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Radi H, Ferdosi-Shahandashti E, Kardar GA, Hafezi N. An Updated Review of Interleukin-2 Therapy in Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024; 44:143-157. [PMID: 38421721 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0178] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that acts in dual and paradoxical ways in the immunotherapy of cancers and autoimmune diseases. Numerous clinical trial studies have shown that the use of different doses of this cytokine in various autoimmune diseases, transplantations, and cancers has resulted in therapeutic success. However, side effects of varying severity have been observed in patients. In recent years, to prevent these side effects, IL-2 has been engineered to bind more specifically to its receptors on the cell surface, decreasing IL-2 toxicities in patients. In this review article, we focus on some recent clinical trial studies and analyze them to determine the appropriate dose of IL-2 drug with the least toxicities. In addition, we discuss the engineering performed on IL-2, which shows that engineered IL-2 increases the specificity function of IL-2 and decreases its adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hale Radi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Elaheh Ferdosi-Shahandashti
- Biomedical and Microbial Advanced Technologies (BMAT) Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Gholam Ali Kardar
- National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Hafezi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Su Q, Luo J, Wang X, Di J, Cao Y, Zhang S. Efficacy, safety and the lymphocyte subsets changes of low-dose IL-2 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1165. [PMID: 38270322 PMCID: PMC10808945 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Existing therapies of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are efficacious only in certain patients. Developing new treatment methods is urgent. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose IL-2 (LD-IL-2). METHODS According to published data from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE, MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, and FDA.gov, eight trials were included. RESULTS After the LD-IL-2 treatment, 54.8% of patients had distinct clinical remission. The SRI-4 response rates were 0.819 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.745-0.894), and the SELENA-SLEDAI scores were significantly decreased (SMD = -2.109, 95% CI: [-3.271, -0.947], p < .001). Besides, the proportions of CD4+ T (SMD = 0.614, 95% CI: [0.250, 0.979], p = .001) and Treg cells (SMD = 1.096, 95% CI: [0.544, 1.649], p < .001) were increased dramatically after LD-IL-2 treatment, while there were no statistical differences in the proportions of CD8+ T cells, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, and Th17 cells (p > .05). Besides, the proportions of Th17 (SMD = 1.121, 95% CI: [0.709, 1.533], p < .001) and Treg (SMD = 0.655, 95% CI: [0.273, 1.038], p = .001) were significantly increased after receiving subcutaneously 0.5 million IU of LD-IL-2 treatment per day for 5 days, but there were no statistical differences in the proportions of Treg after receiving 1 million IU every other day subcutaneously of LD-IL-2 treatment. Injection site reaction and fever were common side effects of IL-2, which occurred in 33.1% and 14.4% of patients. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION LD-IL-2 was promising and well-tolerated in treating SLE, which could promote Treg's proliferation and functional recovery. Injecting 0.5 million IU of IL-2 daily can better induce the differentiation of Treg cells and maintain immune homeostasis than injecting 1 million IU every other day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin‐Yi Su
- Department of RheumatologyThe Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanShanxiChina
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune MicroecologyTaiyuanShanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical UniversityMinistry of EducationTaiyuanChina
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of RheumatologyThe Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanShanxiChina
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune MicroecologyTaiyuanShanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical UniversityMinistry of EducationTaiyuanChina
| | - Xin‐Miao Wang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune MicroecologyTaiyuanShanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical UniversityMinistry of EducationTaiyuanChina
| | - Jing‐Kai Di
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune MicroecologyTaiyuanShanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical UniversityMinistry of EducationTaiyuanChina
| | - Yi‐Xin Cao
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune MicroecologyTaiyuanShanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical UniversityMinistry of EducationTaiyuanChina
| | - Sheng‐Xiao Zhang
- Department of RheumatologyThe Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanShanxiChina
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune MicroecologyTaiyuanShanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical UniversityMinistry of EducationTaiyuanChina
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3
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Tang YY, Wang DC, Chen YY, Xu WD, Huang AF. Th1-related transcription factors and cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1305590. [PMID: 38164134 PMCID: PMC10757975 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1305590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory disorder related to immunity dysfunction. The Th1 cell family including Th1 cells, transcription factor T-bet, and related cytokines IFNγ, TNFα, IL-2, IL-18, TGF-β, and IL-12 have been widely discussed in autoimmunity, such as SLE. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the expression profile of the Th1 cell family in both SLE patients and animal models and clarify how the family members are involved in lupus development. Interestingly, T-bet-related age-associated B cells (ABCs) and low-dose IL-2 treatment in lupus were emergently discussed as well. Collection of the evidence will better understand the roles of the Th1 cell family in lupus pathogenesis, especially targeting IL-2 in lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Yang Tang
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Da-Cheng Wang
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - You-Yue Chen
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Wang-Dong Xu
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - An-Fang Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Tsai YG, Liao PF, Hsiao KH, Wu HM, Lin CY, Yang KD. Pathogenesis and novel therapeutics of regulatory T cell subsets and interleukin-2 therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1230264. [PMID: 37771588 PMCID: PMC10522836 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1230264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous multisystem inflammatory disease with wide variability in clinical manifestations. Natural arising CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in maintaining peripheral tolerance by suppressing inflammation and preventing autoimmune responses in SLE. Additionally, CD8+ regulatory T cells, type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1), and B regulatory cells also have a less well-defined role in the pathogenesis of SLE. Elucidation of the roles of various Treg subsets dedicated to immune homeostasis will provide a novel therapeutic approach that governs immune tolerance for the remission of active lupus. Diminished interleukin (IL)-2 production is associated with a depleted Treg cell population, and its reversibility by IL-2 therapy provides important reasons for the treatment of lupus. This review focuses on the pathogenesis and new therapeutics of human Treg subsets and low-dose IL-2 therapy in clinical benefits with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Giien Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, Changhua Christian Children’s Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Fen Liao
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Hung Hsiao
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ming Wu
- Department of Neurology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yuang Lin
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children’s Hospital, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuender D. Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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La Cava A. Low-dose interleukin-2 therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 4:150-156. [PMID: 37781677 PMCID: PMC10538619 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2023-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), T regulatory cells (Tregs) contribute to the inhibition of autoimmune responses by suppressing self-reactive immune cells. Interleukin (IL)-2 plays an essential role in the generation, function and homeostasis of the Tregs and is reduced in SLE. Several clinical studies, including randomized trials, have shown that low-dose IL-2 therapy in SLE patients is safe and effective and can reduce disease manifestations. This review discusses the rationale for the use of low-dose IL-2 therapy in SLE, the clinical responses in patients, and the effects of this therapy on different types of T cells. Considerations are made on the current and future directions of use of low-dose IL-2 regimens in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio La Cava
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
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Mohan C, Zhang T, Putterman C. Pathogenic cellular and molecular mediators in lupus nephritis. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023:10.1038/s41581-023-00722-z. [PMID: 37225921 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00722-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Kidney involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus - lupus nephritis (LN) - is one of the most important and common clinical manifestations of this disease and occurs in 40-60% of patients. Current treatment regimens achieve a complete kidney response in only a minority of affected individuals, and 10-15% of patients with LN develop kidney failure, with its attendant morbidity and considerable prognostic implications. Moreover, the medications most often used to treat LN - corticosteroids in combination with immunosuppressive or cytotoxic drugs - are associated with substantial side effects. Advances in proteomics, flow cytometry and RNA sequencing have led to important new insights into immune cells, molecules and mechanistic pathways that are instrumental in the pathogenesis of LN. These insights, together with a renewed focus on the study of human LN kidney tissue, suggest new therapeutic targets that are already being tested in lupus animal models and early-phase clinical trials and, as such, are hoped to eventually lead to meaningful improvements in the care of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus-associated kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Mohan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ting Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaim Putterman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Wei X, Niu X. T follicular helper cells in autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2023; 134:102976. [PMID: 36525939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells with the phenotype of mainly expressing surface molecules C-X-C motif chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5), inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), secreting cytokine interleukin-21 (IL-21) and requiring the transcription factor B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL-6) have been recently defined as a new subset of CD4+ T cells. They exist in germinal centers (GCs) of lymphoid organs and in peripheral blood. With the ability to promote B cell development, GC formation and antibody production, Tfh cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), etc. The aberrant proliferation and function of Tfh cells will cause the pathological process like autoantibody production and tissue injury. In this paper, we review the recent advances in Tfh cell biology and their roles in autoimmune diseases, with a mention of their use as therapeutic targets, which will shed more light on the pathogenesis and treatment of certain autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xindi Wei
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai, 200025, China; Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial Implantology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoyin Niu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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8
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Qi J, Liu C, Bai Z, Li X, Yao G. T follicular helper cells and T follicular regulatory cells in autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1178792. [PMID: 37187757 PMCID: PMC10175690 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are heterogeneous and mainly characterized by expressing surface markers CXCR5, ICOS, and PD-1; cytokine IL-21; and transcription factor Bcl6. They are crucial for B-cell differentiation into long-lived plasma cells and high-affinity antibody production. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells were described to express markers of conventional T regulatory (Treg) cells and Tfh cells and were able to suppress Tfh-cell and B-cell responses. Evidence has revealed that the dysregulation of Tfh and Tfr cells is positively associated with the pathogenic processes of autoimmune diseases. Herein, we briefly introduce the phenotype, differentiation, and function of Tfh and Tfr cells, and review their potential roles in autoimmune diseases. In addition, we discuss perspectives to develop novel therapies targeting Tfh/Tfr balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- *Correspondence: Genhong Yao, ; Jingjing Qi,
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ziran Bai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Genhong Yao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Genhong Yao, ; Jingjing Qi,
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Szabó K, Jámbor I, Pázmándi K, Nagy N, Papp G, Tarr T. Altered Circulating Follicular T Helper Cell Subsets and Follicular T Regulatory Cells Are Indicators of a Derailed B Cell Response in Lupus, Which Could Be Modified by Targeting IL-21R. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012209. [PMID: 36293075 PMCID: PMC9602506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the breakdown of self-tolerance, the production of high-affinity pathogenic autoantibodies and derailed B cell responses, which indicates the importance of central players, such as follicular T helper (TFH) subsets and follicular T regulatory (TFR) cells, in the pathomechanism of the disease. In this study, we aimed to analyze the distribution of the circulating counterparts of these cells and their association with disease characteristics and B cell disproportions in SLE. We found that the increased percentage of activated circulating TFH (cTFH) and cTFR cells was more pronounced in cutaneous lupus; however, among cTFH subsets, the frequency of cTFH17 cells was decreased in patients with lupus nephritis. Furthermore, the decreased proportion of cTFH17 cells was associated with low complement C4 levels and high disease activity scores. We also investigated whether the blocking of the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) with an anti-IL-21R monoclonal antibody inhibits the B cell response, since IL-21 primarily produced by TFH cells potentially promotes humoral immunity. We observed that anti-IL-21R inhibited plasmablast generation and immunoglobulin production. Our study demonstrated that, besides cTFR/cTFH imbalance, cTFH17 cells play a crucial role in SLE pathogenesis, and modulating cTFH-B cell interaction through the IL-21/IL-21R pathway may be a promising therapeutic strategy to suppress the pathological B cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Szabó
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Ilona Jámbor
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kitti Pázmándi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Nagy
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Papp
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tünde Tarr
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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10
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Jin X, Chen J, Wu J, Lu Y, Li B, Fu W, Wang W, Cui D. Aberrant expansion of follicular helper T cell subsets in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:928359. [PMID: 36119056 PMCID: PMC9478104 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.928359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic and complex autoimmune disease characterized by multiple autoantibodies, resulting in multiple organ and tissue damages. These pathogenic autoantibodies produced by B cells are closely correlated with follicular helper T (Tfh) cell subsets that play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of SLE. The aim of the present study was to study the phenotype and role of circulating Tfh (cTfh) cell subsets and associated B cell subpopulations in active and inactive SLE patients. Methods Thirty SLE outpatients and 24 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. The frequency of cTfh cell and B cell subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the plasma levels of eight cytokines were determined by flow cytometry, and plasma IL-21 levels were measured by ELISA. Meanwhile, we used MRL/lpr mice as the model of SLE to research the alterations of Tfh cells in the thymus and spleen of mice. Results Frequencies of CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA-effector cTfh cells, PD1+cTfh, PD1+ICOS+cTfh, PD1+cTfh1, PD1+cTfh2, PD1+cTfh17, and PD1+ICOS+cTfh1 cells as well as plasmablasts showed significant differences among HC, active and inactive SLE patients. Moreover, cytokines typically associated with cTfh cells, including IL-6 and IL-21, were elevated in active SLE patients compared to inactive SLE patients and HCs. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between PD1+ICOS+ cTfh or PD1+ICOS+ cTfh1 cell frequencies and plasmablasts or IL-21 levels, as well as between plasmablasts. We also found PD1+ICOS+ Tfh cells expansion in both thymus and spleen of MRL/lpr mice, accompanied by increased frequencies in B cells and plasmablasts, meanwhile, cTfh1which expressing IFN-γ was increased in the peripheral blood of MRL/lpr mice. Conclusion Tfh cell subsets and plasmablasts may play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of SLE and may provide potential targets for therapeutic interventions for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Nephrology Research, The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Rheumatology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baohua Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenning Fu
- Department of Rheumatology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dawei Cui, ; Wei Wang,
| | - Dawei Cui
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dawei Cui, ; Wei Wang,
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11
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Yu D, Walker LSK, Liu Z, Linterman MA, Li Z. Targeting T FH cells in human diseases and vaccination: rationale and practice. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:1157-1168. [PMID: 35817844 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01253-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The identification of CD4+ T cells localizing to B cell follicles has revolutionized the knowledge of how humoral immunity is generated. Follicular helper T (TFH) cells support germinal center (GC) formation and regulate clonal selection and differentiation of memory and antibody-secreting B cells, thus controlling antibody affinity maturation and memory. TFH cells are essential in sustaining protective antibody responses necessary for pathogen clearance in infection and vaccine-mediated protection. Conversely, aberrant and excessive TFH cell responses mediate and sustain pathogenic antibodies to autoantigens, alloantigens, and allergens, facilitate lymphomagenesis, and even harbor viral reservoirs. TFH cell generation and function are determined by T cell antigen receptor (TCR), costimulation, and cytokine signals, together with specific metabolic and survival mechanisms. Such regulation is crucial to understanding disease pathogenesis and informing the development of emerging therapies for disease or novel approaches to boost vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Yu
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Ian Frazer Centre for Children's Immunotherapy Research, Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Lucy S K Walker
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Zhanguo Li
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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Yuan Y, Kolios AGA, Liu Y, Zhang B, Li H, Tsokos GC, Zhang X. Therapeutic potential of interleukin-2 in autoimmune diseases. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:596-612. [PMID: 35624009 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by dysregulation and aberrant activation of cells in the immune system. Therefore, restoration of the immune balance represents a promising therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) can promote the expansion and differentiation of different immune cell subsets dose-dependently. At high doses, IL-2 can promote the differentiation and expansion of effector and memory T cells, whereas at low doses, IL-2 can promote the differentiation, survival, and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells, a CD4+ T cell subset that is essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and immune tolerance. Therefore, IL-2 exerts immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects in autoimmune diseases. The immunoregulatory role of low-dose IL-2 has sparked excitement for the therapeutic exploration of modulating the IL-2-Treg axis in the context of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the therapeutic potential of IL-2 or IL-2-derived molecules in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeshuang Yuan
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Antonios G A Kolios
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yudong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George C Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.
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T Cells, Interleukin-2 and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus—From Pathophysiology to Therapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060980. [PMID: 35326431 PMCID: PMC8946767 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenotypic and functional complexities of T cells engender complicated and often confusing concepts as to how T cells ignite, accelerate and brake the inflammatory processes involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), let alone the plasticity of T cells that takes place under different immunological contexts. Nevertheless, being one of the prime survival factors of T cells, interleukin (IL)-2 plays a potentially critical role in many immunological scenarios during the pathophysiological process of SLE. Here, the pathophysiology of lupus T cells and current, as well as ongoing, therapeutic approaches of SLE that involve low-dose IL-2 administration will be highlighted. The mechanisms of IL-2 deficiency in SLE pathophysiology, the effects of low-dose IL-2 on T cells and restoration of lupus manifestations in murine SLE models, as well as the efficacy and safety of clinical trials that evaluated low-dose IL-2-containing regimens in patients with SLE will be discussed.
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14
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Cui D, Tang Y, Jiang Q, Jiang D, Zhang Y, Lv Y, Xu D, Wu J, Xie J, Wen C, Lu L. Follicular Helper T Cells in the Immunopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:731100. [PMID: 34603308 PMCID: PMC8481693 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.731100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a serious infectious disease that has led to a global pandemic with high morbidity and mortality. High-affinity neutralizing antibody is important for controlling infection, which is closely regulated by follicular helper T (Tfh) cells. Tfh cells play a central role in promoting germinal center reactions and driving cognate B cell differentiation for antibody secretion. Available studies indicate a close relationship between virus-specific Tfh cell-mediated immunity and SARS-CoV-2 infection progression. Although several lines of evidence have suggested that Tfh cells contribute to the control of SARS-CoV-2 infection by eliciting neutralizing antibody productions, further studies are needed to elucidate Tfh-mediated effector mechanisms in anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity. Here, we summarize the functional features and roles of virus-specific Tfh cells in the immunopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and in COVID-19 vaccines, and highlight the potential of targeting Tfh cells as therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Cui
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Tang
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China.,Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, China
| | - Daixi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Lv
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Xu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jue Xie
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengping Wen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China.,Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
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15
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Ferretti C, Horwitz DA, Bickerton S, La Cava A. Nanoparticle-mediated Delivery of IL-2 To T Follicular Helper Cells Protects BDF1 Mice from Lupus-like Disease. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2021; 2:185-193. [PMID: 36465067 PMCID: PMC9524795 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2021-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We recently reported that poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with interleukin (IL)-2 and targeted to T cells inhibited the development of lupus-like disease in BDF1 mice by inducing functional T regulatory cells (Tregs). Here we show that the protection from disease and the extended survival of BDF1 mice provided by IL-2-loaded NPs targeted to T cells is not only due to an induction of Tregs but also contributed by an inhibition of T follicular helper (TFH) cells. These results identify a dual protective activity of IL-2 in the control of lupus autoimmunity, namely the inhibition of effector TFH cells, in addition to the previously known induction of Tregs. This newly recognized activity of IL-2 delivered by NPs can help better explain the beneficial effects of low-dose IL-2 immunotherapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and might be considered as a new strategy to slow disease progression and improve outcomes in lupus patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Ferretti
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David A. Horwitz
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- General Nanotherapeutics, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Sean Bickerton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Antonio La Cava
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e. Biotecnologie Mediche, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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