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Trivedi PJ, Hirschfield GM, Adams DH, Vierling JM. Immunopathogenesis of Primary Biliary Cholangitis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Autoimmune Hepatitis: Themes and Concepts. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:995-1019. [PMID: 38342195 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.01.049] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases include primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis, a family of chronic immune-mediated disorders that target hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Treatments remain nonspecific, variably effective, and noncurative, and the need for liver transplantation is disproportionate to their rarity. Development of effective therapies requires better knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms, including the roles of genetic risk, and how the environment and gut dysbiosis cause immune cell dysfunction and aberrant bile acid signaling. This review summarizes key etiologic and pathogenic concepts and themes relevant for clinical practice and how such learning can guide the development of new therapies for people living with autoimmune liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak J Trivedi
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David H Adams
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - John M Vierling
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
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Khan SA, Ali N, Farooq MA, Hasan S, Malik MI. Spectrum of Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Cohort of Pakistani Children. Glob Pediatr Health 2024; 11:2333794X241251644. [PMID: 38694564 PMCID: PMC11062213 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x241251644] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is increasingly seen in children worldwide and it is more severe in children compared to adults. This study highlights the biochemical and clinical aspect, treatment given and outcome of the disease including pediatric liver transplantation. Study. Retrospective review (2012-2022) was done in Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad. Patients under 18 years diagnosed with AIH were included. Data related to age, gender, clinical features, laboratory investigations including liver function test, liver biopsy findings and imaging modalities were included. Results. Fifteen patients were included 7 (47%) were males and 8 (53%) females. AIH type 1 was the most common type seen in 7 (46%), AIH type 2 in 5 (33%) and seronegative in 3 (20%). Jaundice was the most common symptom. Liver biopsy showed findings characteristic of AIH. Liver transplant performed in 3 patients. Conclusion. The study highlights the varied clinical presentation of AIH in Pakistani children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabeen Abid Khan
- Shifa college of medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Naurin Ali
- Shifa college of medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Munir Iqbal Malik
- Shifa college of medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Yuming Z, Ruqi T, Gershwin ME, Xiong M. Autoimmune Hepatitis: Pathophysiology. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:15-35. [PMID: 37945156 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association analyses suggest that HLA genes including HLA-DRB*0301, HLA-DRB*0401, and HLA-B*3501 as well as non-HLA genes including CD28/CTLA4/ICOS and SYNPR increased AIH susceptibility. The destruction of hepatocytes is the result of the imbalance between proinflammatory cells and immunosuppressive cells, especially the imbalance between Tregs and Th17 cells. The microbiome in patients with AIH is decreased in diversity with a specific decline in Bifidobacterium and enrichment in Veillonella and Faecalibacterium. Recent evidence has demonstrated the pathogenic role of E. gallinarum and L.reuteri in inducing autoimmunity in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Yuming
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Tang Ruqi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Merrill Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Ma Xiong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China; Institute of Aging & Tissue Regeneration, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Yadav V, Irfan R, Safdar S, Sunkara V, Ekhator C, Pendyala PR, Devi M, Shahzed SMI, Das A, Affaf M, Bellegarde SB, Shrestha R, Naseem MA, Al Khalifa A. Advances in Understanding and Managing Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e43973. [PMID: 37622052 PMCID: PMC10446851 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of hepatocytes, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. In recent years, significant advances have been made in understanding the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of AIH. This comprehensive narrative review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of these advances. The review begins by outlining the historical background of AIH, dating back to its initial recognition in the 1940s, and highlights the evolution of diagnostic criteria and classification based on autoantibody profiles. The epidemiology of AIH is explored, discussing its varying prevalence across different regions and the role of genetic predisposition, viral infections, and drug exposure as risk factors. Furthermore, the review delves into the pathogenesis of AIH, focusing on the dysregulated immune response, involvement of T cells, and potential contribution of the gut microbiome. Clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and liver biopsy as crucial tools for diagnosis are also discussed. Regarding management, the review provides an in-depth analysis of the standard first-line treatments involving glucocorticoids and azathioprine, as well as alternative therapies for non-responsive cases. Additionally, emerging second and third-line treatment options are examined. In conclusion, this narrative review highlights the complexity of AIH and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and individualized treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes. Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize AIH management and ensure a better long-term prognosis for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Yadav
- Internal Medicine, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, IND
| | | | | | | | - Chukwuyem Ekhator
- Neuro-Oncology, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, USA
| | - Praful R Pendyala
- Neurology, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, IND
| | | | | | - Archana Das
- Internal Medicine, North East Medical College and Hospital, Sylhet, BGD
| | - Maryam Affaf
- Medicine, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Sophia B Bellegarde
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Antigua, St. John's, ATG
| | - Riya Shrestha
- Medicine, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, NPL
| | | | - Ahmed Al Khalifa
- Medical School, College of Medicine, Sulaiman Alrajhi University, Al Bukayriyah, SAU
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Khor SS, Ueno K, Nishida N, Kawashima M, Kawai Y, Aiba Y, Hitomi Y, Nagasaki M, Nakamura M, Tokunaga K. Novel HLA allele associations with susceptibility, staging, symptomatic state, autoimmune hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma events for primary biliary cholangitis in the Japanese population. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1151502. [PMID: 37325616 PMCID: PMC10264690 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1151502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare autoimmune disease with a clear predisposition for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR/DQ-associated loss of immune tolerance for the E2 component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Three-field-resolution HLA imputation of 1,670 Japanese PBC patients and 2,328 healthy controls was conducted using Japanese population-specific HLA reference panels. Eighteen previously reported Japanese PBC-associated HLA alleles were confirmed and extended to 3-field-resolution, including HLA-DRB1*08:03 to HLA-DRB1*08:03:02, HLA-DQB1*03:01 to HLA-DQB1*03:01:01, HLA-DQB1*04:01 to HLA-DQB1*04:01:01 and HLA-DQB1*06:04 to HLA-DQB1*06:04:01. In addition, additional significant novel HLA alleles were identified, including 3 novel susceptible HLA-DQA1 alleles: HLA-DQA1*03:03:01, HLA-DQA1*04:01:01, HLA-DQA1*01:04:01 and 1 novel protective HLA-DQA1 allele, HLA-DQA1*05:05:01. In addition, PBC patients carrying HLA-DRB1*15:01:01 and HLA-DQA1*03:03:01 would have a higher predisposition toward developing concomitant autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Further, late-stage and symptomatic PBC shared the same susceptible HLA alleles of HLA-A*26:01:01, HLA-DRB1*09:01:02 and HLA-DQB1*03:03:02. Lastly, HLA-DPB1*05:01:01 was identified as a potential risk HLA allele for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in PBC patients. In conclusion, we have extended the current knowledge of HLA allele associations to 3-field resolution and identified novel HLA allele associations with predisposition risk, staging, symptomatic state, and AIH and HCC events for Japanese PBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seik-Soon Khor
- Genome Medical Science Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuko Ueno
- Genome Medical Science Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nao Nishida
- Genome Medical Science Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Minae Kawashima
- Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS), Research Organization of Information and Systems, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kawai
- Genome Medical Science Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Aiba
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Japan
| | - Yuki Hitomi
- Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masao Nagasaki
- Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Minoru Nakamura
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Japan
- Department of Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Omura, Japan
- Headquarters of Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Research in NHO Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan (NHOSLJ), Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Japan
| | - Katsushi Tokunaga
- Genome Medical Science Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Maria A, Sood V, Khanna R, Lal BB, Trehanpati N, Alam S. Association of HLA DRB1 Allele Profile with Pediatric Autoimmune Liver Disease in India. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:397-403. [PMID: 37250880 PMCID: PMC10213850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study is to study the association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 alleles with treatment response in Indian children with autoimmune liver disease (AILD). Methods HLA DRB1 alleles of 71 Indian children with pediatric AILD (pAILD) were analyzed along with 25 genetically confirmed patients with Wilson disease as controls. After 1 year of therapy, all those who failed to normalize aspartate & alanine transferase (AST/ ALT) (below 1.5 times of upper limit of normal) and/or failed to normalize IgG levels, or who had >2 relapses (AST/ALT levels >1.5 times of upper limit of normal) while on treatment, were labeled as difficult to treat (DTT). Results HLA DRB1∗3 was found to be significantly associated with AIH type 1 (46.2% vs. 4% in controls; P corrected = 0.011). Majority of the patients [55 (77.5%)] had chronic liver disease at presentation, with 42 (59.2%) having portal hypertension and 17 (23.9%) having ascites. Out of the 71 with pAILD, 19 (26.8%) were DTT. HLA DRB1∗14 was found to be independently associated with DTT cases (36.8% vs. 9.6%, OR 5.87, 95% CI 1.07-32.09, P = 0.041). Other factors independently associated with DTT were presence of autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (OR 8.57, P = 0.008) and high-risk varices (OR 7.55, P = 0.016), improving the correctness of classification of the model from 73.2% to 84.5%. Conclusion HLA DRB1∗14 is independently associated with treatment response in pAILD and HLA DRB1∗3 is associated with AIH type 1. HLA DRB1 alleles may thus provide supportive information for diagnosis and prognosis of AILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Maria
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikrant Sood
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Khanna
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bikrant B. Lal
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nirupama Trehanpati
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Seema Alam
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Yuksel M, Nazmi F, Wardat D, Akgül S, Polat E, Akyildiz M, Arikan Ç. Standard immunosuppressive treatment reduces regulatory B cells in children with autoimmune liver disease. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1053216. [PMID: 36685568 PMCID: PMC9849683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1053216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease caused by a perturbed immune system. The scarcity of short- and long-term immune monitoring of AIH hampered us to comprehend the interaction between immunosuppressive medication and immune homeostasis. Methods and patients We recruited children with AIH at the time of diagnosis and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th months of immunosuppression (IS). We also enrolled children with AIH being on IS for >2 years. Children with drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and those receiving tacrolimus after liver transplantation (LT), were enrolled as disease/IS control subjects. Healthy children (HC) were also recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from all participants. Healthy liver tissue from adult donors and from livers without inflammation were obtained from children with hepatoblastoma. By using flow cytometry, we performed multi-parametric immune profiling of PBMCs and intrahepatic lymphocytes. Additionally, after IS with prednisolone, tacrolimus, rapamycin, or 6-mercaptopurine, we carried out an in vitro cytokine stimulation assay. Finally, a Lifecodes SSO typing kit was used to type HLA-DRB1 and Luminex was used to analyze the results. Results Untreated AIH patients had lower total CD8 T-cell frequencies than HC, but these cells were more naïve. While the percentage of naïve regulatory T cells (Tregs) (CD4+FOXP3lowCD45RA+) and regulatory B cells (Bregs, CD20+CD24+CD38+) was similar, AIH patients had fewer activated Tregs (CD4+FOXP3highCD45RA - ) compared to HC. Mucosal-associated-invariant-T-cells (MAIT) were also lower in these patients. Following the initiation of IS, the immune profiles demonstrated fluctuations. Bregs frequency decreased substantially at 1 month and did not recover anymore. Additionally, the frequency of intrahepatic Bregs in treated AIH patients was lower, compared to control livers, DILI, and LT patients. Following in vitro IS drugs incubation, only the frequency of IL-10-producing total B-cells increased with tacrolimus and 6MP. Lastly, 70% of AIH patients possessed HLA-DR11, whereas HLA-DR03/DR07/DR13 was present in only some patients. Conclusion HLA-DR11 was prominent in our AIH cohort. Activated Tregs and MAIT cell frequencies were lower before IS. Importantly, we discovered a previously unrecognized and long-lasting Bregs scarcity in AIH patients after IS. Tacrolimus and 6MP increased IL-10+ B-cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Yuksel
- Paediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye,Liver Immunology Lab, Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Farinaz Nazmi
- Paediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye,Liver Immunology Lab, Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Dima Wardat
- Liver Immunology Lab, Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sebahat Akgül
- Transplant Immunology Research Centre of Excellence (TIREX) Tissue Typing Lab, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Esra Polat
- Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sancaktepe Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Murat Akyildiz
- Adult Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Çigdem Arikan
- Paediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye,Liver Immunology Lab, Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye,*Correspondence: Çigdem Arikan,
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Cancado ELR, Goldbaum-Crescente J, Terrabuio DRB. HLA-related genetic susceptibility in autoimmune hepatitis according to autoantibody profile. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1032591. [PMID: 36311739 PMCID: PMC9606223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1032591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis in first-degree relatives is small, the relationship between genetic markers, especially human leucocyte antigens (HLA), and susceptibility to this disease, has been studied for over three decades. The genetic susceptibility to AIH is believed to be different in the two subtypes of the disease, AIH type 1 and AIH type 2. Type 1 AIH has anti-smooth muscle and anti-nuclear antibodies as its main markers, while those of type 2 AIH are the anti-liver/kidney microsome type 1 and anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibodies. The anti-soluble liver antigen/liver-pancreas antibodies, which, in addition to being present in both subtypes, mark an important number of patients without serological markers. Therefore, a third type of disease is questionable. The vast majority of immunogenetic studies compare the differences between the two main types and make no difference between which antibodies are present to define the subtype. This review seeks to analyze what was most important published in the AIH in this context, trying to relate the HLA alleles according to the AIH marker autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Luiz Rachid Cancado
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Eduardo Luiz Rachid Cancado,
| | - Juliana Goldbaum-Crescente
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lapierre P, Alvarez F. Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis: Genetic susceptibility. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1025343. [PMID: 36248826 PMCID: PMC9556705 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1025343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Two types of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are recognized; AIH-1 is characterized by the presence of anti-nuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle autoantibodies, while AIH-2 is associated with the presence of anti-Liver kidney microsome and/or anti-Liver Cytosol antibodies. The autoantigens targeted by AIH-2 autoantibodies are the cytochrome P450 2D6 and Formiminotransferase-cyclodeaminase for anti-LKM1 and anti-LC1 respectively. Both autoantigens are expressed in hepatocytes at higher levels than in any other cell type. Therefore, compared to AIH-1, the autoantigens targeted in AIH-2 are predominantly tissue-specific. Distinct clinical features are specific to AIH-2 compared to AIH-1, including diagnosis in younger patients (mean age 6.6 years), onset as fulminant hepatitis in very young patients (3 years of age or less), higher frequency in children than in adults and is frequently associated with extrahepatic T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. AIH-2 is also often diagnosed in patients with primary immunodeficiency. AIH-2 is associated with specific HLA class II susceptibility alleles; DQB1*0201 is considered the main determinant of susceptibility while DRB1*07/DRB1*03 is associated with the type of autoantibody present. HLA DQB1*0201 is in strong linkage disequilibrium with both HLA DRB1*03 and DRB1*07. Interestingly, as in humans, MHC and non-MHC genes strongly influence the development of the disease in an animal model of AIH-2. Altogether, these findings suggest that AIH-2 incidence is likely dependent on specific genetic susceptibility factors combined with distinct environmental triggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Lapierre
- Laboratoire d’hépatologie cellulaire, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Fernando Alvarez
- Service de gastroentérologie, hépatologie et nutrition, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Fernando Alvarez,
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Mack CL. HLA Associations in pediatric autoimmune liver diseases: Current state and future research initiatives. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1019339. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1019339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The strongest genetic association with autoimmunity is within chromosome 6p21, where the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex resides. This review will focus on the HLA associations within pediatric autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. In general, there is considerable overlap in HLA genotypes conferring susceptibility to pediatric autoimmune liver diseases, however unique HLA associations and protective HLA genotypes exist. There are numerous areas for future research initiatives in pediatric autoimmune liver diseases and HLA associations with clinical outcomes, autoantigen discovery and novel therapeutics targeting the HLA- autoantigen- T cell pathway will be highlighted.
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Huang CY, Zhang HP, Han WJ, Zhao DT, Liao HY, Ma YX, Xu B, Li LJ, Han Y, Liu XH, Wang Q, Lou JL, Zhang XD, Zhao J, Li WJ, Liu YM, Yan HP. Disease predisposition of human leukocyte antigen class II genes influences the gut microbiota composition in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:984697. [PMID: 36203614 PMCID: PMC9531677 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.984697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe human leukocyte antigen (HLA) susceptibility gene is the main genetic risk factor for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The prognosis of patients with PBC is linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. However, whether the HLA alleles are associated with the gut microbiota distribution and disease severity remains unknown.MethodsA cohort of 964 Chinese patients with PBC was enrolled at Beijing YouAn Hospital, Beijing, China. High-resolution genotyping of the HLA class I and class II loci from 151 of these patients was performed using sequence-based PCR. Stool samples were collected from 43 of the 151 fully HLA-typed patients to analyze their microbiota compositions via 16S RNA gene sequencing.ResultsOf the 964 patients, the male:female ratio was 114:850, and 342 of these patients (35.5%) had already developed liver cirrhosis (LC) before enrollment. Patients with PBC showed a significantly higher frequency of HLA DRB1*08:03 than did the controls (21.2% vs. 9.0%, P=0.0001). HLA-DRB1*03:01, DRB1*07:01, DRB1*14:05, and DRB1*14:54 frequencies were also increased but did not reach significance after Bonferroni’s correction. Conversely, the DQB1*03:01 frequency was significantly lower in patients with PBC than in the controls (24.5% vs. 39.2%, P=0.0010). The patients’ gut microbiota were analyzed from four perspectives. The microbial community abundances were significantly lower in FHRAC-positive patients (patients with a combination of five HLA DRB1 high-risk alleles) than in FHRAC-negative patients (P<0.05). Of the top 10 microbial genera, Lachnospiraceae_incertae_sedis was higher in the FHRAC-positive patients than in the FHRAC-negative patients (P<0.05). linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect-size (LEfSe) analysis showed different microbes at different levels in the FHRAC-negative patients but not in the FHRAC-positive patients. DQB1*03:01-positive patients contained mostly Lactobacillaceae at the family level. A comparison of the FHRAC-positive patients with and without liver cirrhosis showed that the abundances of Veillonella were significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis and FHRAC than in those without cirrhosis and are FHRAC-negative.ConclusionThe HLA class II genes may influence the gut microbiota compositions in patients with PBC. Differential gut microbiota were expressed at different taxonomic levels. Some bacterial abundances may be increased in FHRAC-positive patients with PBC and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yang Huang
- Second Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Ping Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory Center and Clinical Research Center for Autoimmune Liver Disease, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Jia Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Integrated Clinical Microecology Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dan-Tong Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory Center and Clinical Research Center for Autoimmune Liver Disease, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Yu Liao
- Second Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yin-Xue Ma
- Clinical Laboratory Center and Clinical Research Center for Autoimmune Liver Disease, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Second Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Juan Li
- Clinical Laboratory Center and Clinical Research Center for Autoimmune Liver Disease, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Han
- Second Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Hong Liu
- Clinical Laboratory Center and Clinical Research Center for Autoimmune Liver Disease, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Hepatology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Li Lou
- Clinical Laboratory Center and Clinical Research Center for Autoimmune Liver Disease, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Zhang
- Second Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Second Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Juan Li
- Second Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Min Liu
- Second Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hui-Ping Yan, , ; Yan-Min Liu,
| | - Hui-Ping Yan
- Second Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Laboratory Center and Clinical Research Center for Autoimmune Liver Disease, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hui-Ping Yan, , ; Yan-Min Liu,
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12
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Shin E, Schwarz KB, Jones-Brando LV, Florea LD, Sabunciyan S, Wood LD, Yolken RH. Expression of HLA and Autoimmune Pathway Genes in Liver Biopsies of Young Subjects With Autoimmune Hepatitis Type 1. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2022; 75:269-275. [PMID: 35759748 PMCID: PMC9365252 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test the hypothesis that autoimmune hepatitis (AIH type I) in young subjects is due to genetic differences in proinflammatory genes responding to viral triggers in patients and controls. METHODS Intrahepatic gene expression was compared between AIH type I (n = 24, age 9-30 years) patients (hereafter referred to as the AIH group) and controls (n = 21, age 4-25 years). RNA sequencing was performed on complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries made from total RNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) liver biopsy samples. Gene expression levels were quantified, and differentially expressed genes were functionally analyzed. Pathway analysis was performed using the databases Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and PANTHER. The remaining sequences were mapped to the RefSeq complete set of viral genomes. RESULTS Differential gene analysis identified 181 genes that were significantly differentially expressed (136 upregulated in the AIH group). Autoimmune pathway genes such as CD19 and CD20 which are important in B cell regulation and maturation as well as, CD8 and LY9 , which are T-cell related, were upregulated in our AIH group. Genes implicated in AIH pathogenesis including CXCL10 , which is thought to be associated with AIH severity and progression, complement genes ( C1QA, C1QB , and C1QC ), and human leucocyte antigen ( HLA ) genes ( HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRA, HLA-B , and HLA-C ) were upregulated in samples from the AIH group. Specific viral etiologies were not found. CONCLUSIONS Unbiased next-generation sequencing and differential gene expression analysis of the AIH group has not only added support for the role of B cells in the pathogenesis and treatment of AIH but also has introduced potential new therapeutic targets: CXCL10 (anti- CXCL10 ) and several complement system-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Shin
- From the Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | - Liliana D. Florea
- the Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sarven Sabunciyan
- From the Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Robert H. Yolken
- From the Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
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13
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Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. HLA, gut microbiome and hepatic autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:980768. [PMID: 36059527 PMCID: PMC9433828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.980768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic susceptibility to autoimmune liver diseases is conferred mainly by polymorphisms of genes encoding for the human leukocyte antigens (HLA). The strongest predisposition to autoimmune hepatitis type 1 (AIH-1) is linked to the allele DRB1*03:01, possession of which is associated with earlier disease onset and more severe course. In populations where this allele is very rare, such as in Asia, and in DRB1*03-negative patients, risk of AIH-1 is conferred by DRB1*04, which is associated with later disease onset and milder phenotype. AIH type 2 (AIH-2) is associated with DRB1*07. The pediatric condition referred to as autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), is associated with the DRB1*13 in populations of Northern European ancestry. DRB1*1501 is protective from AIH-1, AIH-2 and ASC in Northern European populations. Possession of the DRB1*08 allele is associated with an increased risk of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) across different populations. DRB1*03:01 and B*08:01 confer susceptibility to primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), as well as DRB1*13 and DRB1*15 in Europe. The hepatic blood supply is largely derived from the splanchnic circulation, suggesting a pathophysiological role of the gut microbiome. AIH appears to be associated with dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, and translocation of intestinal microbial products into the circulation; molecular mimicry between microbial and host antigens may trigger an autoaggressive response in genetically-predisposed individuals. In PBC an altered enteric microbiome may affect intestinal motility, immunological function and bile secretion. Patients with PSC have a gut microbial profile different from health as well as from patients with inflammatory bowel disease without PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Epatocentro Ticino and Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli,
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diego Vergani
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Yang F, Zhou L, Shen Y, Zhao S, Zheng Y, Men R, Fan X, Yang L. Metabolic heterogeneity caused by HLA-DRB1*04:05 and protective effect of inosine on autoimmune hepatitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:982186. [PMID: 35990653 PMCID: PMC9389112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.982186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an autoimmune disease caused by disruption of liver immune homeostasis. Genetic studies have revealed the predisposition of AIH with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region. Recently, metabolomics integrated with genomics has identified many genetic loci of biomedical interest. However, there is no related report in AIH. In the present study, we found that HLA-DRB1*04:05 was linked to the clinical features and prognosis of AIH in Chinese patients. Furthermore, our patients were divided into DRB1*04:05 positive and DRB1*04:05 negative groups and the metabolic profiling was done by HPLC/MS. We chose inosine, one of the highly altered metabolites, to explore the effect on an acute severe hepatitis murine model. The results showed that inosine treatment attenuated hepatocyte apoptosis, enhanced antioxidant ability and inhibited the activation and glycolysis of CD4+ T cell. We propose that inosine participates in the regulation of AIH through its protective effect on hepatocytes and inhibition of overactivated immune cells, which might provide a potential novel approach in treating acute form of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Li Yang
- *Correspondence: Li Yang, ; Xiaoli Fan,
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15
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Stevens JP, Gupta NA. Recent Insights into Pediatric Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Clin Liver Dis 2022; 26:489-519. [PMID: 35868687 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews recent literature on the pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, comorbidities, natural history, and management of pediatric primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The authors shed light on the role of genetic and environmental factors in PSC, although recognize the limitations in the understanding of PSC pathogenesis. They reflect on presenting disease phenotypes, including the association with inflammatory bowel disease and frequent histologic presence of autoimmune hepatitis features. The current lack of effective medications is discussed, and disease complications and prognosis are described. Finally, the authors highlight available evidence while acknowledging the paucity of prospective pediatric data.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Stevens
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
| | - Nitika A Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta GA 30322, USA.
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16
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Zachou K, Arvaniti P, Lyberopoulou A, Sevdali E, Speletas M, Ioannou M, Koukoulis GK, Renaudineau Y, Dalekos GN. Altered DNA methylation pattern characterizes the peripheral immune cells of patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Liver Int 2022; 42:1355-1368. [PMID: 35108441 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Little is known about the impact of DNA methylation modifications on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) pathogenesis and therapeutic response. We investigated the potential alterations of DNA methylation in AIH peripheral lymphocytes at diagnosis and remission. METHODS Ten AIH patients at diagnosis (time-point 1; AIH-tp1), 8/10 following biochemical response (time-point 2; AIH-tp2), 9 primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and 10 healthy controls (HC) were investigated. Peripheral CD19(+) and CD4(+) cells were isolated. Global DNA methylation (5m C)/hydroxymethylation (5hm C) was studied by ELISAs. mRNA of DNA methylation (DNMT1/3A/3B) and their counteracting hydroxymethylation enzymes (TET1/2/3) was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Epigenome wide association study (EWAS) was performed in CD4(+) cells (Illumina HumanMethylation 850 K array) in AIH and HC. Total 5m C/5hm C was also assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on paraffin-embedded liver sections. RESULTS Reduced TET1 and increased DNMT3A mRNA levels characterized CD19(+) and CD4(+)-lymphocytes from AIH-tp1 compared to HC and PBC, respectively, without affecting global DNA 5m C/5hm C. In AIH-tp1, CD4(+) DNMT3A expression was negatively correlated with serum IgG (P = .03). In remission, DNMT3A decreased in both CD19(+) and CD4(+) cells compared to AIH-tp1 (P = .02, P = .03 respectively). EWAS in CD4(+) cells from AIH patients confirmed important modifications in genes implicated in immune responses (HLA-DP, TNF, lnRNAs and CD86). IHC showed increased 5hm C staining of periportal infiltrating lymphocytes in AIH-tp1 compared to HC and PBC. CONCLUSION Altered TET1 and DNMT3A expressions, characterize peripheral lymphocytes in AIH. DNMT3A was associated with disease activity and decreased following remission. Gene DNA methylation modifications affect immunological pathways that may play an important role in AIH pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Lyberopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eirini Sevdali
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology and Histocompatibility, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Matthaios Speletas
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology and Histocompatibility, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Ioannou
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Yves Renaudineau
- INSERN U1291, CNR U5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse Institute for infectious and inflammatory diseases, Toulouse, France.,Department of Immunology, Purpan University Hospital Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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17
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Di Giorgio A, Vergani D, Mieli-Vergani G. Cutting edge issues in juvenile sclerosing cholangitis. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:417-427. [PMID: 34289942 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) is a rare chronic disorder characterised by inflammation and progressive obliterative fibrosis of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. Diagnosis is based on cholangiogram showing bile duct dilatation, narrowing and obliteration of the biliary tree, and histologically, on the presence of inflammatory bile duct damage leading to periductal fibrosis. In children the most common SC is associated with strong autoimmune features, overlapping with those of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH); this form is known as autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis, ASC. Conversely, primary SC (PSC), a condition in which the term "primary" indicates that aetiology and pathogenesis are unknown, is rare in paediatrics. Secondary SC (SSC) defines a cholangiopathy associated with an identifiable aetiology such as immunodeficiencies, infections or haematological disorders. ASC and PSC are strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ASC responds biochemically well to immunosuppressive drugs and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Primary forms are exclusively managed with oral UDCA, while in the secondary forms the medical treatment depends on the underlying aetiology. Despite treatment, SC often progresses to biliary cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation. The disease can recur after transplant. Better understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and better treatment modalities are needed to improve the prognosis of this invalidating hepatic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Di Giorgio
- Paediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Diego Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Liver Studies, Mowat Labs King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Liver Studies, Mowat Labs King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Paediatric Liver, Gastrointestinal, and Nutrition Centre, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Autoimmmune hepatitis. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:158-176. [PMID: 34580437 PMCID: PMC8475398 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a T-cell mediated, inflammatory liver disease affecting all ages and characterized by female preponderance, elevated serum transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive circulating autoantibodies, and presence of interface hepatitis at liver histology. AIH type 1, affecting both adults and children, is defined by positive anti-nuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle antibodies, while type 2 AIH, affecting mostly children, is defined by positive anti-liver-kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibody. While the autoantigens of type 2 AIH are well defined, being the cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) and the formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase (FTCD), in type 1 AIH they remain to be identified. AIH-1 predisposition is conferred by possession of the MHC class II HLA DRB1*03 at all ages, while DRB1*04 predisposes to late onset disease; AIH-2 is associated with possession of DRB1*07 and DRB1*03. The majority of patients responds well to standard immunosuppressive treatment, based on steroid and azathioprine; second- and third-line drugs should be considered in case of intolerance or insufficient response. This review offers a comprehensive overview of pathophysiological and clinical aspects of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Epatocentro Ticino & Facoltà di Scienze Biomediche, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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19
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Gao SH, Gong MC, Song HM. Acute severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children: considerations from the perspective of immunology. World J Pediatr 2022; 18:529-532. [PMID: 35768757 PMCID: PMC9244185 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00580-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Hao Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Chun Gong
- Institute of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Mei Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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20
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Vuerich M, Wang N, Kalbasi A, Graham JJ, Longhi MS. Dysfunctional Immune Regulation in Autoimmune Hepatitis: From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:746436. [PMID: 34650567 PMCID: PMC8510512 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.746436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, presence of serum autoantibodies and histological features of interface hepatitis. AIH therapeutic management still relies on the administration of corticosteroids, azathioprine and other immunosuppressants like calcineurin inhibitors and mycophenolate mofetil. Withdrawal of immunosuppression often results in disease relapse, and, in some cases, therapy is ineffective or associated with serious side effects. Understanding the mechanisms underlying AIH pathogenesis is therefore of paramount importance to develop more effective and well tolerated agents capable of restoring immunotolerance to liver autoantigens. Imbalance between effector and regulatory cells permits liver damage perpetuation and progression in AIH. Impaired expression and regulation of CD39, an ectoenzyme key to immunotolerance maintenance, have been reported in Tregs and effector Th17-cells derived from AIH patients. Interference with these altered immunoregulatory pathways may open new therapeutic avenues that, in addition to limiting aberrant inflammatory responses, would also reconstitute immune homeostasis. In this review, we highlight the most recent findings in AIH immunopathogenesis and discuss how these could inform and direct the development of novel therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vuerich
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ahmadreza Kalbasi
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathon J Graham
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maria Serena Longhi
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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21
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Trivedi PJ, Hirschfield GM. Recent advances in clinical practice: epidemiology of autoimmune liver diseases. Gut 2021; 70:1989-2003. [PMID: 34266966 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-322362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases are chronic inflammatory hepatobiliary disorders that when classically defined encompass three distinctive clinical presentations; primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Meaningful changes in disease epidemiology are reported, with increasing incidence and prevalence of AIH and PSC in Europe, and rising prevalence of PBC across Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. However, there appears to be very significant global variation with contemporary incidence rates of disease per 100 000 ranging from 0.84 to 2.75 for PBC, 0.1 to 4.39 for PSC and 0.4 to 2.39 for AIH. Prevalence corresponds, and per 100 000 estimates for PBC range from 1.91 to 40.2, for PSC between 0.78 and 31.7 and for AIH from 4.8 to 42.9. Population-based studies and multicentre observational cohort series provide improved understanding of the clinical course that patients experience, highlighting variations in presenting phenotypes geographically and temporally. Collectively, while autoimmune liver diseases are rare, the clinical burden is disproportionately high relative to population incidence and prevalence. Age, sex and race also impact clinical outcomes, and patient morbidity and mortality are reflected by high need for gastroenterology, hepatology and organ transplant services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak J Trivedi
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service Foundation Trust Queen Elizabeth, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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