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Bhatt HN, Diwan R, Estevao IL, Dong R, Smith J, Xiao C, Agarwal SK, Nurunnabi M. Cadherin-11 targeted cell-specific liposomes enabled skin fibrosis treatment by inducing apoptosis. J Control Release 2024; 370:110-123. [PMID: 38648957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.029] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Continuous and aberrant activation of myofibroblasts is the hallmark of pathological fibrosis (e.g., abnormal wound healing). The deposition of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) components alters or increases the stiffness of tissue and primarily accounts for multiple organ dysfunctions. Among various proteins, Cadherin-11 (CDH11) has been reported to be overexpressed on myofibroblasts in fibrotic tissues. Anti-apoptotic proteins such as (B cell lymphoma-2) (BCL-2) are also upregulated on myofibroblasts. Therefore, we hypothesize that CDH11 could be a targeted domain for cell-specific drug delivery and targeted inhibition of BCL-2 to ameliorate the development of fibrosis in the skin. To prove our hypothesis, we have developed liposomes (LPS) conjugated with CDH11 neutralizing antibody (antiCDH11) to target cell surface CDH11 and loaded these LPS with a BCL-2 inhibitor, Navitoclax (NAVI), to induce apoptosis of CDH11 expressing fibroblasts. The developed LPS were evaluated for physicochemical characterization, stability, in vitro therapeutic efficacy using dermal fibroblasts, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model in mice. The findings from in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that selectivity of LPS was improved towards CDH11 expressing myofibroblasts, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy with no indication of adverse effects. Hence, this novel research work represents a versatile LPS strategy that exhibits promising potential for treating skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu N Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Igor L Estevao
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, TX 79968, United States; The Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Jennifer Smith
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Chuan Xiao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Sandeep K Agarwal
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States; The Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States.
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2
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Zhang X, Wu X, Li D. The Communication from Immune Cells to the Fibroblasts in Keloids: Implications for Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15475. [PMID: 37895153 PMCID: PMC10607157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Keloids are a type of fibrotic disease characterized by excessive collagen production and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. The symptoms of pain and itching and frequent recurrence after treatment significantly impact the quality of life and mental health of patients. A deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of keloids is crucial for the development of an effective therapeutic approach. Fibroblasts play a central role in the pathogenesis of keloids by producing large amounts of collagen fibers. Recent evidence indicates that keloids exhibit high immune cell infiltration, and these cells secrete cytokines or growth factors to support keloid fibroblast proliferation. This article provides an update on the knowledge regarding the keloid microenvironment based on recent single-cell sequencing literature. Many inflammatory cells gathered in keloid lesions, such as macrophages, mast cells, and T lymphocytes, indicate that keloids may be an inflammatory skin disease. In this review, we focus on the communication from immune cells to the fibroblasts and the potential of immunotherapy for keloids. We hope that this review will trigger interest in investigating keloids as an inflammatory disease, which may open up new avenues for drug development by targeting immune mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiya Zhang
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China;
| | - Xinfeng Wu
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China;
| | - Dongqing Li
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China;
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing 210042, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing 210042, China
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3
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Zhao K, Kong C, Shi N, Jiang J, Li P. Potential angiogenic, immunomodulatory, and antifibrotic effects of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in systemic sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1125257. [PMID: 37251412 PMCID: PMC10213547 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an intricate systemic autoimmune disease with pathological features such as vascular injury, immune dysregulation, and extensive fibrosis of the skin and multiple organs. Treatment options are limited; however, recently, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been acknowledged in preclinical and clinical trials as being useful in treating autoimmune diseases and are likely superior to MSCs alone. Recent research has also shown that MSC-EVs can ameliorate SSc and the pathological changes in vasculopathy, immune dysfunction, and fibrosis. This review summarizes the therapeutic effects of MSC-EVs on SSc and the mechanisms that have been discovered to provide a theoretical basis for future studies on the role of MSC-EVs in treating SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenfei Kong
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Naixu Shi
- Department of Stomatology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinlan Jiang
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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4
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Liu T, Zhuang XX, Qin XJ, Wei LB, Gao JR. Identifying effective diagnostic biomarkers and immune infiltration features in chronic kidney disease by bioinformatics and validation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1069810. [PMID: 36642989 PMCID: PMC9838551 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1069810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by sustained inflammation and immune dysfunction, is highly prevalent and can eventually progress to end-stage kidney disease. However, there is still a lack of effective and reliable diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for CKD. Methods: First, we merged data from GEO microarrays (GSE104948 and GSE116626) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CKD and healthy patient samples. Then, we conducted GO, KEGG, HPO, and WGCNA analyses to explore potential functions of DEGs and select clinically significant modules. Moreover, STRING was used to analyse protein-protein interactions. CytoHubba and MCODE algorithms in the cytoscape plug-in were performed to screen hub genes in the network. We then determined the diagnostic significance of the obtained hub genes by ROC and two validation datasets. Meanwhile, the expression level of the biomarkers was verified by IHC. Furthermore, we examined immunological cells' relationships with hub genes. Finally, GSEA was conducted to determine the biological functions that biomarkers are significantly enriched. STITCH and AutoDock Vina were used to predict and validate drug-gene interactions. Results: A total of 657 DEGs were screened and functional analysis emphasizes their important role in inflammatory responses and immunomodulation in CKD. Through WGCNA, the interaction network, ROC curves, and validation set, four hub genes (IL10RA, CD45, CTSS, and C1QA) were identified. Furthermore, IHC of CKD patients confirmed the results above. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that CKD had a significant increase in monocytes, M0 macrophages, and M1 macrophages but a decrease in regulatory T cells, activated dendritic cells, and so on. Moreover, four hub genes were statistically correlated with them. Further analysis exhibited that IL10RA, which obtained the highest expression level in hub genes, was involved in abnormalities in various immune cells and regulated a large number of immune system responses and inflammation-related pathways. In addition, the drug-gene interaction network contained four potential therapeutic drugs targeting IL10RA, and molecular docking might make this relationship viable. Conclusion: IL10RA and its related hub molecules might play a key role in the development of CKD and could be potential biomarkers in CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China,College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xing Xing Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chaohu, China
| | - Xiu Juan Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Liang Bing Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jia Rong Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China,*Correspondence: Jia Rong Gao,
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5
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Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate systemic sclerosis by inhibiting the recruitment of pathogenic macrophages. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:466. [DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a recalcitrant autoimmune disease for which there is no cure. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based treatment has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for several autoimmune diseases. Previously, we found that the immunoregulatory potential of MSCs can be greatly enhanced by IFN-γ and TNF-α. Here, we found that IFN-γ- and TNF-α-pretreated MSCs significantly alleviated skin fibrosis in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc model. Macrophages were found to be the predominant profibrotic immune cell population in the pathogenesis of SSc. The accumulation of macrophages was significantly decreased by MSC treatment. Importantly, MSCs primarily reduced the population of maturing macrophages with high CCR2 expression by inhibiting the generation of CCL2 from fibroblasts and macrophages. This finding may help to improve MSC-based clinical treatments for SSc patients.
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Feng C, Shan M, Xia Y, Zheng Z, He K, Wei Y, Song K, Meng T, Liu H, Hao Y, Liang Z, Wang Y, Huang Y. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals distinct immunology profiles in human keloid. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940645. [PMID: 35990663 PMCID: PMC9381754 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Keloids, characterized by skin fibrosis and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, remain a therapeutic challenge. In this study, we systematically capture the cellular composition of keloids by the single-cell RNA sequencing technique. Our results indicated that there are significant differences in most cell types present between 12 pairs of keloid and adjacent normal tissue. We found that fibroblasts, endothelial cells, mast cells, mural cells, and Schwann cells increased significantly in keloid. The proportion of mesenchymal fibroblast subpopulations in keloids was markedly higher than those in the surrounding normal skin tissue. Furthermore, we found that the immune profiles between two groups varied significantly. The proportion of macrophages in the keloid was significantly elevated compared to the surrounding normal tissue, while cDC2 cells significantly decreased. Hotspot and pseudotime trajectory analysis indicated two modules of macrophage cells (Module2: highly expresses RNASE1, C1QA, CD163, CD14, C1QC, FCGRT, MS4A7; Module10: highly expresses APOC1, CTSB, CTSL, TYROBP), which exhibited the characteristics of tumor-associated macrophages, were upregulated in more-advanced keloid cells. Subsequently, the analysis of cellular communication networks suggested that a macrophage-centered communication regulatory network may exist in keloids and that fibroblasts in keloids may facilitate the transition and proliferation of M2 macrophages, which contributes to further comprehension of the immunological features of keloids. Overall, we delineate the immunology landscape of keloids and present new insights into the mechanisms involved in its formation in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Feng
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengjie Shan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yijun Xia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kai He
- Key Laboratory of Conservation and Application in Biodiversity of South China, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingxin Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Song
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Meng
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyun Liang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Youbin Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Youbin Wang, ; Yongsheng Huang,
| | - Yongsheng Huang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Youbin Wang, ; Yongsheng Huang,
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7
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Wenzel D, Haddadi N, Afshari K, Richmond JM, Rashighi M. Upcoming treatments for morphea. Immun Inflamm Dis 2021; 9:1101-1145. [PMID: 34272836 PMCID: PMC8589364 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease with variable clinical presentations, with an annual incidence of 0.4-2.7 cases per 100,000. Morphea occurs most frequently in children aged 2-14 years, and the disease exhibits a female predominance. Insights into morphea pathogenesis are often extrapolated from studies of systemic sclerosis due to their similar skin histopathologic features; however, clinically they are two distinct diseases as evidenced by different demographics, clinical features, disease course and prognosis. An interplay between genetic factors, epigenetic modifications, immune and vascular dysfunction, along with environmental hits are considered as the main contributors to morphea pathogenesis. In this review, we describe potential new therapies for morphea based on both preclinical evidence and ongoing clinical trials. We focus on different classes of therapeutics, including antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, cellular and gene therapy, and antisenolytic approaches, and how these target different aspects of disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wenzel
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Nazgol‐Sadat Haddadi
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Khashayar Afshari
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jillian M. Richmond
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Mehdi Rashighi
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
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8
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Xia Y, Sokhi UK, Bell RD, Pannellini T, Turajane K, Niu Y, Frye L, Chao M, Ayturk U, Otero M, Bostrom M, Oliver D, Yang X, Ivashkiv LB. Immune and repair responses in joint tissues and lymph nodes after knee arthroplasty surgery in mice. J Bone Miner Res 2021; 36:1765-1780. [PMID: 34076292 PMCID: PMC8727029 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The importance of a local tissue immune response in healing injured tissues such as skin and lung is well established. Little is known about whether sterile wounds elicit lymph node (LN) responses and inflammatory responses after injury of musculoskeletal tissues that are mechanically loaded during the repair response. We investigated LN and tissue immune responses in a tibial implant model of joint replacement surgery where wounded tissue is subjected to movement and mechanical loading postoperatively. Draining inguinal and iliac LNs expanded postoperatively, including increases in regulatory T cells and activation of a subset of T cells. Thus, tissue injury was actively sensed in secondary lymphoid organs, with the potential to activate adaptive immunity. Joint tissues exhibited three temporally distinct immune response components, including a novel interferon (IFN) response with activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and interferon regulatory factor (IRF) pathways. Fibrovascular tissue formation was not associated with a macrophage type 2 (M2) reparative immune response, but instead with delayed induction of interleukin-1 family (IL-1β, IL-33, IL-36), IL-17, and prostaglandin pathway genes concomitant with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and growth factor signaling, fibroblast activation, and tissue formation. Tissue remodeling was associated with activity of the HOX antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) pathway. These results provide insights into immune responses and regulation of tissue healing after knee arthroplasty that potentially can be used to develop therapeutic strategies to improve healing, prevent arthrofibrosis, and improve surgical outcomes. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwei Xia
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Upneet K. Sokhi
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard D. Bell
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tania Pannellini
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathleen Turajane
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Arthroplasty Research Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yingzhen Niu
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Arthroplasty Research Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura Frye
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Max Chao
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ugur Ayturk
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Miguel Otero
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mathias Bostrom
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Arthroplasty Research Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Oliver
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xu Yang
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Arthroplasty Research Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lionel B. Ivashkiv
- Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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9
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Wu Q, Liu Y, Xie Y, Wei S, Liu Y. Identification of Potential ceRNA Network and Patterns of Immune Cell Infiltration in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:622021. [PMID: 34222222 PMCID: PMC8248550 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.622021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is one of the most severe complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is the leading cause of SSc-related deaths. However, the precise pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis in SSc-ILD remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network and immune cell infiltration patterns in SSc-ILD. Methods One microRNA (miRNA) and three messenger RNA (mRNA) microarray datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and mRNAs (DEMs) between SSc-ILD patients and normal controls were identified, respectively, followed by the prediction of the target genes and target lncRNAs of DEmiRs. The overlapping genes between DEmiRs target genes and DEMs were identified as core mRNAs to construct the ceRNA network. In addition, the “Cell Type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of Known RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT)” algorithm was used to analyze the composition of infiltrating immune cells in lung tissues of SSc-ILD patients and controls, and differentially expressed immune cells were recognized. The correlation between immune cells and core mRNAs was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. Results Totally, 42 SSc-ILD lung tissues and 18 normal lung tissues were included in this study. We identified 35 DEmiRs and 142 DEMs and predicted 1,265 target genes of DEmiRs. Then, 9 core mRNAs related to SSc-ILD were recognized, which were the overlapping genes between DEmiRs target genes and DEMs. Meanwhile, 9 DEmiRs related to core mRNAs were identified reversely, and their target lncRNAs were predicted. In total, 9 DEmiRs, 9 core mRNAs, and 51 predicted lncRNAs were integrated to construct the ceRNA regulatory network of SSc-ILD. In addition, 9 types of immune cells were differentially expressed in lung tissues between SSc-ILD patients and controls. Some core mRNAs, such as COL1A1, FOS, and EDN1, were positively or negatively correlated with the number of infiltrating immune cells. Conclusion This is the first comprehensive study to construct the potential ceRNA regulatory network and analyze the composition of infiltrating immune cells in lung tissues of SSc-ILD patients, which improves our understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhong Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shixiong Wei
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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10
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Mesenchymal stromal cells for systemic sclerosis treatment. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102755. [PMID: 33476823 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, and progressive fibrosis. SSc remains an orphan disease, with high morbity and mortality in SSc patients. The mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) demonstrate in vitro and in vivo pro-angiogenic, immuno-suppressive, and anti-fibrotic properties and appear as a promising stem cell therapy type, that may target the key pathological features of SSc disease. This review aims to summarize acquired knowledge in the field of :1) MSC definition and in vitro and in vivo functional properties, which vary according to the donor type (allogeneic or autologous), the tissue sources (bone marrow, adipose tissue or umbilical cord) or inflammatory micro-environment in the recipient; 2) preclinical studies in various SSc animal models , which showed reduction in skin and lung fibrosis after MSC infusion; 3) first clinical trials in human, with safety and early efficacy results reported in SSc patients or currently tested in several ongoing clinical trials.
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11
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Aung WW, Wang C, Xibei J, Horii M, Mizumaki K, Kano M, Okamura A, Kobayashi T, Matsushita T. Immunomodulating role of the JAKs inhibitor tofacitinib in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma. J Dermatol Sci 2020; 101:174-184. [PMID: 33451905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) was hyperactivated in biopsies from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and in several autoimmune disease models. Tofacitinib, a pan-JAK inhibitor, blocks the downstream signaling of multiple cytokines and has exhibited therapeutic efficacy in various autoimmune diseases, although its immunomodulating property in scleroderma is unclear. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of tofacitinib on the modulation of cytokine-producing T and B cells, and proinflammatory cells in a mouse model of SSc. METHODS Bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc was generated by intradermal injection of BLM or PBS for control. Mice received intraperitoneal tofacitinib (20 mg/kg) or vehicle 3 times per week from day 0-28. Mice were sacrificed at day 28 after the last BLM/PBS injection. RESULTS Tofacitinib administration significantly alleviated fibrosis of the skin and lungs in scleroderma mouse model. Furthermore, tofacitinib suppressed adaptive and innate immune responses by reducing splenocytes, total lymphocytes, CD4+ T helper cells (especially Th2 and Th17 subtypes), IL-6-producing effector B cells, PDCA-1+ dendritic cells in the spleen, and infiltration of F4/80+, CD206+ and CD163+ macrophages in the skin and lungs. Conversely, tofacitinib increased the proportions of splenic regulatory T and B cells. The mRNA expression of extracellular matrix proteins and fibrogenic cytokines was downregulated by tofacitinib in both the skin and lungs. CONCLUSION These observations suggest JAK inhibition as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, and highlight the potential of tofacitinib as a promising candidate for treating patients with scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wah Wah Aung
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chenyang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Jia Xibei
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Motoki Horii
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kie Mizumaki
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Miyu Kano
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ai Okamura
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Department of Plastic Surgery, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Kobayashi
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsushita
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
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12
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Huang E, Peng N, Xiao F, Hu D, Wang X, Lu L. The Roles of Immune Cells in the Pathogenesis of Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5203. [PMID: 32708044 PMCID: PMC7432671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue injury and inflammatory response trigger the development of fibrosis in various diseases. It has been recognized that both innate and adaptive immune cells are important players with multifaceted functions in fibrogenesis. The activated immune cells produce various cytokines, modulate the differentiation and functions of myofibroblasts via diverse molecular mechanisms, and regulate fibrotic development. The immune cells exhibit differential functions during different stages of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we summarized recent advances in understanding the roles of immune cells in regulating fibrotic development and immune-based therapies in different disorders and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms with a focus on mTOR and JAK-STAT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyu Huang
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.H.); (F.X.)
| | - Na Peng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second People’s Hospital of Three Gorges University, Yichang 443000, China; (N.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Fan Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.H.); (F.X.)
| | - Dajun Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second People’s Hospital of Three Gorges University, Yichang 443000, China; (N.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.H.); (F.X.)
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.H.); (F.X.)
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13
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Carvalheiro T, Zimmermann M, Radstake TRDJ, Marut W. Novel insights into dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 201:25-33. [PMID: 31970748 PMCID: PMC7290079 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune fibrotic disease characterized by fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune dysregulation. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells, specialized in pathogen sensing, with high capacity to shape the immune responses. The most recent technological advances have allowed the discovery of new DC subsets with potential implications in inflammatory conditions. Alterations of DC distribution in circulation and affected tissue as well as impaired DC function have been described in SSc patients, pointing towards a crucial role of these cells in SSc pathogenesis. In particular, recent studies have shown the importance of plasmacytoid DCs either by their high capacity to produce type I interferon or other inflammatory mediators implicated in SSc pathology, such as chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 4 (CXCL4). In-vivo models of SSc have been vital to clarify the implications of DCs in this disease, especially DCs depletion and specific gene knock-down studies. This review provides these new insights into the contribution of the different DCs subsets in the pathogenesis of SSc, as well as to the novel developments on DCs in in-vivo models of SSc and the potential use of DCs and their mediators as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Carvalheiro
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M Zimmermann
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - T R D J Radstake
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - W Marut
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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14
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Expression of membrane-bound human leucocyte antigen-G in systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Hum Immunol 2019; 81:162-167. [PMID: 31848026 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a nonclassical class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule characterized by complex immunoregulatory and tolerogenic functions. Membrane-bound HLA-G is expressed on the surface of different cell populations in both physiological and pathological conditions. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by widespread tissue fibrosis, vascular lesions and immunological alterations. Systemic lupus erythematosus is the prototypic systemic autoimmune disease affecting virtually any organ system, such as skin, joints, central nervous system, or kidneys. In SSc and SLE patients, the membrane expression of HLA-G on monocytes (0.88 ± 1.54 and 0.43 ± 0.75, respectively), CD4+ (0.42 ± 0.78 and 0.63 ± 0.48, respectively), CD8+ (2.65 ± 3.47 and 1.29 ± 1.34, respectively) and CD4+ CD8+ double-positive cells (13.87 ± 15.97 and 3.79 ± 3.11, respectively) was significantly higher than in healthy controls (0.12 ± 0.07; 0.01 ± 0.01; 0.14 ± 0.20 and 0.32 ± 0.38, respectively) (p < 0.0001). Our results show that in SSc and SLE the membrane expression of HLA-G by different subpopulations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) is increased, suggesting a potential role of HLA-G molecules in the complex immunological pathogenesis of these two autoimmune disorders.
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15
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Affandi AJ, Carvalheiro T, Ottria A, Broen JCA, Bossini-Castillo L, Tieland RG, Bon LV, Chouri E, Rossato M, Mertens JS, Garcia S, Pandit A, de Kroon LMG, Christmann RB, Martin J, van Roon JAG, Radstake TRDJ, Marut W. Low RUNX3 expression alters dendritic cell function in patients with systemic sclerosis and contributes to enhanced fibrosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:1249-1259. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with unknown pathogenesis manifested by inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis in skin and internal organs. Type I interferon signature found in SSc propelled us to study plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in this disease. We aimed to identify candidate pathways underlying pDC aberrancies in SSc and to validate its function on pDC biology.MethodsIn total, 1193 patients with SSc were compared with 1387 healthy donors and 8 patients with localised scleroderma. PCR-based transcription factor profiling and methylation status analyses, single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by sequencing and flow cytometry analysis were performed in pDCs isolated from the circulation of healthy controls or patients with SSc. pDCs were also cultured under hypoxia, inhibitors of methylation and hypoxia-inducible factors and runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) levels were determined. To study Runx3 function, Itgax-Cre:Runx3f/f mice were used in in vitro functional assay and bleomycin-induced SSc skin inflammation and fibrosis model.ResultsHere, we show downregulation of transcription factor RUNX3 in SSc pDCs. A higher methylation status of the RUNX3 gene, which is associated with polymorphism rs6672420, correlates with lower RUNX3 expression and SSc susceptibility. Hypoxia is another factor that decreases RUNX3 level in pDC. Mouse pDCs deficient of Runx3 show enhanced maturation markers on CpG stimulation. In vivo, deletion of Runx3 in dendritic cell leads to spontaneous induction of skin fibrosis in untreated mice and increased severity of bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis.ConclusionsWe show at least two pathways potentially causing low RUNX3 level in SSc pDCs, and we demonstrate the detrimental effect of loss of Runx3 in SSc model further underscoring the role of pDCs in this disease.
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16
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Contini P, Negrini S, Murdaca G, Borro M, Puppo F. Evaluation of membrane-bound and soluble forms of human leucocyte antigen-G in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2018; 193:152-159. [PMID: 29660112 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disease characterized by immune dysregulation, extensive vascular damage and widespread fibrosis. Human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classic class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule characterized by complex immunomodulating properties. HLA-G is expressed on the membrane of different cell lineages in both physiological and pathological conditions. HLA-G is also detectable in soluble form (sHLA-G) deriving from the shedding of surface isoforms (sHLA-G1) or the secretion of soluble isoforms (HLA-G5). Several immunosuppressive functions have been attributed to both membrane-bound and soluble HLA-G molecules. The plasma levels of sHLA-G were higher in SSc patients (444·27 ± 304·84 U/ml) compared to controls (16·74 ± 20·58 U/ml) (P < 0·0001). The plasma levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were higher in SSc patients (18 937 ± 15 217 pg/ml) compared to controls (11 099 ± 6081 pg/ml; P = 0·003), and a significant correlation was found between TGF-β and the plasma levels of total sHLA-G (r = 0·65; P < 0·01), sHLA-G1 (r = 0·60; P = 0·003) and HLA-G5 (r = 0·47; P = 0·02). The percentage of HLA-G-positive monocytes (0·98 ± 1·72), CD4+ (0·37 ± 0·68), CD8+ (2·05 ± 3·74) and CD4+ CD8+ double-positive cells (14·53 ± 16·88) was higher in SSc patients than in controls (0·11 ± 0·08, 0·01 ± 0·01, 0·01 ± 0·01 and 0·39 ± 0·40, respectively) (P < 0·0001). These data indicate that in SSc the secretion and/or shedding of soluble HLA-G molecules and the membrane expression of HLA-G by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) is clearly elevated, suggesting an involvement of HLA-G molecules in the immune dysregulation of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Contini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - S Negrini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Borro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - F Puppo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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17
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Affandi AJ, Carvalheiro T, Radstake TRDJ, Marut W. Dendritic cells in systemic sclerosis: Advances from human and mice studies. Immunol Lett 2017; 195:18-29. [PMID: 29126878 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex heterogeneous fibrotic autoimmune disease with an unknown exact etiology, and characterized by three hallmarks: fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune dysfunction. Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized cells in pathogen sensing with high potency of antigen presentation and capable of releasing mediators to shape the immune response. Altered DCs distributions and their impaired functions may account for their role in breaking the immune tolerance and driving inflammation in SSc, and the direct contribution of DCs in promoting endothelial dysfunction and fibrotic process has only begun to be understood. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in particular have been implicated due to their high production of type I interferon as well as other cytokines and chemokines, including the pro-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic CXCL4. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of human and mouse DC biology has clarified their identification and function in different tissues, and novel DC subsets have only recently been discovered. In this review, we highlight key findings and recent advances exploring DC role in the pathogenesis of SSc and other related autoimmune diseases, and consideration of their potential use as targeted therapy in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alsya J Affandi
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tiago Carvalheiro
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy R D J Radstake
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wioleta Marut
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Mehta H, Goulet PO, Nguyen V, Pérez G, Koenig M, Senécal JL, Sarfati M. Topoisomerase I peptide-loaded dendritic cells induce autoantibody response as well as skin and lung fibrosis. Autoimmunity 2016; 49:503-513. [DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2016.1230848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gemma Pérez
- Laboratory for Research in Autoimmunity, Center de Recherche du Center Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Martial Koenig
- Laboratory for Research in Autoimmunity, Center de Recherche du Center Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Luc Senécal
- Laboratory for Research in Autoimmunity, Center de Recherche du Center Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
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van Rhijn-Brouwer FCC, Gremmels H, Fledderus JO, Radstake TRD, Verhaar MC, van Laar JM. Cellular Therapies in Systemic Sclerosis: Recent Progress. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2016; 18:12. [PMID: 26943351 PMCID: PMC4779139 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-015-0555-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease with a high mortality and morbidity. While progress has been made in terms of identifying high-risk patients and implementing new treatment strategies, therapeutic options remain limited. In the past few decades, various cellular therapies have emerged, which have been studied in SSc and other conditions. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of currently available cellular therapies and critically assess their merit as disease-modifying treatment for SSc. Currently, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only cellular therapy that has demonstrated clinical effects on the immune system, neoangiogenesis, and fibrosis. Robust mechanistic studies as well as clinical trials are essential to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke C C van Rhijn-Brouwer
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Division of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Gremmels
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Division of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joost O Fledderus
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Division of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy R D Radstake
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Division of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne C Verhaar
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Division of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob M van Laar
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Division of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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20
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Ding L, Liu T, Wu Z, Hu B, Nakashima T, Ullenbruch M, Gonzalez De Los Santos F, Phan SH. Bone Marrow CD11c+ Cell-Derived Amphiregulin Promotes Pulmonary Fibrosis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:303-12. [PMID: 27206766 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Amphiregulin (AREG), an epidermal growth factor receptor ligand, is implicated in tissue repair and fibrosis, but its cellular source and role in regeneration versus fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we hypothesize that AREG induced in bone marrow-derived CD11c(+) cells is essential for pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, the objectives were to evaluate the importance and role of AREG in pulmonary fibrosis, identify the cellular source of AREG induction, and analyze its regulation of fibroblast function and activation. The results showed that lung AREG expression was significantly induced in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. AREG deficiency in knockout mice significantly diminished pulmonary fibrosis. Analysis of AREG expression in major lung cell types revealed induction in fibrotic lungs predominantly occurred in CD11c(+) cells. Moreover, depletion of bone marrow-derived CD11c(+) cells suppressed both induction of lung AREG expression and pulmonary fibrosis. Conversely, adoptive transfer of bone marrow-derived CD11c(+) cells from bleomycin-treated donor mice exacerbated pulmonary fibrosis, but not if the donor cells were made AREG deficient prior to transfer. CD11c(+) cell-conditioned media or coculture stimulated fibroblast proliferation, activation, and myofibroblast differentiation in an AREG-dependent manner. Furthermore, recombinant AREG induced telomerase reverse transcriptase, which appeared to be essential for the proliferative effect. Finally, AREG significantly enhanced fibroblast motility, which was associated with increased expression of α6 integrin. These findings suggested that induced AREG specifically in recruited bone marrow-derived CD11c(+) cells promoted bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by activation of fibroblast telomerase reverse transcriptase-dependent proliferation, motility, and indirectly, myofibroblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ding
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Tianju Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Zhe Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Biao Hu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Taku Nakashima
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Matthew Ullenbruch
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | | | - Sem H Phan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review of the literature from 2014 through mid-2015, we examine new data that shed light on how macrophages and other innate immune cells and signals contribute to inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and fibrosis in scleroderma. RECENT FINDINGS Recent human studies have focused on changes early in scleroderma, and linked macrophages to inflammation in skin and progression of lung disease. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells have been implicated in vascular dysfunction. In mice, several factors have been identified that influence macrophage activation and experimental fibrosis. However, emerging data also suggest that myeloid cells can have differential effects in fibrosis. Sustained signaling through different toll-like receptors can lead to inflammation or fibrosis, and these signals can influence both immune and nonimmune cells. SUMMARY There are many types of innate immune cells that can potentially contribute to scleroderma and will be worth exploring in detail. Experimentally dissecting the roles of macrophages based on ontogeny and activation state, and the innate signaling pathways in the tissue microenvironment, may also lead to better understanding of scleroderma pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Chia
- aWeill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program bImmunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences cAutoimmunity and Inflammation Program dAutoimmunity and Inflammation Program and Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery eDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
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The role of dendritic cells and regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of morphea. Cent Eur J Immunol 2015; 40:103-8. [PMID: 26155191 PMCID: PMC4472547 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2015.50841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphea is one of diseases characterised by fibrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is a chronic disease that does not shorten the life of the patient, yet significantly affects its quality. The group of factors responsible for its pathogenesis is thought to include disturbed functioning of endothelial cells as well as immune disturbances leading to chronic inflammatory conditions, accompanied by increased production of collagen and of other extracellular matrix components. Dendritic cells (DC) are a type of professional antigen-presenting cells and can be found in almost all body tissues. Individual investigations have demonstrated high numbers of plasmacytoid DC (pDC) in morphoeic skin lesions, within deeper dermal layers, around blood vessels, and around collagen fibres in subcutaneous tissue. It appears that DC has a more pronounced role in the development of inflammation and T cell activation in morphea, as compared to systemic sclerosis (SSc). Regulatory T (Treg) cells represent a subpopulation of T cells with immunosuppressive properties. Recent studies have drawn attention to the important role played by Treg in the process of autoimmunisation. Just a few studies have demonstrated a decrease in the number and activity of Treg in patients with SSc, and only such studies involve morphea. This article reviews recent studies on the role of DC and regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of morphea. Moreover, mechanisms of phototherapy and potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of morphea are discussed in this context.
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Wermuth PJ, Jimenez SA. The significance of macrophage polarization subtypes for animal models of tissue fibrosis and human fibrotic diseases. Clin Transl Med 2015; 4:2. [PMID: 25852818 PMCID: PMC4384891 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-015-0047-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The systemic and organ-specific human fibrotic disorders collectively represent one of the most serious health problems world-wide causing a large proportion of the total world population mortality. The molecular pathways involved in their pathogenesis are complex and despite intensive investigations have not been fully elucidated. Whereas chronic inflammatory cell infiltration is universally present in fibrotic lesions, the central role of monocytes and macrophages as regulators of inflammation and fibrosis has only recently become apparent. However, the precise mechanisms involved in the contribution of monocytes/macrophages to the initiation, establishment, or progression of the fibrotic process remain largely unknown. Several monocyte and macrophage subpopulations have been identified, with certain phenotypes promoting inflammation whereas others display profibrotic effects. Given the unmet need for effective treatments for fibroproliferative diseases and the crucial regulatory role of monocyte/macrophage subpopulations in fibrogenesis, the development of therapeutic strategies that target specific monocyte/macrophage subpopulations has become increasingly attractive. We will provide here an overview of the current understanding of the role of monocyte/macrophage phenotype subpopulations in animal models of tissue fibrosis and in various systemic and organ-specific human fibrotic diseases. Furthermore, we will discuss recent approaches to the design of effective anti-fibrotic therapeutic interventions by targeting the phenotypic differences identified between the various monocyte and macrophage subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Wermuth
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Science Building Suite 509, 233 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5541 USA
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Science Building Suite 509, 233 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5541 USA
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Marie I. [CXCL4: a new biomarker of diagnosis and severity in systemic sclerosis?]. Rev Med Interne 2014; 36:69-72. [PMID: 25458865 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I Marie
- Département de médecine interne, CHU de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen cedex, France.
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25
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Ho YY, Lagares D, Tager AM, Kapoor M. Fibrosis--a lethal component of systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2014; 10:390-402. [PMID: 24752182 DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2014.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by excessive accumulation of connective tissue components in an organ or tissue. Fibrosis is produced by deregulated wound healing in response to chronic tissue injury or chronic inflammation, the hallmarks of rheumatic diseases. Progressive fibrosis, which distorts tissue architecture and results in progressive loss of organ function, is now recognized to be one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in individuals with one of the most lethal rheumatic disease, systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this Review, we discuss the pathological role of fibrosis in SSc. We discuss the involvement of endothelium and pericyte activation, aberrant immune responses, endoplasmic reticulum stress and chronic tissue injury in the initiation of fibrosis in SSc. We then discuss fibroblast activation and myofibroblast differentiation that occurs in response to these initiating processes and is responsible for excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. Finally, we discuss the chemical and mechanical signals that drive fibroblast activation and myofibroblast differentiation, which could serve as targets for new therapies for fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen Yee Ho
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Division of Surgical Research, McGill University, 1529 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G1A6, Canada
| | - David Lagares
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit and Centre for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Andrew M Tager
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit and Centre for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Mohit Kapoor
- The Toronto Western Research Institute, Division of Orthopaedics, Toronto Western Hospital, The University Health Network, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
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Chentoufi AA, Serov YA, Alazmi M, Baba K. Immune Components of Liver Damage Associated with Connective Tissue Diseases. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2014; 2:37-44. [PMID: 26357616 PMCID: PMC4521253 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2014.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune connective tissue diseases are associated with liver abnormalities and often have overlapping pathological and clinical manifestations. As a result, they can present great clinical challenges and evoke questions about diagnostic criteria for liver diseases. Moreover, discriminating between liver involvement as a manifestation of connective tissue disease and primary liver disease can be challenging since they share a similar immunological mechanism. Most patients with connective tissue diseases exhibit liver test abnormalities that likely result from coexisting, primary liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, and drug-related liver toxicity. Liver damage can be progressive, leading to cirrhosis, complications of portal hypertension, and liver-related death, and, therefore, must be accurately identified. In this review, we highlight the challenges facing the diagnosis of liver damage associated with connective tissue disease and identify immune mechanisms involved in liver damage associated with connective tissue diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz A. Chentoufi
- Department of Immunology, Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Medicine, King Saud Ben AbdulAziz University-Health Sciences, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh
| | - Youri A. Serov
- Laboratory of Clinical Genetic, Research Institute of Gerontology, Ministry of Health, Leonova 16, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mansour Alazmi
- Department of Immunology, Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kamaldeen Baba
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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27
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Rahman AH, Aloman C. Dendritic cells and liver fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:998-1004. [PMID: 23313573 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells are a relative rare population of specialized antigen presenting cells that are distributed through most lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues and play a critical role in linking the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. The liver contains a heterogeneous population of dendritic cells that may contribute to liver inflammation and fibrosis through a number of mechanisms. This review summarizes current knowledge on the development and characterization of liver dendritic cells and their potential impact on liver fibrosis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Fibrosis: Translation of basic research to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeeb H Rahman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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28
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Tissues use resident dendritic cells and macrophages to maintain homeostasis and to regain homeostasis upon tissue injury: the immunoregulatory role of changing tissue environments. Mediators Inflamm 2012; 2012:951390. [PMID: 23251037 PMCID: PMC3518145 DOI: 10.1155/2012/951390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most tissues harbor resident mononuclear phagocytes, that is, dendritic cells and macrophages. A classification that sufficiently covers their phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity during homeostasis and disease does not yet exist because cell culture-based phenotypes often do not match those found in vivo. The plasticity of mononuclear phagocytes becomes obvious during dynamic or complex disease processes. Different data interpretation also originates from different conceptual perspectives. An immune-centric view assumes that a particular priming of phagocytes then causes a particular type of pathology in target tissues, conceptually similar to antigen-specific T-cell priming. A tissue-centric view assumes that changing tissue microenvironments shape the phenotypes of their resident and infiltrating mononuclear phagocytes to fulfill the tissue's need to maintain or regain homeostasis. Here we discuss the latter concept, for example, why different organs host different types of mononuclear phagocytes during homeostasis. We further discuss how injuries alter tissue environments and how this primes mononuclear phagocytes to enforce this particular environment, for example, to support host defense and pathogen clearance, to support the resolution of inflammation, to support epithelial and mesenchymal healing, and to support the resolution of fibrosis to the smallest possible scar. Thus, organ- and disease phase-specific microenvironments determine macrophage and dendritic cell heterogeneity in a temporal and spatial manner, which assures their support to maintain and regain homeostasis in whatever condition. Mononuclear phagocytes contributions to tissue pathologies relate to their central roles in orchestrating all stages of host defense and wound healing, which often become maladaptive processes, especially in sterile and/or diffuse tissue injuries.
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Weidenbusch M, Anders HJ. Tissue microenvironments define and get reinforced by macrophage phenotypes in homeostasis or during inflammation, repair and fibrosis. J Innate Immun 2012; 4:463-77. [PMID: 22507825 DOI: 10.1159/000336717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Current macrophage phenotype classifications are based on distinct in vitro culture conditions that do not adequately mirror complex tissue environments. In vivo monocyte progenitors populate all tissues for immune surveillance which supports the maintenance of homeostasis as well as regaining homeostasis after injury. Here we propose to classify macrophage phenotypes according to prototypical tissue environments, e.g. as they occur during homeostasis as well as during the different phases of (dermal) wound healing. In tissue necrosis and/or infection, damage- and/or pathogen-associated molecular patterns induce proinflammatory macrophages by Toll-like receptors or inflammasomes. Such classically activated macrophages contribute to further tissue inflammation and damage. Apoptotic cells and an-tiinflammatory cytokines dominate in postinflammatory tissues which induce macrophages to produce more anti-inflammatory mediators. Similarly, tumor-associated macrophages also confer immunosuppression in tumor stroma. Insufficient parenchymal healing despite abundant growth factors pushes macrophages to gain a profibrotic phenotype and promote fibrocyte recruitment which both enforce tissue scarring. Ischemic scars are largely devoid of cytokines and growth factors so that fibrolytic macrophages that predominantly secrete proteases digest the excess extracellular matrix. Together, macrophages stabilize their surrounding tissue microenvironments by adapting different phenotypes as feed-forward mechanisms to maintain tissue homeostasis or regain it following injury. Furthermore, macrophage heterogeneity in healthy or injured tissues mirrors spatial and temporal differences in microenvironments during the various stages of tissue injury and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Weidenbusch
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München-LMU, München, Deutschland
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