology, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Grine L, Dejager L, Libert C, Vandenbroucke RE. An inflammatory triangle in psoriasis: TNF, type I IFNs and IL-17. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2014; 26:25-33. [PMID: 25434285 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a skin disease where various cytokines play a detrimental role, yet our understanding of the disease is still limited. TNF is a validated drug target in psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases, but its use is associated with side effects. Some paradoxical side effects of anti-TNF treatment are supposedly associated with type I IFNs, which are also implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Recently, the IL-23/IL-17 axis has been associated with psoriasis as well, and new drugs targeting this axis have already been developed. Findings suggest that these cytokines are interwoven. We discuss recent findings reinforcing the role of TNF, Type I IFNs and IL-17 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and the apparent inflammatory interplay between these three cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Grine
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Dejager
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Libert
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E Vandenbroucke
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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49
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Wright HL, Thomas HB, Moots RJ, Edwards SW. Interferon gene expression signature in rheumatoid arthritis neutrophils correlates with a good response to TNFi therapy. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2014; 54:188-93. [PMID: 25125592 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keu299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to use whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) of RA neutrophils to identify pre-therapy gene expression signatures that correlate with disease activity or response to TNF inhibitor (TNFi) therapy. METHODS Neutrophils were isolated from the venous blood of RA patients (n = 20) pre-TNFi therapy and from healthy controls (n = 6). RNA was poly(A) selected and sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Reads were mapped to the human genome (hg19) using TopHat and differential expression analysis was carried out using edgeR (5% false discovery rate). Signalling pathway analysis was carried out using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. IFN signalling was confirmed by western blotting for phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. Response to TNFi was measured at 12 weeks using change in the 28-item DAS (DAS28). RESULTS Pathway analysis with IPA predicted activation of IFN signalling in RA neutrophils, identifying 178 IFN-response genes regulated by IFN-α, IFN-β or IFN-γ (P < 0.01). IPA also predicted activation of STAT1, STAT2 and STAT3 transcription factors in RA neutrophils (P < 0.01), which was confirmed by western blotting. Expression of IFN-response genes was heterogeneous and patients could be categorized as IFN-high or IFN-low. Patients in the IFN-high group achieved a better response to TNFi therapy [ΔDAS28, P = 0.05, odds ratio (OR) 1.4 (95% CI 1.005, 1.950)] than patients in the IFN-low group. The level of expression of IFN-response genes (IFN score) predicted a good response [European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria] to TNFi using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve 0.76). CONCLUSION IFN-response genes are significantly up-regulated in RA neutrophils compared with healthy controls. Higher IFN-response gene expression in RA neutrophils correlates with a good response to TNFi therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Wright
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool and Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Huw B Thomas
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool and Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Robert J Moots
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool and Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
| | - Steven W Edwards
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool and Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
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Sanayama Y, Ikeda K, Saito Y, Kagami SI, Yamagata M, Furuta S, Kashiwakuma D, Iwamoto I, Umibe T, Nawata Y, Matsumura R, Sugiyama T, Sueishi M, Hiraguri M, Nonaka K, Ohara O, Nakajima H. Prediction of Therapeutic Responses to Tocilizumab in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Biomarkers Identified by Analysis of Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Using Genome-Wide DNA Microarray. Arthritis Rheumatol 2014; 66:1421-31. [DOI: 10.1002/art.38400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kei Ikeda
- Chiba University Hospital; Chiba Japan
| | | | - Shin-ichiro Kagami
- Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan, and Asahi General Hospital; Asahi Japan
| | - Mieko Yamagata
- Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan, and Asahi General Hospital; Asahi Japan
| | - Shunsuke Furuta
- Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan, and Asahi General Hospital; Asahi Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Takao Sugiyama
- National Hospital Organization Shimoshizu Hospital; Yotsukaido Japan
| | - Makoto Sueishi
- National Hospital Organization Shimoshizu Hospital; Yotsukaido Japan
| | | | - Ken Nonaka
- Kazusa DNA Research Institute; Kisarazu Japan
| | - Osamu Ohara
- Kazusa DNA Research Institute; Kisarazu Japan
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