BAFF Promotes FLS Activation Through BAFFR-Mediated Non-canonical NF-κB Pathway and the Effects of CP-25

Mechanistic insight on the role of iRhom2-TNF-α-BAFF signaling pathway in various autoimmune disorders

iRhom2 is a crucial cofactor involved in upregulation of TNF receptors (TNFRs) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-) from the cell surface by ADAM17. Tumor necrosis factor- α converting enzyme (TACE) is another name given to ADAM17. Many membrane attached biologically active molecules are cleaved by this enzyme which includes TNFRs and the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor- α. The TNF receptors are of two types TNFR1 and TNFR2. iRhom2 belongs to the pseudo-protease class of rhomboid family, its abundance is observed in the immune cells. Biological activity of ADAM17 is affected in multiple levels by the iRhom2. ADAM17 is trafficked into the Golgi apparatus by the action of iRhom2, where it gets matured proteolytically and is stimulated to perform its function on the cell surface. This process of activation of ADAM17 results in the protection of the organism from the cascade of inflammatory reactions, as this activation blocks the TNF- α mediated secretion responsible for inflammatory responses produced. Present paper illustrates about the iRhom2-TNF-α-BAFF signaling pathway and its correlation with several autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Hemophilia Arthropathy, Alzheimer's disease and Tylosis with esophageal cancer etc.

Advances of the small molecule drugs regulating fibroblast-like synovial proliferation for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease. In the pathological process of RA, the alteration of fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) and its related factors is the main influence in the clinic and fundamental research. In RA, FLS exhibits a uniquely aggressive phenotype, leading to synovial hyperplasia, destruction of the cartilage and bone, and a pro-inflammatory environment in the synovial tissue for perpetuation and progression. Evidently, it is a highly promising way to target the pathological function of FLS for new anti-RA drugs. Based on this, we summed up the pathological mechanism of RA-FLS and reviewed the recent progress of small molecule drugs, including the synthetic small molecule compounds and natural products targeting RA-FLS. In the end, there were some views for further action. Compared with MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway has great potential for research as targets. A small number of synthetic small molecule compounds have entered the clinic to treat RA and are often used in combination with other drugs. Meanwhile, most natural products are currently in the experimental stage, not the clinical trial stage, such as triptolide. There is an urgent need to unremittingly develop new agents for RA.