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Zhang W, Tekreeti TA, Leung PSC, Tsuneyama K, Dhillon H, Rojas M, Heuer LS, Ridgway WM, Ansari AA, Young HA, Mackay CR, Gershwin ME. Dietary therapy of murine primary biliary cholangitis induces hepatocellular steatosis: A cautionary tale. Liver Int 2024; 44:2834-2846. [PMID: 39101371 PMCID: PMC11464203 DOI: 10.1111/liv.16060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is increased interest in utilizing dietary interventions to alter the progression of autoimmune diseases. These efforts are driven by associations of gut microbiota/metabolites with levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Propionate is a key SCFA that is commonly used as a food preservative and is endogenously generated by bacterial fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates in the gut. A thesis has suggested that a diet rich in propionate and other SCFAs can successfully modulate autoimmunity. Herein, we investigated the effect of long-term administration of propionylated high-amylose resistant starches (HAMSP) on the course of murine primary biliary cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Groups of female ARE-Del mice were fed an HAMSP diet either before or after disease onset. A detailed immunobiological analysis was performed involving autoantibodies and rigorous T-cell phenotyping, including enumeration of T-cell subsets in the spleen, liver, intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria by flow cytometry. Histopathological scores were used to assess the frequency and severity of liver inflammation and damage to hepatocytes and bile ducts. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that a long-term propionate-yielding diet re-populated the T-cell pool with decreased naïve and central memory T-cell subsets and an increase in the effector memory T cells in mice. Similarly, long-term HAMSP intake reduced CD4+CD8+ double-positive T cells in intraepithelial lymphocytes and the intestinal lamina propria. Critically, HAMSP consumption led to moderate-to-severe hepatocellular steatosis in ARE-Del mice, independent of the stage of autoimmune cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that administration of HAMSP induces both regulatory and effector T cells. Furthermore, HAMSP administration resulted in hepatocellular steatosis. Given the interest in dietary modulation of autoimmunity and because propionate is widely used as a food preservative, these data have significant implications. This study also provides new insights into the immunological and pathological effects of chronic propionate exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Taha Al Tekreeti
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Patrick SC Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School; Tokushima, Japan
| | - Harleen Dhillon
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Manuel Rojas
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Luke S. Heuer
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - William M. Ridgway
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Aftab A. Ansari
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Howard A. Young
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Charles R. Mackay
- Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - M. Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
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Cordeiro B, Ahn JJ, Gawde S, Ucciferri C, Alvarez-Sanchez N, Revelo XS, Stickle N, Massey K, Brooks DG, Guthridge JM, Pardo G, Winer DA, Axtell RC, Dunn SE. Obesity intensifies sex-specific interferon signaling to selectively worsen central nervous system autoimmunity in females. Cell Metab 2024; 36:2298-2314.e11. [PMID: 39168127 PMCID: PMC11463735 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Obesity has been implicated in the rise of autoimmunity in women. We report that obesity induces a serum protein signature that is associated with T helper 1 (Th1), interleukin (IL)-17, and multiple sclerosis (MS) signaling pathways selectively in human females. Females, but not male mice, subjected to diet-induced overweightness/obesity (DIO) exhibited upregulated Th1/IL-17 inflammation in the central nervous system during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model of MS. This was associated with worsened disability and a heightened expansion of myelin-specific Th1 cells in the peripheral lymphoid organs. Moreover, at steady state, DIO increased serum levels of interferon (IFN)-α and potentiated STAT1 expression and IFN-γ production by naive CD4+ T cells uniquely in female mice. This T cell phenotype was driven by increased adiposity and was prevented by the removal of ovaries or knockdown of the type I IFN receptor in T cells. Our findings offer a mechanistic explanation of how obesity enhances autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Cordeiro
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | | | - Saurabh Gawde
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oklahoma University Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Carmen Ucciferri
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Nuria Alvarez-Sanchez
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Xavier S Revelo
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Natalie Stickle
- Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing Core, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Kaylea Massey
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - David G Brooks
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Joel M Guthridge
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Gabriel Pardo
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Daniel A Winer
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA; Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Diabetes Research Group, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Robert C Axtell
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oklahoma University Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Shannon E Dunn
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, ON M4M 3M5, Canada.
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3
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Wang Q, Ma J, Gong Y, Zhu L, Tang H, Ye X, Su G, Huang F, Tan S, Zuo X, Gao Y, Yang P. Sex-specific circulating unconventional neutrophils determine immunological outcome of auto-inflammatory Behçet's uveitis. Cell Discov 2024; 10:47. [PMID: 38704363 PMCID: PMC11069589 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00671-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells that first respond to insults in circulation. Although associative evidence suggests that differences in neutrophils may be linked to the sex-specific vulnerability of inflammatory diseases, mechanistic links remain elusive. Here, we identified extensive sex-specific heterogeneity in neutrophil composition under normal and auto-inflammatory conditions at single-cell resolution. Using a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, neutrophil-specific genetic knockouts and transfer experiments, we discovered dysregulation of two unconventional (interferon-α responsive and T cell regulatory) neutrophil subsets leading to male-biased incidence, severity and poor prognosis of auto-inflammatory Behçet's uveitis. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and exosome study revealed that male-specific negative effects of both genetic factors and circulating exosomes on unconventional neutrophil subsets contributed to male-specific vulnerability to disease. Collectively, our findings identify sex-specifically distinct neutrophil subsets and highlight unconventional neutrophil subsets as sex-specific therapeutic targets to limit inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfeng Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junfeng Ma
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuxing Gong
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Lifu Zhu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Huanyu Tang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingsheng Ye
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guannan Su
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fanfan Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiyao Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianbo Zuo
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China, and No. 1 Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China.
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Peizeng Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Floreani A, Gabbia D, De Martin S. Are Gender Differences Important for Autoimmune Liver Diseases? Life (Basel) 2024; 14:500. [PMID: 38672770 PMCID: PMC11050899 DOI: 10.3390/life14040500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gender Medicine has had an enormous expansion over the last ten years. Autoimmune liver diseases include several conditions, i.e., autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and conditions involving the liver or biliary tree overlapping with AIH, as well as IgG4-related disease. However, little is known about the impact of sex in the pathogenesis and natural history of these conditions. The purpose of this review is to provide an update of the gender disparities among the autoimmune liver diseases by reviewing the data published from 1999 to 2023. The epidemiology of these diseases has been changing over the last years, due to the amelioration of knowledge in their diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment. The clinical data collected so far support the existence of sex differences in the natural history of autoimmune liver diseases. Notably, their history could be longer than that which is now known, with problems being initiated even at a pediatric age. Moreover, gender disparity has been observed during the onset of complications related to end-stage liver disease, including cancer incidence. However, there is still an important debate among researchers about the impact of sex and the pathogenesis of these conditions. With this review, we would like to emphasize the urgency of basic science and clinical research to increase our understanding of the sex differences in autoimmune liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarosa Floreani
- Scientific Consultant IRCCS Negrar, 37024 Verona, Italy
- University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (D.G.); (S.D.M.)
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (D.G.); (S.D.M.)
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Zhang Y, Zhang X, Chen R, Jiao Z, Shen B, Shuai Z. HSCs-derived exosomes regulate the levels of inflammatory cytokines in HIBECs through miR-122-5p mediated p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Genomics 2024; 116:110795. [PMID: 38228248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110795] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
PBC is an autoimmune-mediated liver disease, and intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (IBECs) are the target cells of early damage. Previous studies found that miRNAs and inflammation is closely related to PBC. In this study, we extracted exosomes from serum and human IBECs supernatant, and RNA-sequence analyzed the expression profiles of miRNAs. Elisa measured the levels of inflammatory cytokines. RT- qPCR and western blot detected the levels of miR-122-5p, p38 and p-p38. The results showed that 263 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified in serum exosomes of PBC patients. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17 A, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TGF-β1 in peripheral blood of PBC patients were higher than those of normal controls. According to the validation results and previous literature, exosomal miR-122-5p was finally selected as the study object, and correlated with inflammatory factors. In vitro experiments further found that exosomal miR-122-5p may derive from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and can be HIBECs intake, and influence HIBECs inflammatory factor levels though p38 MAPK signaling pathways. This may provide a new strategy for the treatment of PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiangzhi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruofei Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ziying Jiao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Shen
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Zongwen Shuai
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Salzmann RJ, Krötz C, Mocan T, Mocan LP, Grapa C, Rottmann S, Reichelt R, Keller CM, Langhans B, Schünemann F, Pohl A, Böhler T, Bersiner K, Krawczyk M, Milkiewicz P, Sparchez Z, Lammert F, Gehlert S, Gonzalez-Carmona MA, Willms A, Strassburg CP, Kornek MT, Dold L, Lukacs-Kornek V. Increased type-I interferon level is associated with liver damage and fibrosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0380. [PMID: 38358371 PMCID: PMC10871749 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The level of type-I interferons (IFNs) in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) was investigated to evaluate its association with disease activity and progression. METHODS Bioactive type-I IFNs were evaluated in a murine model of PSC and human patients' sera using a cell-based reporter assay and ELISA techniques. In total, 57 healthy participants, 71 PSC, and 38 patients with primary biliary cholangitis were enrolled in this study. RESULTS Bioactive type-I IFNs were elevated in the liver and serum of multidrug resistance protein 2-deficient animals and showed a correlation with the presence of CD45+ immune cells and serum alanine transaminase levels. Concordantly, bioactive type-I IFNs were elevated in the sera of patients with PSC as compared to healthy controls (sensitivity of 84.51%, specificity of 63.16%, and AUROC value of 0.8267). Bioactive IFNs highly correlated with alkaline phosphatase (r=0.4179, p<0.001), alanine transaminase (r=0.4704, p<0.0001), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities (r=0.6629, p<0.0001) but not with serum bilirubin. In addition, patients with PSC with advanced fibrosis demonstrated significantly higher type-I IFN values. Among the type-I IFN subtypes IFNα, β and IFNω could be detected in patients with PSC with IFNω showing the highest concentration among the subtypes and being the most abundant among patients with PSC. CONCLUSIONS The selectively elevated bioactive type-I IFNs specifically the dominating IFNω could suggest a novel inflammatory pathway that might also have a hitherto unrecognized role in the pathomechanism of PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka J.S. Salzmann
- Department of Immunodynamic, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Krötz
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Tudor Mocan
- UBBMed Department, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Gastroenterology, Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lavinia P. Mocan
- Department of Histology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristiana Grapa
- Department of Physiology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sophia Rottmann
- Department of Immunodynamic, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ramona Reichelt
- Department of Immunodynamic, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Cindy M. Keller
- Department of Immunodynamic, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bettina Langhans
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frederik Schünemann
- Department for Biosciences of Sports, Institute of Sport Science, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Alexander Pohl
- Department for Biosciences of Sports, Institute of Sport Science, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Böhler
- Department for Biosciences of Sports, Institute of Sport Science, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Käthe Bersiner
- Department for Biosciences of Sports, Institute of Sport Science, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Marcin Krawczyk
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Metabolic Liver Diseases, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Milkiewicz
- Laboratory of Metabolic Liver Diseases, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zeno Sparchez
- 3rd Medical Department, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Sebastian Gehlert
- Department for Biosciences of Sports, Institute of Sport Science, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Maria A. Gonzalez-Carmona
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Arnulf Willms
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, German Armed Forces Central Hospital, Koblenz, Germany
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, German Armed Forces Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian P. Strassburg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Miroslaw T. Kornek
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, German Armed Forces Central Hospital, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Leona Dold
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Veronika Lukacs-Kornek
- Department of Immunodynamic, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
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Ma D, Ma J, Zhao C, Tai W. Reasons why women are more likely to develop primary biliary cholangitis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25634. [PMID: 38384574 PMCID: PMC10878884 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune disease of biliary stasis in which immune factors cause the gradual destruction of small bile ducts, biliary stasis, and eventually the development of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure. One of the main characteristics of PBC is that it primarily affects middle-aged women, but the precise cause is still unknown. This article analyzes the unique causes and mechanisms of the female predominance of PBC and summarizes the potential causes.The female domination of PBC is reported to be primarily caused by sex hormones, environmental circumstances, and epigenetic changes, each of which has a different subtle impact on patients' gender disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Ma
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiaxuan Ma
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Chunmei Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenlin Tai
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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8
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Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is the most common of the autoimmune liver diseases, in which there is chronic small bile duct inflammation. The pathophysiology of PBC is multifactorial, involving immune dysregulation and damage to biliary epithelial cells, with influences from genetic factors, epigenetics, the gut-liver axis, and environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Houri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, 9th Floor Eaton Building, North Wing 219-B, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, 9th Floor Eaton Building, North Wing 219-B, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada.
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9
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Su X, Jin W, Liu L, Zhu Z, Li C. Regulation of CD47 expression on CD14 + monocytes by interferon-α in PBC patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1256995. [PMID: 38111586 PMCID: PMC10725903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic intrahepatic cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by inflammatory injury of small and medium-sized bile ducts in the liver. The pathogenesis of PBC has yet to be entirely understood. CD47/signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) is closely related to developing autoimmune diseases by promoting inflammatory response. However, the effect of CD47/SIRPα on inflammatory response in PBC patients is still unclear. Objective We investigated the expression of CD47/SIRPα and the effect of inflammatory cytokines on the CD47 expression, analyzed potential autoantibodies against CD47 and the effect of anti-CD47 antibody on the inflammatory response in PBC, provided laboratory basis for the study of the pathogenesis and targets for non-invasive diagnosis and treatment on PBC. Methods The expression levels of CD47 and SIRPα on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were measured in 14 patients with PBC (the PBC group) and 13 healthy subjects (the Control group) by flow cytometry (FCM). The PBMC derived from healthy subjects were stimulated with healthy subjects' serum, PBC patients' serum, IFN-α or TNF-α, and the CD47 expression level on CD14+ monocytes was detected by FCM. The level of serum anti-CD47 antibody or IFN-α in PBC patients and healthy subjects was analyzed by ELISA. FCM was used to examine the TNF-α expression level in CD14+ monocytes of healthy subjects stimulated with isotype control antibody, anti-CD47 antibody, LPS or LPS combined with CD47 antibody. Results The CD47 expression level on the CD14+ monocytes in PBC patients was statistically higher than that in the Control group (P<0.01). Compared with the Control group (PBMC+healthy serum), the CD47 expression on CD14+ monocyte stimulated with the PBC patients' serum (PBMC+PBC patients' serum) was increased (P<0.001); the CD47 expression on CD14+ monocyte stimulated with IFN-α (PBMC + IFN-α) increased gradually with the increased concentration of IFN-α (P<0.05). However, there was no similar trend on CD14+ monocyte stimulated with the TNF-α (PBMC+TNF-α) (P>0.05). The levels of serum anti-CD47 antibody and IFN-α in the PBC patients were higher than those in healthy subjects (P<0.05). The TNF-α expression level in CD14+ monocyte stimulated with the LPS (PBMC+LPS) or anti-CD47 antibody+LPS group (PBMC+LPS+anti-CD47 antibody) was significantly increased than that in the Control group (PBMC+isotype control antibody) (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). The TNF-α expression level in CD14+ monocyte stimulated with the anti-CD47 antibody + LPS was higher than that with the LPS (P< 0.05). Conclusion The CD47 may be related to the pathogenesis of PBC by inflammatory response. The CD47/SIRPα signal were imbalanced in PBC patients. The presence of serum anti-CD47 antibodies in PBC patients provides a laboratory basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Wenwen Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Lizhi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Zifei Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
- Research Office of Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Translational Medicine Research Institute of Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First-affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Cunyan Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
- Research Office of Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Translational Medicine Research Institute of Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First-affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
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10
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Wang X, Wei Y, Yang Y, Yang Y, Li H, Li Y, Zhang F, Wang L. Animal models of primary biliary cholangitis: status and challenges. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:214. [PMID: 37993960 PMCID: PMC10664283 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease. The aetiology of PBC remains unclear, and its pathogenesis is complex. Animal models are essential to clarify the pathogenesis of PBC and explore the occurrence of early events. MAIN BODY Herein, we review recent research progress in PBC animal models, including genetically modified, chemically inducible, biologically inducible, and protein-immunised models. Although these animal models exhibit several immunological and pathological features of PBC, they all have limitations that constrain further research and weaken their connection with clinical practice. CONCLUSION The review will benefit efforts to understand and optimise animal models in order to further clarify PBC pathogenesis and molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wei
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yanlei Yang
- Clinical Biobank, Department Medical Research Central, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yunjiao Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Haolong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhe Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, China.
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11
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Yu R, Yang Z, Liu J, Bai H, Ding H, Xu H, Yu H, Cao J, Lai X. Absence of toll-like receptor 7 ameliorates survival and reduces intestinal injury in mice after Clostridium difficile infection. Microbes Infect 2023; 25:105210. [PMID: 37634661 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105210] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (CD) is a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous enteritis. C. difficile infection (CDI) is increasingly present in the community and represents a significant burden on the healthcare system. Identification of novel immune-based therapeutic targets from a better understanding of their molecular pathogenesis is urgently required. Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is an important pattern recognition receptor and function as an immune sensor that can trigger host defenses against pathogens, but the relationship between TLR7 and CDI remains unknown. Here, we reported that the expression levels of TLR7 increased significantly in patients and mice with CDI. Absence of TLR7 in mice with CDI demonstrated enhanced bacterial clearance of intestinal contents and reduced intestinal inflammation, edema, injury and prolonged the survival. TLR7 loss decreased the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and IFN-α1 in the intestine and improved tissue damage and inflammation. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence results indicated that TLR7 enhanced leukocyte recruitment in the infected intestine. In-vitro results have shown that TLR7 impairs the phagocytosis and killing ability of macrophages to CD, prompts reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and accelerates apoptosis. To our knowledge, our study first identified TLR7 as a critical factor that contributes to the immunopathology of CDI, suggesting that targeting TLR7 might serve as a potential treatment for CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renlin Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhubin Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haobo Bai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Haofeng Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, Shanxi, China
| | - Hanbin Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ju Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaofei Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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12
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Cooper KM, Delk M, Devuni D, Sarkar M. Sex differences in chronic liver disease and benign liver lesions. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100870. [PMID: 37791378 PMCID: PMC10542645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology, natural history, and therapeutic responses of chronic liver diseases and liver lesions often vary by sex. In this review, we summarize available clinical and translational data on these aspects of the most common liver conditions encountered in clinical practice, including the potential contributions of sex hormones to the underlying pathophysiology of observed differences. We also highlight areas of notable knowledge gaps and discuss sex disparities in access to liver transplant and potential strategies to address these barriers. Given established sex differences in immune response, drug metabolism, and response to liver-related therapies, emerging clinical trials and epidemiological studies should prioritize dedicated analyses by sex to inform sex-specific approaches to liver-related care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Cooper
- UMass Chan Medical School, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Molly Delk
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Deepika Devuni
- UMass Chan Medical School, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Monika Sarkar
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, San Francisco, CA, United States
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13
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Bae HR, Shin SK, Yoo JH, Kim S, Young HA, Kwon EY. Chronic inflammation in high-fat diet-fed mice: Unveiling the early pathogenic connection between liver and adipose tissue. J Autoimmun 2023; 139:103091. [PMID: 37595410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Obesity-induced chronic inflammation has been linked to several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. The underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood, but it is believed that chronic inflammation in adipose tissue can lead to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which can trigger immune responses and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms that lead to the infiltration of immune cells into adipose tissue are not fully understood. In this study, we observed a time-dependent response to a high-fat diet in the liver and epididymal white adipose tissue using gene set enrichment analysis. Our findings revealed a correlation between early abnormal innate immune responses in the liver and late inflammatory response in the adipose tissue, that eventually leads to systemic inflammation. Specifically, our data suggest that the dysregulated NADH homeostasis in the mitochondrial matrix, interacting with the mitochondrial translation process, could serve as a sign marking the transition from liver inflammation to adipose tissue inflammation. Taken together, our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of chronic inflammation and associated autoimmune diseases in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heekyong R Bae
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Kyung Shin
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyeon Yoo
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Suntae Kim
- Omixplus, LLC., Gaithersburg, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Howard A Young
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Eun-Young Kwon
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Yang Y, He X, Rojas M, Leung PSC, Gao L. Mechanism-based target therapy in primary biliary cholangitis: opportunities before liver cirrhosis? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1184252. [PMID: 37325634 PMCID: PMC10266968 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1184252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an immune-mediated liver disease characterized by cholestasis, biliary injuries, liver fibrosis, and chronic non-suppurative cholangitis. The pathogenesis of PBC is multifactorial and involves immune dysregulation, abnormal bile metabolism, and progressive fibrosis, ultimately leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA) are currently used as first- and second-line treatments, respectively. However, many patients do not respond adequately to UDCA, and the long-term effects of these drugs are limited. Recent research has advanced our understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis in PBC and greatly facilitated development of novel drugs to target mechanistic checkpoints. Animal studies and clinical trials of pipeline drugs have yielded promising results in slowing disease progression. Targeting immune mediated pathogenesis and anti-inflammatory therapies are focused on the early stage, while anti-cholestatic and anti-fibrotic therapies are emphasized in the late stage of disease, which is characterized by fibrosis and cirrhosis development. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that currently, there exists a dearth of therapeutic options that can effectively impede the progression of the disease to its terminal stages. Hence, there is an urgent need for further research aimed at investigating the underlying pathophysiology mechanisms with potential therapeutic effects. This review highlights our current knowledge of the underlying immunological and cellular mechanisms of pathogenesis in PBC. Further, we also address current mechanism-based target therapies for PBC and potential therapeutic strategies to improve the efficacy of existing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - XiaoSong He
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Manuel Rojas
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Patrick S. C. Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Lixia Gao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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15
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Yamashita M, Honda A, Shimoyama S, Umemura M, Ohta K, Chida T, Noritake H, Kurono N, Ichimura-Shimizu M, Tsuneyama K, Miyazaki T, Tanaka A, Leung PS, Gershwin ME, Suda T, Kawata K. Breach of tolerance versus burden of bile acids: Resolving the conundrum in the immunopathogenesis and natural history of primary biliary cholangitis. J Autoimmun 2023; 136:103027. [PMID: 36996700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a classic autoimmune disease due to the loss of tolerance to self-antigens. Bile acids (BA) reportedly play a major role in biliary inflammation and/or in the modulation of dysregulated immune responses in PBC. Several murine models have indicated that molecular mimicry plays a role in autoimmune cholangitis; however, they have all been limited by the relative failure to develop hepatic fibrosis. We hypothesized that species-specific differences in the BA composition between mice and humans were the primary reason for this limited pathology. Here, we aimed to study the impact of human-like hydrophobic BA composition on the development of autoimmune cholangitis and hepatic fibrosis. We took advantage of a unique construct, Cyp2c70/Cyp2a12 double knockout (DKO) mice, which have human-like BA composition, and immunized them with a well-defined mimic of the major mitochondrial autoantigen of PBC, namely 2-octynoic acid (2OA). 2OA-treated DKO mice were significantly exacerbated portal inflammation and bile duct damage with increased Th1 cytokines/chemokines at 8 weeks post-initial immunization. Most importantly, there was clear progression of hepatic fibrosis and increased expression of hepatic fibrosis-related genes. Interestingly, these mice demonstrated increased serum BA concentrations and decreased biliary BA concentrations; hepatic BA levels did not increase because of the upregulation of transporters responsible for the basolateral efflux of BA. Furthermore, cholangitis and hepatic fibrosis were more advanced at 24 weeks post-initial immunization. These results indicate that both the loss of tolerance and the effect of hydrophobic BA are essential for the progression of PBC.
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16
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Intestinal microbiota in biliary diseases. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2023; 39:95-102. [PMID: 36821457 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Biliary diseases are a group of disease affecting biliary tract, including immune-mediated primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). With limited treatment options, PBC and PSC may lead to liver cirrhosis. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging evidence has shown the participation of gut microbiota in the etiology of PBC and PSC. Patients with PBC and PSC exhibit alterations in gut microbiota composition. Dysfunctional gut barrier facilitates the translocation of possible pathogenic bacteria and derived metabolites. Along with molecular mimicry between host and bacterial antigen, these factors result in aberrant auto-immune activation, and subsequently lead to liver injury. Though the precise mechanism has not been fully elucidated, studies investigating the role of gut microbiota in pathogenesis of PBC and PSC have inspired novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. SUMMARY In this review, recent evidence on the alteration of intestinal microbiota and possible mechanistic and therapeutic applications are discussed, predominantly focusing on PSC and PBC.
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17
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Gauthier T, Chen W. IFN-γ and TGF-β, Crucial Players in Immune Responses: A Tribute to Howard Young. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2022; 42:643-654. [PMID: 36516375 PMCID: PMC9917322 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0132] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), both pleiotropic cytokines, have been long studied and described as critical mediators of the immune response, notably in T cells. One of the investigators who made seminal and critical discoveries in the field of IFN-γ biology is Dr. Howard Young. In this review, we provide an overview of the biology of IFN-γ as well as its role in cancer and autoimmunity with an emphasis on Dr. Young's critical work in the field. We also describe how Dr. Young's work influenced our own research studying the role of TGF-β in the modulation of immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Gauthier
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - WanJun Chen
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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18
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Wahl SM. Howard A. Young's 4 Decades in Science: More Than Just Experiments. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2022; 42:611-617. [PMID: 35944271 PMCID: PMC9835286 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M. Wahl
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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19
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Donnelly RP. Howard A. Young: Always Willing to Lend a Helping Hand. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2022; 42:608-610. [PMID: 35647936 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raymond P Donnelly
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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20
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Shao T, Leung PSC, Zhang W, Tsuneyama K, Ridgway WM, Young HA, Shuai Z, Ansari AA, Gershwin ME. Treatment with a JAK1/2 inhibitor ameliorates murine autoimmune cholangitis induced by IFN overexpression. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:1130-1140. [PMID: 36042351 PMCID: PMC9508183 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00904-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The interferon (IFN) signaling pathways are major immunological checkpoints with clinical significance in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. We have generated a unique murine model named ARE-Del, with chronic overexpression of IFNγ, by altering IFNγ metabolism. Importantly, these mice develop an immunologic and clinical profile similar to patients with primary biliary cholangitis, including high titers of autoantibodies and portal inflammation. We hypothesized that the downregulation of IFN signaling pathways with a JAK1/2 inhibitor would inhibit the development and progression of cholangitis. To study this hypothesis, ARE-Del+/- mice were treated with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib and serially studied. JAK inhibition resulted in a significant reduction in portal inflammation and bile duct damage, associated with a significant reduction in splenic and hepatic CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. Functionally, ruxolitinib inhibited the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IFNγ and TNF from splenic CD4+ T cells. Additionally, ruxolitinib treatment also decreased the frequencies of germinal center B (GC B) cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and led to lower serological AMA levels. Of note, liver and peritoneal macrophages were sharply decreased and polarized from M1 to M2 with a higher level of IRF4 expression after ruxolitinib treatment. Mechanistically, ruxolitinib inhibited the secretion of IL-6, TNF and MCP1 and the expression of STAT1 but promoted the expression of STAT6 in macrophages in vitro, indicating that M1 macrophage polarization to M2 occurred through activation of the STAT6-IRF4 pathway. Our data highlight the significance, both immunologically and clinically, of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in autoimmune cholangitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tihong Shao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - William M Ridgway
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Howard A Young
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Zongwen Shuai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Aftab A Ansari
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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21
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Zhang W, Shao T, Leung PSC, Tsuneyama K, Heuer L, Young HA, Ridgway WM, Gershwin ME. Dual B-cell targeting therapy ameliorates autoimmune cholangitis. J Autoimmun 2022; 132:102897. [PMID: 36029718 PMCID: PMC10311358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102897] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The ability to regulate B cell development has long been recognized to have therapeutic potential in a variety of autoimmune diseases. However, despite the presence of a classic autoantibody in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), B cell depleting therapy and indeed therapy with other biologic agents has been disappointing. Unsuccessful treatment using Rituximab is associated with elevation of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) level. Indeed, therapies for PBC remain directed at modulating bile salt biology, rather than targeting effector pathways. With these data in mind, we proposed that targeting two major stages of B cell development, namely long-lived memory B cells and short-lived peripheral autoreactive plasma cells would have therapeutic potential. METHODS To address this thesis, we administrated anti-BAFF and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody to ARE-Del mice, a well-characterized murine model of human PBC. We evaluated and compared the therapeutic efficacy of the two agents individually and the combination of anti-BAFF and anti-CD20 in female mice with well-established disease. RESULTS Our data demonstrate that there was an increased level of B cell depletion that resulted in a significantly more effective clinical and serologic response using the combination of agents as compared with the use of the individual agents. The combination of anti-BAFF and anti-CD20 treatment was more effective in reducing serum levels of antimitochondrial antibody (AMA), total IgM and IgG compared to mice treated with the 2 individual agents. Combination treatment efficiently depleted B cells in the peripheral blood, peritoneal cavity and spleen. Importantly, we identified a unique IgM+ FCRL5+ B cell subset which was sensitive to dual B-cell targeting therapy and depletion of this unique population was associated with reduced portal infiltration and bile duct damage. Taken together, our data indicate that dual B cell targeting therapy with anti-BAFF and anti-CD20 not only led to the efficient depletion of B cells both in the peripheral blood and tissues, but also led to significant clinical improvement. These findings highlight the potential application of combination of anti-BAFF and anti-CD20 in treating patients with PBC. However, additional studies in other animal models of PBC should be undertaken before considering human trials in those PBC patients who have incomplete responses to conventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Tihong Shao
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University; Hefei, China.
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School; Tokushima, Japan.
| | - Luke Heuer
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Howard A Young
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick; Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - William M Ridgway
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA.
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA.
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22
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Jiang H, Li Y, Shen M, Liang Y, Qian Y, Dai H, Xu K, Xu X, Lv H, Zhang J, Yang T, Fu Q. Interferon-α promotes MHC I antigen presentation of islet β cells through STAT1-IRF7 pathway in type 1 diabetes. Immunology 2022; 166:210-221. [PMID: 35298836 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13468] [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: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Increased incidence of T1D was reported in patients receiving IFN-α treatment. However, the exact mechanisms of IFN-α that facilitate the pathogenesis of T1D are not fully understood. To explore the mechanism of IFN-α on the immune system and islets, non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were injected with IFN-α and the progression of autoimmune insulitis was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemical and flow cytometry analysis. Transcriptional profiling of islets treated with IFN-α was explored by RNA-seq. IFN-α induced antigen presentation was evaluated by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence, and key transcription factors were inhibited by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Our data show that IFN-α contributed to the progression of autoimmune insulitis in NOD mice by promoting the proliferation of CD8+ T cells. IFN-α upregulated antigen presentation related genes MHC I, TAP1, B2M, PSMB8, NLRC5 and transcriptional regulator STAT1, STAT2, IRF7 at a time and dose-dependent manner. The silence of STAT1 or STAT2 both weakened IFN-α-induced increase of antigen presenting related molecules. IRF7 was also merely influenced by STAT1 silence. The knockdown of IRF7 decreased the IFN-α induced expressions of TAP1, PSMB8 and MHC I and prevented the expression of STAT2 but not STAT1. Our study demonstrated that STAT1-IRF7-MHC I complex axis were crucial for IFN-α signalling in islets, and created positive feedback through IRF7-STAT2 cascade amplifying signals which accelerated the process of T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemin Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Shen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yucheng Liang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Qian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Dai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kuanfeng Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyu Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Lv
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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23
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She C, Yang Y, Zang B, Yao Y, Liu Q, Leung PSC, Liu B. Effect of LncRNA XIST on Immune Cells of Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:816433. [PMID: 35309298 PMCID: PMC8931309 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.816433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease with significant gender difference. X chromosome inactivation (XCI) plays important roles in susceptibility to diseases between genders. This work focuses on the differences of LncRNA XIST in several defined immune cells populations as well as its effects on naive CD4+ T cells proliferation and differentiation in patients with PBC. Methods NKs, B cells, CD4+ T, and CD8+ T cells were separated by MicroBeads from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PBC patients and healthy control (HC). The expression levels of LncRNA XIST in these immune cells were quantified by qRT-PCR and their subcellular localized analyzed by FISH. Lentivirus were used to interfere the expression of LncRNA XIST, and CCK8 was used to detect the proliferation of naive CD4+ T cells in PBC patients. Finally, naive CD4+ T cells were co-cultured with the bile duct epithelial cells (BECs), and the effects of LncRNA XIST on the typing of naive CD4+ T cells and related cytokines were determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA. Results The expression levels of LncRNA XIST in NKs and CD4+ T cells in PBC patients were significantly higher than those in HC, and were primarily located at the nucleus. LncRNA XIST could promote the proliferation of naive CD4+ T cells. When naive CD4+ T cells were co-cultured with BECs, the expressions of IFN-γ, IL-17, T-bet and RORγt in naive CD4+ T cells were decreased. Conclusion LncRNA XIST was associated with lymphocyte abnormalities in patients with PBC. The high expression of LncRNA XIST could stimulate proliferation and differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells, which might account for the high occurrence of PBC in female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui She
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yifei Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bo Zang
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qixuan Liu
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health (SPH) Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Patrick S. C. Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Liu,
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24
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Valencia JC, Erwin-Cohen RA, Clavijo PE, Allen C, Sanford ME, Day CP, Hess MM, Johnson M, Yin J, Fenimore JM, Bettencourt IA, Tsuneyama K, Romero ME, Klarmann KD, Jiang P, Bae HR, McVicar DW, Merlino G, Edmondson EF, Anandasabapathy N, Young HA. Myeloid-Derived Suppressive Cell Expansion Promotes Melanoma Growth and Autoimmunity by Inhibiting CD40/IL27 Regulation in Macrophages. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5977-5990. [PMID: 34642183 PMCID: PMC8639618 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between cancer and autoimmunity is complex. However, the incidence of solid tumors such as melanoma has increased significantly among patients with previous or newly diagnosed systemic autoimmune disease (AID). At the same time, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy of cancer induces de novo autoinflammation and exacerbates underlying AID, even without evident antitumor responses. Recently, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity was found to drive myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) formation in patients, a known barrier to healthy immune surveillance and successful cancer immunotherapy. Cross-talk between MDSCs and macrophages generally drives immune suppressive activity in the tumor microenvironment. However, it remains unclear how peripheral pregenerated MDSC under chronic inflammatory conditions modulates global macrophage immune functions and the impact it could have on existing tumors and underlying lupus nephritis. Here we show that pathogenic expansion of SLE-generated MDSCs by melanoma drives global macrophage polarization and simultaneously impacts the severity of lupus nephritis and tumor progression in SLE-prone mice. Molecular and functional data showed that MDSCs interact with autoimmune macrophages and inhibit cell surface expression of CD40 and the production of IL27. Moreover, low CD40/IL27 signaling in tumors correlated with high tumor-associated macrophage infiltration and ICB therapy resistance both in murine and human melanoma exhibiting active IFNγ signatures. These results suggest that preventing global macrophage reprogramming induced by MDSC-mediated inhibition of CD40/IL27 signaling provides a precision melanoma immunotherapy strategy, supporting an original and advantageous approach to treat solid tumors within established autoimmune landscapes. SIGNIFICANCE: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells induce macrophage reprogramming by suppressing CD40/IL27 signaling to drive melanoma progression, simultaneously affecting underlying autoimmune disease and facilitating resistance to immunotherapy within preexisting autoimmune landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C Valencia
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, CCR, NCI, Frederick Maryland.
| | | | - Paul E Clavijo
- Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Clint Allen
- Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Chi-Ping Day
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Megan M Hess
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, CCR, NCI, Frederick Maryland
| | - Morgan Johnson
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, CCR, NCI, Frederick Maryland
| | - Jie Yin
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, CCR, NCI, Frederick Maryland
| | - John M Fenimore
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, CCR, NCI, Frederick Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | - Peng Jiang
- Cancer Data Science laboratory, CCR, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Heekyong R Bae
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, CCR, NCI, Frederick Maryland
| | - Daniel W McVicar
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, CCR, NCI, Frederick Maryland
| | - Glenn Merlino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | - Howard A Young
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, CCR, NCI, Frederick Maryland
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25
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Papadopoulos VE, Skarlis C, Evangelopoulos ME, Mavragani CP. Type I interferon detection in autoimmune diseases: challenges and clinical applications. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:883-903. [PMID: 34096436 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1939686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accumulating data highlights that the dysregulation of type I interferon (IFN) pathways plays a central role in the pathogenesis of several systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Advances in understanding the role of type I IFNs in these disorders can lead to targeted drug development as well as establishing potential disease biomarkers. AREAS COVERED Here, we summarize current knowledge regarding the role of type I IFNs in the major systemic, as well as organ-specific, autoimmune disorders, including prominent inflammatory CNS disorders like multiple sclerosis. EXPERT OPINION Type I IFN involvement and its clinical associations in a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases represents a promising area for research aiming to unveil common pathogenetic pathways in systemic and organ-specific autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis E Papadopoulos
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, First Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Skarlis
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleftheria Evangelopoulos
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, First Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Clio P Mavragani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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26
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Sasaki M, Sato Y, Nakanuma Y. Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 may be a key factor in primary biliary cholangitis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11413. [PMID: 34075171 PMCID: PMC8169865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating studies suggest that senescent biliary epithelial cells (BECs) produce senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) and play various roles in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and other cholangiopathies. We examined comprehensive profiles of senescent BECs and its contribution to the pathogenesis of PBC taking advantage of microarray analysis. cDNA microarray analysis revealed that 1841 genes including CCL2, IFIT3, CPQ were commonly up-regulated in senescent BECs cultured in serum depleted media or media with glycochenodeoxycholic acid. Knockdown of IFIT3 significantly suppressed cellular senescence (p < 0.01) and significantly increased apoptosis (p < 0.01) in BECs treated with serum depletion or glycochenodeoxycholic acid. Significantly increased expression of IFIT3 was seen in senescent BECs in small bile ducts showing cholangitis and in ductular reactions in PBC, compared to control livers (p < 0.01). An inadequate response to UDCA was inversely correlated to the increased expression of IFIT3 in small bile duct in PBC (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the expression of various genes related to immunity and inflammation including SASPs were increased in senescent BECs. Upregulated IFIT3 in senescent BECs may be associated with the pathogenesis of PBC and may be a possible therapeutic target in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoko Sasaki
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Yasunori Sato
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yasuni Nakanuma
- Department of Pathology, Fukui Saiseikai Hospital, Fukui, 918-8503, Japan
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27
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Huang MX, Yang SY, Luo PY, Long J, Liu QZ, Wang J, He Y, Li L, Zhao ZB, Lian ZX. Gut microbiota contributes to sexual dimorphism in murine autoimmune cholangitis. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 110:1121-1130. [PMID: 34047390 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3ma0321-037r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The data demonstrated that a transgenic murine model of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), expressing dominant negative TGF-β receptor Ⅱ (dnTGFβRⅡ) under the CD4 promoter, showed similarity to PBC patients that is female-dominant. Female dnTGFβRII mice developed more severe lymphocytic infiltration in the liver and had higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ and TNF-α, than the male mice. Interestingly, elimination of testosterone through gonadectomy in male dnTGFβRII mice did not influence disease severity, supporting that testosterone is an unessential factor in sustaining liver immune homeostasis. Meanwhile, it was observed that treating dnTGFβRII mice with oral antibiotics markedly reduced the differences in the levels of lymphocytic infiltration and cytokines between males and females, suggesting that the commensal gut microbiome plays a role in determining the observed sexual differences in dnTGFβRII mice. Furthermore, the diversity of gut microbiota composition and their metabolic functions in the male and female groups through metagenomic sequencing analysis were identified. The results revealed a testosterone-independent and commensal gut microbiota-mediated female bias in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Xing Huang
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Yu Yang
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan-Yue Luo
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Long
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Zhi Liu
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinjun Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Li
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Zhao
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe-Xiong Lian
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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28
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Wang Q, Kim SY, Matsushita H, Wang Z, Pandyarajan V, Matsuda M, Ohashi K, Tsuchiya T, Roh YS, Kiani C, Zhao Y, Chan M, Devkota S, Lu SC, Hayashi T, Carson DA, Seki E. Oral administration of PEGylated TLR7 ligand ameliorates alcohol-associated liver disease via the induction of IL-22. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2020868118. [PMID: 33443222 PMCID: PMC7817133 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020868118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective therapies for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are limited; therefore, the discovery of new therapeutic agents is greatly warranted. Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is a pattern recognition receptor for single-stranded RNA, and its activation prevents liver fibrosis. We examined liver and intestinal damage in Tlr7-/- mice to determine the role of TLR7 in ALD pathogenesis. In an alcoholic hepatitis (AH) mouse model, hepatic steatosis, injury, and inflammation were induced by chronic binge ethanol feeding in mice, and Tlr7 deficiency exacerbated these effects. Because these results demonstrated that endogenous TLR7 signaling activation is protective in the AH mouse model, we hypothesized that TLR7 activation may be an effective therapeutic strategy for ALD. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic effect of TLR7 agonistic agent, 1Z1, in the AH mouse model. Oral administration of 1Z1 was well tolerated and prevented intestinal barrier disruption and bacterial translocation, which thus suppressed ethanol-induced hepatic injury, steatosis, and inflammation. Furthermore, 1Z1 treatment up-regulated the expression of antimicrobial peptides, Reg3b and Reg3g, in the intestinal epithelium, which modulated the microbiome by decreasing and increasing the amount of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus, respectively. Additionally, 1Z1 up-regulated intestinal interleukin (IL)-22 expression. IL-22 deficiency abolished the protective effects of 1Z1 in ethanol-induced liver and intestinal damage, suggesting intestinal IL-22 as a crucial mediator for 1Z1-mediated protection in the AH mouse model. Collectively, our results indicate that TLR7 signaling exerts protective effects in the AH mouse model and that a TLR7 ligand, 1Z1, holds therapeutic potential for the treatment of AH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglan Wang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
- College of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Hiroshi Matsushita
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Zhijun Wang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Vijay Pandyarajan
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Michitaka Matsuda
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Koichiro Ohashi
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Takashi Tsuchiya
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Yoon Seok Roh
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Calvin Kiani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Yutong Zhao
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Michael Chan
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Suzanne Devkota
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Shelly C Lu
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Tomoko Hayashi
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Dennis A Carson
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048;
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29
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Bae HR, Choi MS, Kim S, Young HA, Gershwin ME, Jeon SM, Kwon EY. IFNγ is a Key Link between Obesity and Th1-Mediated AutoImmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010208. [PMID: 33379198 PMCID: PMC7794719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity, a characteristic of metabolic syndrome, is also associated with chronic inflammation and the development of autoimmune diseases. However, the relationship between obesity and autoimmune diseases remains to be investigated in depth. Here, we compared hepatic gene expression profiles among high-fat diet (HFD) mice using the primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) mouse model based on the chronic expression of interferon gamma (IFNγ) (ARE-Del-/- mice). The top differentially expressed genes affected by upstream transcriptional regulators IFNγ, LPS, and TNFα displayed an overlap in HFD and ARE-Del-/- mice, indicating that obesity-induced liver inflammation may be dependent on signaling via IFNγ. The top pathways altered in HFD mice were mostly involved in the innate immune responses, which overlapped with ARE-Del-/- mice. In contrast, T cell-mediated signaling pathways were exclusively altered in ARE-Del-/- mice. We further evaluated the therapeutic effect of luteolin, known as anti-inflammatory flavonoid, in HFD and ARE-Del-/- mice. Luteolin strongly suppressed the MHC I and II antigen presentation pathways, which were highly activated in both HFD and ARE-Del-/- mice. Conversely, luteolin increased metabolic processes of fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation in the liver, which were suppressed in ARE-Del-/- mice. Luteolin also strongly induced PPAR signaling, which was downregulated in HFD and ARE-Del-/- mice. Using human GWAS data, we characterized the genetic interaction between significant obesity-related genes and IFNγ signaling and demonstrated that IFNγ is crucial for obesity-mediated inflammatory responses. Collectively, this study improves our mechanistic understanding of the relationship between obesity and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, it provides new methodological insights into how immune network-based analyses effectively integrate RNA-seq and microarray data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heekyong R. Bae
- Omixplus, LLC., Gaithersburg, MD 20885, USA; (H.R.B.); (S.K.)
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21701, USA;
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics Research, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
| | - Myung-Sook Choi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics Research, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
| | - Suntae Kim
- Omixplus, LLC., Gaithersburg, MD 20885, USA; (H.R.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Howard A. Young
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21701, USA;
| | - M. Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Seon-Min Jeon
- R&D Center, APtechnologies Corp., Gyeonggi-do, Hwaseong-si 18469, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-M.J.); (E.-Y.K.); Tel.: +82-53-950-7936 (S.-M.J.); +82-53-950-6231 (E.-Y.K.)
| | - Eun-Young Kwon
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics Research, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
- Correspondence: (S.-M.J.); (E.-Y.K.); Tel.: +82-53-950-7936 (S.-M.J.); +82-53-950-6231 (E.-Y.K.)
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30
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Lleo A, Wang GQ, Gershwin ME, Hirschfield GM. Primary biliary cholangitis. Lancet 2020; 396:1915-1926. [PMID: 33308474 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)31607-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune liver disease that predominantly affects women. It is characterised by a chronic and destructive, small bile duct, granulomatous lymphocytic cholangitis, with typical seroreactivity for antimitochondrial antibodies. Patients have variable risks of progressive ductopenia, cholestasis, and biliary fibrosis. Considerations for the cause of this disease emphasise an interaction of chronic immune damage with biliary epithelial cell responses and encompass complex, poorly understood genetic risks and environmental triggers. Licensed disease-modifying treatment focuses on amelioration of cholestasis, with weight-dosed oral ursodeoxycholic acid. For patients who do not respond sufficiently, or patients with ursodeoxycholic acid intolerance, conditionally licensed add-on therapy is with the FXR (NR1H4) agonist, obeticholic acid. Off-label therapy is recognised as an alternative, notably with the pan-PPAR agonist bezafibrate; clinical trial agents are also under development. Baseline characteristics, such as young age, male sex, and advanced disease, and serum markers of liver injury, particularly bilirubin and ALP, are used to stratify risk and assess treatment responsiveness. Parallel attention to the burden of patient symptoms is paramount, including pruritus and fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy; Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giu-Qiang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Merrill Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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31
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Liu SP, Bian ZH, Zhao ZB, Wang J, Zhang W, Leung PSC, Li L, Lian ZX. Animal Models of Autoimmune Liver Diseases: a Comprehensive Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2020; 58:252-271. [PMID: 32076943 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-020-08778-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are potentially life-threatening chronic liver diseases which include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and recently characterized IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis. They are caused by immune attack on hepatocytes or bile ducts, with different mechanisms and clinical manifestations. The etiologies of AILDs include a susceptible genetic background, environment insults, infections, and changes of commensal microbiota, but remain complicated. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms of AILDs is mandatory for early diagnosis and intervention, which is of great importance for better prognosis. Thus, animal models are developed to mimic the pathogenesis, find biomarkers for early diagnosis, and for therapeutic attempts of AILDs. However, no animal models can fully recapitulate features of certain AILD, especially the late stages of diseases. Certain limitations include different living condition, cell composition, and time frame of disease development and resolution. Moreover, there is no IgG4 in rodents which exists in human. Nevertheless, the understanding and therapy of AILDs have been greatly advanced by the development and mechanistic investigation of animal models. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of traditional and new animal models that recapitulate different features and etiologies of distinct AILDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Pei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China.,Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Bian
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China.,Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.,School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China.,Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jinjun Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225127, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology/Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology/Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China. .,Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Zhe-Xiong Lian
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China. .,Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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32
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Leung KK, Deeb M, Hirschfield GM. Review article: pathophysiology and management of primary biliary cholangitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2020; 52:1150-1164. [PMID: 32813299 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an immune-mediated disease characterised by destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts, results in progressive damage to the biliary tree, cholestasis and ultimately advanced liver disease. In the last decade, advances in practice have improved clinical care, driven novel therapeutic options and improved risk stratification tools. AIMS To provide an overview of the disease characteristics of PBC and review a patient-centred management approach for the clinical team caring for those with PBC. METHODS We reviewed the current literature and guidelines on PBC with a focus on management and therapies. RESULTS A confident diagnosis of PBC is usually made based on serum liver tests and immune serology. Management of PBC should focus on three main 'process' pillars: (a) treat and risk-stratify through use of biochemical and prognostic criteria; (b) manage concurrent symptoms and other associated diseases; and (c) stage disease, monitor progression and prevent complications. With ongoing complexities in management, including a newly licensed therapy (obeticholic acid) and alternative non-licensed treatments and ongoing clinical trials, discussion with PBC expert centres is encouraged. CONCLUSIONS PBC is a dynamic disease wherein current treatment goals have become appropriately ambitious. Goals of care should prioritise prevention of end-stage liver disease and amelioration of patient symptom burden for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristel K Leung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maya Deeb
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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33
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Henze L, Schwinge D, Schramm C. The Effects of Androgens on T Cells: Clues to Female Predominance in Autoimmune Liver Diseases? Front Immunol 2020; 11:1567. [PMID: 32849531 PMCID: PMC7403493 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system responds differently in women and in men. Generally speaking, adult females show stronger innate and adaptive immune responses than males. This results in lower risk of developing most of the infectious diseases and a better ability to clear viral infection in women (1–5). On the other hand, women are at increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases (AID) such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and the autoimmune liver diseases autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) (6). Factors contributing to the female sex bias in autoimmune diseases include environmental exposure, e.g., microbiome, behavior, and genetics including X chromosomal inactivation of genes. Several lines of evidence and clinical observations clearly indicate that sex hormones contribute significantly to disease pathogenesis, and the role of estrogen in autoimmune diseases has been extensively studied. In many of these diseases, including the autoimmune liver diseases, T cells are thought to play an important pathogenetic role. We will use this mini-review to focus on the effects of androgens on T cells and how the two major androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune liver diseases (AILD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Henze
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Schwinge
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Bae HR, Leung PSC, Hodge DL, Fenimore JM, Jeon SM, Thovarai V, Dzutsev A, Welcher AA, Boedigheimer M, Damore MA, Choi MS, Fravell RA, Trinchieri G, Gershwin ME, Young HA. Multi-omics: Differential expression of IFN-γ results in distinctive mechanistic features linking chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2020; 111:102436. [PMID: 32220507 PMCID: PMC7266723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Low grade, chronic inflammation is a critical risk factor for immunologic dysfunction including autoimmune diseases. However, the multiplicity of complex mechanisms and lack of relevant murine models limit our understanding of the precise role of chronic inflammation. To address these hurdles, we took advantage of multi-omics data and a unique murine model with a low but chronic expression of IFN-γ, generated by replacement of the AU-rich element (ARE) in the 3' UTR region of IFN-γ mRNA with random nucleotides. Herein, we demonstrate that low but differential expression of IFN-γ in mice by homozygous or heterozygous ARE replacement triggers distinctive gut microbial alterations, of which alteration is female-biased with autoimmune-associated microbiota. Metabolomics data indicates that gut microbiota-dependent metabolites have more robust sex-differences than microbiome profiling, particularly those involved in fatty acid oxidation and nuclear receptor signaling. More importantly, homozygous ARE-Del mice have dramatic changes in tryptophan metabolism, bile acid and long-chain lipid metabolism, which interact with gut microbiota and nuclear receptor signaling similarly with sex-dependent metabolites. Consistent with these findings, nuclear receptor signaling, encompassing molecules such as PPARs, FXR, and LXRs, was detectable as a top canonical pathway in comparison of blood and tissue-specific gene expression between female homozygous vs heterozygous ARE-Del mice. Further analysis implies that dysregulated autophagy in macrophages is critical for breaking self-tolerance and gut homeostasis, while pathways interact with nuclear receptor signaling to regulate inflammatory responses. Overall, pathway-based integration of multi-omics data provides systemic and cellular insights about how chronic inflammation driven by IFN-γ results in the development of autoimmune diseases with specific etiopathological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heekyong R Bae
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Deborah L Hodge
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - John M Fenimore
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Seon-Min Jeon
- Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics Research, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Vishal Thovarai
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Amiran Dzutsev
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Myung-Sook Choi
- Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics Research, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Richard A Fravell
- Department of Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Giorgio Trinchieri
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Howard A Young
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.
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Ueno K, Aiba Y, Hitomi Y, Shimoda S, Nakamura H, Gervais O, Kawai Y, Kawashima M, Nishida N, Kohn SS, Kojima K, Katsushima S, Naganuma A, Sugi K, Komatsu T, Mannami T, Matsushita K, Yoshizawa K, Makita F, Nikami T, Nishimura H, Kouno H, Kouno H, Ohta H, Komura T, Tsuruta S, Yamauchi K, Kobata T, Kitasato A, Kuroki T, Abiru S, Nagaoka S, Komori A, Yatsuhashi H, Migita K, Ohira H, Tanaka A, Takikawa H, Nagasaki M, Tokunaga K, Nakamura M. Integrated GWAS and mRNA Microarray Analysis Identified IFNG and CD40L as the Central Upstream Regulators in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:724-738. [PMID: 32363322 PMCID: PMC7193132 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) in European and East Asian populations have identified more than 40 disease‐susceptibility genes in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The aim of this study is to computationally identify disease pathways, upstream regulators, and therapeutic targets in PBC through integrated GWAS and messenger RNA (mRNA) microarray analysis. Disease pathways and upstream regulators were analyzed with ingenuity pathway analysis in data set 1 for GWASs (1,920 patients with PBC and 1,770 controls), which included 261 annotated genes derived from 6,760 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (P < 0.00001), and data set 2 for mRNA microarray analysis of liver biopsy specimens (36 patients with PBC and 5 normal controls), which included 1,574 genes with fold change >2 versus controls (P < 0.05). Hierarchical cluster analysis and categorization of cell type–specific genes were performed for data set 2. There were 27 genes, 10 pathways, and 149 upstream regulators that overlapped between data sets 1 and 2. All 10 pathways were immune‐related. The most significant common upstream regulators associated with PBC disease susceptibility identified were interferon‐gamma (IFNG) and CD40 ligand (CD40L). Hierarchical cluster analysis of data set 2 revealed two distinct groups of patients with PBC by disease activity. The most significant upstream regulators associated with disease activity were IFNG and CD40L. Several molecules expressed in B cells, T cells, Kupffer cells, and natural killer–like cells were identified as potential therapeutic targets in PBC with reference to a recently reported list of cell type–specific gene expression in the liver. Conclusion: Our integrated analysis using GWAS and mRNA microarray data sets predicted that IFNG and CD40L are the central upstream regulators in both disease susceptibility and activity of PBC and identified potential downstream therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuko Ueno
- Genome Medical Science Project National Center for Global Health and Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Human Genetics Graduate School of Medicine University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Aiba
- Clinical Research Center National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan
| | - Yuki Hitomi
- Department of Human Genetics Graduate School of Medicine University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan.,Department of Microbiology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
| | - Shinji Shimoda
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences Fukuoka Japan
| | - Hitomi Nakamura
- Clinical Research Center National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan
| | - Olivier Gervais
- Human Biosciences Unit for the Top Global Course Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research Kyoto University Kyoto Japan
| | - Yosuke Kawai
- Genome Medical Science Project National Center for Global Health and Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Human Genetics Graduate School of Medicine University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | | | - Nao Nishida
- Genome Medical Science Project National Center for Global Health and Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Human Genetics Graduate School of Medicine University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Seik-Soon Kohn
- Genome Medical Science Project National Center for Global Health and Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Human Genetics Graduate School of Medicine University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Kaname Kojima
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Shinji Katsushima
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Atsushi Naganuma
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sugi
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Tatsuji Komatsu
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Tomohiko Mannami
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Kouki Matsushita
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Kaname Yoshizawa
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Fujio Makita
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Toshiki Nikami
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Hideo Nishimura
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kouno
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kouno
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Hajime Ohta
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Takuya Komura
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuruta
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Yamauchi
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Tatsuro Kobata
- Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan
| | - Amane Kitasato
- Department of Surgery National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kuroki
- Clinical Research Center National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan.,Department of Surgery National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan.,Department of Hepatology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Nagasaki University Omura Japan
| | - Seigo Abiru
- Clinical Research Center National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan
| | - Shinya Nagaoka
- Clinical Research Center National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan
| | - Atsumasa Komori
- Clinical Research Center National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan.,Department of Hepatology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Nagasaki University Omura Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yatsuhashi
- Clinical Research Center National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan.,Department of Hepatology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Nagasaki University Omura Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Migita
- Clinical Research Center National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatic Diseases Fukushima Medical University of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatic Diseases Fukushima Medical University of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine Teikyo University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Hajime Takikawa
- Department of Medicine Teikyo University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Masao Nagasaki
- Human Biosciences Unit for the Top Global Course Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research Kyoto University Kyoto Japan
| | - Katsushi Tokunaga
- Genome Medical Science Project National Center for Global Health and Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Human Genetics Graduate School of Medicine University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Minoru Nakamura
- Clinical Research Center National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Omura Japan.,Headquarters of PBC Research National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan Omura Japan.,Department of Hepatology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Nagasaki University Omura Japan.,Headquarters of PBC-GWAS Consortium in Japan National Hospital Organization of Nagasaki Medical Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Nagasaki University Omura Japan
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Gulamhusein AF, Hirschfield GM, Milovanovic J, Arsenijevic D, Arsenijevic N, Milovanovic M. Primary biliary cholangitis: pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 17:93-110. [PMID: 31819247 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0226-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic, seropositive and female-predominant inflammatory and cholestatic liver disease, which has a variable rate of progression towards biliary cirrhosis. Substantial progress has been made in patient risk stratification with the goal of personalized care, including early adoption of next-generation therapy with licensed use of obeticholic acid or off-label fibrate derivatives for those with insufficient benefit from ursodeoxycholic acid, the current first-line drug. The disease biology spans genetic risk, epigenetic changes, dysregulated mucosal immunity and altered biliary epithelial cell function, all of which interact and arise in the context of ill-defined environmental triggers. A current focus of research on nuclear receptor pathway modulation that specifically and potently improves biliary excretion, reduces inflammation and attenuates fibrosis is redefining therapy. Patients are benefiting from pharmacological agonists of farnesoid X receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Immunotherapy remains a challenge, with a lack of target definition, pleiotropic immune pathways and an interplay between hepatic immune responses and cholestasis, wherein bile acid-induced inflammation and fibrosis are dominant clinically. The management of patient symptoms, particularly pruritus, is a notable goal reflected in the development of rational therapy with apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya F Gulamhusein
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jelena Milovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac 34000, Serbia.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac 34000, Serbia
| | - Dragana Arsenijevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac 34000, Serbia
| | - Nebojsa Arsenijevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac 34000, Serbia
| | - Marija Milovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac 34000, Serbia
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Abstract
Autoreactive B cells can promote autoimmunity through antigen presentation to autoreactive T cells, production of autoantibodies, generation of cytokines promoting T cell activation and differentiation, and inhibition of regulatory T cells and B cells. Here, the authors highlight studies pertaining to B cell mechanisms associated with disease pathogenesis and outcomes in autoimmune hepatitis and the immune-mediated cholangiopathies (primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and biliary atresia). The vast majority of investigations focus on autoantibodies and future research endeavors should include deciphering the role of the B cell in T cell activation (through antigen presentation, cytokine/chemokine production, and inhibition of regulation). Targeting B cell mechanisms in the treatment of autoimmune liver diseases is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Taylor
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David N. Assis
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Cara L. Mack
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Digestive Health Institute, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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38
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Selmi C, Gershwin ME. Sex and autoimmunity: proposed mechanisms of disease onset and severity. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:607-615. [PMID: 31033369 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2019.1606714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic autoimmune diseases affect 5-10% of the population worldwide and are largely predominant in women. Sex hormone changes have been widely investigated based on changes in the clinical phenotypes observed during pregnancy and menopause. It is known that females with autoimmune diseases manifest a higher rate of circulating leukocytes with a single X chromosome, and there have been several reports on the role of X chromosome gene dosage through inactivation or duplication in autoimmunity. However, it is also important not to overlook men with autoimmune diseases, who might manifest a more frequent loss of the Y chromosome in circulating leukocytes. Areas covered: In the present review, we will discuss the current evidence supporting the mechanisms of female predominance in rheumatic diseases, by discussing the role of reproductive history, sex hormones and abnormalities related to them, clinical differences between male and female patients, and epigenetic changes that have been evaluated through twin studies on genetic and environmental changes in rheumatic patients. Expert opinion: The influence of sex hormones and chromosomes on the function of the innate and adaptive immune systems needs to be clarified, to better understand the risk of autoimmune diseases, early diagnostic tools, and therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Selmi
- a Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology , Humanitas Research Hospital , Milan , Italy.,b BIOMETRA Department , University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- c Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology , University of California , Davis , CA , USA
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39
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Sato K, Glaser S, Kennedy L, Liangpunsakul S, Meng F, Francis H, Alpini G. Preclinical insights into cholangiopathies: disease modeling and emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:461-472. [PMID: 30990740 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1608950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The common predominant clinical features of cholangiopathies such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and biliary atresia (BA) are biliary damage/senescence and liver fibrosis. Curative therapies are lacking, and liver transplantation is the only option. An understanding of the mechanisms and pathogenesis is needed to develop novel therapies. Previous studies have developed various disease-based research models and have identified candidate therapeutic targets. Areas covered: This review summarizes recent studies performed in preclinical models of cholangiopathies and the current understanding of the pathophysiology representing potential targets for novel therapies. A literature search was conducted in PubMed using the combination of the searched term 'cholangiopathies' with one or two keywords including 'model', 'cholangiocyte', 'animal', or 'fibrosis'. Papers published within five years were obtained. Expert opinion: Access to appropriate research models is a key challenge in cholangiopathy research; establishing more appropriate models for PBC is an important goal. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated promising results and have led to novel therapeutic approaches, especially for PSC. Further studies on the pathophysiology of PBC and BA are necessary to identify candidate targets. Innovative therapeutic approaches such as stem cell transplantation have been introduced, and those therapies could be applied to PSC, PBC, and BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisaku Sato
- a Indiana Center for Liver Research, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.,b Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| | - Shannon Glaser
- c Department of Medical Physiology , Texas A&M University Collage of Medicine , Temple , TX , USA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- a Indiana Center for Liver Research, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.,b Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- a Indiana Center for Liver Research, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.,b Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| | - Fanyin Meng
- a Indiana Center for Liver Research, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.,b Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| | - Heather Francis
- a Indiana Center for Liver Research, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.,b Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- a Indiana Center for Liver Research, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.,b Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center , Indianapolis , IN , USA
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40
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Immunological abnormalities in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:741-760. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20181123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease occurring predominantly in women, is characterized by high titers of serum anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) and progressive intrahepatic cholestasis. The immune system plays a critical role in PBC pathogenesis and a variety of immune cell subsets have been shown to infiltrate the portal tract areas of patients with PBC. Amongst the participating immune cells, CD4 T cells are important cytokine-producing cells that foster an inflammatory microenvironment. Specifically, these cells orchestrate activation of other immune cells, including autoreactive effector CD8 T cells that cause biliary epithelial cell (BEC) injury and B cells that produce large quantities of AMAs. Meanwhile, other immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, monocytes, and macrophages are also important in PBC pathogenesis. Activation of these cells initiates and perpetuates bile duct damage in PBC patients, leading to intrahepatic cholestasis, hepatic damage, liver fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis or even liver failure. Taken together, the body of accumulated clinical and experimental evidence has enhanced our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of PBC and suggests that immunotherapy may be a promising treatment option. Herein, we summarize current knowledge regarding immunological abnormalities of PBC patients, with emphasis on underlying pathogenic mechanisms. The differential immune response which occurs over decades of disease activity suggests that different therapies may be needed at different stages of disease.
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Schwinge D, Schramm C. Sex-related factors in autoimmune liver diseases. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:165-175. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0715-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Lombardi A, Tsomos E, Hammerstad SS, Tomer Y. Interferon alpha: The key trigger of type 1 diabetes. J Autoimmun 2018; 94:7-15. [PMID: 30115527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
IFNα is a cytokine essential to a vast array of immunologic processes. Its induction early in the innate immune response provides a priming mechanism that orchestrates numerous subsequent pathways in innate and adaptive immunity. Despite its beneficial effects in viral infections IFNα has been reported to be associated with several autoimmune diseases including autoimmune thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, primary biliary cholangitis, and recently emerged as a major cytokine that triggers Type 1 Diabetes. In this review, we dissect the role of IFNα in T1D, focusing on the potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Evidence from human and mouse studies indicates that IFNα plays a key role in enhancing islet expression of HLA-I in patients with T1D, thereby increasing autoantigen presentation and beta cell activation of autoreactive cytotoxic CD8 T-lymphocytes. The binding of IFNα to its receptor induces the secretion of chemokines, attracting monocytes, T lymphocytes, and NK cells to the infected tissue triggering autoimmunity in susceptible individuals. Furthermore, IFNα impairs insulin production through the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress as well as by impairing mitochondrial function. Due to its central role in the early phases of beta cell death, targeting IFNα and its pathways in genetically predisposed individuals may represent a potential novel therapeutic strategy in the very early stages of T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lombardi
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Effie Tsomos
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sara S Hammerstad
- Department of Endocrinology, Morbid Obesity and Preventive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Aker, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yaron Tomer
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Liaskou E, Patel SR, Webb G, Bagkou Dimakou D, Akiror S, Krishna M, Mells G, Jones DE, Bowman SJ, Barone F, Fisher BA, Hirschfield GM. Increased sensitivity of Treg cells from patients with PBC to low dose IL-12 drives their differentiation into IFN-γ secreting cells. J Autoimmun 2018; 94:143-155. [PMID: 30119881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
IL-12 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that induces the production of interferon-γ (IFNγ) and favours the differentiation of T helper 1 (Th1) cells. In the presence of IL-12 human Treg cells acquire a Th1-like phenotype with reduced suppressive activity in vitro. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune cholestatic liver disease characterised by high Th1 and Th17 infiltrating cells, reduced frequencies of Treg cells, and a genetic association with IL-12 signalling. Herein, we sought to evaluate the IL-12 signalling pathway in PBC pathology, by studying human samples from patients with PBC, alongside those with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS)(autoimmune disease with IL-12 signalling gene association), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (cholestatic liver disease without IL-12 gene association) and healthy individuals. Our data revealed that TLR stimulation of PBC (n = 17) and pSS monocytes (n = 6) resulted in significant induction of IL12A mRNA (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively) compared to PSC monocytes (n = 13) and at similar levels to HC monocytes (n = 8). PSC monocytes expressed significantly less IL-12p70 (108 pg/ml, mean) and IL-23 (358 pg/ml) compared to HC (458 pg/ml and 951 pg/ml, respectively) (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Treg cells from patients with PBC (n = 16) and pSS (n = 3) but not PSC (n = 10) and HC (n = 8) responded to low dose (10 ng/ml) IL-12 stimulation by significant upregulation of IFNγ (mean 277 and 254 pg/ml, respectively) compared to PSC and HC Treg cells (mean 22 and 77 pg/ml, respectively)(p < 0.05). This effect was mediated by the rapid and strong phosphorylation of STAT4 on Treg cells from patients with PBC and pSS (p < 0.05) but not PSC and HC. In the liver of patients with PBC (n = 7) a significantly higher proportion of IL-12Rβ2+Tregs (16% on average) was detected (p < 0.05) compared to other liver disease controls (5%)(n = 18) which also showed ex vivo high IFNG and TBET expression. CONCLUSION: Our data show an increased sensitivity of PBC and pSS Treg cells to low dose IL-12 stimulation, providing ongoing support for the importance of the IL12-IL-12Rβ2-STAT4 pathway on Treg cells in disease pathogenesis and potentially treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evaggelia Liaskou
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Samita R Patel
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gwilym Webb
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Danai Bagkou Dimakou
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sarah Akiror
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mahesh Krishna
- Weiss School of Natural Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George Mells
- Academic Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dave E Jones
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK; NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Simon J Bowman
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing and NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Francesca Barone
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing and NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Benjamin A Fisher
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing and NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Tanaka A, Leung PSC, Gershwin ME. The Genetics and Epigenetics of Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Clin Liver Dis 2018; 22:443-455. [PMID: 30259846 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Both genetic background and environmental factors contribute to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Recent innovative technologies, such as genome-wide association studies, identified a remarkable number of susceptible nonhuman leukocyte antigen genes contributing to the development of PBC; however, they are primarily indicators of active immunologic responses commonly involved in autoimmune reactions. Thus, recent studies have focused on epigenetic mechanisms that would link genetic predisposition and environmental triggering factors. In PBC, methylation profiling and altered X chromosome architecture have been intensively explored in conjunction with a striking female predominance. Further, microRNAs have been found to be associated with the etiology of PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1, Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis 95616, CA
| | - Merrill Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis 95616, CA.
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Carbone M, Bonato G, Invernizzi P. Female preponderance of primary biliary cholangitis is all about our understanding of its autoimmune nature. Hepatology 2018; 67:1210-1212. [PMID: 29091288 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Bonato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Tanaka A, Leung PS, Gershwin ME. Environmental basis of primary biliary cholangitis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2018; 243:184-189. [PMID: 29307284 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217748893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmunity is a consequence of both genetic and environmental factors, occurring in genetically susceptible hosts with environmental triggers. While genome-wide association studies have revealed a number of susceptible genes contributing to etiology, the environmental triggers remain poorly understood. Primary biliary cholangitis, formally known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is considered a model autoimmune disease for which our group has extensively evaluated environmental factors involved in its etiology. Bacterial infection and xenobiotics have been proposed as candidate environmental factors that may explain tolerance breakdown and production of primary biliary cholangitis-specific antimitochondrial autoantibodies. Large-scale case-control studies have consistently detected an association of primary biliary cholangitis with urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, as E. coli PDC-E2 is molecularly similar to human PDC-E2, the immunodominant target of AMAs. Another bacterium of interest is Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, a ubiquitous xenobiotic-metabolizing bacterium that produces lipoylated proteins, which are highly reactive with sera from primary biliary cholangitis patients. Regarding xenobiotics, case-control studies have suggested that frequent use of nail polish is associated with an increased susceptibility to primary biliary cholangitis. We found that 2-octynamide, the conjugate derived from 2-octynoic acid present in cosmetics, lipsticks, and some chewing gums, was unique in both its quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis and reactivity with primary biliary cholangitis sera. 2-nonyamide is another xenobiotic that also has the optimal chemical structure for xenobiotic modification of the PDC-E2 epitope, as demonstrated by the enhanced epitope recognition with AMA-positive PBC sera. Moreover, we found that C57BL/6 mice immunized with 2-octynoic acid-BSA possess many of the features characteristic to primary biliary cholangitis. Impact statement Autoimmunity is believed to develop in genetically susceptible hosts with triggers from the environment. Researchers have recently demonstrated that bacteria and xenobiotics commonly present in our environment are potential triggers of tolerance breakdown against autoantigens and autoimmunity, particularly in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The link between xenobiotics and PBC has been further confirmed with the establishment of PBC model mice by immunizing mice with xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- 1 Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Teikyo University, Tokyo 1738606, Japan
| | - Patrick Sc Leung
- 2 Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- 2 Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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