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Chen Y, Yang M, Zhang M, Wang H, Zheng Y, Sun R, Li X. Single-Cell Transcriptome Reveals Potential Mechanisms for Coronary Artery Lesions in Kawasaki Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:866-882. [PMID: 38357816 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320188] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary artery lesions (CALs) are the most common and major complication of Kawasaki disease (KD) in developed countries. However, the underlying immunologic mechanisms of CAL development in KD remain unclear. METHODS Here, we conducted single-cell transcriptome analyses of 212 210 peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from a cross-sectional cohort of 16 children, including 4 patients with KD with CALs, 5 patients with KD without CALs, 4 healthy controls, and 3 febrile controls. RESULTS KD altered the proportion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, including an increasing trend in inflammatory cells (megakaryocytes and monocytes) and a decreasing trend in lymphocytes (eg, CD4+ T, CD8+ T, mucosal-associated invariant T, natural killer, and γδ T cells), highlighting the potential presence of lymphopenia phenomenon in KD. Our data indicated the presence of inflammatory cytokine storm in patients with KD with CALs, caused by systemic upregulation of TNFSF13B (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 13b), CXCL16 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 16), TNFSF10 (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 10), and IL1RN (interleukin 1 receptor antagonist), mainly produced by monocytes (especially for the Mono_CD14-CD16 cluster) and megakaryocytes. We also found that myeloid cells of patients with KD, particularly in those with CALs, might play a role in vascular injury (eg, increased MMP [matrix metalloproteinase] 9, MMP17, and MMP25) and immune cell recruitment. The immune landscape of patients with KD with CALs was featured by lower exhaustion levels in natural killer cells, a high cytotoxic state in the CD8_Pro cluster, and activation of the complement system in monocytes. Additionally, the activation of B cells was more pronounced in the early stage of KD. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the roles of various immune cells and inflammatory cytokine storms in the development of CALs in KD and offers a valuable resource for identifying novel therapeutic targets for patients with KD with CALs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeshi Chen
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China (Y.C., M.Y., R.S., X.L.)
| | - Minna Yang
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China (Y.C., M.Y., R.S., X.L.)
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Children's Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (M.Z., H.W., X.L.)
| | - Hongmao Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Children's Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (M.Z., H.W., X.L.)
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Children's Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Peking Union Medical College Graduate School, Beijing, China (Y.Z.)
| | - Rui Sun
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China (Y.C., M.Y., R.S., X.L.)
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China (Y.C., M.Y., R.S., X.L.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Children's Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (M.Z., H.W., X.L.)
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Zheng A, Hu N, Xu J, Yuan Y, Zhang S, Chen W, Bai Y, Sun H. Associations between TNFSF13B polymorphisms and primary Sjögren's syndrome susceptibility in primary Sjögren's syndrome patients: A meta-analysis. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e1103. [PMID: 38156381 PMCID: PMC10698818 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1103] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is a key regulator of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), which is characterized by B-lymphocyte hyperactivity. BAFF, also known as tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13B, is encoded by TNFSF13B. This study aimed to explore the possible relationships between five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TNFSF13B (rs9514827, rs1041569, rs9514828, rs1224141, and rs12583006) and pSS susceptibility. METHODS We searched the following databases for articles on TNFSF13B polymorphism and pSS published up to January 2023: PubMed, Cochrane, Elsevier, Web of Science, CNKI, CQVIP, and WanFang. The odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of genotypes and SNP alleles of TNFSF13B were investigated in patients with pSS to determine their relationships with pSS. RESULTS This meta-analysis employing the fixed-effect model comprised three studies of pSS patients and randomly selected healthy controls (HCs), revealing statistically significant relationships between pSS susceptibility and two SNPs: rs1041569 and rs12583006. Because rs1041569 was not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the HC group, it was eliminated from the analysis. CONCLUSIONS Polymorphisms in the BAFF (TNFSF13B) gene were related to vulnerability to pSS among pSS patients and HCs alike. The SNP rs12583006 was significantly related to pSS susceptibility in pSS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhao Zheng
- Medical Integration and Practice CenterCheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyShandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Naiwen Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyShandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyShandong Provincial Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Jing Xu
- Graduate SchoolShandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Ye Yuan
- Graduate SchoolShandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Shumin Zhang
- Graduate SchoolShandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Wenbin Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyShandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyShandong Provincial Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yanyan Bai
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyShandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyShandong Provincial Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Hongsheng Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyShandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyShandong Provincial Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
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Wang J, Li G, Liu S, Miao J, Sun Q, Gu W, Mao X. Activation of Toll-like receptor 4 by thyroid hormone triggers abnormal B-cell activation. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e1007. [PMID: 37773690 PMCID: PMC10540142 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1007] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breakdown of tolerance and abnormal activation of B cells is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD). High levels of thyroid hormones (THs) play important roles in GD progression. However, the interactions between THs and abnormal activation of B cells remain elusive. This study aimed to explore the effect of high levels of THs on TLR4 expression and abnormal B cell differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood samples were collected from patients with GD and healthy controls (HCs) to evaluate the frequency of B cells, their subsets, and TLR4 expression in B cells. A high-level T3 mouse model was used to study the interaction between THs and the TLR4 signalling pathway. RESULTS We found that the frequencies of CD19+ , CD19+ TLR4+ , CD19+ CD86+ , and CD19+ CD138+ B cells were significantly higher, as were the expression levels of MRP8/MRP14 and MRP6 and MRP8, MRP14, and MRP6 messenger RNA (mRNA) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with GD. In high-level T3 mice models, the serum MRP8/MRP14 and MRP6 levels and the TLR4 mRNA expression in PBMCs were significantly higher. TLR4 mRNA, protein expression, and cytokines downstream of TLR4, such as myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear transcription factor-κB, were also increased in mouse spleen mononuclear cells. CONCLUSION The present study indicated that high levels of T3 can induce abnormal differentiation and activation of B cells by promoting TLR4 overexpression and provide novel insights into the roles of THs in the pathogenesis of GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Guo‐Qing Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jing‐Jing Miao
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Wen‐Sha Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiao‐Ming Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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Rezazadeh M, Jokar MH, Mehrnaz Aghili S, Mirfeizi Z, Mahmoudi M, Morovatdar N, Hashemzadeh K. Association between levels of serum and urinary B cell-activating factor and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity. Arch Rheumatol 2023; 38:429-440. [PMID: 38046245 PMCID: PMC10689013 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2023.9549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study investigated the correlation between serum and urinary B cell-activating factor (BAFF) levels and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity. Patients and methods This case-control study was conducted with 87 participants between December 2020 and September 2021. Sixty-two SLE patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were enrolled. SLE patients were categorized into active (n=34) and inactive (n=28) groups based on their Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores. The control group consisted of 25 healthy subjects. Serum and urine samples were collected for the measurement of BAFF levels. Finally, the relationship between these variables and SLE disease activity was investigated. Results The mean age of active (SLEDAI-2K >4) and inactive (SLEDAI-2K ≤4) SLE patients and healthy individuals were 32.8±7.8, 32.5±6.8, and 31.7±7.8 years, respectively (p=0.62). The median serum BAFF (s-BAFF) and urinary BAFF (u-BAFF) in active lupus patients (10.4 [2.3] ng/mL and 8.2 [3.7] ng/mL, respectively) were significantly higher than in inactive lupus patients (6 (7.1) ng/mL and 1.7 (4.7) ng/mL, respectively; p<0.001) and the control group (3 (3.7) ng/mL and 1.6 (2.2) ng/mL, respectively; p<0.001). However, s-BAFF (p=0.07) and u-BAFF (p=0.43) did not significantly differ between the inactive group and the control group. A significant positive correlation was observed between s-BAFF (r=0.41 and p=0.001) and u-BAFF (r=0.78 and p<0.001) levels and the SLEDAI-2K score. Conclusion There is a significant positive correlation between serum and urinary BAFF levels and SLE disease activity. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of s-BAFF and u-BAFF have been observed in patients with active lupus compared to inactive and healthy subjects, indicating a possible role for BAFF in the pathogenesis of SLE disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rezazadeh
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasan Jokar
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Mehrnaz Aghili
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zahra Mirfeizi
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mahmoudi
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negar Morovatdar
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Clinical Research Unit, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kamila Hashemzadeh
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad, Iran
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5
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Álvarez Gómez JA, Salazar-Camarena DC, Román-Fernández IV, Ortiz-Lazareno PC, Cruz A, Muñoz-Valle JF, Marín-Rosales M, Espinoza-García N, Sagrero-Fabela N, Palafox-Sánchez CA. BAFF system expression in double negative 2, activated naïve and activated memory B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235937. [PMID: 37675114 PMCID: PMC10478082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235937] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction B cell activating factor (BAFF) has an important role in normal B cell development. The aberrant expression of BAFF is related with the autoimmune diseases development like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) for promoting self-reactive B cells survival. BAFF functions are exerted through its receptors BAFF-R (BR3), transmembrane activator calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) that are reported to have differential expression on B cells in SLE. Recently, atypical B cells that express CD11c have been associated with SLE because they are prone to develop into antibody-secreting cells, however the relationship with BAFF remains unclear. This study aims to analyze the BAFF system expression on CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subsets double negative 2 (DN2), activated naïve (aNAV), switched memory (SWM) and unswitched memory (USM) B cells. Methods Forty-five SLE patients and 15 healthy subjects (HS) were included. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the expression of the receptors in the B cell subpopulations. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to quantify the soluble levels of BAFF (sBAFF) and IL-21. Results We found increased frequency of CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subpopulations DN2, aNAV, SWM and USM B cells in SLE patients compared to HS. SLE patients had increased expression of membrane BAFF (mBAFF) and BCMA receptor in classic B cell subsets (DN, NAV, SWM and USM). Also, the CXCR5+ CD11c- DN1, resting naïve (rNAV), SWM and USM B cell subsets showed higher mBAFF expression in SLE. CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subpopulations DN2, SWM and USM B cells showed strong correlations with the expression of BAFF receptors. The atypical B cells DN2 in SLE showed significant decreased expression of TACI, which correlated with higher IL-21 levels. Also, lower expression of TACI in atypical B cell DN2 was associated with high disease activity. Discussion These results suggest a participation of the BAFF system in CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subsets in SLE patients. Decreased TACI expression on atypical B cells DN2 correlated with high disease activity in SLE patients supporting the immunoregulatory role of TACI in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhonatan Antonio Álvarez Gómez
- Doctorado en Ciencias en Biología Molecular en Medicina (DCBMM), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Diana Celeste Salazar-Camarena
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Ilce Valeria Román-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Pablo César Ortiz-Lazareno
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Alvaro Cruz
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Francisco Muñoz-Valle
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Miguel Marín-Rosales
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
- Hospital General de Occidente, Secretaría de Salud Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Noemí Espinoza-García
- Doctorado en Ciencias en Biología Molecular en Medicina (DCBMM), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Nefertari Sagrero-Fabela
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas (DCB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Claudia Azucena Palafox-Sánchez
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
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Sestan M, Kifer N, Arsov T, Cook M, Ellyard J, Vinuesa CG, Jelusic M. The Role of Genetic Risk Factors in Pathogenesis of Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:5981-6002. [PMID: 37504294 PMCID: PMC10378459 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45070378] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is complex and not fully understood. It involves three key factors: genetic risk factors, epigenetic mechanisms, and environmental triggers. Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of the disease, particularly in younger individuals. While cSLE has traditionally been considered a polygenic disease, it is now recognized that in rare cases, a single gene mutation can lead to the disease. Although these cases are uncommon, they provide valuable insights into the disease mechanism, enhance our understanding of pathogenesis and immune tolerance, and facilitate the development of targeted treatment strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of both monogenic and polygenic SLE, emphasizing the implications of specific genes in disease pathogenesis. By conducting a thorough analysis of the genetic factors involved in SLE, we can improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disease. Furthermore, this knowledge may contribute to the identification of effective biomarkers and the selection of appropriate therapies for individuals with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Sestan
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nastasia Kifer
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Todor Arsov
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University Goce Delchev, 2000 Shtip, North Macedonia
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Matthew Cook
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Julia Ellyard
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | | | - Marija Jelusic
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Cruz A, Gascón LG, Palafox-Sánchez CA, Flores-García C, Espinoza-García N, Sagrero-Fabela N, Cintra LTA, Mejía-Flores R, Salazar-Camarena DC. TNFSF13B rs9514828 gene polymorphism and soluble B cell activating factor levels: Association with apical periodontitis. Int Endod J 2023; 56:419-431. [PMID: 36508294 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13879] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate the association between the TNFSF13B rs9514828 (-871 C > T) polymorphism and soluble BAFF (sBAFF) in apical periodontitis (AP) patients. METHODOLOGY Two hundred and sixty one healthy subjects (HS) and 158 patients with AP classified as: 46 acute apical abscess (AAA), 81 primary AP (pAP) and 31 secondary AP (sAP) patients were included. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from peripheral blood cells according to the salting out method. The TNFSF13B rs9514828 (NC_000013.11:g.108269025C > T) were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). Serum sBAFF levels were measured by ELISA test. The chi-squared or Fisher's exact test was performed. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to evaluate the risk of AP associated with the rs9514828. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis analysis were used for non-normally distributed data. Differences were considered significant with a p-value <.05. RESULTS No differences in the genotype/allele frequencies were shown between HS and patients with AAA. However, the TT genotype (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.10-6.53; p = .025) and T allele (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.00-2.12; p = .045) were associated with increased risk of pAP. In contrast, the minor allele T significantly decreased the risk of sAP (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.024-0.99; p = .043). sBAFF serum levels were increased in AAA and pAP compared with HS (p < .01 and p = .021, respectively). The AAA patients had higher sBAFF serum levels than pAP (p = .034) and sAP (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the TNFSF13B rs9514828 (-871 C > T) polymorphism is associated with pAP susceptibility and that BAFF is a cytokine that might be involved in acute and chronic AP. The future exploration of the rs9514828 polymorphism in other AP cohorts is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Cruz
- Posgrado en Endodoncia, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico.,Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Investigación en Biomateriales Odontológicos, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Luis Gerardo Gascón
- Posgrado en Endodoncia, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Claudia Azucena Palafox-Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico.,Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Christian Flores-García
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biomateriales Odontológicos, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Noemí Espinoza-García
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Nefertari Sagrero-Fabela
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Luciano Tavares Angelo Cintra
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil.,School of Dentistry, Dental Assistance Center for Disabled Persons (CAOE) of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Rocío Mejía-Flores
- Posgrado en Endodoncia, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Diana Celeste Salazar-Camarena
- Posgrado en Endodoncia, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Investigación en Biomateriales Odontológicos, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico.,Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Mexico
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8
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Lindblom J, Toro-Domínguez D, Carnero-Montoro E, Beretta L, Borghi MO, Castillo J, Enman Y, Mohan C, Alarcón-Riquelme ME, Barturen G, Parodis I. Distinct gene dysregulation patterns herald precision medicine potentiality in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Autoimmun 2023; 136:103025. [PMID: 36996699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed at investigating the whole-blood transcriptome, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), and levels of selected serological markers in patients with SLE versus healthy controls (HC) to gain insight into pathogenesis and identify drug targets. METHODS We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and dysregulated gene modules in a cohort of 350 SLE patients and 497 HC from the European PRECISESADS project (NTC02890121), split into a discovery (60%) and a replication (40%) set. Replicated DEGs qualified for eQTL, pathway enrichment, regulatory network, and druggability analysis. For validation purposes, a separate gene module analysis was performed in an independent cohort (GSE88887). RESULTS Analysis of 521 replicated DEGs identified multiple enriched interferon signaling pathways through Reactome. Gene module analysis yielded 18 replicated gene modules in SLE patients, including 11 gene modules that were validated in GSE88887. Three distinct gene module clusters were defined i.e., "interferon/plasma cells", "inflammation", and "lymphocyte signaling". Predominant downregulation of the lymphocyte signaling cluster denoted renal activity. By contrast, upregulation of interferon-related genes indicated hematological activity and vasculitis. Druggability analysis revealed several potential drugs interfering with dysregulated genes within the "interferon" and "PLK1 signaling events" modules. STAT1 was identified as the chief regulator in the most enriched signaling molecule network. Drugs annotated to 15 DEGs associated with cis-eQTLs included bortezomib for its ability to modulate CTSL activity. Belimumab was annotated to TNFSF13B (BAFF) and daratumumab was annotated to CD38 among the remaining replicated DEGs. CONCLUSIONS Modulation of interferon, STAT1, PLK1, B and plasma cell signatures showed promise as viable approaches to treat SLE, pointing to their importance in SLE pathogenesis.
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Dhaouadi T, Rojbi I, Ghammouki S, Ben Nacef I, Adel M, Mekni S, Khiari K, Ben Abdallah T, Sfar I, Gorgi Y. Pre- and Post-treatment Serum BAFF Levels and BAFF Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Graves' Disease. Endocr Res 2023; 48:16-26. [PMID: 36636836 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2023.2167087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND B cell activating factor (BAFF), a crucial factor for B cell survival and differentiation, has been linked to several autoimmune conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of BAFF gene's polymorphisms with its serum levels and to assess their effect on Graves' disease (GD) susceptibility and presentation. METHODS Sixty-two GD patients and 152 healthy controls have been enrolled to investigate BAFF rs9514827 (-2841 T/C), rs1041569 (-2701 T/A) and rs9514828 (-871 C/T) gene's polymorphism by PCR-RFLP and serum BAFF level's kinetics under medical treatment by ELISA. RESULTS Median serum BAFF level at baseline was significantly higher in GD patients (841.7 pg/ml [685.23-1058.32]) comparatively to controls (495.75 pg/ml [383.17-595.7]), p = 7.29 E-25. A ROC curve was used to assess BAFF performances in GD diagnosis and revealed an AUC of 94.9% [0.919-0.979], p = 7.29 E-25. At a cutoff value of 654.9 pg/ml of BAFF at baseline, the sensitivity and the specificity were, respectively, 83.9% and 90.8%. BAFF level was significantly increased in smoking patients (1079.55 pg/ml [875.35-1203]) comparatively to nonsmokers (746.95 pg/ml [643.2-915.7]), p = 3.1 E-5. While -2841 T/C and -2701 T/A genotypes and alleles frequencies were similar between patients and controls, the -871*T allele was significantly more prevalent in patients (0.613) than in controls (0.477); p = .01, OR [95% CI] = 1.73 [1.13-2.65]. The three studied polymorphisms were not associated with serum BAFF level at baseline. CONCLUSION Serum BAFF level is significantly increased in GD especially in smoking patients. rs9514828 - 871*T allele might be a susceptibility variant for GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarak Dhaouadi
- Research Laboratory in Immunology of Renal Transplantation and Immunopathology (LR03SP01), Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Rojbi
- Endocrinology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sameh Ghammouki
- Research Laboratory in Immunology of Renal Transplantation and Immunopathology (LR03SP01), Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Meriem Adel
- Endocrinology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sabrine Mekni
- Endocrinology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Karima Khiari
- Endocrinology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Taïeb Ben Abdallah
- Research Laboratory in Immunology of Renal Transplantation and Immunopathology (LR03SP01), Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Sfar
- Research Laboratory in Immunology of Renal Transplantation and Immunopathology (LR03SP01), Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Yousr Gorgi
- Research Laboratory in Immunology of Renal Transplantation and Immunopathology (LR03SP01), Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
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Liu S, Li GQ, Gu QW, Wang J, Sun Q, Gu WS, Mao XM. Induced Overexpression of B Cell-Activating Factor by Triiodothyronine Results in Abnormal B Cell Differentiation in Mice. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897231204075. [PMID: 37798940 PMCID: PMC10557412 DOI: 10.1177/09636897231204075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breakdown of tolerance and abnormal activation in B cells is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD) and high levels of thyroid hormones (THs) can drive the progression of GD. However, the interactions between THs and abnormal activation of B cells in the context of GD are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate B cell-activating factor (BAFF) mediating the cross talk between THs and B cells and the possible underlying mechanisms. A high-level triiodothyronine (T3) mouse model was used to verify T3-mediated induction of overexpression of BAFF and B cell abnormal differentiation. The possible promotion of BAFF overexpression in the mice spleen macrophages during polarization to M1 by T3 was also studied. We showed that high levels of T3 can induce BAFF overexpression and lead to abnormal differentiation of B cells in the mice. While the overexpression of BAFF was observed across many tissue types in the mice, high levels of T3 could induce M1 macrophages polarization by IFN (interferon-gamma)-γ in the spleen of the mice, which in turn generated BAFF overexpression. Our findings provide a novel insight into the interactions between the endocrine and immune systems, as well as provide insight into the role of TH in the pathogenesis of GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing-Wei Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Sha Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Renal Tissue Expression of BAFF and BAFF Receptors Is Associated with Proliferative Lupus Nephritis. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010071. [PMID: 36614872 PMCID: PMC9821186 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The B-cell activating factor (BAFF) controls the maturation and survival of B cells. An imbalance in this cytokine has been associated with systemic autoimmunity in SLE and lupus nephritis (LN). However, few investigations have evaluated the tissular expression of BAFF in LN. This study aimed to associate BAFF system expression at the tissular level with the proliferative LN classes. Methods: The analysis included eighteen kidney tissues, with sixteen LN (class III = 5, class IV = 6, class III/IV+V = 4, and class V = 1), and two controls. The tissular expression was evaluated with an immunochemistry assay. A Cytation5 imaging reader and ImageJ software were used to analyze the quantitative expression. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The expressions of BAFF, A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), and their receptors were observed in glomerular, tubular, and interstitial zones, with BAFF being the most strongly expressed in the overall analysis. BAFF-Receptor (BR3), transmembrane activator and CALM interactor (TACI), and B-Cell maturation antigen (BCMA) displayed higher expressions in LN class IV in all zones analyzed (p < 0.05). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between APRIL, TACI, and BCMA at the glomerular level; BCMA and APRIL in the interstitial zone; and BR3, TACI, and BCMA in the tubule (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The expression of BAFF and BAFF receptors is mainly associated with LN class IV, emphasizing the participation of these receptors as an essential pathogenic factor in kidney involvement in SLE patients.
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12
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Protein and functional isoform levels and genetic variants of the BAFF and APRIL pathway components in systemic lupus erythematosus. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11219. [PMID: 35780200 PMCID: PMC9250527 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15549-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototype of an autoimmune disease. Belimumab, a monoclonal antibody targets BAFF, is the only biologic approved for SLE and active lupus nephritis. BAFF is a cytokine with a key-regulatory role in the B cell homeostasis, which acts by binding to three receptors: BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA. TACI and BCMA also bind APRIL. Many studies reported elevated soluble BAFF and APRIL levels in the sera of SLE patients, but other questions about the role of this system in the disease remain open. The study aimed to investigate the utility of the cytokine levels in serum and urine as biomarkers, the role of non-functional isoforms, and the association of gene variants with the disease. This case–control study includes a cohort (women, 18–60 years old) of 100 patients (48% with nephritis) and 100 healthy controls. We used ELISA assays to measure the cytokine concentrations in serum (sBAFF and sAPRIL) and urine (uBAFF and uAPRIL); TaqMan Gene Expression Assays to quantify the relative mRNA expression of ΔBAFF, βAPRIL, and εAPRIL, and next-generation sequencing to genotype the cytokine (TNFSF13 and TNFSF13B) and receptor (TNFRSF13B, TNFRSF17 and TNFRSF13C) genes. The statistical tests used were: Kruskal–Wallis (qualitative variables), the Spearman Rho coefficient (correlations), the Chi-square and SKAT (association of common and rare genetic variants, respectively). As expected, sBAFF and sAPRIL levels were higher in patients than in controls (p ≤ 0.001) but found differences between patient subgroups. sBAFF and sAPRIL significantly correlated only in patients with nephritis (rs = 0.67, p ≤ 0.001) and βAPRIL levels were lower in patients with nephritis (p = 0.04), and ΔBAFF levels were lower in patients with dsDNA antibodies (p = 0.04). Rare variants of TNFSF13 and TNFRSF13B and TNFSF13 p.Gly67Arg and TNFRSF13B p.Val220Ala were associated with SLE. Our study supports differences among SLE patient subgroups with diverse clinical features in the BAFF/APRIL pathway. In addition, it suggests the involvement of genetic variants in the susceptibility to the disease.
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13
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Proportion of B cell subsets and Nrf2 mediated redox regulation in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152180. [PMID: 35032759 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by expansion of autoreactive lymphocytes and impaired management of oxidative stress. Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) plays a significant role in maintaining the redox homeostasis of cell. The present study aims to investigate the frequency of peripheral B cell subsets and the redox regulation by Nrf2 in SLE patients with variable disease activity. For this, a total of forty (40) SLE patients and twenty (20) age and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited where patients with SLEDAI < 6 were grouped as Inactive SLE (n = 20) and patients with SLEDAI ≥ 6 were grouped as Active SLE (n = 20). A proportion of peripheral B cell subsets, level of ROS and expression of Nrf2 and Keap1 were studied with the help of flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine bead assay was exploited to estimate the serological concentration of cytokines. The frequency of B cell subsets was significantly altered and correlated with SLEDAI score. Concentration of IFNα2, IFN-β, BAFF, APRIL and IL-6 was also raised in active SLE patients. Moreover, the level of cytosolic ROS was universally decreased while mitochondrial ROS was increased in B cell subsets. The expression of Nrf2 and Keap1 (a negative regulator of Nrf2) was significantly increased in B cell subsets of SLE patients. Here, it has been demonstrated that the frequency of peripheral B cell subsets varies with modification in the SLE disease activity. The given data also demonstrated that the expression of Nrf2 is significantly heightened in B cell subsets to deal with free radical stress.
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Miyazaki Y, Nakayamada S, Sonomoto K, Akio K, Inoue Y, Okubo N, Iwata S, Hanami K, Tanaka Y. Efficacy and safety of belimumab during maintenance therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:3614-3626. [PMID: 34962998 PMCID: PMC9434316 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The efficacy of belimumab (BEL) during maintenance therapy in patients with SLE remains unclear in the real-life clinical setting. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of BEL in patients with SLE during maintenance therapy. Methods In this retrospective observational study, maintenance therapy was defined as low-dose glucocorticoid (GC) therapy (prednisolone equivalent dose of ≤0.2 mg/kg/day) in patients with a Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score <10. Participants comprised patients with SLE on HCQ or MMF [standard-of-care (SoC) group: n = 103] and those on BEL plus SoC (BEL+SoC group: n = 100). Selection bias was minimized using propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). GC dose trajectories were modelled using growth mixture modelling (GMM). The primary end point was GC dose at 52 weeks. Results No significant difference was observed in patient characteristics between the two groups after IPTW adjustment. The BEL+SoC group exhibited a significant decrease in GC dose. GC dose at 52 weeks and relapse rate were significantly lower in the BEL+SoC group than in the SoC group. The proportion of patients in one of four groups defined by GMM for which GC dose was tapered to 0 mg within 52 weeks (GC tapering-discontinuation group) was significantly higher in the BEL+SoC group than in the SoC group. In the BEL+SoC group, low SELENA-SLEDAI score and low GC dose at baseline were associated with being GC dose-tapering discontinuation. Conclusion The present study suggests that BEL is suitable for patients with SLE during maintenance therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Miyazaki
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakayamada
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Koshiro Sonomoto
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Kawabe Akio
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Yoshino Inoue
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Naoaki Okubo
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Shigeru Iwata
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Kentaro Hanami
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
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15
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Xiang N, Fang X, Sun XG, Zhou YB, Ma Y, Zhu C, Li XP, Wang GS, Tao JH, Li XM. Expression profile of PU.1 in CD4 +T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Exp Med 2021; 21:621-632. [PMID: 33966135 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-021-00717-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease with complex genetic predisposing factors involved. PU.1 is an important member of the ETS transcription factors family which has diverse functions such as regulating the proliferation, differentiation of immune cells and multiple inflammatory cytokines. Previous studies preliminary explored the relation between PU.1 and SLE. To further explain the potential role of PU.1 in the pathogenesis of SLE, 40 SLE patients and 20 age-sex matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited in this study. Flow cytometry was used to test the percentages of CD4+PU.1+T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with SLE and HC. Expression levels of PU.1 mRNA in CD4+T cells from SLE patients and HC were analyzed by real-time transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels of plasma IL-1β, IL-9, IL-18, IL-6, IFN-α, TNF-α, IL-10 and TGF-β1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The percentage of CD4+PU.1+T cells in PBMCs from patients with SLE was significantly higher than that from HC (P < 0.001). In addition, the PU.1 mRNA expression in CD4+T cells from SLE patients was increased than that from HC (P = 0.002). In SLE patients, no significant correlation was found between the percentage of CD4+PU.1+T cells and the expression of PU.1 mRNA in CD4+T cells (P > 0.05). Associations of PU.1 mRNA expression in CD4+T cells with major clinical and laboratory parameters of SLE patients were also analyzed, but no significant correlations were found. Consistent with previous studies, SLE patients had increased IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, IFN-α, TNF-α and IL-10 plasma concentrations than HC (P < 0.01). The expression level of plasma TGF-β1 was significantly decreased in SLE patients than in HC (P < 0.001). In SLE patients, the expression level of IL-1β was positive correlated with PU.1 mRNA expression in CD4+T cells (P = 0.001). Our study first time evaluated the expression profile of PU.1 in CD4+T cells from SLE patients confirming that PU.1 may participate in the pathogenesis of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xiang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xuan Fang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Ge Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Ying-Bo Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Xiang-Pei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Guo-Sheng Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Jin-Hui Tao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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Gautam P, Sharma A, Bhatnagar A. Global histone modification analysis reveals hypoacetylated H3 and H4 histones in B Cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Immunol Lett 2021; 240:41-45. [PMID: 34614442 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Histone modification is an epigenetic alteration which either activates or suppresses gene transcription. Studies revealed the association of altered global histone modification in T cells and monocytes with the pathogenesis of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Herein, we investigated the level of global histone 3 (H3) and histone 4 (H4) acetylation in B cells of SLE patients. METHODS Total 20 SLE patients and 10 healthy donors were recruited. Global H3 and H4 acetylation in B cells was assessed by Epigentek assay kits. Expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in B cells was analyzed by staining cells with anti-CD19/20 and anti-DNMT1 antibody. The concentration of BAFF and APRIL was measured using LegendPlex Human B cells panel and circulating ANAs were determined using indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS Compared to healthy donors, B cells from SLE patients were found to be hypoacetylated on both H3 and H4 histones together with a decrease in the expression of DNMT1. Indeed, stratification of SLE patients on the basis of disease activity did not show any variation, as the amount of H3 and H4 acetylation in both inactive and active SLE patients was almost uniform. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that SLE-B cells were manifested with aberrant histone acetylation levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Aman Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Ahsan H. Rhupus: dual rheumatic disease. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2021; 43:119-128. [PMID: 34228594 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2021.1941096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune disorders are typically categorized into systematic and local diseases that affect a single organ or tissue. Organs and tissues affected by autoimmune disorders include components of the endocrine system, such as thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands; blood, such as red blood cells; and the connective tissues, skin, muscles, and joints. Rhupus is a complex musculoskeletal autoimmune disease (AD) in which features of both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are simultaneously present. The cause and trigger of rhupus is still unknown, suggesting the role of genetic, immunological, hormonal, and environmental factors in the initiation and progression of the disease. The role of immune system has been established by the presence of specific autoantibodies as markers for diagnosis of rhupus and the formation of immune complex in serum. The complications of rhupus include the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and nodules and the involvement of nervous and renal systems that complicates its diagnosis and prognosis. The rhupus arthritis resembles RA-like pathophysiology and leads to inflammation, deformation, and disability. Due to the heterogeneity and rarity of the disease, the prevalence, pathophysiology, and natural history as well as radiological and immunological profiles of rhupus are still not properly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haseeb Ahsan
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Biochemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Manibalan S, Harison Raj AB, Achary A. Screening of Atherosclerotic Druggable Targets from the Proteome Network of Differentially Expressed Genes. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2021; 19:290-299. [PMID: 34171974 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2021.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Differently expressed genes of atherosclerotic sample analysis are helpful to sort the prominent genes that influence the plaque formation and progression. Scientific evidence-based protein-protein interaction network (PPIN) studies were used to find hub proteins in complex disease conditions. Druggable capacity is one of the important parameters to confirm as a successful drug target. Construction of protein interaction network and principal node analysis (PNA) on atherosclerotic data sets lead to screen the hub proteins. Furthermore, druggable property of protein pocket confirms the targetability of susceptible target candidates and for target selection. Differentially expressed genes are identified through GEO2R analyzer on data sets of various atherosclerotic samples. STRING database and Cytoscape are employed to construct PPIN. Targets were identified by PNA such as centrality measures and clustering algorithm. Gene Ontology enrichment also used as one of the screening parameters to filter the candidates related to atherosclerotic terms. Topological evaluation of target protein was successfully done by ITASSER and GROMACS, respectively. Grid-based principle of DoGSiteScorer is utilized for druggability analysis. Six proteins such as integrin alpha L (ITGAL), metallothionein 1F (MT1F), metallothionein 1X (MT1X), P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (SELPLG), solute carrier family 30 A, zinc transporter protein (SLC30A1), and TNFSF13B are screened as potential biomarkers through network-based analysis. Among the six, ITGAL, SELPLG, SLC30A1, and TNSF13B are identified as better prioritized atherosclerotic targets through druggability efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramaniyan Manibalan
- Centre for Research, Department of Biotechnology, Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology, Madurai, India
| | | | - Anant Achary
- Centre for Research, Department of Biotechnology, Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology, Madurai, India
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Chen X, Ma J, Yao Y, Zhu J, Zhou Z, Zhao R, Dong X, Gao W, Zhang S, Huang S, Chen L. Metformin prevents BAFF activation of Erk1/2 from B-cell proliferation and survival by impeding mTOR-PTEN/Akt signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107771. [PMID: 34004440 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is an essential cytokine for B-cell maturation, differentiation and survival, and excess BAFF induces aggressive or neoplastic B-cell disorders and contributes to development of autoimmune diseases. Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, has recently garnered a great attention due to its anti-proliferative and immune-modulatory features. However, little is known regarding the effect of metformin on BAFF-stimulated B cells. Here, we show that metformin attenuated human soluble BAFF (hsBAFF)-induced cell proliferation and survival by blocking the Erk1/2 pathway in normal and B-lymphoid (Raji) cells. Pretreatment with U0126, knockdown of Erk1/2, or expression of dominant negative MKK1 strengthened metformin's inhibition of hsBAFF-activated Erk1/2 and B-cell proliferation/viability, whereas expression of constitutively active MKK1 rendered high resistance to metformin. Further investigation found that overexpression of wild type PTEN or ectopic expression of dominant negative Akt potentiated metformin's suppression of hsBAFF-induced Erk1/2 activation and proliferation/viability in Raji cells, implying a PTEN/Akt-dependent mechanism involved. Furthermore, we noticed that metformin hindered hsBAFF-activated mTOR pathway in B cells. Inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin or knockdown of mTOR enhanced metformin's suppression of hsBAFF-induced phosphorylation of S6K1, PTEN, Akt, and Erk1/2, as well as B-cell proliferation/viability. These results indicate that metformin prevents BAFF activation of Erk1/2 from cell proliferation and survival by impeding mTOR-PTEN/Akt signaling pathway in normal and neoplastic B-lymphoid cells. Our findings support that metformin has a great potential for prevention of excessive BAFF-induced aggressive B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Jing Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Yajie Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Jiawei Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Zhihan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing Dong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Wei Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Shuangquan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Shile Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA.
| | - Long Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
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Andreou NP, Legaki E, Dovrolis N, Boyanov N, Georgiou K, Gkouskou K, Gazouli M. B-cell activating factor (BAFF) expression is associated with Crohn's disease and can serve as a potential prognostic indicator of disease response to Infliximab treatment. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:574-580. [PMID: 33339749 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies correlated elevated B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels and its polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients with autoimmunity. Limited data existed regarding the role of BAFF in Crohn's Disease (CD) susceptibility and/or treatment response to infliximab. AIM This study aims to evaluate BAFF expression in CD patients, investigate if its expression can predict response to infliximab treatment, and examine the association of BAFF SNPs with CD susceptibility. METHODS One hundred twelve CD patients and 164 healthy controls were recruited. Serum BAFF levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants were genotyped for rs9514828, rs1041569 and rs2893321 SNPs. RESULTS Serum BAFF concentration was elevated in CD patients (472.86 ± 223.60 pg/ml) compared with controls (128.16 ± 70.10 pg/ml) before treatment. Responders to IFX treatment had increased serum BAFF levels at baseline (610.03 ± 167.55 pg/ml) compared to non-responders (267.09 ± 107 pg/ml). In responders, BAFF concentration reduced after IFX administration, while increased in non-responders. The rs1041569, TA and AA genotypes frequencies, and the minor allele A were increased significantly in CD patients, indicating an association of the SNP with CD susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that BAFF could be a potential biomarker of CD, while SNP rs1041569 was associated with CD susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos-Panagiotis Andreou
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Legaki
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolas Dovrolis
- Laboratory of Medical Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikola Boyanov
- Medical Simulation Training Center at Research Institute of Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Konstantinos Georgiou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Gkouskou
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece; Embiodiagnostics, Biology Research Company, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Gazouli
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece.
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Möckel T, Basta F, Weinmann-Menke J, Schwarting A. B cell activating factor (BAFF): Structure, functions, autoimmunity and clinical implications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Autoimmun Rev 2020; 20:102736. [PMID: 33333233 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The B cell activating factor (BAFF), or B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), is a B cell survival factor which supports autoreactive B cells and prevents their deletion. BAFF expression is closely linked with autoimmunity and is enhanced by genetic alterations and viral infections. Furthermore, BAFF seems to be involved in adipogenesis, atherosclerosis, neuro-inflammatory processes and ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. BAFF is commonly overexpressed in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and strongly involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The relationship between BAFF levels, disease activity and damage accrual in SLE is controversial, but growing evidence is emerging on its role in renal involvement. Belimumab, a biologic BAFF inhibitor, has been the first biologic agent licensed for SLE therapy so far. As Rituximab (RTX) has been shown to increase BAFF levels following B cell depletion, the combination therapy of RTX plus belimumab (being evaluated in two RCT) seems to be a valuable option for several clinical scenarios. In this review we will highlight the growing body of evidence of immune and non-immune related BAFF expression in experimental and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Möckel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Fabio Basta
- Acura Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
| | - Julia Weinmann-Menke
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Schwarting
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; Acura Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
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22
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Furie R, Rovin BH, Houssiau F, Malvar A, Teng YKO, Contreras G, Amoura Z, Yu X, Mok CC, Santiago MB, Saxena A, Green Y, Ji B, Kleoudis C, Burriss SW, Barnett C, Roth DA. Two-Year, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Belimumab in Lupus Nephritis. N Engl J Med 2020; 383:1117-1128. [PMID: 32937045 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2001180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 510] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In adults with active lupus nephritis, the efficacy and safety of intravenous belimumab as compared with placebo, when added to standard therapy (mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide-azathioprine), are unknown. METHODS In a phase 3, multinational, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 104-week trial conducted at 107 sites in 21 countries, we assigned adults with biopsy-proven, active lupus nephritis in a 1:1 ratio to receive intravenous belimumab (at a dose of 10 mg per kilogram of body weight) or matching placebo, in addition to standard therapy. The primary end point at week 104 was a primary efficacy renal response (a ratio of urinary protein to creatinine of ≤0.7, an estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] that was no worse than 20% below the value before the renal flare (pre-flare value) or ≥60 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area, and no use of rescue therapy), and the major secondary end point was a complete renal response (a ratio of urinary protein to creatinine of <0.5, an eGFR that was no worse than 10% below the pre-flare value or ≥90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2, and no use of rescue therapy). The time to a renal-related event or death was assessed. RESULTS A total of 448 patients underwent randomization (224 to the belimumab group and 224 to the placebo group). At week 104, significantly more patients in the belimumab group than in the placebo group had a primary efficacy renal response (43% vs. 32%; odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0 to 2.3; P = 0.03) and a complete renal response (30% vs. 20%; odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.7; P = 0.02). The risk of a renal-related event or death was lower among patients who received belimumab than among those who received placebo (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.77; P = 0.001). The safety profile of belimumab was consistent with that in previous trials. CONCLUSIONS In this trial involving patients with active lupus nephritis, more patients who received belimumab plus standard therapy had a primary efficacy renal response than those who received standard therapy alone. (Funded by GlaxoSmithKline; BLISS-LN ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01639339.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Furie
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Brad H Rovin
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Frédéric Houssiau
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Ana Malvar
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Y K Onno Teng
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Gabriel Contreras
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Zahir Amoura
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Xueqing Yu
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Chi-Chiu Mok
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Mittermayer B Santiago
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Amit Saxena
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Yulia Green
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Beulah Ji
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Christi Kleoudis
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Susan W Burriss
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - Carly Barnett
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
| | - David A Roth
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Great Neck, NY (R.F.); the Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University, Columbus (B.H.R.); Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - both in Brussels (F.H.); Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (Y.K.O.T.); the Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami (G.C.); Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1135 (Z.A.), and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence National du Lupus et Syndrome des Antiphospholipides, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière (Z.A.) - both in Paris; the Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou (X.Y.), and the Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (C.C.M.) - both in China; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil (M.B.S.); the Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York (A.S.); GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (Y.G., B.J.); Parexel, Durham, NC (C.K.); and GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA (S.W.B., C.B., D.A.R.)
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Salazar-Camarena DC, Palafox-Sánchez CA, Cruz A, Marín-Rosales M, Muñoz-Valle JF. Analysis of the receptor BCMA as a biomarker in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6236. [PMID: 32277232 PMCID: PMC7148319 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63390-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) play central roles in B cell development and maturation. Soluble forms of their receptors can be generated by proteolytic cleavage; however, their physiological and clinical roles are unknown. This study aimed to assess the relationships between the receptor soluble B cell maturation antigen (sBCMA) and clinical variables in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Serum cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA for 129 SLE patients and 34 healthy controls (HCs), and the expression of the receptor BCMA was evaluated on B and plasma cells from 40 subjects. SLE patients showed aberrant expression of the receptor BCMA on B and plasma cells. Soluble levels of the receptor sBCMA and its ligands sAPRIL and sBAFF were increased in SLE patients compared with HCs. Additionally, sBCMA (rs = 0.6177) and sAPRIL (rs = 0.4952) correlated strongly with disease activity. Active SLE patients who achieved low disease activity showed decreased sBCMA (53.30 vs 35.30 ng/mL; p < 0.05) and sBAFF (4.48 vs 2.27 ng/mL; p < 0.05) serum levels after treatment, while sAPRIL expression remained unchanged. At a cutoff value of 22.40 ng/mL, sAPRIL showed high sensitivity (96.12%) and specificity (94.12%) for discrimination between HCs and SLE patients, while sBAFF showed lower sensitivity (82.2%) but higher specificity (94.1%) at a cutoff of 1.195 ng/mL. Relatively high levels of sAPRIL and sBCMA clustered active SLE patients. The receptor sBCMA could be a potential biomarker of disease activity in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Celeste Salazar-Camarena
- Research Institute in Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Claudia Azucena Palafox-Sánchez
- Research Institute in Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.
| | - Alvaro Cruz
- Research Institute in Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Miguel Marín-Rosales
- Department of Rheumatology, West Medical Hospital, Ministry of Health, Zapopan, Mexico
| | - José Francisco Muñoz-Valle
- Research Institute in Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
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Demirkaya E, Sahin S, Romano M, Zhou Q, Aksentijevich I. New Horizons in the Genetic Etiology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus-Like Disease: Monogenic Lupus and Beyond. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E712. [PMID: 32151092 PMCID: PMC7141186 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous autoimmune disease. The etiology of lupus and the contribution of genetic, environmental, infectious and hormonal factors to this phenotype have yet to be elucidated. The most straightforward approach to unravel the molecular pathogenesis of lupus may rely on studies of patients who present with early-onset severe phenotypes. Typically, they have at least one of the following clinical features: childhood onset of severe disease (<5 years), parental consanguinity, and presence of family history for autoimmune diseases in a first-degree relative. These patients account for a small proportion of patients with lupus but they inform considerable knowledge about cellular pathways contributing to this inflammatory phenotype. In recent years with the aid of new sequencing technologies, novel or rare pathogenic variants have been reported in over 30 genes predisposing to SLE and SLE-like diseases. Future studies will likely discover many more genes with private variants associated to lupus-like phenotypes. In addition, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a number of common alleles (SNPs), which increase the risk of developing lupus in adult age. Discovery of a possible shared immune pathway in SLE patients, either with rare or common variants, can provide important clues to better understand this complex disorder, it's prognosis and can help guide new therapeutic approaches. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of the clinical presentation, genetic diagnosis and mechanisms of disease in patents with lupus and lupus-related phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Demirkaya
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada;
| | - Sezgin Sahin
- Van Training and Research Hospital, Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, 65000 Van, Turkey;
| | - Micol Romano
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada;
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, ASST-PINI-CTO, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Qing Zhou
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hang Zhou 310058, China;
| | - Ivona Aksentijevich
- Inflammatory Disease Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
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25
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Associations of BAFF rs2893321 polymorphisms with myasthenia gravis susceptibility. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 20:168. [PMID: 31666013 PMCID: PMC6822419 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-019-0906-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune diseases characterized by fatigue and weakness of skeletal muscles. B-lymphocyte-activating factor (BAFF), an essential factor for B cell differentiation and development, is important in the progression of MG. The current study aimed to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphism rs2893321 in BAFF with MG susceptibility in Chinese Han population. Methods One hundred forty-nine patients with MG and 148 healthy controls were recruited. Using improved multiple ligase detection reaction technology, the polymorphisms of rs2893321 between groups and among MG subgroups have been compared. Results A significant differences between the MG group and the healthy control group was observed. Additionally, rs2893321 was found to be associated with gender and age in patients with MG. Conclusion Genetic variations of rs2893321 in BAFF might be associated with susceptibility to MG in the Chinese Han population.
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Mohd Jaya FN, Garcia SG, Borràs FE, Chan GC, Franquesa M. Paradoxical role of Breg-inducing cytokines in autoimmune diseases. J Transl Autoimmun 2019; 2:100011. [PMID: 32743499 PMCID: PMC7388338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2019.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory B cells (Breg) are crucial immunoregulators that maintain peripheral tolerance and suppress inflammatory autoimmune responses. In recent years, our understanding on the nature and mechanism of action of Bregs has revealed the important role of cytokines in promoting the regulatory properties of this unique B cell subset, both in animal and human models. In this review, we compiled the cytokines that have been reported by multiple studies to induce the expansion of Breg. The Breg-inducing cytokines which are currently known include IL-21, IL-6, IL1β, IFNα, IL-33, IL-35, BAFF and APRIL. As cytokines are also known to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, in parallel we reviewed the pattern of expression of the Breg-inducing cytokines in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We show here that Breg-inducing cytokines are commonly implicated in these inflammatory diseases where they typically have a higher expression than in healthy individuals, suggesting their paradoxical nature. Interestingly, despite the general overexpression of Breg-inducing cytokines, it is known that Breg cells are often numerically or functionally impaired in various autoimmune conditions. Considering these alterations, we explored the possible parameters that may influence the function of Breg-inducing cytokines in exhibiting either their regulatory or pro-inflammatory properties in the context of autoimmune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin N. Mohd Jaya
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong
- Corresponding author.
| | - Sergio G. Garcia
- REMAR-IVECAT Group, Health Science Research Institute Germans Trias I Pujol, Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Francesc E. Borràs
- REMAR-IVECAT Group, Health Science Research Institute Germans Trias I Pujol, Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Godfrey C.F. Chan
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong
| | - Marcella Franquesa
- REMAR-IVECAT Group, Health Science Research Institute Germans Trias I Pujol, Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
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