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Matsuda KM, Kotani H, Yamaguchi K, Ono C, Okumura T, Ogawa K, Miya A, Sato A, Uchino R, Yumi M, Matsunaka H, Kono M, Norimatsu Y, Hisamoto T, Kawanabe R, Kuzumi A, Fukasawa T, Yoshizaki-Ogawa A, Okamura T, Shoda H, Fujio K, Matsushita T, Goshima N, Sato S, Yoshizaki A. Autoantibodies to nuclear valosin-containing protein-like protein: systemic sclerosis-specific antibodies revealed by in vitro human proteome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:2865-2873. [PMID: 38290780 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae063] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify and characterize undescribed systemic sclerosis (SSc)-specific autoantibodies targeting nucleolar antigens and to assess their clinical significance. METHODS We conducted proteome-wide autoantibody screening (PWAS) against serum samples from SSc patients with nucleolar patterned anti-nuclear antibodies (NUC-ANAs) of specific antibodies (Abs) unknown, utilizing wet protein arrays fabricated from in vitro human proteome. Controls included SSc patients with already-known SSc-specific autoantibodies, patients with other connective tissue diseases and healthy subjects. The selection of nucleolar antigens was performed by database search in the Human Protein Atlas. The presence of autoantibodies was certified by immunoblots and immunoprecipitations. Indirect immunofluorescence assays on HEp-2 cells were also conducted. Clinical assessment was conducted by retrospective review of electronic medical records. RESULTS PWAS identified three candidate autoantibodies, including anti-nuclear valosin-containing protein-like (NVL) Ab. Additional measurements in disease controls revealed that only anti-NVL Abs are exclusively detected in SSc. Detection of anti-NVL Abs was reproduced by conventional assays such as immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. Indirect immunofluorescence assays demonstrated homogeneous nucleolar patterns. Anti-NVL Ab-positive cases were characterized by significantly low prevalence of diffuse skin sclerosis and interstitial lung disease, compared with SSc cases with NUC-ANAs other than anti-NVL Abs, such as anti-U3-RNP and anti-Th/To Abs. CONCLUSION Anti-NVL Ab is an SSc-specific autoantibody associated with a unique combination of clinical features, including limited skin sclerosis and lack of lung involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki M Matsuda
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirohito Kotani
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rikako Uchino
- NOV Academic Research, TOKIWA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Murakami Yumi
- NOV Academic Research, TOKIWA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Masanori Kono
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Norimatsu
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teruyoshi Hisamoto
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ruriko Kawanabe
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ai Kuzumi
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takemichi Fukasawa
- Department of Clinical Cannabinoid Research, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asako Yoshizaki-Ogawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Okamura
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shoda
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsushita
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Ishikawa, Japan
| | | | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Cannabinoid Research, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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van Oostveen WM, Huizinga TWJ, Fehres CM. Pathogenic role of anti-nuclear autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis: Insights from other rheumatic diseases. Immunol Rev 2024. [PMID: 39248128 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, fibrosis, and dysregulated immunity, with hallmark autoantibodies targeting nuclear antigens such as centromere protein (ACA) and topoisomerase I (ATA). These autoantibodies are highly prevalent and disease-specific, rarely coexisting, thus serving as crucial biomarkers for SSc diagnosis. Despite their diagnostic value, their roles in SSc pathogenesis remain unclear. This review summarizes current literature on ACA and ATA in SSc, comparing them to autoantibodies in other rheumatic diseases to elucidate their potential pathogenic roles. Similarities are drawn with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) in rheumatoid arthritis, particularly regarding disease specificity and minimal pathogenic impact of antigen binding. In addition, differences between ANA and ACPA in therapeutic responses and Fab glycosylation patterns are reviewed. While ACA and ATA are valuable for disease stratification and monitoring activity, understanding their origins and the associated B cell responses is critical for advancing therapeutic strategies for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieke M van Oostveen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cynthia M Fehres
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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3
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Goldman N, Ong VH, Denton CP. Pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2024; 5:141-151. [PMID: 39439973 PMCID: PMC11492824 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2024-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent important complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Factors relevant to aetiopathogenesis of SSc are also central to SSc-ILD. Severity of SSc-ILD is variable but it has a major impact on morbidity and mortality. Factors determining SSc-ILD susceptibility reflect the genetic architecture of SSc and are increasingly being defined. There are aspects linked to immunogenomics and non-immunological genetic factors that may be less conserved and underlie some of the geographical and racial diversity of SSc. These associations may also underlie important links between autoantibody subgroups and patient level risk of SSc-ILD. Examination of blood and tissue samples and observational clinical research together with integrated analysis of in vitro and in vivo preclinical models have elucidated pathogenic mechanisms of SSc-ILD. These have confirmed the potential importance of immune mechanisms in the innate and adaptive immune systemic as well as a significant role for profibrotic pathways especially transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and its regulators and downstream mediators. Recent analysis of clinical trial cohorts as well as integrated and multilevel high dimensional analysis of bio-samples has shed further light on SSc-ILD. This is likely to underpin future advances in stratified and precision medicine for treatment of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Goldman
- Center for Rheumatology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Voon H Ong
- Center for Rheumatology, University College London, London, UK
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Liang M, Wang L, Tian X, Wang K, Zhu X, Huang L, Li Q, Ye W, Chen C, Yang H, Wu W, Chen X, Zhu X, Xue Y, Wan W, Wu Y, Lu L, Wang J, Zou H, Ying T, Zhou F. Identification and validation of anti-protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) antibody as a novel biomarker for systemic sclerosis (SSc). Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:1144-1155. [PMID: 38684324 PMCID: PMC11420721 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2024-225596] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the complex panorama of autoimmune diseases, the characterisation of pivotal contributing autoantibodies that are involved in disease progression remains challenging. This study aimed to employ a global antibody profiling strategy to identify novel antibodies and investigate their association with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS We implemented this strategy by conducting immunoprecipitation (IP) following on-bead digestion with the sera of patients with SSc or healthy donors, using antigen pools derived from cell lysates. The enriched antigen-antibody complex was proceeded with mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative proteomics and over-represented by bioinformatics analysis. The candidate antibodies were then orthogonally validated in two independent groups of patients with SSc. Mice were immunised with the target antigen, which was subsequently evaluated by histological examination and RNA sequencing. RESULTS The IP-MS analysis, followed by validation in patients with SSc, revealed a significant elevation in anti-PRMT5 antibodies among patients with SSc. These antibodies exhibited robust diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing SSc from healthy controls and other autoimmune conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome, with an area under the curve ranging from 0.900 to 0.988. The elevation of anti-PRMT5 antibodies was verified in a subsequent independent group with SSc using an additional method, microarray. Notably, 31.11% of patients with SSc exhibited seropositivity for anti-PRMT5 antibodies. Furthermore, the titres of anti-PRMT5 antibodies demonstrated a correlation with the progression or regression trajectory in SSc. PRMT5 immunisation displayed significant inflammation and fibrosis in both the skin and lungs of mice. This was concomitant with the upregulation of multiple proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways, thereby underscoring a potentially pivotal role of anti-PRMT5 antibodies in SSc. CONCLUSIONS This study has identified anti-PRMT5 antibodies as a novel biomarker for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minrui Liang
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingbiao Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolong Tian
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Synthetic Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Synthetic Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Ye
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haihua Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanqing Wu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Wan
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Synthetic Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hejian Zou
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianlei Ying
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Synthetic Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Fukasawa T, Yoshizaki-Ogawa A, Sato S, Yoshizaki A. The role of B cells in systemic sclerosis. J Dermatol 2024; 51:904-913. [PMID: 38321641 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17134] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and refractory systemic disease characterized by fibrosis and vasculopathy in the presence of autoimmune abnormalities. While the exact cause of SSc is incompletely understood, the specific autoantibodies identified in SSc are closely linked to disease severity and prognosis, indicating a significant role of autoimmune abnormalities in the pathogenesis of SSc. Although the direct pathogenic mechanisms of autoantibodies in SSc are not fully elucidated, numerous prior investigations have demonstrated the involvement of B cells in the pathogenesis of SSc through various mechanisms. Additionally, several clinical trials have explored the efficacy of B-cell depletion therapy for SSc, with many reporting positive outcomes. However, the role of B cells in SSc pathogenesis is multifaceted, as they can both promote inflammation and exert inhibitory functions. This article provides an overview of the involvement of B cells in SSc development, incorporating the latest research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takemichi Fukasawa
- Department of Dermatology, Systemic Sclerosis Center, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Cannabinoid Research, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asako Yoshizaki-Ogawa
- Department of Dermatology, Systemic Sclerosis Center, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, Systemic Sclerosis Center, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, Systemic Sclerosis Center, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Cannabinoid Research, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Vliagoftis H, Madala SK. Searching for an Animal Model with Clinical Features of Scleroderma. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 69:373-375. [PMID: 37411040 PMCID: PMC10557919 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2023-0158ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Harissios Vliagoftis
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Alberta Respiratory Centre University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Satish K Madala
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio
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Chen Y, Zhou J, Xu S, Nie J. Role of Interleukin-6 Family Cytokines in Organ Fibrosis. KIDNEY DISEASES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 9:239-253. [PMID: 37900004 PMCID: PMC10601952 DOI: 10.1159/000530288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Organ fibrosis remains an important cause of high incidence rate and mortality worldwide. The prominent role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) family members represented by IL-6 in inflammation has been extensively studied, and drugs targeting IL-6 have been used clinically. Because of the close relationship between inflammation and fibrosis, researches on the role of IL-6 family members in organ fibrosis are also gradually emerging. Summary In this review, we systematically reviewed the role of IL-6 family members in fibrosis and their possible mechanisms. We listed the role of IL-6 family members in organ fibrosis and drew two diagrams to illustrate the downstream signal transductions of IL-6 family members. We also summarized the effect of some IL-6 family members' antagonists in a table. Key Messages Fibrosis contributes to organ structure damage, organ dysfunction, and eventually organ failure. Although IL-6 family cytokines have similar downstream signal pathways, different members play various roles in an organ-specific manner which might be partly due to their different target cell populations. The pathogenic role of individual member in various diseases needs to be deciphered carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihui Xu
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Nie
- Department of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Ananyeva LP, Garzanova LA, Koneva OA, Starovoytova MN, Desinova OV, Ovsyannikova OB, Shayakhmetova RU, Cherkasova MV, Aleksankin AP, Nasonov EL. Anti-topoisomerase 1 Antibody Level Changes after B Cell Depletion Therapy in Systemic Sclerosis. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2023; 511:212-218. [PMID: 37833608 PMCID: PMC10739332 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672923700266] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between the changes of antinuclear autoantibodies (ANAs) and autoantibodies to topoisomerase 1 (anti-Topo 1) in systemic sclerosis (SSs) patients on rituximab (RTX) therapy. The prospective study included 88 patients (73 women) with a mean age of 47 (17-71) years. The mean disease duration was 5.9 ± 4.8 years. The mean follow-up period was more than 2 years (27 (12-42) months). We documented a statistically significant change in skin score, the disease activity index, improvement of pulmonary function and reduction of mean dose of prednisolone after RTX treatment. There was a significant decrease in the number of patients with high levels of ANA and overall decrease of the ANA and anti-Topo 1 levels. A moderate positive statistically significant correlation was found between ANA and anti-Topo 1 (r = 0.403). In the group of patients positive for anti-Topo 1 there were a more pronounced depletion of B lymphocytes, significantly higher increase in forced vital capacity and diffusion capacity, decrease in the disease activity index, compared with patients negative for anti-Topo 1. We observed the decline in the level of ANA and anti-Topo 1 in SSc patients after RTX therapy, and it was correlated by an improvement of the main outcome parameters of the disease. Therefore, anti-Topo 1 positivity could be considered as a predictor of a better response to RTX treatment, especially in SSc patients with hyperproduction of anti-Topo 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Ananyeva
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia.
| | - L A Garzanova
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - O A Koneva
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - O V Desinova
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - M V Cherkasova
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - A P Aleksankin
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - E L Nasonov
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Ramahi A, Lescoat A, Roofeh D, Nagaraja V, Namas R, Huang S, Varga J, O’Dwyer D, Wang B, Flaherty K, Kazerooni E, Khanna D. Risk factors for lung function decline in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease in a large single-centre cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:2501-2509. [PMID: 36377780 PMCID: PMC10321078 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac639] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify risk factors of percent predicted forced vital capacity (ppFVC) decline in patients with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). METHODS We identified 484 patients with SSc who had HRCT Chest, of which 312 with ILD. Those with serial pulmonary function tests were included in a longitudinal analysis (n = 184). Linear mixed effect models were fitted to assess the decline in ppFVC over time, and to explore the effect of demographics and baseline characteristics on ppFVC decline. RESULTS The majority of SSc-ILD patients were female (76.3%) and 51.3% had diffuse cutaneous subset. The mean (s.d.) age was 53.6 (12.7) years, median disease duration since first non-RP symptoms was 2.6 years, and 48.4% of the patients had ILD extent >20% on HRCT. In the univariate analysis, longer disease duration (>2.37 years), ILD extent >20%, and anti-topoisomerase I (ATA) positivity were significantly associated with ppFVC decline. In the multivariate analysis, the only statistically significant variable associated with ppFVC decline was ATA positivity. The overall group's mean decline in ppFVC was -0.28% (P-value 0.029), with -0.13% (n = 163) in those who were alive and -8.28% (P-value 0.0002 for the change in ppFVC trajectory) in patients who died within 2 years. CONCLUSION Our study confirms that ppFVC is a marker of survival in SSc-ILD, supporting its use for risk stratification to identify patients who may benefit from earlier interventions and treatment. Our study also supports the role of ATA positivity as a predictive marker for ppFVC decline in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ramahi
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alain Lescoat
- Inserm, EHESP, Irset – Institut de Recherche en Sante, Environnement et Travail-UMRS, University of Rennes CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - David Roofeh
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vivek Nagaraja
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rajaie Namas
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Suiyuan Huang
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David O’Dwyer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical care, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bonnie Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical care, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kevin Flaherty
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical care, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ella Kazerooni
- Division of Cardiothoracic Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Wortel CM, Liem SI, van Leeuwen NM, Boonstra M, Fehres CM, Stöger L, Huizinga TW, Toes RE, De Vries-Bouwstra J, Scherer HU. Anti-topoisomerase, but not anti-centromere B cell responses in systemic sclerosis display active, Ig-secreting cells associated with lung fibrosis. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003148. [PMID: 37507206 PMCID: PMC10387632 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Almost all patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) harbour autoantibodies. Anti-topoisomerase antibodies (ATA) and anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) are most prevalent and associate with distinct clinical phenotypes. B cell responses underlying these phenotypes are ill-defined. To understand how B cell autoreactivity and disease pathology connect, we determined phenotypic and functional characteristics of autoreactive B cells in ATA-positive and ACA-positive patients. METHODS Levels and isotypes of autoantibodies secreted by ex vivo cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with ATA-positive (n=22) and ACA-positive (n=20) SSc were determined. Antibody secreting cells (ASCs) were isolated by cell sorting and cultured separately. Correlations were studied between the degree of spontaneous autoantibody production and the presence and degree of interstitial lung disease (ILD). RESULTS Circulating B cells secreting either ATA-immunoglobulin G (IgG) or ACA-IgG on stimulation was readily detectable in patients. The ATA response, but not the ACA response, showed additional secretion of autoreactive IgA. ATA-IgG and ATA-IgA were also secreted spontaneously. Additional cell sorting confirmed the presence of ATA-secreting plasmablasts. The degree of spontaneous ATA-secretion was higher in patients with ILD than in those without (p<0.001) and correlated with the degree of pulmonary fibrosis (p<0.001). CONCLUSION In contrast to ACA-positive patients, ATA-positive patients show signs of recent activation of the B cell response that hallmarks this disease. The degree of activation correlates with the presence and severity of ILD, the most deleterious disease manifestation. This could explain differential responsiveness to B cell depleting therapy. The abundant and spontaneous secretion of ATA-IgG and ATA-IgA may point toward a continuously activating trigger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrie M Wortel
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie Ie Liem
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nina M van Leeuwen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Boonstra
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cynthia M Fehres
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lauran Stöger
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Wj Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - René Em Toes
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hans U Scherer
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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11
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Autoreactive B cell responses targeting nuclear antigens in systemic sclerosis: Implications for disease pathogenesis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 58:152136. [PMID: 36403538 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A hallmark of disease pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the presence of autoreactive B cell responses targeting nuclear proteins. Almost all SSc-patients harbour circulating antinuclear autoantibodies of which anti-topoisomerase 1, anti-centromere protein, anti-RNA polymerase III and anti-fibrillarin autoantibodies (ATA, ACA, ARA and AFA, respectively) are the most common and specific for SSc. In clinical practice, autoantibodies serve as diagnostic biomarkers and can aid in the identification of clinical phenotypes of the disease. However, factors driving disease progression in SSc are still poorly understood, and it is difficult to predict disease trajectories in individual patients. Moreover, treatment decisions remain rather empirical, with variable response rates in clinical trials due to patient heterogeneity. Current evidence has indicated that certain patients may benefit from B cell targeting therapies. Hence, it is important to understand the contribution of the antinuclear autoantibodies and their underlying B cell response to the disease pathogenesis of SSc.
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12
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Ganesan N, Chang YD, Hung SC, Lan JL, Liao JW, Fu ST, Lee CC. Mesenchymal stem cells suppressed skin and lung inflammation and fibrosis in topoisomerase I-induced systemic sclerosis associated with lung disease mouse model. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 391:323-337. [PMID: 36447073 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03716-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis associated with lung interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is the most common cause of death among patients with SSc. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) transplantations had been treated by SSc patients that showed in the previous case report. The therapeutic mechanisms and effects of MSCs on SSc-ILD are still obscure. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of treatment of BM-MSC derived from C57BL/6 on the topoisomerase I (TOPO I) induced SSc-ILD-like mice model. The mice were immunized with a mixture of recombinant human TOPO I in PBS solution (500 U/mL) and completed Freund's adjuvant [CFA; 1:1 (volume/volume)] twice per week for 9 weeks. On week 10, the mice were sacrificed to analyze the related pathological parameters. Lung and skin pathologies were analyzed using histochemical staining. CD4 T-helper (TH) cell differentiation in lung and skin-draining lymph nodes was detected using flow cytometry. Our results revealed that allogeneic and syngeneic MSCs exhibited similar repressive effects on TOPO I-induced IgG1 and IgG2a in the SSc group. After intravascular (IV) treatment with syngeneic or allogeneic MSCs, the dermal thickness and fibrosis dramatically condensed and significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness. These findings showed that both allogeneic and syngeneic MSCs have therapeutic potential for SSc-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithya Ganesan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Di Chang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Hung
- New Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Translation Medicine and New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Joung-Liang Lan
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Wang Liao
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih Tsung Fu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chen Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan. .,New Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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13
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Beesley CF, Goldman NR, Taher TE, Denton CP, Abraham DJ, Mageed RA, Ong VH. Dysregulated B cell function and disease pathogenesis in systemic sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 13:999008. [PMID: 36726987 PMCID: PMC9885156 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.999008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, immune-mediated rheumatic disease characterised by excessive extracellular matrix deposition in the skin and internal organs. B cell infiltration into lesional sites such as the alveolar interstitium and small blood vessels, alongside the production of defined clinically relevant autoantibodies indicates that B cells play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis and development of SSc. This is supported by B cell and fibroblast coculture experiments revealing that B cells directly enhance collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis in fibroblasts. In addition, B cells from SSc patients produce large amounts of profibrotic cytokines such as IL-6 and TGF-β, which interact with other immune and endothelial cells, promoting the profibrotic loop. Furthermore, total B cell counts are increased in SSc patients compared with healthy donors and specific differences can be found in the content of naïve, memory, transitional and regulatory B cell compartments. B cells from SSc patients also show differential expression of activation markers such as CD19 which may shape interactions with other immune mediators such as T follicular helper cells and dendritic cells. The key role of B cells in SSc is further supported by the therapeutic benefit of B cell depletion with rituximab in some patients. It is notable also that B cell signaling is impaired in SSc patients, and this could underpin the failure to induce tolerance in B cells as has been shown in murine models of scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire F. Beesley
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nina R. Goldman
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Taher E. Taher
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher P. Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Abraham
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rizgar A. Mageed
- Centre for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Voon H. Ong
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Yoshizaki A, Fukasawa T, Ebata S, Yoshizaki-Ogawa A, Sato S. Involvement of B cells in the development of systemic sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:938785. [PMID: 35967355 PMCID: PMC9365989 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.938785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare intractable systemic disease that causes fibrosis and vasculopathy against a background of autoimmune abnormalities. Although the etiology is not yet fully understood, the type of autoantibodies detected in SSc is closely associated with disease severity and prognosis, supporting that those autoimmune abnormalities play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Although the direct pathogenicity of autoantibodies found in SSc is unknown, many previous studies have shown that B cells are involved in the development of SSc through a variety of functions. Furthermore, a number of clinical studies have been conducted in which B-cell depletion therapy has been tried for SSc, and many of these studies have found B-cell depletion therapy to be effective for SSc. However, the involvement of B cells in pathogenesis is complex, as they not only promote inflammation but also play an inhibitory role. This article outlines the role of B cells in the development of SSc, including the latest research.
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15
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Chepy A, Bourel L, Koether V, Launay D, Dubucquoi S, Sobanski V. Can Antinuclear Antibodies Have a Pathogenic Role in Systemic Sclerosis? Front Immunol 2022; 13:930970. [PMID: 35837382 PMCID: PMC9274282 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by extensive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, associated with vasculopathy and autoimmune features. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are found in almost all SSc patients and constitute strong diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers. However, it remains unclear whether ANA are simple bystanders or if they can have a role in the pathophysiology of the disease. One might think that the nuclear nature of their targets prevents any accessibility to autoantibodies. Nevertheless, recent data suggest that ANA could be pathogenic or at least contribute to the perennation of the disease. We review here first the indirect clues of the contribution of ANA to SSc: they are associated to the disease subtypes, they may precede disease onset, their titer correlates with disease activity and severity, there is an association between molecular subsets, and some patients can respond to B-cell targeting therapy. Then, we describe in a second part the mechanisms of ANA production in SSc from individual genetic background to post-transcriptional modifications of neoantigens. Finally, we elaborate on the potential mechanisms of pathogenicity: ANA could be pathogenic through immune-complex-mediated mechanisms; other processes potentially involve molecular mimicry and ANA penetration into the target cell, with a focus on anti-topoisomerase-I antibodies, which are the most probable candidate to play a role in the pathophysiology of SSc. Finally, we outline some technical and conceptual ways to improve our understanding in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Chepy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
| | - Louisa Bourel
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Koether
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
| | - David Launay
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
| | - Sylvain Dubucquoi
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Institut d’Immunologie, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Sobanski
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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16
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Kobayashi S, Nagafuchi Y, Shoda H, Fujio K. The Pathophysiological Roles of Regulatory T Cells in the Early Phase of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:900638. [PMID: 35686127 PMCID: PMC9172592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.900638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis. Both clinical manifestations and immunological disturbances are diverse according to the disease duration. Particularly, changes in immunological processes are prominent in the early phase of SSc. The orchestration of several subsets of immune cells promotes autoimmune responses and inflammation, and eventually stimulates pro-fibrotic processes. Many reports have indicated that CD4+ T cells play pivotal roles in pathogenesis in the early phase of SSc. In particular, the pathogenic roles of regulatory T (Treg) cells have been investigated. Although the results were controversial, recent reports suggested an increase of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc patients. Treg cells secrete transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which promotes myofibroblast activation and fibrosis. In addition, the dysfunction of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc was reported, which results in the development of autoimmunity and inflammation. Notably, Treg cells have the plasticity to convert to T-helper17 (Th17) cells under pro-inflammatory conditions. Th17 cells secrete IL-17A, which could also promote myofibroblast transformation and fibrosis and contributes to vasculopathy, although the issue is still controversial. Our recent transcriptomic comparison between the early and late phases of SSc revealed a clear difference of gene expression patterns only in Treg cells. The gene signature of an activated Treg cell subpopulation was expanded in the early phase of SSc and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was enhanced, which can promote Th17 differentiation. And this result was accompanied by the increase in Th17 cells frequency. Therefore, an imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells could also have an important role in the pathogenesis of the early phase of SSc. In this review, we outlined the roles of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc, summarizing the data of both human and mouse models. The contributions of Treg cells to autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis were revealed, based on the dysfunction and imbalance of Treg cells. We also referred to the potential development in treatment strategies in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Kobayashi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Itabashi-ku, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nagafuchi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
- Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shoda
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
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17
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Inducible Animal Models of Skin Fibrosis; Updated Review of the Literature. JORJANI BIOMEDICINE JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.52547/jorjanibiomedj.10.2.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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18
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Fukasawa T, Yoshizaki A, Ebata S, Yoshizaki-Ogawa A, Asano Y, Enomoto A, Miyagawa K, Kazoe Y, Mawatari K, Kitamori T, Sato S. Single-cell-level protein analysis revealing the roles of autoantigen-reactive B lymphocytes in autoimmune disease and the murine model. eLife 2021; 10:e67209. [PMID: 34854378 PMCID: PMC8639144 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite antigen affinity of B cells varying from cell to cell, functional analyses of antigen-reactive B cells on individual B cells are missing due to technical difficulties. Especially in the field of autoimmune diseases, promising pathogenic B cells have not been adequately studied to date because of its rarity. In this study, functions of autoantigen-reactive B cells in autoimmune disease were analyzed at the single-cell level. Since topoisomerase I is a distinct autoantigen, we targeted systemic sclerosis as autoimmune disease. Decreased and increased affinities for topoisomerase I of topoisomerase I-reactive B cells led to anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokine production associated with the inhibition and development of fibrosis, which is the major symptom of systemic sclerosis. Furthermore, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and increased affinity of topoisomerase I-reactive B cells suppressed fibrosis. These results indicate that autoantigen-reactive B cells contribute to the disease manifestations in autoimmune disease through their antigen affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takemichi Fukasawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Satoshi Ebata
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Asako Yoshizaki-Ogawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Laboratory of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kiyoshi Miyagawa
- Laboratory of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yutaka Kazoe
- Department of System Design Engineering, Keio university, Faculty of Science and technologyTokyoJapan
| | - Kazuma Mawatari
- Department of Applied Chemistry, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of EngineeringTokyoJapan
| | - Takehiko Kitamori
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of EngineeringTokyoJapan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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19
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Asano Y. Insights Into the Preclinical Models of SSc. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN RHEUMATOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40674-021-00187-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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20
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Irinotecan and its metabolite SN38 inhibits procollagen I production of dermal fibroblasts from Systemic Sclerosis patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18011. [PMID: 34504265 PMCID: PMC8429710 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97538-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by a microangiopathy and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. No treatment has been proved to be efficient in case of early or advanced SSc to prevent or reduce fibrosis. There are strong arguments for a key role of topo-I in the pathogenesis of diffuse SSc. Irinotecan, a semisynthetic derivative of Camptothecin, specifically target topo-I. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of noncytotoxic doses of irinotecan or its active metabolite SN38 on collagen production in SSc fibroblasts. Dermal fibroblasts from 4 patients with SSc and 2 healthy donors were cultured in the presence or absence of irinotecan or SN38. Procollagen I release was determined by ELISA and expression of a panel of genes involved in fibrosis was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Subcytotoxic doses of irinotecan and SN38 caused a significant and dose-dependent decrease of the procollagen I production in dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients, respectively − 48 ± 3%, p < 0.0001 and − 37 ± 6.2%, p = 0.0097. Both irinotecan and SN38 led to a global downregulation of genes involved in fibrosis such as COL1A1, COL1A2, MMP1 and ACTA2 in dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients (respectively − 27; − 20.5; − 30.2 and − 30% for irinotecan and − 61; − 55; − 50 and − 54% for SN38). SN38 increased significantly CCL2 mRNA level (+ 163%). The inhibitory effect of irinotecan and its active metabolite SN38 on collagen production by SSc fibroblasts, which occurs through regulating the levels of expression of genes mRNA, suggests that topoisomerase I inhibitors may be effective in limiting fibrosis in such patients.
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21
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Abstract
From the clinical standpoint, systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by skin and internal organ fibrosis, diffuse fibroproliferative vascular modifications, and autoimmunity. Clinical presentation and course are highly heterogenous and life expectancy variably affected mostly dependent on lung and heart involvement. SSc touches more women than men with differences in disease severity and environmental exposure. Pathogenetic events originate from altered homeostasis favored by genetic predisposition, environmental cues and a variety of endogenous and exogenous triggers. Epigenetic modifications modulate SSc pathogenesis which strikingly associate profound immune-inflammatory dysregulation, abnormal endothelial cell behavior, and cell trans-differentiation into myofibroblasts. SSc myofibroblasts show enhanced survival and enhanced extracellular matrix deposition presenting altered structure and altered physicochemical properties. Additional cell types of likely pathogenic importance are pericytes, platelets, and keratinocytes in conjunction with their relationship with vessel wall cells and fibroblasts. In SSc, the profibrotic milieu is favored by cell signaling initiated in the one hand by transforming growth factor-beta and related cytokines and in the other hand by innate and adaptive type 2 immune responses. Radical oxygen species and invariant receptors sensing danger participate to altered cell behavior. Conventional and SSc-specific T cell subsets modulate both fibroblasts as well as endothelial cell dysfunction. Beside autoantibodies directed against ubiquitous antigens important for enhanced clinical classification, antigen-specific agonistic autoantibodies may have a pathogenic role. Recent studies based on single-cell RNAseq and multi-omics approaches are revealing unforeseen heterogeneity in SSc cell differentiation and functional states. Advances in system biology applied to the wealth of data generated by unbiased screening are allowing to subgroup patients based on distinct pathogenic mechanisms. Deciphering heterogeneity in pathogenic mechanisms will pave the way to highly needed personalized therapeutic approaches.
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22
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Pitfalls in establishing mouse model of female infertility by immunization with human centromere protein. Immunol Lett 2021; 239:20-22. [PMID: 34418489 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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23
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Mouse Models of Skin Fibrosis. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2299:371-383. [PMID: 34028755 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1382-5_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease associated with a high mortality. The first histopathological hallmarks are vasculopathy and inflammation, followed by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The molecular and cellular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Rodent models provide important insights into the pathogenesis of SSc and are a mainstay for the development of novel targeted therapies. Here we describe the mechanistic insights of inducible and genetic models, and also discuss in detail the limitations and pitfalls of the most frequently used SSc mouse models. We also describe protocols for running the established bleomycin-induced scleroderma skin fibrosis model.
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Numajiri H, Kuzumi A, Fukasawa T, Ebata S, Yoshizaki-Ogawa A, Asano Y, Kazoe Y, Mawatari K, Kitamori T, Yoshizaki A, Sato S. B cell depletion inhibits fibrosis via suppressing pro-fibrotic macrophage differentiation in a mouse model of systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 73:2086-2095. [PMID: 33955200 DOI: 10.1002/art.41798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the effect of B cell depletion on fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and its mechanism of action. METHODS Bleomycin-induced SSc (BLM-SSc) model mice were treated with anti-CD20 antibody, and skin and lung fibrosis was evaluated histopathologically. T cells and macrophages were co-cultured with B cells, and the effect of B cells on their differentiation was assessed by flow cytometry. We also co-cultured B cells and monocytes from SSc patients and analyzed the correlation between fibrosis and pro-fibrotic macrophage induction by B cells. RESULTS B cell depletion inhibited fibrosis in BLM-SSc mice. B cells from BLM-SSc mice increased pro-inflammatory cytokine producing T cells in co-culture. In BLM-SSc mice, B cell depletion before BLM treatment (pre-depletion) inhibited fibrosis more strongly than B cell depletion after BLM treatment (post-depletion). However, the frequencies of pro-inflammatory T cells were lower in the post-depletion group than in the pre-depletion group. This discrepancy suggests that the effect of B cell depletion on fibrosis cannot be explained by its effect on T cell differentiation. On the other hand, pro-fibrotic macrophages were markedly decreased in the pre-depletion group than in the post-depletion group. Furthermore, B cells from BLM-SSc mice increased pro-fibrotic macrophage differentiation in co-culture. In SSc patients, the extent of pro-fibrotic macrophage induction by B cells correlated with the severity of fibrosis. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that B cell depletion inhibits tissue fibrosis via suppressing pro-fibrotic macrophage differentiation in BLM-SSc mice, providing a new rationale for B cell depletion therapy in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Numajiri
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ai Kuzumi
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takemichi Fukasawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ebata
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asako Yoshizaki-Ogawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kazoe
- Department of System Design Engineering, School of Integrated Design Engineering, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuma Mawatari
- Department of Applied Chemistry, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiko Kitamori
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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25
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Boonstra M, Bakker JA, Grummels A, Ninaber MK, Ajmone Marsan N, Wortel CM, Huizinga TWJ, Jordan S, Hoffman-Vold AM, Distler O, Toes REM, Scherer HU, de Vries-Bouwstra JK. Association of Anti-Topoisomerase I Antibodies of the IgM Isotype With Disease Progression in Anti-Topoisomerase I-Positive Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:1897-1904. [PMID: 32840062 PMCID: PMC7702063 DOI: 10.1002/art.41403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective Anti–topoisomerase I (anti–topo I) autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are associated with diffuse skin involvement and interstitial lung fibrosis. Thus far, however, the relationship between anti–topo I antibody response and disease course has not yet been fully evaluated. This study was undertaken to gain insight into the association between characteristics of the anti–topo I antibody response and clinical disease course in SSc patients positive for anti–topo I antibodies. Methods Levels of anti–topo I IgG, anti–topo I IgM, and anti–topo I IgA were assessed in consecutive serum samples obtained from patients at baseline who were positive for anti–topo I IgG in the Leiden Combined Care In Systemic Sclerosis (CCISS) cohort. One‐year disease progression was defined by a relevant increase in modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS), decline in pulmonary function, development of digital ulcers, renal crisis, and pulmonary hypertension, and/or mortality. Validation was performed in SSc patients who were positive for anti–topo I from the Oslo University Hospital and University Hospital Zurich. Results Of the 103 patients with anti–topo I IgG in the CCISS cohort, clinical data were available to assess 1‐year disease progression in 81 patients. Of these 81 patients, 23 (28%) had disease progression. At baseline, patients with disease progression were significantly more often anti–topo I IgM–positive than those who did not experience disease progression (21 [91%] of 23 versus 33 [57%] of 58; P < 0.01). This finding was confirmed in the independent validation samples. Conclusion In SSc patients who were anti–topo I IgG–positive, presence of anti–topo I IgM, which might be considered as a surrogate for an ongoing autoreactive B cell immune response, is associated with disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaap A Bakker
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - René E M Toes
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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26
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Sanghera C, Wong LM, Panahi M, Sintou A, Hasham M, Sattler S. Cardiac phenotype in mouse models of systemic autoimmunity. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm036947. [PMID: 30858306 PMCID: PMC6451423 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.036947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients suffering from systemic autoimmune diseases are at significant risk of cardiovascular complications. This can be due to systemically increased levels of inflammation leading to accelerated atherosclerosis, or due to direct damage to the tissues and cells of the heart. Cardiac complications include an increased risk of myocardial infarction, myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy, valve disease, endothelial dysfunction, excessive fibrosis, and bona fide autoimmune-mediated tissue damage by autoantibodies or auto-reactive cells. There is, however, still a considerable need to better understand how to diagnose and treat cardiac complications in autoimmune patients. A range of inducible and spontaneous mouse models of systemic autoimmune diseases is available for mechanistic and therapeutic studies. For this Review, we systematically collated information on the cardiac phenotype in the most common inducible, spontaneous and engineered mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. We also highlight selected lesser-known models of interest to provide researchers with a decision framework to choose the most suitable model for their study of heart involvement in systemic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Sanghera
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Lok Man Wong
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mona Panahi
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Amalia Sintou
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Muneer Hasham
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Susanne Sattler
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
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27
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Frantz C, Auffray C, Avouac J, Allanore Y. Regulatory T Cells in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2356. [PMID: 30374354 PMCID: PMC6196252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, accumulating evidence suggest that regulatory T cells (Tregs) are of paramount importance for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and immune homeostasis, even though they represent only about 5-10% of the peripheral CD4+ T cells in humans. Their key role is indeed supported by the spontaneous development of autoimmune diseases after Tregs depletion in mice. Moreover, there is also a growing literature that investigates possible contribution of Tregs numbers and activity in various autoimmune diseases. The contribution of Tregs in autoimmune disease has opened up a new therapeutic avenue based on restoring a healthy balance between Tregs and effector T-cells, such as Treg-based cellular transfer or low-dose IL-2 modulation. These therapies hold the promise of modulating the immune system without immunosuppression, while several issues regarding efficacy and safety need to be addressed. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an orphan connective tissue disease characterized by extensive immune abnormalities but also microvascular injury and fibrosis. Recently, data about the presence and function of Tregs in the pathogenesis of SSc have emerged although they remain scarce so far. First, there is a general agreement in the medical literature with regard to the decreased functional ability of circulating Tregs in SSc. Second the quantification of Tregs in patients have led to contradictory results; although the majority of the studies report reduced frequencies, there are conversely some indications suggesting that in case of disease activity circulating Tregs may increase. This paradoxical situation could be the result of a compensatory, but inefficient, amplification of Tregs in the context of inflammation. Nevertheless, these results must be tempered with regards to the heterogeneity of the studies for the phenotyping of the patients and of the most importance for Tregs definition and activity markers. Therefore, taking into account the appealing developments of Tregs roles in autoimmune diseases, together with preliminary data published in SSc, there is growing interest in deciphering Tregs in SSc, both in humans and mice models, to clarify whether the promises obtained in other autoimmune diseases may also apply to SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Frantz
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Cedric Auffray
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Jerome Avouac
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
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28
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Yue X, Yu X, Petersen F, Riemekasten G. Recent advances in mouse models for systemic sclerosis. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:1225-1234. [PMID: 30316997 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SSc is a complex rheumatoid disease characterized by autoimmunity, fibrosis and vasculopathy. Mouse models provide powerful research tools for exploring the pathogenesis of the human diseases. Each mouse model can represent a specific way leading to the development of disease. Moreover, mouse models can be used to investigate the role of candidate molecule in the pathogenesis of disease. So far, more than twenty mouse models for SSc have been established and provide new insights in the understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc. In this review, we provide an overview on recent advances in the field of experimental SSc. We introduce novel mouse models generated in the recent years and discuss their relevance to the SSc pathogenesis. Moreover, we summarize and discuss recent findings in the pathogenesis of classical SSc mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Yue
- Priority Area Asthma & Allergy, Research Center Borstel, 23845 Borstel, Germany; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Xinhua Yu
- Priority Area Asthma & Allergy, Research Center Borstel, 23845 Borstel, Germany; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Frank Petersen
- Priority Area Asthma & Allergy, Research Center Borstel, 23845 Borstel, Germany; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany; Department of Rheumatology, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
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29
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Numajiri H, Yoshizaki A, Fukasawa T, Ebata S, Nakamura K, Yamashita T, Saigusa R, Miura S, Hirabayashi M, Yoshizaki A, Sumida H, Asano Y, Kazoe Y, Mawatari K, Kitamori T, Sato S. Rapid alteration of serum interleukin-6 levels may predict the reactivity of i.v. cyclophosphamide pulse therapy in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. J Dermatol 2018; 45:1221-1224. [PMID: 30051925 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.14580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Although SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the most important complications as a cause of death in SSc, prediction factors of treatment reactivity in SSc-ILD are still unclear. To assess relationships between interleukin (IL)-6 and reactivity to treatment, we measured serum IL-6 levels in 23 of active SSc-ILD patients under i.v. cyclophosphamide (IVCY) therapy and 20 of stabilized SSc-ILD, using the high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunoassay system. Serum IL-6 levels in active SSc-ILD patients were significantly higher than those in stabilized SSc-ILD patients. Among active SSc-ILD patients, baseline serum IL-6 levels were not significantly different between IVCY responders and non-responders. Meanwhile, serum IL-6 levels after three IVCY doses out of a total of six were decreased in responders but not in non-responders. Regarding changes of parameters by the three doses of a total of six of IVCY, change in serum IL-6 levels correlated inversely with that in values of pulmonary function test. Thus, the rapid decrease in serum IL-6 levels during a couple of doses may predict the efficacy of IVCY therapy against SSc-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Numajiri
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takemichi Fukasawa
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ebata
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Syunsuke Miura
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Megumi Hirabayashi
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asako Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hayakazu Sumida
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kazoe
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuma Mawatari
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiko Kitamori
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Furue M, Mitoma C, Mitoma H, Tsuji G, Chiba T, Nakahara T, Uchi H, Kadono T. Pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis-current concept and emerging treatments. Immunol Res 2018; 65:790-797. [PMID: 28488090 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-017-8926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an intractable multifaceted disease with high mortality. Although its pathogenesis is not fully understood, recent studies have advanced our knowledge on SSc. The cardinal pathological features of SSc are autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. The B cells in SSc are constitutively activated and lead to the production of a plethora of autoantibodies, such as anti-topoisomerase I and anti-centromere antibodies. In addition to these autoantibodies, which are valuable for diagnostic criteria or biomarkers, many other autoantibodies targeting endothelial cells, including endothelin type A receptor and angiotensin II type I receptor, are known to be functional and induce activation or apoptosis of endothelial cells. The autoantibody-mediated endothelial cell perturbation facilitates inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine production, and myofibroblastic transformation of fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Profibrotic cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, connective tissue growth factor, interleukin 4/interleukin 13, and interleukin 6, play a pivotal role in collagen production from myofibroblasts. Specific treatments targeting these causative molecules may improve the clinical outcomes of patients with SSc. In this review, we summarize recent topics on the pathogenesis (autoantibodies, vasculopathy, and fibrosis), animal models, and emerging treatments for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masutaka Furue
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan. .,Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. .,Division of Skin Surface Sensing, Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Chikage Mitoma
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Mitoma
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology/Infectious Disease, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Gaku Tsuji
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takahito Chiba
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakahara
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Division of Skin Surface Sensing, Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Uchi
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takafumi Kadono
- Department of Dermatology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
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31
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Zhang F, Fan D, Mo XN. Prohibitin and the extracellular matrix are upregulated in murine alveolar epithelial cells with LPS‑induced acute injury. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:7769-7773. [PMID: 29620269 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation of epithelial and endothelial cells accelerates the progress of acute lung injury (ALI), and pulmonary fibrosis is the leading cause of mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) is a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of immune‑mediated disorders, and is involved in pulmonary fibrosis. Prohibitin (PHB) is a highly conserved protein implicated in various cellular functions, including proliferation, apoptosis, tumor suppression, transcription and mitochondrial protein folding. PHB was identified to be associated with a variety of pulmonary diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. Based on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced cell model of ALI, the present study examined the expression of PHB and the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the process of pulmonary inflammation. MLE‑12 cells were divided into 2 groups: The control group was administered sterile PBS; the treatment group was administered 500 ng/ml LPS for 12 h. The mRNA expression of IL‑6 in the treatment group was significantly upregulated compared with the control group (P<0.05). The protein expression of IL‑6 in the treatment group was markedly increased compared with the control group (P<0.05). ECM components, including collagen‑IV and fibronectin, in the treatment group were markedly increased when compared with the control group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PHB1 and PHB2 were significantly upregulated following treatment with LPS (both P<0.05). The present study identified that PHB and ECM component levels increased in the LPS‑induced ALI cell model, and further investigations may be performed to verify the detailed mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, P.R. China
| | - Dejun Fan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Neng Mo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, P.R. China
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32
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Yoshizaki A. Pathogenic roles of B lymphocytes in systemic sclerosis. Immunol Lett 2018; 195:76-82. [PMID: 29307688 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a collagen disease characterized by autoimmunity and excessive extracellular matrix deposition in the skin and visceral organs. Although the pathogenic relationship between systemic autoimmunity and the clinical manifestations of SSc remains unknown, SSc patients show a variety of abnormal immune activation including the production of disease-specific autoantibodies and cytokine production. Many recent studies have demonstrated that immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and macrophages, have a variety of immunological abnormalities in SSc. So far, several groups and our group reported that B cells play a critical role in systemic autoimmunity and disease expression through various functions, such as cytokine production, lymphoid organogenesis, and induction of other immune cell activation in addition to autoantibody production. Recent studies show that B cells from SSc patients demonstrate an up-regulated CD19 expression, a crucial regulator of B cell activation, which induces chronic hyper-reactivity of memory B cells and SSc-specific autoantibody production and also causes fibrosis of several organs. Furthermore, in SSc-model mice, such as tight-skin mice, bleomycin-induced SSc model mice, and DNA topoisomerase I and complete Freund's adjuvant-induced SSc model mice, have abnormal B cell activation which associates with skin and lung fibrosis. Indeed, B cell depletion therapy using anti-CD20 Ab, Rituximab, is considered to one potential beneficial treatment for patients with SSc. However, there is no direct evidence which can explain how B cells, especially autoantigen-reactive B cells, progress or regulate disease manifestations of SSc. Collectively, B cell abnormalities in SSc is most likely participating in fibrosis and tissue damage of SSc. If the relationship between SSc-specific tissue damage and B cell abnormalities is revealed, these findings lead to novel effective therapy for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8655, Japan.
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33
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Contribution of Soluble Forms of Programmed Death 1 and Programmed Death Ligand 2 to Disease Severity and Progression in Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 69:1879-1890. [DOI: 10.1002/art.40164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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34
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Ayers NB, Sun CM, Chen SY. Transforming growth factor-β signaling in systemic sclerosis. J Biomed Res 2017; 32:3-12. [PMID: 29353817 PMCID: PMC5956255 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.31.20170034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, multiorgan autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Manifestation of the disease results from an interaction of three key pathologic features including irregularities of the antigen-specific immune system and the non-specific immune system, resulting in autoantibody production, vascular endothelial activation of small blood vessels, and tissue fibrosis as a result of fibroblast dysfunction. Given the heterogeneity of clinical presentation of the disease, a lack of universal models has impeded adequate testing of potential therapies for SSc. Regardless, recent research has elucidated the roles of various ubiquitous molecular mechanisms that contribute to the clinical manifestation of the disease. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has been identified as a regulator of pathological fibrogenesis in SSc. Various processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and extracellular matrix synthesis are regulated by TGF-β, a type of cytokine secreted by macrophages and many other cell types. Understanding the essential role TGF-β pathways play in the pathology of systemic sclerosis could provide a potential outlet for treatment and a better understanding of this severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan B Ayers
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chen-Ming Sun
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Shi-You Chen
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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35
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Maier C, Ramming A, Bergmann C, Weinkam R, Kittan N, Schett G, Distler JHW, Beyer C. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) reduces dermal fibrosis by interfering with the release of interleukin-6 from M2 macrophages. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76:1133-1141. [PMID: 28209630 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the disease-modifying effects of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition in preclinical models of systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS We studied the effects of PDE4 inhibition in a prevention and a treatment model of bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis, in the topoisomerase mouse model as well as in a model of sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease. To better understand the mode of action of PDE4 blockade in preclinical models of SSc, we investigated fibrosis-relevant mediators in fibroblasts and macrophages from healthy individuals and patients suffering from diffuse-cutaneous SSc on blockade of PDE4. RESULTS Specific inhibition of PDE4 by rolipram and apremilast had potent antifibrotic effects in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis models, in the topoisomerase I mouse model and in murine sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease. Fibroblasts were not the direct targets of the antifibrotic effects of PDE4 blockade. Reduced leucocyte infiltration in lesional skin on PDE4 blockade suggested an immune-mediated mechanism. Further analysis revealed that PDE4 inhibition decreased the differentiation of M2 macrophages and the release of several profibrotic cytokines, resulting in reduced fibroblast activation and collagen release. Within these profibrotic mediators, interleukin-6 appeared to play a central role. CONCLUSIONS PDE4 inhibition reduces inflammatory cell activity and the release of profibrotic cytokines from M2 macrophages, leading to decreased fibroblast activation and collagen release. Importantly, apremilast is already approved for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, PDE4 inhibitors might be further developed as potential antifibrotic therapies for patients with SSc. Our findings suggest that particularly patients with inflammation-driven fibrosis might benefit from PDE4 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Maier
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rita Weinkam
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolai Kittan
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Beyer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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36
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Asano Y. Recent advances in animal models of systemic sclerosis. J Dermatol 2017; 43:19-28. [PMID: 26782003 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.13185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disease characterized by the three cardinal pathological features, comprising aberrant immune activation, vasculopathy and tissue fibrosis, with unknown etiology. Although many inducible and genetic animal models mimicking the selected aspects of SSc have been well documented, the lack of models encompassing the full clinical manifestations hindered the development and preclinical testing of therapies against this disease. Under this situation, three new genetic animal models have recently been established, such as Fra2 transgenic mice, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor deficient mice and Klf5(+/-) ;Fli1(+/-) mice, all of which recapitulate the pathological cascade of SSc. The former two murine models demonstrate endothelial cell apoptosis and capillary loss followed by tissue fibrosis, whereas the immune systems show no remarkable abnormality. Klf5(+/-) ;Fli1(+/-) mice develop immune activation, vasculopathy and tissue fibrosis in this sequence, eventually resulting in the development of dermal fibrosis, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary vascular involvement resembling those of SSc. Because Krueppel-like factor (KLF)5 and Friend leukemia integration 1 transcription factor (Fli1) are the transcription factors epigenetically suppressed in SSc dermal fibroblasts, the reproduction of SSc manifestations in Klf5(+/-) ;Fli1(+/-) mice supports the canonical idea that environmental influences play a central role in the development of SSc in genetically predisposed individuals. These new animal models offer important clues for the better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of SSc pathology and the identification of potential molecular targets for the treatment of this incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Yanaba K. Strategy for treatment of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis: Present and future. J Dermatol 2017; 43:46-55. [PMID: 26782006 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a generalized connective tissue disorder characterized by microvascular damage, autoimmunity, and excessive fibrosis of the skin and various internal organs. Regardless of the recent progress in medicine, no radical therapy for SSc has been developed, and the risk of mortality remains high. Therefore, diagnosis in the early disease stage, risk stratification for the development of serious organ involvement and therapeutic intervention with disease-modifying drugs can reduce the maximum degree of fibrosis, leading to improved long-term survival. Recently, new criteria for very early diagnosis of SSc have been proposed, which are expected to be useful for regularly following up patients with very early SSc, regardless of the absence of skin sclerosis, and for detecting the development of internal organ involvement as early as possible. At present, several immunosuppressants, including methotrexate, corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, are being used for the treatment of fibrosis. Furthermore, mycophenolate mofetil, i.v. immunoglobulins, B-cell depletion, anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, rapamycin, pirfenidone and imatinib mesylate are potential candidates for the treatment of SSc, although their efficacy has not been validated. Moreover, targeting transforming growth factor-1 and its signaling pathway or modulating the imbalance between T-helper 1 and 2 immune responses are also attractive therapeutic options. This review describes recent advances in the strategy for treatment of fibrosis in SSc and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Yanaba
- Department of Dermatology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Mehta H, Goulet PO, Nguyen V, Pérez G, Koenig M, Senécal JL, Sarfati M. Topoisomerase I peptide-loaded dendritic cells induce autoantibody response as well as skin and lung fibrosis. Autoimmunity 2016; 49:503-513. [DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2016.1230848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gemma Pérez
- Laboratory for Research in Autoimmunity, Center de Recherche du Center Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Martial Koenig
- Laboratory for Research in Autoimmunity, Center de Recherche du Center Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Luc Senécal
- Laboratory for Research in Autoimmunity, Center de Recherche du Center Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by fibrosis of the skin and several internal organs, vasculopathy, inflammation and autoimmunity. Animal models have improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc. Many inducible and genetic animal models of SSc have been developed and characterized in the last years. All of these models have different strengths and limitations and mimic different aspects of the pathogenesis of SSc. The purpose of this review is to summarize the characteristics of the various animal models of SSc and to provide an outline of how to use these models to study certain aspects in the pathogenesis of SSc and to test the effects of potential therapeutic approaches.
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Fava A, Cimbro R, Wigley FM, Liu QR, Rosen A, Boin F. Frequency of circulating topoisomerase-I-specific CD4 T cells predicts presence and progression of interstitial lung disease in scleroderma. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:99. [PMID: 27145754 PMCID: PMC4857293 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-0993-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Scleroderma is an antigen-driven T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Presence of anti-topoisomerase-I antibodies is associated with pulmonary fibrosis and predicts increased mortality. Characterization of autoreactive T lymphocytes may shed light on disease pathogenesis and serve as a biomarker for disease activity. Here, we aimed to quantify and functionally characterize circulating topoisomerase I (topo-I)-specific CD4+ T cells and to define their association with presence and progression of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with scleroderma. Methods Using flow cytometry, circulating topo-I-reactive CD4+ T cells were identified by the expression of specific activation markers (CD154 and CD69) upon stimulation with purified topo-I and quantified in 27 SSc patients and 4 healthy donors (HD). Polarization of autoreactive T cells (Th1, Th2, Th17, Th1–17) was defined using surface expression of specific chemokine receptors. Presence and progression of ILD were determined using high-resolution chest CT and pulmonary function tests. Results Topo-I-reactive CD4+ T cells were found in all topo-I-positive patients compared to one topo-I-negative subject and no HD. Topo-I-specific CD4+ T cells exhibited a distinct Th17 polarized phenotype. Autoreactive T cells were significantly increased in subjects with evidence of ILD and were quantitatively associated with the decline of lung volumes. Conclusions Topo-I-specific T cells can be reliably quantified in the peripheral blood of patients with scleroderma, exhibit a pro-inflammatory Th17 phenotype, and predict progression of ILD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-016-0993-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Fava
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Building, Center Tower, Suite 4100, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Raffaello Cimbro
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Building, Center Tower, Suite 4100, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Fredrick M Wigley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Building, Center Tower, Suite 4100, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Qing-Rong Liu
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute of Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, USA
| | - Antony Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Building, Center Tower, Suite 4100, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Francesco Boin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Med Sci, S-847, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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IL-4 Gene Polymorphism May Contribute to an Increased Risk of Atopic Dermatitis in Children. DISEASE MARKERS 2016; 2016:1021942. [PMID: 27212784 PMCID: PMC4860222 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1021942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the associations between interleukin-4 (IL-4) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 590C/T and 589C/T, serum IL-4 levels, and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Methods. A total of 82 children with AD were randomly selected as the case group and divided into mild group (15 cases), moderate group (46 cases), and severe group (21 cases). Additionally, 100 healthy children were selected as the control group. Genotype frequencies of IL-4 SNPs were detected by PCR-RFLP. Serum IL-4 levels were measured by ELISA. Results. Significant differences were shown in genotype distributions and allele frequencies of 589C/T and allele frequencies of 590C/T (all P < 0.05). Serum IL-4 levels in the mild, moderate, and severe groups were significantly higher than those in the control group; significant differences were found among these three groups with increased severity of AD. Serum IL-4 levels of heterozygote and mutant homozygote carriers in the mild, moderate, and severe groups were higher than wild homozygote carriers in those three groups and the control group (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. 590T and 589T alleles of IL-4 gene may be associated with high levels of serum IL-4, which may increase the risk of AD in children.
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an orphan disease affecting the connective tissue. The cause of SSc remains unknown but is likely to involve environmental factors in a genetically primed individual with SSc belonging to the multigenic disorders. Pathogenesis is dominated by early microvascular changes targeting endothelial cells and with the release of several mediators promoting an inflammatory response and vascular remodelling. Several lines of evidence position autoimmunity as a key perpetuating event with activation of both innate and adaptive immunity and with the production of distinct autoantibodies. The cascade ultimates with the fibrosis defined by accumulation of extra-cellular matrix through an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of several components and mesenchymal cell activation and differentiation controlled by a large number of autocrine and paracrine factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Allanore
- Inserm U1016, institut Cochin, rhumatologie A, université Paris Descartes, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
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Tsujino K, Sheppard D. Critical Appraisal of the Utility and Limitations of Animal Models of Scleroderma. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2015; 18:4. [DOI: 10.1007/s11926-015-0553-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Yoshizaki A, Taniguchi T, Saigusa R, Fukasawa T, Ebata S, Numajiri H, Nakamura K, Yamashita T, Takahashi T, Toyama T, Asano Y, Tedder TF, Sato S. Nucleosome in patients with systemic sclerosis: possible association with immunological abnormalities via abnormal activation of T and B cells. Ann Rheum Dis 2015; 75:1858-65. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-207405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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The role of the acquired immune response in systemic sclerosis. Semin Immunopathol 2015; 37:519-28. [PMID: 26152639 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-015-0509-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Profound alterations characterize the adaptive immune response in systemic sclerosis, and several layers of evidence support a prominent role exerted by immune cellular effectors and humoral mediators in the pathogenesis of this disease. These include (i) the presence of oligoclonal T cells in tissues undergoing fibrosis consistent with (auto)antigen-specific recruitment, (ii) the preferential expansion of polarized CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing pro-fibrotic cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13, (iii) the presence of increased number of cells producing mediators belonging to the IL-17 family, including IL-22, which may drive and participate in inflammatory pathways involving epithelial cells as well as fibroblasts, (iv) the deficient or redirected function of T regulatory cells favoring fibrosis, and (v) the enhanced expression of CD19 and CD21 on naïve B cells, and the upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules in mature B cells, which together with the increased levels of B cell activating factor (BAFF) underlie the propensity to an exaggerated humoral response possibly favoring fibrogenesis. Despite all the progress made in understanding the features of the aberrant immune response in scleroderma, it remains unclear whether the activation of immune effector pathways ultimately drives the disease pathogenesis or rather represents a defective attempt to limit or even reverse excessive extracellular matrix deposition and progressive vasculopathy, the main hallmarks of this disease.
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Asano Y. Double heterozygous mice for Klf5 and Fli1 genes: a new animal model of systemic sclerosis recapitulating its three cardinal pathological features. Med Mol Morphol 2015; 48:123-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00795-015-0107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by a chronic and frequently progressive course and by extensive patient-to-patient variability. Like other autoimmune diseases, systemic sclerosis occurs more frequently in women, with a peak of onset in the fifth decade of life. The exact cause of systemic sclerosis remains elusive but is likely to involve environmental factors in a genetically primed individual. Pathogenesis is dominated by vascular changes; evidence of autoimmunity with distinct autoantibodies and activation of both innate and adaptive immunity; and fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs that results in irreversible scarring and organ failure. Intractable progression of vascular and fibrotic organ damage accounts for the chronic morbidity and high mortality. Early and accurate diagnosis and classification might improve patient outcomes. Screening strategies facilitate timely recognition of life-threatening complications and initiation of targeted therapies to halt their progression. Effective treatments of organ-based complications are now within reach. Discovery of biomarkers - including autoantibodies that identify patient subsets at high risk for particular disease complications or rapid progression - is a research priority. Understanding the key pathogenetic pathways, cell types and mediators underlying disease manifestations opens the door for the development of targeted therapies with true disease-modifying potential. For an illustrated summary of this Primer, visit: http://go.nature.com/lchkcA.
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Fong WWS, Yoong JKC. Interstitial Lung Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review. PROCEEDINGS OF SINGAPORE HEALTHCARE 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/201010581502400106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a group of diffuse parenchymal lung disorders that are classified according to different clinical, radiological and histopathological features. Interstitial lung disease can be primary or it can be due to a secondary cause, such as an underlying connective tissue disease (CTD). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common CTD, and ILD can be found in a quarter of RA patients. Interstitial lung disease has a significant impact on RA patients in terms of their burden of disease and quality of life. Despite this it remains largely understudied and pathogenesis is unclear. Newer imaging techniques include ultrasound and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Therapeutics that show promise include mycophenolate mofetil and rituximab. Paradoxically, some of the agents that are good in treating articular manifestations in RA patients can result in the worsening or development of ILD.
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Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a large and diverse group of pathological conditions that share similar clinical, radiological and pathological manifestations, despite potentially having quite different aetiologies and comorbidities. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) represents probably the most aggressive form of ILD and systemic sclerosis is a multiorgan fibrotic disease frequently associated with ILD. Although the aetiology of these disorders remains unknown, in this review we analyse the pathogenic mechanisms by cell of interest (fibroblast, fibrocyte, myofibroblast, endothelial and alveolar epithelial cells and immune competent cells). New insights into the complex cellular contributions and interactions will be provided, comparing the role of cell subsets in the pathogenesis of IPF and systemic sclerosis. Distinct cell populations contribute to the complex pathogenesis of IPF and systemic sclerosis-associated ILDhttp://ow.ly/AjFaz
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Yoshizaki A, Sato S. Abnormal B lymphocyte activation and function in systemic sclerosis. Ann Dermatol 2015; 27:1-9. [PMID: 25673924 PMCID: PMC4323585 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2015.27.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by tissue fibrosis and autoimmunity. Although the pathogenic relationship between autoimmunity and clinical manifestations of SSc remains unknown, SSc patients display abnormal immune responses including the production of disease-specific autoantibodies. Previous studies have demonstrated that B cells play a critical role in systemic autoimmunity and disease expression through various functions such as induction of the activation of other immune cells in addition to autoantibody production. CD19 is a crucial regulator of B cell activation. Recent studies demonstrated that B cells from SSc patients showed an up-regulated CD19 signaling pathway that induced SSc-specific autoantibody production in SSc mouse models. CD19 transgenic mice lost tolerance for autoantigen and generated autoantibodies spontaneously. B cells from SSc patients exhibited an overexpression of CD19 that induced SSc-specific autoantibody production in transgenic mice. Moreover, SSc patients displayed intrinsic B cell abnormalities characterized by chronic hyper-reactivity of memory B cells, which was possibly due to CD19 overexpression. Similarly, B cells from a tight-skin mouse, a genetic model of SSc, showed augmented CD19 signaling. In bleomycin-induced SSc mouse models, endogenous ligands for toll-like receptor 4 induced by bleomycin stimulated B cells to produce various fibrogenic cytokines and autoantibodies. Remarkably, the loss of CD19 resulted in the inhibition of B cell hyper-reactivity and autoantibody production, which are associated with improvements in fibrosis and a parallel decrease in fibrogenic cytokine production by B cells. Taken together, the findings suggest that altered B cell function may result in tissue fibrosis as well as autoimmunity in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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