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Lan Z, Wei Y, Yue K, He R, Jiang Z. Genetically predicted immune cells mediate the association between gut microbiota and neuropathy pain. Inflammopharmacology 2024:10.1007/s10787-024-01514-y. [PMID: 38955934 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01514-y] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous observational studies have indicated a complex association between gut microbiota (GM) and neuropathic pain (NP). Nonetheless, the precise biological mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Therefore, we adopted a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal relationship between GM and neuropathic pain including post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN), and trigeminal neuralgia (TN), as well as to explore the potential mediation effects of immune cells. METHODS We performed a two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization study with an inverse variance-weighted (IVW) approach to investigate the causal role of GM on three major kinds of NP and the mediation effect of immune cells between the association of GM and NP. In addition, we determine the strongest causal associations using Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization (BWMR) analysis. Furthermore, we will investigate the mediating role of immune cells through a two-step Mendelian randomization design. RESULTS We identified 53 taxonomies and pathways of gut microbiota that had significant causal associations with NP. In addition, we also discovered 120 immune cells that exhibited significant causal associations with NP. According to the BWMR and two-step Mendelian randomization analysis, we identified the following results CD4 on CM CD4 + (maturation stages of T cell) mediated 6.7% of the risk reduction for PHN through the pathway of fucose degradation (FUCCAT.PWY). CD28 + DN (CD4-CD8-) AC (Treg) mediated 12.5% of the risk reduction for PHN through the influence on Roseburia inulinivorans. CD45 on lymphocyte (Myeloid cell) mediated 11.9% of the risk increase for TN through the superpathway of acetyl-CoA biosynthesis (PWY.5173). HLA DR + CD8br %T cell (TBNK) mediated 3.2% of the risk reduction for TN through the superpathway of GDP-mannose-derived O-antigen building blocks biosynthesis (PWY.7323). IgD-CD38-AC (B cell) mediated 7.5% of the risk reduction for DPN through the pathway of thiazole biosynthesis I in E. coli (PWY.6892). DISCUSSION These findings provided evidence supporting the causal effect of GM with NP, with immune cells playing a mediating role. These findings may inform prevention strategies and interventions directed toward NP. Future studies should explore other plausible biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixuan Lan
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Yi Wei
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Kan Yue
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Ruilin He
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, 530005, China.
| | - Zongbin Jiang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, 530005, China.
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Ramírez-Valle F, Maranville JC, Roy S, Plenge RM. Sequential immunotherapy: towards cures for autoimmunity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:501-524. [PMID: 38839912 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00959-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Despite major progress in the treatment of autoimmune diseases in the past two decades, most therapies do not cure disease and can be associated with increased risk of infection through broad suppression of the immune system. However, advances in understanding the causes of autoimmune disease and clinical data from novel therapeutic modalities such as chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies provide evidence that it may be possible to re-establish immune homeostasis and, potentially, prolong remission or even cure autoimmune diseases. Here, we propose a 'sequential immunotherapy' framework for immune system modulation to help achieve this ambitious goal. This framework encompasses three steps: controlling inflammation; resetting the immune system through elimination of pathogenic immune memory cells; and promoting and maintaining immune homeostasis via immune regulatory agents and tissue repair. We discuss existing drugs and those in development for each of the three steps. We also highlight the importance of causal human biology in identifying and prioritizing novel immunotherapeutic strategies as well as informing their application in specific patient subsets, enabling precision medicine approaches that have the potential to transform clinical care.
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Williams RO, Clanchy FI, Huang YS, Tseng WY, Stone TW. TNFR2 signalling in inflammatory diseases. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2024; 38:101941. [PMID: 38538489 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2024.101941] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Abstract
TNF signals via two receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, which play contrasting roles in immunity. Most of the pro-inflammatory effects of TNF are mediated by TNFR1, whereas TNFR2 is mainly involved in immune homeostasis and tissue healing, but also contributes to tumour progression. However, all currently available anti-TNF biologics inhibit signalling via both receptors and there is increasing interest in the development of selective inhibitors; TNFR1 inhibitors for autoimmune disease and TNFR2 inhibitors for cancer. It is hypothesised that selective inhibition of TNFR1 in autoimmune disease would alleviate inflammation and promote homeostasis by allowing TNFR2 signalling to proceed unimpeded. Validation of this concept would pave the way for the development and testing of TNF specific antagonists. Another therapeutic approach being explored is the use of TNFR2 specific agonists, which could be administered alone or in combination with a TNFR1 antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard O Williams
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FY, UK.
| | - Felix Il Clanchy
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FY, UK.
| | - Yi-Shu Huang
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FY, UK.
| | - Wen-Yi Tseng
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FY, UK.
| | - Trevor W Stone
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FY, UK.
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4
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Tomasovic LM, Liu K, VanDyke D, Fabilane CS, Spangler JB. Molecular Engineering of Interleukin-2 for Enhanced Therapeutic Activity in Autoimmune Diseases. BioDrugs 2024; 38:227-248. [PMID: 37999893 PMCID: PMC10947368 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis. Its immunosuppressive effects have been harnessed therapeutically via administration of low cytokine doses. Low-dose IL-2 has shown promise in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; however, the clinical use of IL-2 is complicated by its toxicity, its pleiotropic effects on both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive cell subsets, and its short serum half-life, which collectively limit the therapeutic window. As a result, there remains a considerable need for IL-2-based autoimmune disease therapies that can selectively target regulatory T cells with minimal off-target binding to immune effector cells in order to prevent cytokine-mediated toxicities and optimize therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss exciting advances in IL-2 engineering that are empowering the development of novel therapies to treat autoimmune conditions. We describe the structural mechanisms of IL-2 signaling, explore current applications of IL-2-based compounds as immunoregulatory interventions, and detail the progress and challenges associated with clinical adoption of IL-2 therapies. In particular, we focus on protein engineering approaches that have been employed to optimize the regulatory T-cell bias of IL-2, including structure-guided or computational design of cytokine mutants, conjugation to polyethylene glycol, and the development of IL-2 fusion proteins. We also consider future research directions for enhancing the translational potential of engineered IL-2-based therapies. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential to leverage the immunoregulatory properties of IL-2 for targeted treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Tomasovic
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathy Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek VanDyke
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charina S Fabilane
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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5
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Leonard WJ, Lin JX. Strategies to therapeutically modulate cytokine action. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:827-854. [PMID: 37542128 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00746-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are secreted or membrane-presented molecules that mediate broad cellular functions, including development, differentiation, growth and survival. Accordingly, the regulation of cytokine activity is extraordinarily important both physiologically and pathologically. Cytokine and/or cytokine receptor engineering is being widely investigated to safely and effectively modulate cytokine activity for therapeutic benefit. IL-2 in particular has been extensively engineered, to create IL-2 variants that differentially exhibit activities on regulatory T cells to potentially treat autoimmune disease versus effector T cells to augment antitumour effects. Additionally, engineering approaches are being applied to many other cytokines such as IL-10, interferons and IL-1 family cytokines, given their immunosuppressive and/or antiviral and anticancer effects. In modulating the actions of cytokines, the strategies used have been broad, including altering affinities of cytokines for their receptors, prolonging cytokine half-lives in vivo and fine-tuning cytokine actions. The field is rapidly expanding, with extensive efforts to create improved therapeutics for a range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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6
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Siegmund D, Wajant H. TNF and TNF receptors as therapeutic targets for rheumatic diseases and beyond. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:576-591. [PMID: 37542139 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The cytokine TNF signals via two distinct receptors, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2, and is a central mediator of various immune-mediated diseases. Indeed, TNF-neutralizing biologic drugs have been in clinical use for the treatment of many inflammatory pathological conditions, including various rheumatic diseases, for decades. TNF has pleiotropic effects and can both promote and inhibit pro-inflammatory processes. The integrated net effect of TNF in vivo is a result of cytotoxic TNFR1 signalling and the stimulation of pro-inflammatory processes mediated by TNFR1 and TNFR2 and also TNFR2-mediated anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective activities. Inhibition of the beneficial activities of TNFR2 might explain why TNF-neutralizing drugs, although highly effective in some diseases, have limited benefit in the treatment of other TNF-associated pathological conditions (such as graft-versus-host disease) or even worsen the pathological condition (such as multiple sclerosis). Receptor-specific biologic drugs have the potential to tip the balance from TNFR1-mediated activities to TNFR2-mediated activities and enable the treatment of diseases that do not respond to current TNF inhibitors. Accordingly, a variety of reagents have been developed that either selectively inhibit TNFR1 or selectively activate TNFR2. Several of these reagents have shown promise in preclinical studies and are now in, or approaching, clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Siegmund
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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7
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Chen Y, Jiang M, Chen X. Therapeutic potential of TNFR2 agonists: a mechanistic perspective. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209188. [PMID: 37662935 PMCID: PMC10469862 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
TNFR2 agonists have been investigated as potential therapies for inflammatory diseases due to their ability to activate and expand immunosuppressive CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Despite TNFR2 being predominantly expressed in Treg cells at high levels, activated effector T cells also exhibit a certain degree of TNFR2 expression. Consequently, the role of TNFR2 signaling in coordinating immune or inflammatory responses under different pathological conditions is complex. In this review article, we analyze possible factors that may determine the therapeutic outcomes of TNFR2 agonism, including the levels of TNFR2 expression on different cell types, the biological properties of TNFR2 agonists, and disease status. Based on recent progress in the understanding of TNFR2 biology and the study of TNFR2 agonistic agents, we discuss the future direction of developing TNFR2 agonists as a therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Mengmeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Ministry of Education (MoE) Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Macau, Macau SAR, China
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8
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Pegoretti V, Bauer J, Fischer R, Paro I, Douwenga W, Kontermann RE, Pfizenmaier K, Houben E, Broux B, Hellings N, Baron W, Laman JD, Eisel ULM. Sequential treatment with a TNFR2 agonist and a TNFR1 antagonist improves outcomes in a humanized mouse model for MS. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:106. [PMID: 37138340 PMCID: PMC10157968 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02785-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
TNF signaling is an essential regulator of cellular homeostasis. Through its two receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2, soluble versus membrane-bound TNF enable cell death or survival in a variety of cell types. TNF-TNFRs signaling orchestrates important biological functions such as inflammation, neuronal activity as well as tissue de- and regeneration. TNF-TNFRs signaling is a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), but animal and clinical studies yielded conflicting findings. Here, we ask whether a sequential modulation of TNFR1 and TNFR2 signaling is beneficial in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an experimental mouse model that recapitulates inflammatory and demyelinating aspects of MS. To this end, human TNFR1 antagonist and TNFR2 agonist were administered peripherally at different stages of disease development in TNFR-humanized mice. We found that stimulating TNFR2 before onset of symptoms leads to improved response to anti-TNFR1 therapeutic treatment. This sequential treatment was more effective in decreasing paralysis symptoms and demyelination, when compared to single treatments. Interestingly, the frequency of the different immune cell subsets is unaffected by TNFR modulation. Nevertheless, treatment with only a TNFR1 antagonist increases T-cell infiltration in the central nervous system (CNS) and B-cell cuffing at the perivascular sites, whereas a TNFR2 agonist promotes Treg CNS accumulation. Our findings highlight the complicated nature of TNF signaling which requires a timely balance of selective activation and inhibition of TNFRs in order to exert therapeutic effects in the context of CNS autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pegoretti
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Science (GELIFES), University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Research Centre Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jan Bauer
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roman Fischer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Research Centre Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Iskra Paro
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Science (GELIFES), University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wanda Douwenga
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Science (GELIFES), University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Research Centre Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfizenmaier
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Research Centre Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Evelien Houben
- Neuroimmune Connections and Repair (NIC&R) Lab, Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590, Hasselt, Belgium
- University MS Centre, 3590, Hasselt/Pelt, Belgium
| | - Bieke Broux
- Neuroimmune Connections and Repair (NIC&R) Lab, Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590, Hasselt, Belgium
- University MS Centre, 3590, Hasselt/Pelt, Belgium
| | - Niels Hellings
- Neuroimmune Connections and Repair (NIC&R) Lab, Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590, Hasselt, Belgium
- University MS Centre, 3590, Hasselt/Pelt, Belgium
| | - Wia Baron
- Department Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems (BSCS), Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jon D Laman
- Department Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich L M Eisel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Science (GELIFES), University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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9
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Fiedler T, Fairless R, Pichi K, Fischer R, Richter F, Kontermann RE, Pfizenmaier K, Diem R, Williams SK. Co-modulation of TNFR1 and TNFR2 in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:100. [PMID: 37122019 PMCID: PMC10149004 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine and master regulator of the immune system. It acts through two receptors resulting in often opposing biological effects, which may explain the lack of therapeutic potential obtained so far in multiple sclerosis (MS) with non-receptor-specific anti-TNF therapeutics. Under neuroinflammatory conditions, such as MS, TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) is believed to mediate the pro-inflammatory activities associated with TNF, whereas TNF receptor-2 (TNFR2) may instead induce anti-inflammatory effects as well as promote remyelination and neuroprotection. In this study, we have investigated the therapeutic potential of blocking TNFR1 whilst simultaneously stimulating TNFR2 in a mouse model of MS. METHODS Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) in humanized TNFR1 knock-in mice. These were treated with a human-specific TNFR1-selective antagonistic antibody (H398) and a mouse-specific TNFR2 agonist (EHD2-sc-mTNFR2), both in combination and individually. Histopathological analysis of spinal cords was performed to investigate demyelination and inflammatory infiltration, as well as axonal and neuronal degeneration. Retinas were examined for any protective effects on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and neuroprotective signalling pathways analysed by Western blotting. RESULTS TNFR modulation successfully ameliorated symptoms of EAE and reduced demyelination, inflammatory infiltration and axonal degeneration. Furthermore, the combinatorial approach of blocking TNFR1 and stimulating TNFR2 signalling increased RGC survival and promoted the phosphorylation of Akt and NF-κB, both known to mediate neuroprotection. CONCLUSION These results further support the potential of regulating the balance of TNFR signalling, through the co-modulation of TNFR1 and TNFR2 activity, as a novel therapeutic approach in treating inflammatory demyelinating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timon Fiedler
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Otto-Mayerhof-Zentrum (OMZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard Fairless
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Otto-Mayerhof-Zentrum (OMZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kira Pichi
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Otto-Mayerhof-Zentrum (OMZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roman Fischer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- BioNtech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fabian Richter
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Immatics Biotechnologies GmbH, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfizenmaier
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ricarda Diem
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Otto-Mayerhof-Zentrum (OMZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah K Williams
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Otto-Mayerhof-Zentrum (OMZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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10
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Vargas JG, Wagner J, Shaikh H, Lang I, Medler J, Anany M, Steinfatt T, Mosca JP, Haack S, Dahlhoff J, Büttner-Herold M, Graf C, Viera EA, Einsele H, Wajant H, Beilhack A. A TNFR2-Specific TNF Fusion Protein With Improved In Vivo Activity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:888274. [PMID: 35769484 PMCID: PMC9234581 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.888274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-2 (TNFR2) has attracted considerable interest as a target for immunotherapy. Indeed, using oligomeric fusion proteins of single chain-encoded TNFR2-specific TNF mutants (scTNF80), expansion of regulatory T cells and therapeutic activity could be demonstrated in various autoinflammatory diseases, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). With the aim to improve the in vivo availability of TNFR2-specific TNF fusion proteins, we used here the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn)-interacting IgG1 molecule as an oligomerizing building block and generated a new TNFR2 agonist with improved serum retention and superior in vivo activity. Methods Single-chain encoded murine TNF80 trimers (sc(mu)TNF80) were fused to the C-terminus of an in mice irrelevant IgG1 molecule carrying the N297A mutation which avoids/minimizes interaction with Fcγ-receptors (FcγRs). The fusion protein obtained (irrIgG1(N297A)-sc(mu)TNF80), termed NewSTAR2 (New selective TNF-based agonist of TNF receptor 2), was analyzed with respect to activity, productivity, serum retention and in vitro and in vivo activity. STAR2 (TNC-sc(mu)TNF80 or selective TNF-based agonist of TNF receptor 2), a well-established highly active nonameric TNFR2-specific variant, served as benchmark. NewSTAR2 was assessed in various in vitro and in vivo systems. Results STAR2 (TNC-sc(mu)TNF80) and NewSTAR2 (irrIgG1(N297A)-sc(mu)TNF80) revealed comparable in vitro activity. The novel domain architecture of NewSTAR2 significantly improved serum retention compared to STAR2, which correlated with efficient binding to FcRn. A single injection of NewSTAR2 enhanced regulatory T cell (Treg) suppressive activity and increased Treg numbers by > 300% in vivo 5 days after treatment. Treg numbers remained as high as 200% for about 10 days. Furthermore, a single in vivo treatment with NewSTAR2 upregulated the adenosine-regulating ectoenzyme CD39 and other activation markers on Tregs. TNFR2-stimulated Tregs proved to be more suppressive than unstimulated Tregs, reducing conventional T cell (Tcon) proliferation and expression of activation markers in vitro. Finally, singular preemptive NewSTAR2 administration five days before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) protected mice from acute GvHD. Conclusions NewSTAR2 represents a next generation ligand-based TNFR2 agonist, which is efficiently produced, exhibits improved pharmacokinetic properties and high serum retention with superior in vivo activity exerting powerful protective effects against acute GvHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gamboa Vargas
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Würzburg University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Wagner
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Haroon Shaikh
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Würzburg University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Isabell Lang
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Medler
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mohamed Anany
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tim Steinfatt
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Josefina Peña Mosca
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Würzburg University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Haack
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Dahlhoff
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maike Büttner-Herold
- Department of Nephropathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carolin Graf
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Estibaliz Arellano Viera
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Beilhack
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Würzburg University, Würzburg, Germany
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11
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Suo F, Zhou X, Setroikromo R, Quax WJ. Receptor Specificity Engineering of TNF Superfamily Ligands. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:181. [PMID: 35057080 PMCID: PMC8781899 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family has nine ligands that show promiscuity in binding multiple receptors. As different receptors transduce into diverse pathways, the study on the functional role of natural ligands is very complex. In this review, we discuss the TNF ligands engineering for receptor specificity and summarize the performance of the ligand variants in vivo and in vitro. Those variants have an increased binding affinity to specific receptors to enhance the cell signal conduction and have reduced side effects due to a lowered binding to untargeted receptors. Refining receptor specificity is a promising research strategy for improving the application of multi-receptor ligands. Further, the settled variants also provide experimental guidance for engineering receptor specificity on other proteins with multiple receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengzhi Suo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rita Setroikromo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J Quax
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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12
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OUP accepted manuscript. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:4535-4546. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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13
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Abstract
Failure of regulatory T (Treg) cells to properly control immune responses leads invariably to autoimmunity and organ damage. Decreased numbers or impaired function of Treg cells, especially in the context of inflammation, has been documented in many human autoimmune diseases. Restoration of Treg cell fitness and/or expansion of their numbers using low-dose natural IL-2, the main cytokine driving Treg cell survival and function, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in early clinical trials. Genetically modified IL-2 with an extended half-life and increased selectivity for Treg cells is now in clinical development. Administration of IL-2 combined with therapies targeting other pathways involved in the expression of autoimmune diseases should further enhance its therapeutic potential. Ongoing clinical efforts that capitalize on the early clinical success of IL-2 treatment should bring the use of this cytokine to the forefront of biological treatments for autoimmune diseases.
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14
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Moatti A, Cohen JL. The TNF-α/TNFR2 Pathway: Targeting a Brake to Release the Anti-tumor Immune Response. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:725473. [PMID: 34712661 PMCID: PMC8546260 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.725473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Newly discovered anti-cancer immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cells, focus on spurring the anti-tumor effector T cell (Teff) response. Although such strategies have already demonstrated a sustained beneficial effect in certain malignancies, a substantial proportion of treated patients does not respond. CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), a suppressive subset of T cells, can impair anti-tumor responses and reduce the efficacy of currently available immunotherapies. An alternative view that has emerged over the last decade proposes to tackle this immune brake by targeting the suppressive action of Tregs on the anti-tumoral response. It was recently demonstrated that the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is critical for the phenotypic stabilization and suppressive function of human and mouse Tregs. The broad non-specific effects of TNF-α infusion in patients initially led clinicians to abandon this signaling pathway as first-line therapy against neoplasms. Previously unrecognized, TNFR2 has emerged recently as a legitimate target for anti-cancer immune checkpoint therapy. Considering the accumulation of pre-clinical data on the role of TNFR2 and clinical reports of TNFR2+ Tregs and tumor cells in cancer patients, it is now clear that a TNFR2-centered approach could be a viable strategy, once again making the TNF-α pathway a promising anti-cancer target. Here, we review the role of the TNFR2 signaling pathway in tolerance and the equilibrium of T cell responses and its connections with oncogenesis. We analyze recent discoveries concerning the targeting of TNFR2 in cancer, as well as the advantages, limitations, and perspectives of such a strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Moatti
- Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne, INSERM, IMRB, Créteil, France.,AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Créteil, France
| | - José L Cohen
- Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne, INSERM, IMRB, Créteil, France.,AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Créteil, France
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15
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Kondo N, Kuroda T, Kobayashi D. Cytokine Networks in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222010922. [PMID: 34681582 PMCID: PMC8539723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic systemic inflammation causing progressive joint damage that can lead to lifelong disability. The pathogenesis of RA involves a complex network of various cytokines and cells that trigger synovial cell proliferation and cause damage to both cartilage and bone. Involvement of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 is central to the pathogenesis of RA, but recent research has revealed that other cytokines such as IL-7, IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-1β, IL-18, IL-33, and IL-2 also play a role. Clarification of RA pathology has led to the development of therapeutic agents such as biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and further details of the immunological background to RA are emerging. This review covers existing knowledge regarding the roles of cytokines, related immune cells and the immune system in RA, manipulation of which may offer the potential for even safer and more effective treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Kondo
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Regenerative and Transplant Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-Dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City 951-8510, Japan;
| | - Takeshi Kuroda
- Health Administration Center, Niigata University, 2-8050 Ikarashi, Nishi-ku, Niigata City 950-2181, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-25-262-6244; Fax: +81-25-262-7517
| | - Daisuke Kobayashi
- Division of Clinical Nephrology and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-Dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City 951-8510, Japan;
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16
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Chen S, Lin Z, Xi L, Zheng Y, Zhou Q, Chen X. Differential role of TNFR1 and TNFR2 in the development of imiquimod-induced mouse psoriasis. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 110:1047-1055. [PMID: 34494306 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2ma0121-082r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and anti-TNF therapeutics are used in the treatment of psoriasis in the clinic. However, considerable proportion of patients fail to respond to anti-TNF treatment. Furthermore, anti-TNF therapy induces de novo development of psoriasis in some patients with other type of autoimmune disorders. Therefore, further understanding of the role of TNF-TNFR signaling in pathogenesis of psoriasis remains a critical to devise safer and more effective treatment. In this study, it is shown that in imiquimod-induced mouse psoriasis model, TNF receptor type 1 (TNFR1) deficiency inhibited the development of skin diseases. In sharp contrast, TNF receptor type 2 (TNFR2) deficiency led to more severe psoriasis that was associated with increased Th1 and Th17 responses and reduced number of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Importantly, adoptive transfer of WT Tregs was able to attenuate inflammatory responses in imiquimod-treated TNFR2-/- mice, suggestive of a role of malfunctioned Tregs in mice deficient in TNFR2. RNA sequencing data revealed that Tregs deficient in TNFR2 exhibited down-regulation of different biological processes linked to proliferative expansion. Taken together, our study clearly indicated that TNFR1 was pathogenic in mouse psoriasis. In contrast, through boosting the proliferative expansion of Tregs, TNFR2 was protective in this model. The data thus suggest that TNFR1-specific antagonist or TNFR2-specific agonist may be useful in the treatment of patients with psoriasis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Imiquimod/toxicity
- Interferon Inducers/toxicity
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Psoriasis/chemically induced
- Psoriasis/immunology
- Psoriasis/metabolism
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/immunology
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/metabolism
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II/immunology
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaokui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Zibei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Long Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Qiong Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau, China
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17
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Insights into the biology and therapeutic implications of TNF and regulatory T cells. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:487-504. [PMID: 34226727 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00639-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Treatments that block tumour necrosis factor (TNF) have major beneficial effects in several autoimmune and rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. However, some patients do not respond to TNF inhibitor treatment and rare occurrences of paradoxical disease exacerbation have been reported. These limitations on the clinical efficacy of TNF inhibitors can be explained by the differences between TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2 signalling and by the diverse effects of TNF on multiple immune cells, including FOXP3+ regulatory T cells. This basic knowledge sheds light on the consequences of TNF inhibitor therapies on regulatory T cells in treated patients and on the limitations of such treatment in the control of diseases with an autoimmune component. Accordingly, the next generation of drugs targeting TNF is likely to be based on agents that selectively block the binding of TNF to TNFR1 and on TNFR2 agonists. These approaches could improve the treatment of rheumatic diseases in the future.
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18
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Richter F, Williams SK, John K, Huber C, Vaslin C, Zanker H, Fairless R, Pichi K, Marhenke S, Vogel A, Dhaen MA, Herrmann S, Herrmann A, Pfizenmaier K, Bantel H, Diem R, Kontermann RE, Fischer R. The TNFR1 Antagonist Atrosimab Is Therapeutic in Mouse Models of Acute and Chronic Inflammation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:705485. [PMID: 34305946 PMCID: PMC8294390 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.705485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutics that block tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and thus activation of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2, are clinically used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. However, TNFR1 and TNFR2 work antithetically to balance immune responses involved in inflammatory diseases. In particular, TNFR1 promotes inflammation and tissue degeneration, whereas TNFR2 contributes to immune modulation and tissue regeneration. We, therefore, have developed the monovalent antagonistic anti-TNFR1 antibody derivative Atrosimab to selectively block TNFR1 signaling, while leaving TNFR2 signaling unaffected. Here, we describe that Atrosimab is highly stable at different storage temperatures and demonstrate its therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of acute and chronic inflammation, including experimental arthritis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our data support the hypothesis that it is sufficient to block TNFR1 signaling, while leaving immune modulatory and regenerative responses via TNFR2 intact, to induce therapeutic effects. Collectively, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of the human TNFR1 antagonist Atrosimab for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Richter
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sarah K Williams
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center Deutsche Krebsforschungszentrum (DFKZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina John
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carina Huber
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Camille Vaslin
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Henri Zanker
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center Deutsche Krebsforschungszentrum (DFKZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard Fairless
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center Deutsche Krebsforschungszentrum (DFKZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kira Pichi
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center Deutsche Krebsforschungszentrum (DFKZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silke Marhenke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Klaus Pfizenmaier
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Heike Bantel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ricarda Diem
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center Deutsche Krebsforschungszentrum (DFKZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Roman Fischer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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19
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Hydroquinone Exposure Worsens Rheumatoid Arthritis through the Activation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Interleukin-17 Pathways. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10060929. [PMID: 34200499 PMCID: PMC8229175 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development is strongly associated with cigarette smoke exposure, which activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a trigger for Th17 inflammatory pathways. We previously demonstrated that the exposure to hydroquinone (HQ), one of the major compounds of cigarette tar, aggravates the arthritis symptomatology in rats. However, the mechanisms related to the HQ-related RA still remain elusive. Cell viability, cytokine secretion, and gene expression were measured in RA human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAHFLS) treated with HQ and stimulated or not with TNF-α. Antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) was also elicited in wild type (WT), AhR −/− or IL-17R −/− C57BL/6 mice upon daily exposure to nebulized HQ (25ppm) between days 15 to 21. At day 21, mice were challenged with mBSA and inflammatory parameters were assessed. The in vitro HQ treatment up-regulated TNFR1, TNFR2 expression, and increased ROS production. The co-treatment of HQ and TNF-α enhanced the IL-6 and IL-8 secretion. However, the pre-incubation of RAHFLS with an AhR antagonist inhibited the HQ-mediated cell proliferation and gene expression profile. About the in vivo approach, the HQ exposure worsened the AIA symptoms (edema, pain, cytokines secretion and NETs formation) in WT mice. These AIA effects were abolished in HQ-exposed AhR −/− and IL-17R −/− animals though. Our data demonstrated the harmful HQ influence over the onset of arthritis through the activation and proliferation of synoviocytes. The HQ-related RA severity was also associated with the activation of AhR and IL-17 pathways, highlighting how cigarette smoke compounds can contribute to the RA progression.
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20
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Bethea JR, Fischer R. Role of Peripheral Immune Cells for Development and Recovery of Chronic Pain. Front Immunol 2021; 12:641588. [PMID: 33692810 PMCID: PMC7937804 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.641588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. It affects ~8% of the general population and negatively impacts a person's level of functioning and quality of life. Its resistance to available pain therapies makes CNP a major unmet medical need. Immune cells have been shown to play a role for development, maintenance and recovery of CNP and therefore are attractive targets for novel pain therapies. In particular, in neuropathic mice and humans, microglia are activated in the dorsal horn and peripheral immune cells infiltrate the nervous system to promote chronic neuroinflammation and contribute to the initiation and progression of CNP. Importantly, immunity not only controls pain development and maintenance, but is also essential for pain resolution. In particular, regulatory T cells, a subpopulation of T lymphocytes with immune regulatory function, and macrophages were shown to be important contributors to pain recovery. In this review we summarize the interactions of the peripheral immune system with the nervous system and outline their contribution to the development and recovery of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Bethea
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Roman Fischer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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21
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Torrey H, Kühtreiber WM, Okubo Y, Tran L, Case K, Zheng H, Vanamee E, Faustman DL. A novel TNFR2 agonist antibody expands highly potent regulatory T cells. Sci Signal 2020; 13:13/661/eaba9600. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aba9600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Torrey
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Willem M. Kühtreiber
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Yoshiaki Okubo
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Lisa Tran
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Katherine Case
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Hui Zheng
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Eva Vanamee
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Denise L. Faustman
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
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22
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Activation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase, a Potential Therapeutic Target in Autoimmune Arthritis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112466. [PMID: 33198301 PMCID: PMC7696795 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a critical mediator involved in various physiological processes, such as immune responses, and the pathogenesis of various diseases, including autoimmune disorders. JNK is one of the crucial downstream signaling molecules of various immune triggers, mainly proinflammatory cytokines, in autoimmune arthritic conditions, mainly including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. The activation of JNK is regulated in a complex manner by upstream kinases and phosphatases. Noticeably, different subtypes of JNKs behave differentially in immune responses. Furthermore, aside from biologics targeting proinflammatory cytokines, small-molecule inhibitors targeting signaling molecules such as Janus kinases can act as very powerful therapeutics in autoimmune arthritis patients unresponsiveness to conventional synthetic antirheumatic drugs. Nevertheless, despite these encouraging therapies, a population of patients with an inadequate therapeutic response to all currently available medications still remains. These findings identify the critical signaling molecule JNK as an attractive target for investigation of the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and for consideration as a potential therapeutic target for patients with autoimmune arthritis to achieve better disease control. This review provides a useful overview of the roles of JNK, how JNK is regulated in immunopathogenic responses, and the potential of therapeutically targeting JNK in patients with autoimmune arthritis.
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23
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Fischer R, Kontermann RE, Pfizenmaier K. Selective Targeting of TNF Receptors as a Novel Therapeutic Approach. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:401. [PMID: 32528961 PMCID: PMC7264106 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a central regulator of immunity. Due to its dominant pro-inflammatory effects, drugs that neutralize TNF were developed and are clinically used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. However, despite their clinical success the use of anti-TNF drugs is limited, in part due to unwanted, severe side effects and in some diseases its use even is contraindicative. With gaining knowledge about the signaling mechanisms of TNF and the differential role of the two TNF receptors (TNFR), alternative therapeutic concepts based on receptor selective intervention have led to the development of novel protein therapeutics targeting TNFR1 with antagonists and TNFR2 with agonists. These antibodies and bio-engineered ligands are currently in preclinical and early clinical stages of development. Preclinical data obtained in different disease models show that selective targeting of TNFRs has therapeutic potential and may be superior to global TNF blockade in several disease indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Fischer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfizenmaier
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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24
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Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Multiple Sclerosis: Consequences for Therapy Development. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:7191080. [PMID: 32454942 PMCID: PMC7240663 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7191080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CNS inflammation is a major driver of MS pathology. Differential immune responses, including the adaptive and the innate immune system, are observed at various stages of MS and drive disease development and progression. Next to these immune-mediated mechanisms, other mediators contribute to MS pathology. These include immune-independent cell death of oligodendrocytes and neurons as well as oxidative stress-induced tissue damage. In particular, the complex influence of oxidative stress on inflammation and vice versa makes therapeutic interference complex. All approved MS therapeutics work by modulating the autoimmune response. However, despite substantial developments in the treatment of the relapsing-remitting form of MS, approved therapies for the progressive forms of MS as well as for MS-associated concomitants are limited and much needed. Here, we summarize the contribution of inflammation and oxidative stress to MS pathology and discuss consequences for MS therapy development.
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Atretkhany KSN, Gogoleva VS, Drutskaya MS, Nedospasov SA. Distinct modes of TNF signaling through its two receptors in health and disease. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 107:893-905. [PMID: 32083339 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr0120-510r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
TNF is a key proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokine whose deregulation is associated with the development of autoimmune diseases and other pathologies. Recent studies suggest that distinct functions of TNF may be associated with differential engagement of its two receptors: TNFR1 or TNFR2. In this review, we discuss the relative contributions of these receptors to pathogenesis of several diseases, with the focus on autoimmunity and neuroinflammation. In particular, we discuss the role of TNFRs in the development of regulatory T cells during neuroinflammation and recent findings concerning targeting TNFR2 with agonistic and antagonistic reagents in various murine models of autoimmune and neuroinflammatory disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamar-Sulu N Atretkhany
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Violetta S Gogoleva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina S Drutskaya
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergei A Nedospasov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
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Santinon F, Batignes M, Mebrek ML, Biton J, Clavel G, Hervé R, Lemeiter D, Breckler M, Busato F, Tost J, Ziol M, Boissier MC, Decker P, Semerano L, Bessis N. Involvement of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Type II in FoxP3 Stability and as a Marker of Treg Cells Specifically Expanded by Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Treatments in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:576-587. [PMID: 31609517 DOI: 10.1002/art.41134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the involvement of Treg cells expressing tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (TNFRII) in exerting control of inflammation in experimental models and in the response to anti-TNF treatments in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS The role of TNFRII in Treg cells was explored using a multilevel translational approach. Treg cell stability was evaluated by analyzing the methylation status of the Foxp3 locus using bisulfite sequencing. Two models of inflammation (imiquimod-induced skin inflammation and delayed-type hypersensitivity arthritis [DTHA]) were induced in TNFRII-/- mice, with or without transfer of purified CD4+CD25+ cells from wild-type (WT) mice. In patients with RA and those with SpA, the evolution of the TNFRII+ Treg cell population before and after targeted treatment was monitored. RESULTS Foxp3 gene methylation in Treg cells was greater in TNFRII-/- mice than in WT mice (50% versus 36.7%). In cultured Treg cells, TNF enhanced the expression, maintenance, and proliferation of Foxp3 through TNFRII signaling. Imiquimod-induced skin inflammation and DTHA were aggravated in TNFRII-/- mice (P < 0.05 for mice with skin inflammation and P < 0.0001 for mice with ankle swelling during DTHA compared to WT mice). Adoptive transfer of WT mouse Treg cells into TNFRII-/- mice prevented aggravation of arthritis. In patients with RA receiving anti-TNF treatments, but not those receiving tocilizumab, the frequency of TNFRII+ Treg cells was increased at 3 months of treatment compared to baseline (mean ± SEM 65.2 ± 3.1% versus 49.1 ± 5.5%; P < 0.01). In contrast, in anti-TNF-treated patients with SpA, the frequency of TNFRII+ Treg cells was not modified. CONCLUSION TNFRII expression identifies a subset of Treg cells that are characterized by stable expression of Foxp3 via gene hypomethylation, and adoptive transfer of TNFRII-expressing Treg cells ameliorates inflammation in experimental models. Expansion and activation of TNFRII+ Treg cells may be one of the mechanisms by which anti-TNF agents control inflammation in RA, but not in SpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Santinon
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Université Paris 13, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Batignes
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Université Paris 13, Paris, France
| | - Majda Lyna Mebrek
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Université Paris 13, Paris, France
| | - Jerôme Biton
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Université Paris 13, Paris, France
| | - Gaëlle Clavel
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris 13, and Fondation Adolphe De Rothschild, Paris, France
| | - Roxane Hervé
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Université Paris 13, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Lemeiter
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Université Paris 13, Paris, France
| | - Magali Breckler
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Université Paris 13, Paris, France
| | - Florence Busato
- Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, Paris, France
| | - Jorg Tost
- Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, Paris, France
| | - Marianne Ziol
- Hôpital Jean-Verdier, AP-HP, INSERM UMR 1162, Université Paris Descartes, and Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Christophe Boissier
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris 13, Hôpital Avicenne, Hôpital Jean-Verdier, Hôpital René-Muret, and AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Patrice Decker
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Université Paris 13, Paris, France
| | - Luca Semerano
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris 13, Hôpital Avicenne, Hôpital Jean-Verdier, Hôpital René-Muret, and AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Natacha Bessis
- INSERM UMR 1125, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Université Paris 13, Paris, France
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Abstract
The advent of biologic therapies, particularly antibody therapeutics, has revolutionized the pharmacological treatment of many rheumatic diseases. Antibody discovery began with the immunization of mice for the production of rodent immunoglobulins, but advances in protein and genetic engineering have now made it possible to generate fully human antibodies, which are better tolerated by patients. For most clinical applications in rheumatology, antibodies have been used as blocking agents capable of neutralizing the function of pro-inflammatory proteins, such as TNF. The latest strategies involve antibody products armed with effector moieties, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or cytokines, or antibody products that are specific for multiple targets for the selective inhibition of inflammation at sites of disease. Antibodies are some of the best-selling drugs in the world, and with further advances in antibody development, engineering of armed antibodies and bispecific products will have an important role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
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Padutsch T, Sendetski M, Huber C, Peters N, Pfizenmaier K, Bethea JR, Kontermann RE, Fischer R. Superior Treg-Expanding Properties of a Novel Dual-Acting Cytokine Fusion Protein. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1490. [PMID: 31920671 PMCID: PMC6930692 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are caused by uncontrolled endogenous immune responses against healthy cells. They may develop due to an impaired function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which normally suppress self-specific effector immune cells. Interleukin 2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have been identified as key players that promote expansion, function, and stability of Tregs. In vivo, both low-dose IL-2 therapy and TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) agonism were shown to expand Tregs and alleviate autoimmunity. We here designed a novel dimeric dual-acting fusion cytokine, where mouse IL-2 is genetically linked to a TNFR2-selective single-chain TNF mutein (IL2-EHD2-sc-mTNFR2). IL2-EHD2-sc-mTNFR2 showed high affinity to TNFR2 and efficiently activated IL-2 and TNFR2-selective signaling pathways. Further, IL2-EHD2-sc-mTNFR2 promoted superior Treg expansion, with both the IL-2 and the TNFR2 agonist (sc-mTNFR2) component necessary for this biological response. Ultimately, we propose that IL2-EHD2-sc-mTNFR2 is a dual-acting cytokine that efficiently promotes Treg expansion and might have a superior therapeutic window than conventional IL-2-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Padutsch
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Maksim Sendetski
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Carina Huber
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nathalie Peters
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfizenmaier
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - John R Bethea
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Roman Fischer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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TNF receptor 2 signaling prevents DNA methylation at the Foxp3 promoter and prevents pathogenic conversion of regulatory T cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:21666-21672. [PMID: 31597740 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1909687116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 play an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis. Chronic inflammation is associated with reduced Foxp3 expression, function, and loss of phenotypic stability. Previous studies have established the importance of TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) in the generation and/or activation of Treg cells. In this study, we assess the importance of TNFR2 in healthy mice and under inflammatory conditions. Our findings reveal that, in health, TNFR2 is important not only for the generation of Treg cells, but also for regulating their functional activity. We also show that TNFR2 maintains Foxp3 expression in Treg cells by restricting DNA methylation at the Foxp3 promoter. In inflammation, loss of TNFR2 results in increased severity and chronicity of experimental arthritis, reduced total numbers of Treg cells, reduced accumulation of Treg cells in inflamed joints, and loss of inhibitory activity. In addition, we demonstrate that, under inflammatory conditions, loss of TNFR2 causes Treg cells to adopt a proinflammatory Th17-like phenotype. It was concluded that TNFR2 signaling is required to enable Treg cells to promote resolution of inflammation and prevent them from undergoing dedifferentiation. Consequently, TNFR2-specific agonists or TNF1-specific antagonists may be useful in the treatment of autoimmune disease.
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30
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Fischer R, Padutsch T, Bracchi-Ricard V, Murphy KL, Martinez GF, Delguercio N, Elmer N, Sendetski M, Diem R, Eisel ULM, Smeyne RJ, Kontermann RE, Pfizenmaier K, Bethea JR. Exogenous activation of tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 promotes recovery from sensory and motor disease in a model of multiple sclerosis. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 81:247-259. [PMID: 31220564 PMCID: PMC6754799 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is a transmembrane receptor that promotes immune modulation and tissue regeneration and is recognized as a potential therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, TNFR2 also contributes to T effector cell function and macrophage-TNFR2 recently was shown to promote disease development in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. We here demonstrate that systemic administration of a TNFR2 agonist alleviates peripheral and central inflammation, and reduces demyelination and neurodegeneration, indicating that protective signals induced by TNFR2 exceed potential pathogenic TNFR2-dependent responses. Our behavioral data show that systemic treatment of female EAE mice with a TNFR2 agonist is therapeutic on motor symptoms and promotes long-term recovery from neuropathic pain. Mechanistically, our data indicate that TNFR2 agonist treatment follows a dual mode of action and promotes both suppression of CNS autoimmunity and remyelination. Strategies based on the concept of exogenous activation of TNFR2 therefore hold great promise as a new therapeutic approach to treat motor and sensory disease in MS as well as other inflammatory diseases or neuropathic pain conditions.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Autoimmunity/immunology
- Demyelinating Diseases/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Female
- Inflammation/pathology
- Macrophages/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Multiple Sclerosis/metabolism
- Multiple Sclerosis/pathology
- Neuralgia/pathology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II/agonists
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II/metabolism
- Spinal Cord/pathology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Fischer
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - Tanja Padutsch
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | | | - Kayla L Murphy
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - George F Martinez
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Niky Delguercio
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Nicholas Elmer
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Maksim Sendetski
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Ricarda Diem
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; CCU Neurooncoloy, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich L M Eisel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Richard J Smeyne
- Department of Neurosciences, Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfizenmaier
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - John R Bethea
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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32
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TNFR2 promotes Treg-mediated recovery from neuropathic pain across sexes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:17045-17050. [PMID: 31391309 PMCID: PMC6708347 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1902091116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine that induces signaling via two receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2. TNF signaling via TNFR1 contributes to development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Here, we show that TNFR2 is essential for recovery from neuropathic pain across sexes. Treatment of male and female neuropathic mice with a TNFR2 agonist resulted in long-lasting recovery from neuropathic pain. We identified Tregs as the cellular mediator of the analgesic effect of TNFR2. Indeed, TNFR2 agonist administration alleviated peripheral and central inflammation and promoted neuroprotection in a Treg-dependent manner, indicating that TNFR2-dependent modulation of immunity is neuroprotective. We therefore argue that TNFR2 agonists might be a class of nonopioid drugs that can promote long-lasting pain recovery in males and females. Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is a transmembrane receptor that is linked to immune modulation and tissue regeneration. Here, we show that TNFR2 essentially promotes long-term pain resolution independently of sex. Genetic deletion of TNFR2 resulted in impaired neuronal regeneration and chronic nonresolving pain after chronic constriction injury (CCI). Further, pharmacological activation of TNFR2 using the TNFR2 agonist EHD2-sc-mTNFR2 in mice with chronic neuropathic pain promoted long-lasting pain recovery. TNFR2 agonist treatment reduced neuronal injury, alleviated peripheral and central inflammation, and promoted repolarization of central nervous system (CNS)-infiltrating myeloid cells into an antiinflammatory/reparative phenotype. Depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) delayed spontaneous pain recovery and abolished the therapeutic effect of EHD2-sc-mTNFR2. This study therefore reveals a function of TNFR2 in neuropathic pain recovery and demonstrates that both TNFR2 signaling and Tregs are essential for pain recovery after CCI. Therefore, therapeutic strategies based on the concept of enhancing TNFR2 signaling could be developed into a nonopioid therapy for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.
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Medler J, Wajant H. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2): an overview of an emerging drug target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:295-307. [PMID: 30856027 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1586886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 2 (TNFR2) is one of two receptors of the cytokines, TNF and lymphotoxin-α. TNFR1 is a strong inducer of proinflammatory activities. TNFR2 has proinflammatory effects too, but it also elicits strong anti-inflammatory activities and has protective effects on oligodendrocytes, cardiomyocytes, and keratinocytes. The protective and anti-inflammatory effects of TNFR2 may explain why TNF inhibitors failed to be effective in diseases such as heart failure or multiple sclerosis, where TNF has been strongly implicated as a driving force. Stimulatory and inhibitory TNFR2 targeting hence attracts considerable interest for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Areas covered: Based on a brief description of the pathophysiological importance of the TNF-TNFR1/2 system, we discuss the potential applications of TNFR2 targeting therapies. We also debate TNFR2 activation as a way forward in the search for TNFR2-specific agents. Expert opinion: The use of TNFR2 to target regulatory T-cells is attractive, but this approach is just one amongst many suitable targets. With respect to its preference for Treg stimulation and protection of non-immune cells, TNFR2 is more unique and thus offers opportunities for translational success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Medler
- a Division for Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II , University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- a Division for Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II , University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
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Hoeppli RE, Pesenacker AM. Targeting Tregs in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Juvenile Dermatomyositis-Insights From Other Diseases. Front Immunol 2019; 10:46. [PMID: 30740105 PMCID: PMC6355674 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are believed to be dysfunctional in autoimmunity. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) result from a loss of normal immune regulation in specific tissues such as joints or muscle and skin, respectively. Here, we discuss recent findings in regard to Treg biology in oligo-/polyarticular JIA and JDM, as well as what we can learn about Treg-related disease mechanism, treatment and biomarkers in JIA/JDM from studies of other diseases. We explore the potential use of Treg immunoregulatory markers and gene signatures as biomarkers for disease course and/or treatment success. Further, we discuss how Tregs are affected by several treatment strategies already employed in the therapy of JIA and JDM and by alternative immunotherapies such as anti-cytokine or co-receptor targeting. Finally, we review recent successes in using Tregs as a treatment target with low-dose IL-2 or cellular immunotherapy. Thus, this mini review will highlight our current understanding and identify open questions in regard to Treg biology, and how recent findings may advance biomarkers and new therapies for JIA and JDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy E Hoeppli
- Department of Surgery, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anne M Pesenacker
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Intrinsic TNFR2 signaling in T regulatory cells provides protection in CNS autoimmunity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:13051-13056. [PMID: 30498033 PMCID: PMC6304938 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1807499115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In spite of TNF involvement in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic TNF neutralization in MS patients was not successful. One of the possible reasons is that TNF possesses both pathogenic and protective features that may be related to TNFR1 versus TNFR2 receptor engagement. This study uncovers one of such protective functions of TNF mediated by intrinsic TNFR2 signaling in Treg cells. In mice bearing humanized TNF and TNFR2 genetic loci, TNFR2 ablation restricted to Treg cells led to reduced capacity to control Th17 cell responses, exacerbated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) development, and affected the maintenance of Treg cells. These findings provide support for the emerging role of TNFR2 signaling in autoimmunity, as demonstrated here in mice with conditional inactivation of TNFR2. TNF is a multifunctional cytokine involved in autoimmune disease pathogenesis that exerts its effects through two distinct TNF receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2. While TNF- and TNFR1-deficient (but not TNFR2-deficient) mice show very similar phenotypes, the significance of TNFR2 signaling in health and disease remains incompletely understood. Recent studies implicated the importance of the TNF/TNFR2 axis in T regulatory (Treg) cell functions. To definitively ascertain the significance of TNFR2 signaling, we generated and validated doubly humanized TNF/TNFR2 mice, with the option of conditional inactivation of TNFR2. These mice carry a functional human TNF-TNFR2 (hTNF-hTNFR2) signaling module and provide a useful tool for comparative evaluation of TNF-directed biologics. Conditional inactivation of TNFR2 in FoxP3+ cells in doubly humanized TNF/TNFR2 mice down-regulated the expression of Treg signature molecules (such as FoxP3, CD25, CTLA-4, and GITR) and diminished Treg suppressive function in vitro. Consequently, Treg-restricted TNFR2 deficiency led to significant exacerbation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), accompanied by reduced capacity to control Th17-mediated immune responses. Our findings expose the intrinsic and beneficial effects of TNFR2 signaling in Treg cells that could translate into protective functions in vivo, including treatment of autoimmunity.
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