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Xu D, Yuan X, Li Z, Mu R. Integrin activating molecule-talin1 promotes skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400819. [PMID: 38863696 PMCID: PMC11165211 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Integrin-dependent cell adhesion and migration play important roles in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The roles of integrin activating molecules including talins and kindlins, however, are unclear in SSc. Objectives We aimed to explore the function of integrin activating molecules in SSc. Methods Transcriptome analysis of skin datasets of SSc patients was performed to explore the function of integrin-activating molecules including talin1, talin2, kindlin1, kindlin2 and kindlin3 in SSc. Expression of talin1 in skin tissue was assessed by multiplex immunohistochemistry staining. Levels of talin1 in serum were determined by ELISA. The effects of talin1 inhibition were analyzed in human dermal fibroblasts by real-time PCR, western blot and flow cytometry. Results We identified that talin1 appeared to be the primary integrin activating molecule involved in skin fibrosis of SSc. Talin1 was significantly upregulated and positively correlates with the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (mRSS) and the expression of pro-fibrotic biomarkers in the skin lesions of SSc patients. Further analyses revealed that talin1 is predominantly expressed in the dermal fibroblasts of SSc skin and promotes fibroblast activation and collagen production. Additionally, talin1 primarily exerts its effects through integrin β1 and β5 in SSc. Conclusions Overexpressed talin1 is participated in skin fibrosis of SSc, and talin1 appears to be a potential new therapeutic target for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rong Mu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Hasegawa T, Utsunomiya A, Chino T, Kasamatsu H, Shimizu T, Matsushita T, Obara T, Ishii N, Ogasawara H, Ikeda W, Imai T, Oyama N, Hasegawa M. Anti-CX3CL1 (fractalkine) monoclonal antibody attenuates lung and skin fibrosis in sclerodermatous graft-versus-host disease mouse model. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:94. [PMID: 38702742 PMCID: PMC11067205 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03307-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular injury and inflammation, followed by excessive fibrosis of the skin and other internal organs, including the lungs. CX3CL1 (fractalkine), a chemokine expressed on endothelial cells, supports the migration of macrophages and T cells that express its specific receptor CX3CR1 into targeted tissues. We previously reported that anti-CX3CL1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment significantly inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced expression of type I collagen and fibronectin 1 in human dermal fibroblasts. Additionally, anti-mouse CX3CL1 mAb efficiently suppressed skin inflammation and fibrosis in bleomycin- and growth factor-induced SSc mouse models. However, further studies using different mouse models of the complex immunopathology of SSc are required before the initiation of a clinical trial of CX3CL1 inhibitors for human SSc. METHODS To assess the preclinical utility and functional mechanism of anti-CX3CL1 mAb therapy in skin and lung fibrosis, a sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease (Scl-cGVHD) mouse model was analyzed with immunohistochemical staining for characteristic infiltrating cells and RNA sequencing assays. RESULTS On day 42 after bone marrow transplantation, Scl-cGVHD mice showed increased serum CX3CL1 level. Intraperitoneal administration of anti-CX3CL1 mAb inhibited the development of fibrosis in the skin and lungs of Scl-cGVHD model, and did not result in any apparent adverse events. The therapeutic effects were correlated with the number of tissue-infiltrating inflammatory cells and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive myofibroblasts. RNA sequencing analysis of the fibrotic skin demonstrated that cGVHD-dependent induction of gene sets associated with macrophage-related inflammation and fibrosis was significantly downregulated by mAb treatment. In the process of fibrosis, mAb treatment reduced cGVHD-induced infiltration of macrophages and T cells in the skin and lungs, especially those expressing CX3CR1. CONCLUSIONS Together with our previous findings in other SSc mouse models, the current results indicated that anti-CX3CL1 mAb therapy could be a rational therapeutic approach for fibrotic disorders, such as human SSc and Scl-cGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Akira Utsunomiya
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Takenao Chino
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kasamatsu
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Tomomi Shimizu
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsushita
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | | | - Naoto Ishii
- KAN Research Institute, Inc, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | | | - Wataru Ikeda
- KAN Research Institute, Inc, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- IDDK Co., Ltd, Tokyo, 135-0047, Japan
| | - Toshio Imai
- KAN Research Institute, Inc, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Advanced Therapeutic Target Discovery, Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Noritaka Oyama
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Minoru Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.
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Stącel T, Sybila P, Mędrala A, Ochman M, Nęcki M, Pasek P, Kegler K, Przybyłowski P, Hrapkowicz T, Borowik D, Urlik M. Lung Transplantation in Patients With Systemic Scleroderma-Description of the First Consecutive Cases in Poland: Case Series Report and a Short Literature Review. Transplant Proc 2024; 56:868-876. [PMID: 38702265 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary complications of systemic scleroderma (SSc), such as interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH), are responsible for up to 60% of deaths among patients. For many years, most centers considered SSc a contraindication to lung transplantation (LTx); however, recent publications show that appropriately selected SSc candidates for LTx give results comparable to patients with idiopathic PH or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This paper presents the cases of a 60-year-old male patient (patient 1) and a 42-year-old female patient (patient 2) diagnosed with SSc in 2019 and 2013, respectively. In both patients, interstitial-fibrotic changes in the lungs leading to respiratory failure were confirmed by high-resolution computed tomography as well as pulmonary hypertension (WHO group 3), which was also diagnosed during right heart catheterization. In both cases, despite pharmacotherapy, pulmonary fibrosis progressed, leading to severe respiratory failure. The patients were referred for LTx qualification. LTx was possible to consider in patients due to the lack of significant changes in other internal organs. Double LTx was successfully performed in both patients (patient 1-July 19, 2022; patient 2-September 14, 2022). They were discharged from the hospital in good condition on the 22nd and 20th postoperative day, respectively. LTx is a last-chance therapy that saves lives among patients with extreme respiratory failure in the course of SSc. It prolongs and improves the quality of life. The selection of appropriate patients is key to the success of the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Stącel
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Paweł Sybila
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Agata Mędrala
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marek Ochman
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Mirosław Nęcki
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Piotr Pasek
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Kamil Kegler
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Piotr Przybyłowski
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Hrapkowicz
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dawid Borowik
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Maciej Urlik
- Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Seki N, Tsujimoto H, Tanemura S, Ishigaki S, Takei H, Sugahara K, Yoshimoto K, Akiyama M, Kaneko Y, Chiba K, Takeuchi T. Th17/IL-17A axis is critical for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc): SSc patients with high levels of serum IL-17A exhibit reduced lung functions and increased prevalence of PAH. Cytokine 2024; 176:156534. [PMID: 38354516 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156534] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is thought that systemic sclerosis (SSc) might be a T helper 17 (Th17) cell-driven autoimmune disease. Noticeably, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a leading cause of death in patients with SSc. Here, we investigated the association between serum Th17-related cytokines and prevalence of PAH in SSc patients. METHODS This study included 72 SSc patients and 51 healthy controls (HC). We determined clinical manifestations, immunophenotypes including Th subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17A/F, IL-17B. IL-17C, IL-17D. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23. RESULTS The frequency of Th17 cells was significantly increased in SSc patients compared to HC and was positively correlated with the modified Rodnan skin scores. Furthermore, the serum levels of IL-17A, IL-17D, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly increased in SSc patients compared to HC. SSc patients with detected IL-17A showed high levels of IL-17A/F, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-22, and high frequency of Th17 cells. Interestingly, these patients exhibited the reduced lung functions and increased prevalence of PAH significantly compared to patients with undetected IL-17A. Similarly, SSc patients with detected IL-17A and high IL-6 (≥1.2 pg/mL) exhibited the decreased lung functions and increased prevalence of PAH compared to patients with undetected IL-17A and low IL-6. CONCLUSION We found that SSc patients with high levels of serum IL-17A or both IL-17A and IL-6 show reduced lung functions and high prevalence of PAH. Consequently, it is highly probable that Th17/IL-17A axis is critical for the prevalence of PAH in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyasu Seki
- Research Unit Immunology & Inflammation, Innovative Research division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideto Tsujimoto
- Research Unit Immunology & Inflammation, Innovative Research division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shuhei Tanemura
- Research Unit Immunology & Inflammation, Innovative Research division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Sho Ishigaki
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takei
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kunio Sugahara
- Research Unit Immunology & Inflammation, Innovative Research division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keiko Yoshimoto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Akiyama
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuko Kaneko
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kenji Chiba
- Research Unit Immunology & Inflammation, Innovative Research division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Saitama Medical University, Iruma-gun, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
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Lescoat A, Rimar D, Farge D. Systemic sclerosis, silica exposure and cellular therapies: The sand in the gears? Rev Med Interne 2024:S0248-8663(24)00057-2. [PMID: 38395716 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2024.02.003] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic orphan autoimmune disease with the highest mortality rate among rheumatic diseases. SSc-related interstitial-lung disease (ILD) remains among the leading causes of SSc-related mortality with still few therapeutic effective strategies. In patients with crystallin silica exposure, SSc is recognized as an occupational disease according to the French social security system (Table 25A of the general insurance regimen). Lympho-ablative or myeloablative immunosuppression followed by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (aHSCT) is the only therapeutic approach with demonstrated efficacy, improved survival with disease modifying effects on SSc-fibrotic manifestations (skin disease and ILD) and quality of life. A documented past and/or present occupational silica exposure, with extensive exposure and/or silica-related ILD and/or with persistent silica content in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid are contra-indications to aHSCT in SSc patients, due to the risk of silica-related malignancy or of SSc relapse. This article aims to discuss alternative options in SSc patients with a history of silica exposure, and how innovative cellular therapies (mesenchymal stromal cells, CAR cells) could represent new therapeutic options for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lescoat
- Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail (Irset) - UMR_S 1085, CHU de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, University of Rennes, Rennes, France; Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France.
| | - D Rimar
- Rheumatology Unit, Bnai-Zion, Medical Center, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - D Farge
- Unité de médecine interne (UF04): CRMR MATHEC, maladies auto-immunes et thérapie cellulaire, centre de référence des maladies auto-immunes systémiques rares d'Île-de-France, recherche clinique en hématologie, immunologie et transplantation, URP3518, hôpital St-Louis, AP-HP, université Paris Cité, IRSL, 75010 Paris, France; Department of Medicine, McGill University, H3A 1A1 Montreal, Canada
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Moinzadeh P, Bonella F, Oberste M, Weliwitage J, Blank N, Riemekasten G, Müller-Ladner U, Henes J, Siegert E, Günther C, Kötter I, Pfeiffer C, Schmalzing M, Zeidler G, Korsten P, Susok L, Juche A, Worm M, Jandova I, Ehrchen J, Sunderkötter C, Keyßer G, Ramming A, Schmeiser T, Kreuter A, Lorenz HM, Hunzelmann N, Kreuter M. Impact of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease With and Without Pulmonary Hypertension on Survival: A Large Cohort Study of the German Network for Systemic Sclerosis. Chest 2024; 165:132-145. [PMID: 37582424 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.08.013] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary involvement is the leading cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and may manifest as interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), or in combination of both (ILD with pulmonary hypertension [ILD-PH]). The aim of this analysis was to determine prevalence, clinical characteristics, and survival of these different forms within the registry of the German Network for Systemic Sclerosis. RESEARCH QUESTION Does SSc-associated ILD-PH or ILD without PH affect survival differently, and are there any risk factors that have an additional impact? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Clinical data of 5,831 patients with SSc were collected in the German Network for Systemic Sclerosis registry. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to compare overall survival in patients with SSc-associated ILD-PH and ILD without PH with patients without pulmonary involvement and those with PAH. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the influence of pulmonary involvement and other potential predictors on patient survival. RESULTS Clinical data of 3,257 patients with a mean follow-up time of 3.45 ± 1.63 years have been included in our analysis. At baseline, ILD was present in 34.5%, whereas PH without ILD had a lower prevalence with 4.5%. At the end of follow-up, 47.6% of patients with SSc had ILD, 15.2% had ILD-PH, and 6.5% had PAH. ILD was more frequent in the diffuse cutaneous form (57.3%), whereas PAH did not differ significantly between SSc subtypes. Significant differences in baseline characteristics between PAH vs ILD-PH vs ILD without PH were found for age at diagnosis, sex, SSc subsets, antibody status, FVC, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, and therapy. Overall survival at 5 years was 96.4% for patients without pulmonary involvement and differed significantly between patients with ILD without PH, PAH, and being worst in patients with ILD-PH. Female sex (hazard ratio [HR], 0.3), higher BMI (HR, 0.9), and higher diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide values (HR, 0.98) were associated with a lower mortality risk. INTERPRETATION ILD is the most prevalent pulmonary involvement in SSc, whereas the combination of ILD and PH is associated with the most detrimental survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Moinzadeh
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Francesco Bonella
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Ruhrlandklinik, Pneumonology Department, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Max Oberste
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jithmi Weliwitage
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nobert Blank
- Division of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Jörg Henes
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Rheumatology, Auto-inflammatory Diseases and Internal Medicine 2, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elise Siegert
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Günther
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ina Kötter
- Division of Rheumatology and Systemic Inflammatory Diseases, University Hospital Hamburg, Rheumatology Clinic, Bad Bramstedt, Germany
| | - Christiane Pfeiffer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marc Schmalzing
- Rheumatology/Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Zeidler
- Department of Rheumatology, Osteology and Pain Therapy, Center for Rheumatology Brandenburg, Johanniter-Hospital Treuenbrietzen, Treuenbrietzen, Germany
| | - Peter Korsten
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Laura Susok
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Aaron Juche
- Department of Rheumatology, Immanuel Hospital Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Margitta Worm
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilona Jandova
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Ehrchen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Cord Sunderkötter
- Departments of Dermatology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany
| | - Gernot Keyßer
- Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany
| | - Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology & Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tim Schmeiser
- Internal Medicine - Rhematology and Osteology, Hospital St. Josef, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Alexander Kreuter
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Helios St Elisabeth Hospital Oberhausen, University Witten/Herdecke, Oberhausen, Germany
| | - Hanns-Martin Lorenz
- Division of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Hunzelmann
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Kreuter
- Mainz Center for Pulmonary Medicine, Departments of Pneumology, Mainz University Medical Center and of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Marienhaus Clinic Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Lescoat A, Kato H, Varga J. Emerging cellular and immunotherapies for systemic sclerosis: from mesenchymal stromal cells to CAR-T cells and vaccine-based approaches. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:356-363. [PMID: 37650691 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although two targeted therapies have received recent approval for systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated interstitial lung disease, they do not show major disease-modifying activity, highlighting the need for novel therapies and innovative paradigms. To that end, cellular therapies may represent a new opportunity for the treatment of SSc. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of emerging cell-based disease-modifying therapies in SSc. RECENT FINDINGS Initial small studies in patients with severe refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using engineered regulatory cells show promising results. CD19-directed CAR-T have shown promising results in one case report of refractory diffuse cutaneous SSc patients. T cells engineered to express a chimeric autoantibody receptor (CAAR-T cells) may be even more relevant via the specific elimination of auto-reactive B cells. Targeting pro-fibrotic or senescence-related pathways may also constitute promising approaches in SSc. SUMMARY Building on the classification of the clinical phenotype and prediction of clinical trajectory based on individual patients' autoantigen and/or autoantibody profile, cellular therapies targeting the same autoantigen or related autoreactive cells may represent an unprecedented opportunity to implement personalized medicine in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- University of Rennes CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset -Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail-UMRS
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Hiroshi Kato
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John Varga
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Lescoat A, Bellando-Randone S, Campochiaro C, Del Galdo F, Denton CP, Farrington S, Galetti I, Khanna D, Kuwana M, Truchetet ME, Allanore Y, Matucci-Cerinic M. Beyond very early systemic sclerosis: deciphering pre‑scleroderma and its trajectories to open new avenues for preventive medicine. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2023; 5:e683-e694. [PMID: 38251534 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(23)00212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The identification of individuals with systemic sclerosis in an oligosymptomatic phase preceding the very early manifestations of the disease represents a challenge in the search for a new window of opportunity in systemic sclerosis. This phase could be identified in a clinical scenario as the pre-scleroderma phase, in which the disease would still be far from systemic sclerosis-related fibrotic or irreversible manifestations in skin or organs. In this Personal View, we discuss parameters and candidate definitions for a conceptual framework of pre-scleroderma, from the identification of populations at risk to autoantibodies and their potential functional activities. We discuss how this new paradigm of pre-scleroderma could represent a game-changing approach in the management of systemic sclerosis, allowing the treatment of patients at high risk of organ involvement or skin fibrosis before such events occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, CHU Rennes, University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France; Institut de Recherche en Sante, Environnement, et Travail, CHU Rennes, University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Rennes, France.
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Division of Rheumatology, AOUC, Florence, Italy
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Department of Rheumatology, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sue Farrington
- Scleroderma & Raynaud Society UK, London, UK; Federation of European Scleroderma Associations, Copenhagen, Denmark; Federation of European Scleroderma Associations, Budapest, Hungary; Federation of European Scleroderma Associations, London, UK
| | - Ilaria Galetti
- Federation of European Scleroderma Associations, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marie-Elise Truchetet
- Department of Rheumatology, UMR5164 ImmunoConcept, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux University Hospital, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016 UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Division of Rheumatology, AOUC, Florence, Italy; Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Muruganandam M, Ariza-Hutchinson A, Patel RA, Sibbitt WL. Biomarkers in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:4633-4660. [PMID: 37868834 PMCID: PMC10590076 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s379815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vascular damage, vasoinstability, and decreased perfusion with ischemia, inflammation, and exuberant fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Biomarkers are analytic indicators of the biological and disease processes within an individual that can be accurately and reproducibly measured. The field of biomarkers in SSc is complex as recent studies have implicated at least 240 pathways and dysregulated proteins in SSc pathogenesis. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are classical biomarkers with well-described clinical classifications and are present in more than 90% of SSc patients and include anti-centromere, anti-Th/To, anti-RNA polymerase III, and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is central to the fibrotic process of SSc and is intimately intertwined with other biomarkers. Tyrosine kinases, interferon-1 signaling, IL-6 signaling, endogenous thrombin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), lysophosphatidic acid receptors, and amino acid metabolites are new biomarkers with the potential for developing new therapeutic agents. Other biomarkers implicated in SSc-ILD include signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), CD226 (DNAX accessory molecule 1), interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), T-cell surface glycoprotein zeta chain (CD3ζ) or CD247, the NLR family, SP-D (surfactant protein), KL-6, leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1), CCL19, genetic factors including DRB1 alleles, the interleukins (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 IL-13, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-32, and IL-35), the chemokines CCL (2,3,5,13,20,21,23), CXC (8,9,10,11,16), CX3CL1 (fractalkine), and GDF15. Adiponectin (an indicator of PPAR activation) and maresin 1 are reduced in SSc patients. A new trend has been the use of biomarker panels with combined complex multifactor analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to determine disease activity and response to therapy. The present review is an update of the various biomarker molecules, pathways, and receptors involved in the pathology of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheswari Muruganandam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Angie Ariza-Hutchinson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Rosemina A Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Wilmer L Sibbitt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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10
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Huang Y, Zhao H, Shi X, Liu J, Lin JM, Ma Q, Jiang S, Pu W, Ma Y, Liu J, Wu W, Wang J, Liu Q. GRB2 serves as a viable target against skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis by regulating endothelial cell apoptosis. J Dermatol Sci 2023; 111:109-119. [PMID: 37661474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular and immune system dysfunction, along with tissue fibrosis. Our previous study found GRB2 was downregulated by salvianolic acid B, a small molecule drug that attenuated skin fibrosis of SSc. OBJECTIVES Here we aim to investigate the role of GRB2 in SSc. METHODS The microarray data of SSc skin biopsies in Caucasians were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The expression of GRB2 was further detected in Chinese SSc and healthy controls. Bleomycin (BLM)-induced skin fibrosis mice were used to explore how GRB2 downregulation affected fibrosis. The apoptosis of EA.hy926 endothelial cells was induced by H2O2 and apoptosis ratio was measured by flow cytometric. Transcriptome and phosphoproteomic analyses were performed to explore the regulated pathway. RESULTS The expression of GRB2 was significantly enhanced in SSc patient skin, 1.51-fold in Caucasians and 1.40-fold in Chinese. Double immunofluorescence staining showed the endothelial cells of SSc patient's skin highly expressed GRB2. The in vivo study revealed that GRB2 knockdown alleviated skin fibrosis and apoptosis of endothelial cells in BLM mouse skin. The in vitro study showed that GRB2 downregulation inhibited the apoptosis of EA.hy926 and protected them from H2O2-induced hyperpermeability. Moreover, transcriptome and phosphoproteomic analysis suggested the focal adhesion pathway was enriched in GRB2 siRNA transfected endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated GRB2 highly expressed in endothelial cells of SSc skin, and inhibiting GRB2 could effectively attenuate BLM-induced skin fibrosis and endothelial cell apoptosis. GRB2 is expected to be a new therapeutic target for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Nanjing Intellectual Property Protection Center, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangguang Shi
- Division of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jui-Ming Lin
- Division of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weilin Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyun Ma
- Institute for Six-sector Economy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianlan Liu
- Division of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyu Wu
- Division of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai, China; Department of Dermatology, Jing' an District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Division of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai, China; Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
| | - Qingmei Liu
- Division of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Zheng H, Cheng X, Jin L, Shan S, Yang J, Zhou J. Recent advances in strategies to target the behavior of macrophages in wound healing. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115199. [PMID: 37517288 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic wounds and scar formation are widespread due to limited suitable remedies. The macrophage is a crucial regulator in wound healing, controlling the onset and termination of inflammation and regulating other processes related to wound healing. The current breakthroughs in developing new medications and drug delivery methods have enabled the accurate targeting of macrophages in oncology and rheumatic disease therapies through clinical trials. These successes have cleared the way to utilize drugs targeting macrophages in various disorders. This review thus summarizes macrophage involvement in normal and pathologic wound healing. It further details the targets available for macrophage intervention and therapeutic strategies for targeting the behavior of macrophages in tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkun Zheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinwei Cheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Jin
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengzhou Shan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Kasamatsu H, Chino T, Hasegawa T, Utsunomiya N, Utsunomiya A, Yamada M, Oyama N, Hasegawa M. A cysteine proteinase inhibitor ALLN alleviates bleomycin-induced skin and lung fibrosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:156. [PMID: 37626391 PMCID: PMC10463804 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03130-7] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that is characterized by fibrosis in the skin and internal organs, such as the lungs. Activated differentiation of progenitor cells, which are mainly resident fibroblasts, into myofibroblasts is considered a key mechanism underlying the overproduction of extracellular matrix and the resultant tissue fibrosis in SSc. Calpains are members of the Ca2+-dependent cysteine protease family, whose enzymatic activities participate in signal transduction and tissue remodeling, potentially contributing to fibrosis in various organs. However, the roles of calpain in the pathogenesis of SSc remain unknown. This study aimed to examine the anti-fibrotic properties of N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-norleucinal (ALLN), one of the cysteine proteinase inhibitors that primarily inhibit calpain, in vitro and in vivo, to optimally translate into the therapeutic utility in human SSc. METHODS Normal human dermal and lung fibroblasts pretreated with ALLN were stimulated with recombinant transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), followed by assessment of TGF-β1/Smad signaling and fibrogenic molecules. RESULTS ALLN treatment significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation and nuclear transport of Smad2/3 in skin and lung fibroblasts. TGF-β1-dependent increases in α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), collagen type I, fibronectin 1, and some mesenchymal transcription markers were attenuated by ALLN. Moreover, our findings suggest that ALLN inhibits TGF-β1-induced mesenchymal transition in human lung epithelial cells. Consistent with these in vitro findings, administering ALLN (3 mg/kg/day) three times a week intraperitoneally remarkably suppressed the development of skin and lung fibrosis in a SSc mouse model induced by daily subcutaneous bleomycin injection. The number of skin- and lung-infiltrating CD3+ T cells decreased in ALLN-treated mice compared with that in control-treated mice. Phosphorylation of Smad3 and/or an increase in αSMA-positive myofibroblasts was significantly inhibited by ALLN treatment on the skin and lungs. However, no adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results prove that calpains can be a novel therapeutic target for skin and lung fibrosis in SSc, considering its inhibitor ALLN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kasamatsu
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-Cho, Yoshida-Gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Takenao Chino
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-Cho, Yoshida-Gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Takumi Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-Cho, Yoshida-Gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Natsuko Utsunomiya
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-Cho, Yoshida-Gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Akira Utsunomiya
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-Cho, Yoshida-Gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Masami Yamada
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-Cho, Yoshida-Gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Noritaka Oyama
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-Cho, Yoshida-Gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Minoru Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-Cho, Yoshida-Gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.
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13
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Lescoat A, Huang S, Carreira PE, Siegert E, de Vries-Bouwstra J, Distler JHW, Smith V, Del Galdo F, Anic B, Damjanov N, Rednic S, Ribi C, Bancel DF, Hoffmann-Vold AM, Gabrielli A, Distler O, Khanna D, Allanore Y. Cutaneous Manifestations, Clinical Characteristics, and Prognosis of Patients With Systemic Sclerosis Sine Scleroderma: Data From the International EUSTAR Database. JAMA Dermatol 2023; 159:837-847. [PMID: 37378994 PMCID: PMC10308295 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.1729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Importance Systemic sclerosis (SSc) sine scleroderma (ssSSc) is a subset of SSc defined by the absence of skin fibrosis. Little is known about the natural history and skin manifestations among patients with ssSSc. Objective To characterize the clinical phenotype of patients with ssSSc compared with patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) within the EUSTAR database. Design, Setting, and Participants This longitudinal observational cohort study based on the international EUSTAR database included all patients fulfilling the classification criteria for SSc assessed by the modified Rodnan Skin score (mRSS) at inclusion and with at least 1 follow-up visit; ssSSc was defined by the absence of skin fibrosis (mRSS = 0 and no sclerodactyly) at all available visits. Data extraction was performed in November 2020, and data analysis was performed from April 2021 to April 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Main outcomes were survival and skin manifestations (onset of skin fibrosis, digital ulcers, telangiectasias, puffy fingers). Results Among the 4263 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 376 (8.8%) were classified as having ssSSc (mean [SD] age, 55.3 [13.9] years; 345 [91.8%] were female). At last available visit, in comparison with 708 patients with lcSSc and 708 patients with dcSSc with the same disease duration, patients with ssSSc had a lower prevalence of previous or current digital ulcers (28.2% vs 53.1% in lcSSc; P < .001; and 68.3% in dcSSc; P < .001) and puffy fingers (63.8% vs 82.4% in lcSSc; P < .001; and 87.6% in dcSSc; P < .001). By contrast, the prevalence of interstitial lung disease was similar in ssSSc and lcSSc (49.8% and 57.1%; P = .03) but significantly higher in dcSSc (75.0%; P < .001). Skin telangiectasias were associated with diastolic dysfunction in patients with ssSSc (odds ratio, 4.778; 95% CI, 2.060-11.081; P < .001). The only independent factor for the onset of skin fibrosis in ssSSc was the positivity for anti-Scl-70 antibodies (odds ratio, 3.078; 95% CI, 1.227-7.725; P = .02). Survival rate was higher in patients with ssSSc (92.4%) compared with lcSSc (69.4%; P = .06) and dcSSc (55.5%; P < .001) after up to 15 years of follow-up. Conclusions and Relevance Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma should not be neglected considering the high prevalence of interstitial lung disease (>40%) and SSc renal crisis (almost 3%). Patients with ssSSc had a higher survival than other subsets. Dermatologists should be aware that cutaneous findings in this subgroup may be associated with internal organ dysfunction. In particular, skin telangiectasias in ssSSc were associated with diastolic heart dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- University of Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Suiyuan Huang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | | | | | | | | | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Branimir Anic
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nemanja Damjanov
- Institute of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Simona Rednic
- Department of Rheumatology, Emergency County Teaching Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Camillo Ribi
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Farge Bancel
- Department of Internal Medicine: CRMR MATHEC, Maladies Auto-Immunes et Thérapie Cellulaire, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares d’Ile-de-France, FAI2R, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Université de Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Armando Gabrielli
- Arche Polytechnic University, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP.CUP, Paris, France
- INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
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Ramyead S, Denton CP, Orteu CH, Swale V, Mayor-Jerez J, Gardette E. A purple plaque in a patient with systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2023; 8:NP1-NP3. [PMID: 37287943 PMCID: PMC10242689 DOI: 10.1177/23971983231152342] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
We present the case of a 43-year old woman with anti-U3 ribonucleoprotein antibody-positive systemic sclerosis presenting with an enlarging purple plaque on the left upper arm. The skin was not sclerotic; however, there had been a cluster of long-standing telangiectases preceding the plaque. Histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed an angiosarcoma. There are five reported cases in the literature about angiosarcoma arising in the skin of patients with systemic sclerosis; however, to our knowledge, this is the first to have arisen from non-sclerotic skin. We would urge clinicians to adopt a high index of suspicion for atypical vascular tumours presenting in patients with systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Ramyead
- Department of Dermatology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Victoria Swale
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Emma Gardette
- Department of Dermatology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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15
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Lescoat A. Very Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis: Deciphering the heterogeneity of systemic sclerosis in the very early stages of the disease. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2023; 8:3-6. [PMID: 36743816 PMCID: PMC9896197 DOI: 10.1177/23971983221129211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis has been a major challenge for the scleroderma community in the past 50 years. The recent publication of the predictive value of the VEDOSS (Very Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis) criteria in the Lancet Rheumatology in December 2021 has provided an unprecedented insight in the early stages of the disease. This editorial discusses the main findings from this 2021 VEDOSS publication and highlights key unanswered questions to be proposed on the research agenda in very early systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine
and Clinical Immunology, CHU Rennes, University of Rennes 1, Rennes,
France
- CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP,
Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail UMR_S 1085, Rennes,
France
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16
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Kakkar V, Assassi S, Allanore Y, Kuwana M, Denton CP, Khanna D, Del Galdo F. Type 1 interferon activation in systemic sclerosis: a biomarker, a target or the culprit. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2022; 34:357-364. [PMID: 36125916 PMCID: PMC9594133 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Activation of the type 1 interferon (T1 IFN) pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) by an increasing number of studies, most of which share key findings with similar studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we will focus on the evidence for T1 IFN activation and dysregulation in SSc, and the rationale behind targeting the pathway going forward. RECENT FINDINGS An increased expression and activation of T1 IFN-regulated genes has been shown to be present in a significant proportion of SSc patients. TI IFN activation markers have been found to predict and correlate with response to immunosuppressive treatment as well as severity of organ involvement. As inhibition of the IFN-α receptor has been proven to be effective in active SLE, benefit may be seen in targeting the IFN pathway in SSc. SUMMARY The role played by T1 IFN and its regulatory genes in SSc is becoming increasingly evident and strikingly similar to the role observed in SLE. This observation, together with the benefit of type 1 IFN targeting in SLE, supports the notion of a potential therapeutic benefit in targeting T1 IFN in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Kakkar
- Department of Rheumatology, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016 UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Dinesh Khanna
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Department of Rheumatology, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Human Cytomegalovirus and Human Herpesvirus 6 Coinfection of Dermal Fibroblasts Enhances the Pro-Inflammatory Pathway Predisposing to Fibrosis: The Possible Impact on Systemic Sclerosis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081600. [PMID: 36014018 PMCID: PMC9415275 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081600] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease likely triggered by genetic and environmental factors, including viral infections. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and human herpesvirus 6A species (HHV-6A) have been associated with SSc, based on in vivo and in vitro evidence, but the data are still inconclusive. Furthermore, despite both viruses being highly prevalent in humans and able to exacerbate each other’s effects, no data are available on their joint effects. Hence, we aimed to study their simultaneous impact on the expression of cell factors correlated with fibrosis and apoptosis in in vitro coinfected fibroblasts, representing the main target cell type in SSc. The results, obtained by a microarray detecting 84 fibrosis/apoptosis-associated factors, indicated that coinfected cells underwent higher and more sustained expression of fibrosis-associated parameters compared with single-infected cells. Thus, the data, for the first time, suggest that HCMV and HHV-6A may cooperate in inducing alterations potentially leading to cell fibrosis, thus further supporting their joint role in SSc. However, further work is required to definitively answer whether β-herpesviruses are causally linked to the disease and to enable the possible use of targeted antiviral treatments to improve clinical outcomes.
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Kishaba T. Current perspective of progressive-fibrosing interstitial lung disease. Respir Investig 2022; 60:503-509. [PMID: 35431170 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a parenchymal lung disease and restrictive disorder that presents as diffuse infiltrative shadows. The initial diagnosis of ILD is important because management strategies depend on the disease pathogenesis. Connective-tissue disease (CTD)-associated ILD including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc) requires a thorough evaluation of chronic respiratory symptoms such as non-productive cough and exertional dyspnea, as well as physical findings. Moreover, myeloperoxidase-positive anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA)-associated vasculitis with ILD also shows disease progression. In CTD-associated ILD, the first-line treatment is anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisolone or immunosuppressants. In hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), detailed environmental history-taking is crucial. Therefore, systematic standardized questionnaires are needed. However, the causative antigens are often not identified in daily clinical practice. When an antigen is identified or suspected, the first action is avoidance. If antigen avoidance does not contribute to clinical improvement, anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisolone might be introduced. Regarding sarcoidosis, while most patients do not require treatment for lung involvement, some need anti-inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressants. Additionally, steroid treatment should be considered for the critical status of extrapulmonary sarcoidosis including cardiac, neurogenic and ocular sarcoidosis. Once starting treatment for ILD, multi-dimensional approaches are applied, including symptom tracking, chest imaging, pulmonary function test (PFT), and 6-min walking test. Recently, the concept of progressive-fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) has been proposed as a new disease entity. The definition of PF-ILD includes symptom progression, PFT decline, and extension of chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings. This mini-review describes the background, definition, clinical characteristics, management, and challenges of PF-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoo Kishaba
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okinawa Chubu Hospital, Miyazato 281, Uruma City, Okinawa 〒904-2293, Japan.
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[Systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease: Diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in the light of recent clinical trials]. Rev Med Interne 2022; 43:365-374. [PMID: 35181160 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated to fibrotic manifestations. Interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), one of the main fibrotic features of SSc, is the first cause of SSc-related death. The management of SSc-ILD has recently benefited from the results of key randomised controlled trials. French authorities have approved Nintedanib for the treatment of SSc-ILD, and tocilizumab has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United-States (US). These recent approvals challenge the management of this fibrotic manifestation of SSc. This narrative literature review, at the crossroad of internal medicine and pulmonology, discusses what could be an up-to date approach, in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for SSc-ILD, in the light of the results from recent clinical trials.
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Yomono K, Kuwana M. Outcomes in patients with systemic sclerosis undergoing early versus delayed intervention with potential disease-modifying therapies. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:3677-3685. [PMID: 34919668 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether early therapeutic intervention, compared with delayed intervention, is beneficial for patients with early systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study of SSc patients who received cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, or tocilizumab for diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) or interstitial lung disease (ILD) within 6 years after disease onset. The patients were divided into early and delayed intervention groups based on the disease duration of ≤ 18 and >18 months at treatment introduction, respectively. Clinical worsening was defined as the development of any original or revised ACR Composite Response Index in Systemic Sclerosis (CRISS) step 1 event or progressive fibrosing ILD (PF-ILD). RESULTS There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the early (n = 25) and delayed (n = 21) intervention groups except forced vital capacity (FVC), which was better in the early vs delayed intervention groups. The early intervention group less frequently had stable pulmonary function over one year than did the late intervention group (odds ratio 0.087, 95% confidence interval 0.0079-0.51, p = 0.003). The active disease was significantly decreased from 79% to 42% in the early intervention group (p = 0.007), but the change in the delayed intervention group was not statistically significant (68% to 42%, p = 0.11). Cumulative rates free from clinical worsening events defined by revised ACR-CRISS and PF-ILD were significantly higher in the early vs delayed intervention groups (p = 0.03 and 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION A therapeutic "window of opportunity" might exist in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keina Yomono
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Scleroderma/Myositis Center of Excellence, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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