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Tham HL, Davis JL. Pharmacology of drugs used in autoimmune dermatopathies in cats and dogs: A narrative review. Vet Dermatol 2024; 35:453-476. [PMID: 38708551 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13253] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive drugs are the mainstay of treatment for many feline and canine autoimmune skin diseases, either as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Treatment with these drugs is often lifelong and may have long-term consequences on the affected animal's overall quality-of-life. Clinicians need to understand the pharmacology of immunosuppressants in planning and executing the treatment regimen for the best possible clinical outcome, as well as reducing the risk of adverse effects. This review paper will focus on the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, clinical uses and adverse effects of immunosuppressive drugs used to treat autoimmune dermatoses in cats and dogs. These include glucocorticoids, ciclosporin A, azathioprine, chlorambucil, mycophenolate mofetil, oclacitinib and Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng L Tham
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Jennifer L Davis
- Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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2
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Shastri M, Sharma M, Sharma K, Sharma A, Minz RW, Dogra S, Chhabra S. Cutaneous-immuno-neuro-endocrine (CINE) system: A complex enterprise transforming skin into a super organ. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15029. [PMID: 38429868 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15029] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Skin is now emerging as a complex realm of three chief systems viz. immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system. The cells involved in their intricate crosstalk, namely native skin cells, intra-cutaneous immune cells and cutaneous sensory neurons have diverse origin and distinct functions. However, recent studies have explored their role beyond their pre-defined functional boundaries, such that the cells shun their traditional functions and adopt unconventional roles. For example, the native skin cells, apart from providing for basic structural framework of skin, also perform special immune functions and participate in extensive neuro-endocrine circuitry, which were traditionally designated as functions of cutaneous resident immune cells and sensory neurons respectively. At the cellular level, this unique collaboration is brought out by special molecules called neuromediators including neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, neurotrophins, neurohormones and cytokines/chemokines. While this intricate crosstalk is essential for maintaining cutaneous homeostasis, its disruption is seen in various cutaneous diseases. Recent study models have led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of pathophysiology of many such disorders. In this review, we have described in detail the interaction of immune cells with neurons and native skin cells, role of neuromediators, the endocrine aspect in skin and current understanding of cutaneous neuro-immuno-endocrine loop in one of the commonest skin diseases, psoriasis. An accurate knowledge of this unique crosstalk can prove crucial in understanding the pathophysiology of different skin diseases and allow for generation of targeted therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malvika Shastri
- Department of Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Maryada Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Nehru Extension Block, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Keshav Sharma
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ayush Sharma
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ranjana Walker Minz
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sunil Dogra
- Department of Dermatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Seema Chhabra
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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3
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Shakiba S, Haddadi NS, Afshari K, Lubov JE, Raef HS, Li R, Yildiz-Altay Ü, Daga M, Refat MA, Kim E, de Laflin JG, Akabane A, Sherman S, MacDonald E, Strassner JP, Zhang L, Leon M, Baer CE, Dresser K, Liang Y, Whitley JB, Skopelja-Gardner S, Harris JE, Deng A, Vesely MD, Rashighi M, Richmond J. Spatial characterization of interface dermatitis in cutaneous lupus reveals novel chemokine ligand-receptor pairs that drive disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.05.574422. [PMID: 38260617 PMCID: PMC10802382 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.05.574422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Chemokines play critical roles in the recruitment and activation of immune cells in both homeostatic and pathologic conditions. Here, we examined chemokine ligand-receptor pairs to better understand the immunopathogenesis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), a complex autoimmune connective tissue disorder. We used suction blister biopsies to measure cellular infiltrates with spectral flow cytometry in the interface dermatitis reaction, as well as 184 protein analytes in interstitial skin fluid using Olink targeted proteomics. Flow and Olink data concordantly demonstrated significant increases in T cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs). We also performed spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics of punch biopsies using digital spatial profiling (DSP) technology on CLE skin and healthy margin controls to examine discreet locations within the tissue. Spatial and Olink data confirmed elevation of interferon (IFN) and IFN-inducible CXCR3 chemokine ligands. Comparing involved versus uninvolved keratinocytes in CLE samples revealed upregulation of essential inflammatory response genes in areas near interface dermatitis, including AIM2. Our Olink data confirmed upregulation of Caspase 8, IL-18 which is the final product of AIM2 activation, and induced chemokines including CCL8 and CXCL6 in CLE lesional samples. Chemotaxis assays using PBMCs from healthy and CLE donors revealed that T cells are equally poised to respond to CXCR3 ligands, whereas CD14+CD16+ APC populations are more sensitive to CXCL6 via CXCR1 and CD14+ are more sensitive to CCL8 via CCR2. Taken together, our data map a pathway from keratinocyte injury to lymphocyte recruitment in CLE via AIM2-Casp8-IL-18-CXCL6/CXCR1 and CCL8/CCR2, and IFNG/IFNL1-CXCL9/CXCL11-CXCR3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Shakiba
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Janet E. Lubov
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Haya S. Raef
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Robert Li
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Mridushi Daga
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Evangeline Kim
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Andressa Akabane
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Shany Sherman
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Christina E. Baer
- UMass Chan Medical School, Sanderson Center for Optical Experimentation, Dept of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karen Dresser
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Pathology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Yan Liang
- NanoString Technologies, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James B Whitley
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Dept of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - John E Harris
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - April Deng
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Pathology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Matthew D. Vesely
- Yale University School of Medicine, Dept of Dermatology, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mehdi Rashighi
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jillian Richmond
- UMass Chan Medical School, Dept of Dermatology, Worcester, MA, USA
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4
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London CA, Gardner H, Zhao S, Knapp DW, Utturkar SM, Duval DL, Chambers MR, Ostrander E, Trent JM, Kuffel G. Leading the pack: Best practices in comparative canine cancer genomics to inform human oncology. Vet Comp Oncol 2023; 21:565-577. [PMID: 37778398 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12935] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Pet dogs develop spontaneous cancers at a rate estimated to be five times higher than that of humans, providing a unique opportunity to study disease biology and evaluate novel therapeutic strategies in a model system that possesses an intact immune system and mirrors key aspects of human cancer biology. Despite decades of interest, effective utilization of pet dog cancers has been hindered by a limited repertoire of necessary cellular and molecular reagents for both in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as a dearth of information regarding the genomic landscape of these cancers. Recently, many of these critical gaps have been addressed through the generation of a highly annotated canine reference genome, the creation of several tools necessary for multi-omic analysis of canine tumours, and the development of a centralized repository for key genomic and associated clinical information from canine cancer patients, the Integrated Canine Data Commons. Together, these advances have catalysed multidisciplinary efforts designed to integrate the study of pet dog cancers more effectively into the translational continuum, with the ultimate goal of improving human outcomes. The current review summarizes this recent progress and provides a guide to resources and tools available for comparative study of pet dog cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A London
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heather Gardner
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shaying Zhao
- University of Georgia Cancer Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Deborah W Knapp
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Sagar M Utturkar
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Dawn L Duval
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Elaine Ostrander
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Trent
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Gina Kuffel
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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5
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Olayinka JT, Nagarkar A, Ma DJ, Wong NB, Romasco A, Piedra-Mora C, Wrijil L, David CN, Gardner HL, Robinson NA, Hughes KL, Barton B, London CA, Almela RM, Richmond JM. Cathepsin W, T-cell receptor-associated transmembrane adapter 1, lymphotactin and killer cell lectin like receptor K1 are sensitive and specific RNA biomarkers of canine epitheliotropic lymphoma. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1225764. [PMID: 38026637 PMCID: PMC10654980 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1225764] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an uncommon type of lymphoma involving malignant skin-resident or skin-homing T cells. Canine epitheliotropic lymphoma (EL) is the most common form of CTCL in dogs, and it also spontaneously arises from T lymphocytes in the mucosa and skin. Clinically, it can be difficult to distinguish early-stage CTCLs apart from other forms of benign interface dermatitis (ID) in both dogs and people. Our objective was to identify novel biomarkers that can distinguish EL from other forms of ID, and perform comparative transcriptomics of human CTCL and canine EL. Here, we present a retrospective gene expression study that employed archival tissue from biorepositories. We analyzed a discovery cohort of 6 canines and a validation cohort of 8 canines with EL which occurred spontaneously in client-owned companion dogs. We performed comparative targeted transcriptomics studies using NanoString to assess 160 genes from lesional skin biopsies from the discovery cohort and 800 genes from the validation cohort to identify any significant differences that may reflect oncogenesis and immunopathogenesis. We further sought to determine if gene expression in EL and CTCL are conserved across humans and canines by comparing our data to previously published human datasets. Similar chemokine profiles were observed in dog EL and human CTCL, and analyses were performed to validate potential biomarkers and drivers of disease. In dogs, we found enrichment of T cell gene signatures, with upregulation of IFNG, TNF, PRF1, IL15, CD244, CXCL10, and CCL5 in EL in dogs compared to healthy controls. Importantly, CTSW, TRAT1 and KLRK1 distinguished EL from all other forms of interface dermatitis we studied, providing much-needed biomarkers for the veterinary field. XCL1/XCL2 were also highly specific of EL in our validation cohort. Future studies exploring the oncogenesis of spontaneous lymphomas in companion animals will expand our understanding of these disorders. Biomarkers may be useful for predicting disease prognosis and treatment responses. We plan to use our data to inform future development of targeted therapies, as well as for repurposing drugs for both veterinary and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadesola Temitope Olayinka
- Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- SUNY Downstate School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Akanksha Nagarkar
- Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Diana Junyue Ma
- Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Neil B. Wong
- Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Andrew Romasco
- Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Cesar Piedra-Mora
- Pathology Department, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Linda Wrijil
- Pathology Department, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | | | - Heather L. Gardner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Nicholas A. Robinson
- Pathology Department, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Kelly L. Hughes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Bruce Barton
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Cheryl A. London
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Ramón M. Almela
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Jillian M. Richmond
- Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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6
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Affolter VK. Cytotoxic dermatitis: Review of the interface dermatitis pattern in veterinary skin diseases. Vet Pathol 2023; 60:770-782. [PMID: 37650259 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231195080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Interface dermatitis or lichenoid interface dermatitis refers to a cutaneous inflammatory pattern in which keratinocyte cell death is the essential feature. These terms have evolved from the originally described lichenoid tissue reaction. These lesions are the basis for an important group of skin diseases in animals and people where cytotoxic T-cell-mediated epidermal damage is a major pathomechanism. Yet, for largely historical reasons these commonly used morphological diagnostic terms do not reflect the essential nature of the lesion. An emphasis on subsidiary lesions, such as the presence of a lichenoid band, and definitions based on anatomical features, such as location at the dermo-epidermal location, may cause confusion and even misdiagnosis. This review covers historical aspects of the terminology, including the origin of terms such as "lichenoid." The types of cell death involved and the histopathologic lesions are described. Etiopathogenesis is discussed in terms of aberrations of immune/inflammatory mechanisms focusing on cutaneous lupus erythematosus, erythema multiforme, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. Mechanisms have most extensively been studied in humans and laboratory animals and the discussion is centered on these species. As interface dermatitis is firmly entrenched in dermatological parlance, rather than using "cytotoxic" as its substitute, the terminologies "interface cytotoxic dermatitis" and "panepidermal cytotoxic dermatitis" are recommended, based on location and extent of epithelium affected.
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Harvey RG, Olivrī A, Lima T, Olivry T. Effective treatment of canine chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus variants with oclacitinib: Seven cases. Vet Dermatol 2023; 34:53-58. [PMID: 36229964 PMCID: PMC10092348 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of canine chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) variants generally requires immunosuppression, which often results in potentially severe adverse effects. Janus kinase inhibitors, like oclacitinib, might be a valuable treatment option due to their rapid inhibition of the action of interferons known to be relevant in the pathogenesis of CCLE. OBJECTIVES To report the efficacy and safety of oral oclacitinib for the treatment of canine CCLE variants. ANIMALS Seven dogs were diagnosed with CCLE based on clinical signs and compatible histopathological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS Oclacitinib was administered at the induction dosage of 0.45 mg/kg twice daily to 1.8 mg/kg once daily. The response to treatment was graded as 'good' when there was ≥50% lesion reduction, or as 'complete remission' if all active lesions had resolved. Complete blood counts were performed at variable intervals. RESULTS A complete remission of all lesions was obtained in the dog with exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus, both dogs with mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus and three of four dogs with facial discoid lupus erythematosus (FDLE); a good response was seen in the remaining dog with FDLE. The first visible improvement of signs was seen within 2-to-3 weeks, while the time to complete remission was around 2 months. Clinical adverse effects were not seen, and haematological parameters remained within the reference range. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Oclacitinib may be considered an effective treatment option for different variants of canine CCLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alla Olivrī
- Veterinary Dermatology Riga, SIA Olivry Consulting, Riga, Latvia
| | - Tatiana Lima
- North Downs Specialist Referral, Bletchingley, UK
| | - Thierry Olivry
- Veterinary Dermatology Riga, SIA Olivry Consulting, Riga, Latvia
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Lubov JE, Jamison AS, Baltich Nelson B, Amudzi AA, Haas KN, Richmond JM. Medicinal Plant Extracts and Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:802624. [PMID: 35431950 PMCID: PMC9008762 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.802624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a group of autoimmune connective tissue disorders that significantly impact quality of life. Current treatment approaches typically use antimalarial medications, though patients may become recalcitrant. Other treatment options include general immunosuppressants, highlighting the need for more and more targeted treatment options. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify potential compounds that could be repurposed for CLE from natural products since many rheumatologic drugs are derived from natural products, including antimalarials. This study was registered with PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (registration number CRD42021251048). We comprehensively searched Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases from inception to April 27th, 2021. These terms included cutaneous lupus erythematosus; general plant, fungus, bacteria terminology; selected plants and plant-derived products; selected antimalarials; and JAK inhibitors. Our search yielded 13,970 studies, of which 1,362 were duplicates. We screened 12,608 abstracts, found 12,043 to be irrelevant, and assessed 565 full-text studies for eligibility. Of these, 506 were excluded, and 59 studies were included in the data extraction. The ROBINS-I risk of bias assessment tool was used to assess studies that met our inclusion criteria. According to our findings, several natural compounds do reduce inflammation in lupus and other autoimmune skin diseases in studies using in vitro methods, mouse models, and clinical observational studies, along with a few randomized clinical trials. Our study has cataloged evidence in support of potential natural compounds and plant extracts that could serve as novel sources of active ingredients for the treatment of CLE. It is imperative that further studies in mice and humans are conducted to validate these findings. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=251048.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet E. Lubov
- Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Janet E. Lubov, ; Jillian M. Richmond,
| | - Aisha S. Jamison
- Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, United States
| | | | - Alice A. Amudzi
- Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Kelly N. Haas
- Department of Microbiology, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Jillian M. Richmond
- Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Janet E. Lubov, ; Jillian M. Richmond,
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Amudzi AA, Piedra-Mora C, Ma DJ, Wong NB, David CN, Robinson NA, Almela RM, Richmond JM. Using Gene Expression Analysis to Understand Complex Autoimmune Skin Disease Patients: A Series of Four Canine Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Cases. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:778934. [PMID: 35280134 PMCID: PMC8907585 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.778934] [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: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune skin disease that occurs in almost two-thirds of people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and can exist as its own entity. Despite its negative impact on the quality of life of patients, lupus pathogenesis is not fully understood. In recent years, the role of gene expression analysis has become important in understanding cellular functions and disease causation within and across species. Interestingly, dogs also develop CLE, providing a spontaneous animal model of disease. Here, we present a targeted transcriptomic analysis of skin biopsies from a case series of four dogs with complex autoimmunity with suspected CLE. We identified 92 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including type 1 interferon, B cell, and T cell-related genes, in the four cases compared to healthy skin margin controls. Additionally, we compared our results with existing CLE datasets from humans and mice and found that humans and canines share 49 DEGs, whereas humans and mice shared only 25 DEGs in our gene set. Immunohistochemistry of IFNG and CXCL10, two of the most highly upregulated inflammatory mediators, confirmed protein-level expression and revealed immune cells as the primary source of CXCL10 in dogs with SLE, whereas keratinocytes stained strongly for CXCL10 in dogs without SLE. We propose that gene expression analysis may aid the diagnosis of complex autoimmune skin diseases and that dogs may provide important insights into CLE and SLE pathogeneses, or more broadly, skin manifestations during systemic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice A. Amudzi
- Dermatology Department, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Cesar Piedra-Mora
- Pathology Department, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Diana Junyue Ma
- Dermatology Department, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Neil B. Wong
- Dermatology Department, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | | | - Nicholas A. Robinson
- Pathology Department, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Ramón M. Almela
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Jillian M. Richmond
- Dermatology Department, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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