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Tuncer F, Bulik M, Villandre J, Lear T, Chen Y, Tuncer B, Kass DJ, Valenzi E, Morse C, Sembrat J, Lafyatis R, Chen B, Evankovich J. Fibronectin-EDA accumulates via reduced ubiquitination downstream of Toll-like receptor 9 activation in SSc-ILD fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 323:L484-L494. [PMID: 35997276 PMCID: PMC9550569 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00019.2022] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) components from lung fibroblasts is a feature of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), and there is increasing evidence that innate immune signaling pathways contribute to these processes. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune sensors activated by danger signals derived from pathogens or host molecular patterns. Several damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules are elevated in SSc-ILD plasma, including ligands that activate TLR9, an innate immune sensor recently implicated in driving profibrotic responses in fibroblasts. Fibronectin and the isoform fibronectin-extra domain A (FN-EDA) are prominent in pathological extracellular matrix accumulation, but mechanisms promoting FN-EDA accumulation are only partially understood. Here, we show that TLR9 activation increases FN-EDA accumulation in MRC5 and SSc-ILD fibroblasts, but that this effect is independent of changes in FN-EDA gene transcription. Rather, we describe a novel mechanism where TLR9 activation inhibits FN-EDA turnover via reduced FN-EDA ubiquitination. TLR9 ligand ODN2006 reduces ubiquitinated FN-EDA destined for lysosomal degradation, an effect abrogated with TLR9 knockdown or inhibition. Taken together, these results provide rationale for disrupting the TLR9 signaling axis or FN-EDA degradation pathways to reduce FN-EDA accumulation in SSc-ILD fibroblasts. More broadly, enhancing intracellular degradation of ECM components through TLR9 inhibition or enhanced ECM turnover could be a novel strategy to attenuate pathogenic ECM accumulation in SSc-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferhan Tuncer
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa Bulik
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Villandre
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Travis Lear
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yanwen Chen
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Beyza Tuncer
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Eleanor Valenzi
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Christina Morse
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Bill Chen
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Evankovich
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Guan X, Wang Q, Lin B, Sun M, Zheng Q, Huang J, Lai G. Structural characterization of a soluble polysaccharide SSPS1 from soy whey and its immunoregulatory activity in macrophages. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 217:131-141. [PMID: 35835298 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A soluble soybean polysaccharide SSPS1 with a molecular weight of 2737 kDa was extracted and purified from soy whey. SSPS1 was composed of glucose (97.3 %) and a small amount of mannose (2.7 %). Structural analysis results suggested that SSPS1 had a → 6)-α-d-Glcp-(1 → glucan structure, with a trace amount of α-d-Glcp-(1 → connected to the main chain via O-3. In vitro immunological experiments suggested that SSPS1 enhanced the growth rate and phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, SSPS1 stimulated the secretion of cytokines (TNF-α, INF-β, IL-6 and IL-1β) as well as nitric oxide (NO) production through upregulating the expression of the related genes and proteins in RAW 264.7 cells. This study provided a new method for efficient utilization of soy whey, and the results indicate that SSPS1 extracted from soy whey could be used as a novel immunomodulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefang Guan
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering Technology, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product (Food) Processing, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering Technology, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product (Food) Processing, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China.
| | - Bin Lin
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering Technology, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Meiling Sun
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering Technology, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Qi Zheng
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering Technology, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Juqing Huang
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering Technology, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product (Food) Processing, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Gongti Lai
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering Technology, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
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3
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Graßhoff H, Fourlakis K, Comdühr S, Riemekasten G. Autoantibodies as Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Systemic Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092150. [PMID: 36140251 PMCID: PMC9496142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092150] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by immune dysregulation evoking the pathophysiological triad of inflammation, fibrosis and vasculopathy. In SSc, several alterations in the B-cell compartment have been described, leading to polyclonal B-cell hyperreactivity, hypergammaglobulinemia and autoantibody production. Autoreactive B cells and autoantibodies promote and maintain pathologic mechanisms. In addition, autoantibodies in SSc are important biomarkers for predicting clinical phenotype and disease progression. Autoreactive B cells and autoantibodies represent potentially promising targets for therapeutic approaches including B-cell-targeting therapies, as well as strategies for unselective and selective removal of autoantibodies. In this review, we present mechanisms of the innate immune system leading to the generation of autoantibodies, alterations of the B-cell compartment in SSc, autoantibodies as biomarkers and autoantibody-mediated pathologies in SSc as well as potential therapeutic approaches to target these.
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4
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Xu D, Bhattacharyya S, Wang W, Ifergan I, Chiang Wong MYA, Procissi D, Yeldandi A, Bale S, Marangoni RG, Horbinski C, Miller SD, Varga J. PLG nanoparticles target fibroblasts and MARCO+ monocytes to reverse multi-organ fibrosis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:151037. [PMID: 35104243 PMCID: PMC8983146 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, multisystem orphan disease with a highly variable clinical course, high mortality rate, and a poorly understood complex pathogenesis. We have identified an important role for a subpopulation of monocytes and macrophages characterized by surface expression of the scavenger receptor macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) in chronic inflammation and fibrosis in SSc and in preclinical disease models. We show that MARCO+ monocytes and macrophages accumulate in lesional skin and lung in topographic proximity to activated myofibroblasts in patients with SSc and in the bleomycin-induced mouse model of SSc. Short-term treatment of mice with a potentially novel nanoparticle, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLG), which is composed of a carboxylated, FDA-approved, biodegradable polymer and modulates activation and trafficking of MARCO+ inflammatory monocytes, markedly attenuated bleomycin-induced skin and lung inflammation and fibrosis. Mechanistically, in isolated cells in culture, PLG nanoparticles inhibited TGF-dependent fibrotic responses in vitro. Thus, MARCO+ monocytes are potent effector cells of skin and lung fibrosis and can be therapeutically targeted in SSc using PLG nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Wenxia Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Igal Ifergan
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Ming-Yi Alice Chiang Wong
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Daniele Procissi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Anjana Yeldandi
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Swarna Bale
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Roberta G Marangoni
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Craig Horbinski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Stephen D Miller
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - John Varga
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
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The Immunogenetics of Systemic Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1367:259-298. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92616-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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6
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Wenzel D, Haddadi N, Afshari K, Richmond JM, Rashighi M. Upcoming treatments for morphea. Immun Inflamm Dis 2021; 9:1101-1145. [PMID: 34272836 PMCID: PMC8589364 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease with variable clinical presentations, with an annual incidence of 0.4-2.7 cases per 100,000. Morphea occurs most frequently in children aged 2-14 years, and the disease exhibits a female predominance. Insights into morphea pathogenesis are often extrapolated from studies of systemic sclerosis due to their similar skin histopathologic features; however, clinically they are two distinct diseases as evidenced by different demographics, clinical features, disease course and prognosis. An interplay between genetic factors, epigenetic modifications, immune and vascular dysfunction, along with environmental hits are considered as the main contributors to morphea pathogenesis. In this review, we describe potential new therapies for morphea based on both preclinical evidence and ongoing clinical trials. We focus on different classes of therapeutics, including antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, cellular and gene therapy, and antisenolytic approaches, and how these target different aspects of disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wenzel
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Nazgol‐Sadat Haddadi
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Khashayar Afshari
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jillian M. Richmond
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Mehdi Rashighi
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
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7
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Abstract
Elderly individuals with chronic disorders tend to develop inflammaging, a condition associated with elevated levels of blood inflammatory markers, and increased susceptibility to chronic disease progression. Native and adaptive immunity are both involved in immune system senescence, kidney fibrosis and aging. The innate immune system is characterized by a limited number of receptors, constantly challenged by self and non-self stimuli. Circulating and kidney resident myeloid and lymphoid cells are all equipped with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Recent reports on PRRs show kidney overexpression of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in inflammaging autoimmune renal diseases, vasculitis, acute kidney injury and kidney transplant rejection. TLR upregulation leads to proinflammatory cytokine induction, fibrosis, and chronic kidney disease progression. TLR2 blockade in a murine model of renal ischemia reperfusion injury prevented the escape of natural killer cells and neutrophils by inflammaging kidney injury. Tumor necrosis factor-α blockade in endothelial cells with senescence-associated secretory phenotype significantly reduced interleukin-6 release. These findings should encourage experimental and translational clinical trials aimed at modulating renal inflammaging by native immunity blockade.
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8
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New Autoantibody Specificities in Systemic Sclerosis and Very Early Systemic Sclerosis. Antibodies (Basel) 2021; 10:antib10020012. [PMID: 33800661 PMCID: PMC8103273 DOI: 10.3390/antib10020012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4 (CXCL4) is a biomarker of unfavorable prognosis in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), a potentially severe autoimmune condition, characterized by vasculitis, fibrosis and interferon (IFN)-I-signature. We recently reported that autoantibodies to CXCL4 circulate in SSc patients and correlate with IFN-α. Here, we used shorter versions of CXCL4 and CXCL4-L1, the CXCL4 non-allelic variant, to search for autoantibodies exclusively reacting to one or the other CXCL4 form. Moreover, to address whether anti-CXCL4/CXCL4-L1 antibodies were present before SSc onset and predicted SSc-progression, we longitudinally studied two VEDOSS (Very Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis) patient cohorts, separating SSc-progressors from SSc-non-progressors. We found that anti-CXCL4-specific autoantibodies were present in both SSc and VEDOSS patients (both SSc-progressors and SSc-non-progressors). Anti-CXCL4-L1-specific autoantibodies were especially detected in long-standing SSc (lsSSc). Anti-CXCL4/CXCL4-L1 antibodies correlated with IFN-α and with specific SSc-skin features but only in lsSSc and not in early SSc (eaSSc) or VEDOSS. Thus, a broader antibody response, with reactivity spreading to CXCL4-L1, is characteristic of lsSSc. The early anti-CXCL4 autoantibody response seems qualitatively different from, and likely less pathogenic than, that observed in advanced SSc. Lastly, we confirm that anti-CXCL4 autoantibodies are SSc-biomarkers and uncover that also CXCL4-L1 becomes an autoantigen in lsSSc.
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9
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McWhirter SM, Jefferies CA. Nucleic Acid Sensors as Therapeutic Targets for Human Disease. Immunity 2021; 53:78-97. [PMID: 32668230 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Innate immune sensors that detect nucleic acids are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention because of their diverse roles in many disease processes. In detecting RNA and DNA from either self or non-self, nucleic acid sensors mediate the pathogenesis of many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Despite promising pre-clinical data and investigational use in the clinic, relatively few drugs targeting nucleic acid sensors are approved for therapeutic use. Nevertheless, there is growing appreciation for the untapped potential of nucleic acid sensors as therapeutic targets, driven by the need for better therapies for cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. This review highlights the diverse mechanisms by which nucleic acid sensors are activated and exert their biological effects in the context of various disease settings. We discuss current therapeutic strategies utilizing agonists and antagonists targeting nucleic acid sensors to treat infectious disease, cancer, and autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline A Jefferies
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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10
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Arvia R, Margheri F, Stincarelli MA, Laurenzana A, Fibbi G, Gallinella G, Ferri C, Del Rosso M, Zakrzewska K. Parvovirus B19 activates in vitro normal human dermal fibroblasts: a possible implication in skin fibrosis and systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 59:3526-3532. [PMID: 32556240 PMCID: PMC7590411 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibrosis is the most characteristic pathological hallmark of SSc, a connective tissue disease characterized by vascular and immunological abnormalities, inflammation and enhanced extracellular matrix production, leading to progressive fibrosis of skin and internal organs. We previously demonstrated that parvovirus B19 (B19V) can infect normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and that B19V persists in SSc fibroblasts. In this study, we investigated whether parvovirus B19V is able to activate in vitro NHDFs and to induce in these cells some phenotypic features similar to that observed in the SSc fibroblasts. METHODS We preliminarily analysed the time course of B19V infection in cultured NHDFs, then we investigated the ability of B19V to induce cell migration, invasive phenotype and mRNA expression of some profibrotic and/or proinflammatory genes. RESULTS We confirmed our previous findings that B19V infects NHDFs, but the infection is not productive. After incubation with B19V, NHDFs showed a significant increase of both migration and invasiveness, along with mRNA expression of different profibrotic genes (α-SMA, EDN-1, IL-6, TGF-β1 receptors 1 and 2, Col1α2), some genes associated with inflammasome platform (AIM2, IFI16, IL-1β, CASP-1) and genes for metalloprotease (MMP 2, 9 and 12). CONCLUSION These data suggest that B19V can activate dermal fibroblasts and may have a role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. B19V-induced fibroblast migration and invasiveness could be due to the B19V-associated MMP9 overexpression and activation. Moreover, the up-regulation of MMP12, typical of SSc, could link the B19V infection of fibroblasts to the anti-angiogenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence
| | | | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence
| | - Giorgio Gallinella
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna
| | - Clodoveo Ferri
- Rheumatology Unit, Medical School, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University-Hospital Policlinic of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence
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11
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Raschi E, Privitera D, Bodio C, Lonati PA, Borghi MO, Ingegnoli F, Meroni PL, Chighizola CB. Scleroderma-specific autoantibodies embedded in immune complexes mediate endothelial damage: an early event in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:265. [PMID: 33168071 PMCID: PMC7654597 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02360-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consistently with their diagnostic and prognostic value, autoantibodies specific for systemic sclerosis (SSc) embedded in immune complexes (ICs) elicited a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cascade in healthy skin fibroblasts, engaging Toll-like receptors (TLRs) via their nucleic acid components. The objective of this study was to investigate the pathogenicity of SSc-ICs in endothelial cells. METHODS ICs were purified from the sera of SSc patients bearing different autoantibody specificities (antibodies against DNA topoisomerase I, centromeric proteins, RNA polymerase, and Th/To), patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (PAPS), or healthy controls (NHS) using polyethylene glycol precipitation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with ICs, positive and negative controls. mRNA levels of endothelin-1 (et-1), collagenIα1 (colIα1), interferon (IFN)-α, and IFN-β were investigated by real-time PCR; et-1 and il-6 mRNA levels were assessed after pre-treatment with bafilomycin. ICAM-1 expression was evaluated by cell ELISA; secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in culture supernatants was measured by ELISA. The expression of Fcγ receptors (CD64, CD32, and CD16) was assessed in endothelial cells at FACS analysis. Intracellular signaling pathways culminating with NFκB, p38MAPK, SAPK-JNK, and Akt were assessed by Western blotting. Healthy skin fibroblasts were stimulated with supernatants from HUVECs incubated with ICs, and TGF-β1 secretion and mRNA levels of colIα1 and matrix metalloproteinase (mmp)-1, protein expression of α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and IL-6 were evaluated by Western blotting; et-1 mRNA levels were assessed in fibroblasts pre-treated with IL-6 and TGF-β inhibitors and stimulated with ATA-ICs. RESULTS All SSc stimulated IL-6 secretion; ACA-ICs and anti-Th/To-ICs increased ICAM-1 expression; all SSc-ICs but anti-Th/To-ICs augmented IL-8 levels; all SSc-ICs but ACA-ICs and ARA-ICs upregulated et-1, and all SSc-ICs but ARA-ICs affected TGF-β1 secretion. colIα1, IFN-α, and IFN-β mRNA levels were not affected by any SSc-IC. FcγRII (CD32) and FcγRIII (CD16) were not detectable on HUVECs, while FcγRI (CD64) was minimally expressed. A differential modulation of tlr expression was observed: tlr2, tlr3, and tlr4 were upregulated by ATA-ICs and ACA-ICs, while anti-Th/To-ICs resulted in tlr9 upregulation. Pre-treatment with bafilomycin did not affect the upregulation of et-1 and il-6 induced by ATA-ICs, ACA-ICs, and anti-Th/To-ICs; a 23% reduction in both genes was reported for ARA-ICs. All SSc-ICs activated p38MAPK and Akt, and all SSc-ICs but ARA-ICs yielded the activation of NFκB; ATA-ICs and ACA-ICs increased the activation rate of both subunits of SAPK-JNK. When healthy skin fibroblasts were stimulated with supernatants from HUVECs incubated with SSc-ICs, TGF-β1 secretion, colIα1, α-SMA, and IL-6 expression levels were significantly modulated. Pre-treatment with IL-6 and TGF-β inhibitors prevented et-1 upregulation induced by ATA-ICs by 85% and 77%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These data provide the first demonstration of the pathogenicity of ICs from scleroderma patients with different autoantibodies on the endothelium. Endothelial activation induced by SSc-ICs ultimately led to a pro-fibrotic phenotype in healthy skin fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Raschi
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Privitera
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Bodio
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Adele Lonati
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Orietta Borghi
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ingegnoli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy.,Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, ASST G. Pini, Piazza C Ferrari 1, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy.,Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Beatrice Chighizola
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy. .,Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
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12
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Worrell JC, O'Reilly S. Bi-directional communication: Conversations between fibroblasts and immune cells in systemic sclerosis. J Autoimmun 2020; 113:102526. [PMID: 32713676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune idiopathic connective tissue disease, characterized by aberrant fibro-proliferative and inflammatory responses, causing fibrosis of multiple organs. In recent years the interactions between innate and adaptive immune cells with resident fibroblasts have been uncovered. Cross-talk between immune and stromal cells mediates activation of stromal cells to myofibroblasts; key cells in the pathophysiology of fibrosis. These cells and their cytokines appear to mediate their effects in both a paracrine and autocrine fashion. This review examines the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in SSc, focusing on recent advances that have illuminated our understanding of ongoing bi-directional communication between immune and stromal cells. Finally, we appraise current and future therapies and how these may be useful in a disease that currently has no specific disease modifying treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Worrell
- Insititute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Durham University, Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Durham, UK. steven.o'
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13
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Anti-CXCL4 Antibody Reactivity Is Present in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and Correlates with the SSc Type I Interferon Signature. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145102. [PMID: 32707718 PMCID: PMC7404208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by skin/internal organ fibrosis, vasculopathy and autoimmunity. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4 (CXCL4) is an SSc biomarker, predicting unfavorable prognosis and lung fibrosis. CXCL4 binds DNA/RNA and favors interferon (IFN)-α production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), contributing to the type I IFN (IFN-I) signature in SSc patients. However, whether CXCL4 is an autoantigen in SSc is unknown. Here, we show that at least half of SSc patients show consistent antibody reactivity to CXCL4. T-cell proliferation to CXCL4, tested in a limited number of patients, correlates with anti-CXCL4 antibody reactivity. Antibodies to CXCL4 mostly correlate with circulating IFN-α levels and are significantly higher in patients with lung fibrosis in two independent SSc cohorts. Antibodies to CXCL4 implement the CXCL4-DNA complex's effect on IFN-α production by pDCs; CXCL4-DNA/RNA complexes stimulate purified human B-cells to become antibody-secreting plasma cells in vitro. These data indicate that CXCL4 is indeed an autoantigen in SSc and suggest that CXCL4, and CXCL4-specific autoantibodies, can fuel a harmful loop: CXCL4-DNA/RNA complexes induce IFN-α in pDCs and direct B-cell stimulation, including the secretion of anti-CXCL4 antibodies. Anti-CXCL4 antibodies may further increase pDC stimulation and IFN-α release in vivo, creating a vicious cycle which sustains the SSc IFN-I signature and general inflammation.
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Kanno Y, Shu E, Niwa H, Kanoh H, Seishima M. Alternatively activated macrophages are associated with the α2AP production that occurs with the development of dermal fibrosis : The role of alternatively activated macrophages on the development of fibrosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:76. [PMID: 32272967 PMCID: PMC7146905 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02159-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fibrotic diseases are characterized by tissue overgrowth, hardening, and/or scarring because of the excessive production, deposition, and contraction of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the detailed mechanisms underlying these disorders remain unclear. It was recently reported that α2-antiplasmin (α2AP) is elevated in fibrotic tissue and that it is associated with the development of fibrosis. In the present study, we examined the mechanism underlying the production of α2AP on the development of fibrosis. Methods To clarify the mechanism underlying the production of α2AP on the development of fibrosis, we focused on high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which is associated with the development of fibrosis. The mouse model of bleomycin-induced fibrosis was used to evaluate the production of α2AP on the development of fibrosis. Results We found that HMGB1 induced the production of α2AP through receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in fibroblasts. Next, we showed that macrophage reduction by a macrophage-depleting agent, clodronate, attenuated the progression of fibrosis and the production of α2AP and HMGB1 in the bleomycin-induced mice. We also showed that IL-4-stimulated alternatively activated macrophages induced the production of HMGB1, that IL-4-stimulated alternatively activated macrophage conditioned media (CM) induced pro-fibrotic changes and α2AP production, and that the inhibition of HMGB1 and RAGE attenuated these effects in fibroblasts. Furthermore, the blockade of IL-4 signaling by IL-4Rα neutralizing antibodies attenuated the progression of fibrosis and the production of α2AP and HMGB1 in the bleomycin-induced mice. Conclusion These findings suggest that alternatively activated macrophage-derived HMGB1 induced the production of α2AP through RAGE and that these effects are associated with the development of fibrosis. Our findings may provide a clinical strategy for managing fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Kanno
- Department of Clinical Pathological Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, 97-1 Kodo Kyo-tanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan. .,Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan.
| | - En Shu
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Niwa
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kanoh
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Mariko Seishima
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
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15
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Frasca L, Lande R. Toll-like receptors in mediating pathogenesis in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 201:14-24. [PMID: 32048277 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are evolutionarily conserved receptors essential for the host defence against pathogens. Both immune and non-immune cells can express TLRs, although at different levels. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease in which autoimmunity, dysregulated profibrotic mediator release and activation of fibroblasts lead to dysregulated collagen deposition and fibrosis. There is now increasing knowledge that the innate immune system and, in particular, TLRs take a part in SSc pathogenesis. The list of endogenous ligands that can stimulate TLRs in SSc is growing: these ligands represent specific danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), involved either in the initiation or the perpetuation of inflammation, and in the release of factors that sustain the fibrotic process or directly stimulate the cells that produce collagen and the endothelial cells. This review reports evidences concerning TLR signalling involvement in SSc. We report the new DAMPs, as well as the TLR-linked pathways involved in disease, with emphasis on type I interferon signature in SSc, the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and platelets. The dissection of the contribution of all these pathways to disease, and their correlation with the disease status, as well as their values as prognostic tools, can help to plan timely intervention and design new drugs for more appropriate therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Frasca
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological Research and Experimental Therapy Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - R Lande
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological Research and Experimental Therapy Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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16
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has the highest cause-specific mortality of all the connective tissue diseases, and the aetiology of this complex and heterogeneous condition remains an enigma. Current disease-modifying therapies for SSc predominantly target inflammatory and vascular pathways but have variable and unpredictable clinical efficacy, and none is curative. Moreover, many of these therapies possess undesirable safety profiles and have no appreciable effect on long-term mortality. This Review describes the most promising of the existing therapeutic targets for SSc and places them in the context of our evolving understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. As well as taking an in-depth look at the immune, inflammatory, vascular and fibrotic pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc, this Review discusses emerging treatment targets and therapeutic strategies. The article concludes with an overview of important unanswered questions in SSc research that might inform the design of future studies of treatments aimed at modifying the course of this disease.
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Innate immunity and Toll-like receptor signaling in the pathogenesis of scleroderma: advances and opportunities for therapy. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2019; 30:600-605. [PMID: 30234721 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which inflammation and cytokine dysregulation leads to skin fibrosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are conserved pattern recognition receptors, recognizing pathogens danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that elicit a cascade of proinflammatory signaling. Recently, TLRs have been found to be critically important in SSc pathogenesis, with increased levels of the TLRs and their ligands present in the disease. Animal models have also been pivotal in delineating the role of these innate immune receptors in SSc. This current review examines the role of TLRs and the most recent evidence of the role of DAMPs and how these may be exploited therapeutically. RECENT FINDINGS Increasingly, studies have demonstrated the key roles of TLR4 and other intracellular TLRs in mediating fibrosis in SSc patients and animal models. TLR4 activation appears a key point and novel DAMPs, expressed upon tissue damage, appear critical in mediating the profibrotic effect through a downstream enhancement of transforming growth factor β. Deletion of Tenascin-C or a splice variant of fibronectin ameliorates animal models of skin fibrosis. Intracellular, nucleic acid sensing, TLR8 is critical in activating macrophages to secrete profibrotic molecules. The mechanism involves histone modification through epigenetic modifying enzymes. SUMMARY TLRs are key therapeutic targets in SSc.
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Zakrzewska K, Arvia R, Torcia MG, Clemente AM, Tanturli M, Castronovo G, Sighinolfi G, Giuggioli D, Ferri C. Effects of Parvovirus B19 In Vitro Infection on Monocytes from Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Enhanced Inflammatory Pathways by Caspase-1 Activation and Cytokine Production. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 139:2125-2133.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.03.1144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- Northumbria University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Ellison Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Jacob M van Laar
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Utrecht, Netherlands
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20
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Schreurs M, Suttorp CM, Mutsaers HAM, Kuijpers-Jagtman AM, Von den Hoff JW, Ongkosuwito EM, Carvajal Monroy PL, Wagener FADTG. Tissue engineering strategies combining molecular targets against inflammation and fibrosis, and umbilical cord blood stem cells to improve hampered muscle and skin regeneration following cleft repair. Med Res Rev 2019; 40:9-26. [PMID: 31104334 PMCID: PMC6972684 DOI: 10.1002/med.21594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is a congenital deformity that occurs in about 1 of 700 newborns, affecting the dentition, bone, skin, muscles and mucosa in the orofacial region. A cleft can give rise to problems with maxillofacial growth, dental development, speech, and eating, and can also cause hearing impairment. Surgical repair of the lip may lead to impaired regeneration of muscle and skin, fibrosis, and scar formation. This may result in hampered facial growth and dental development affecting oral function and lip and nose esthetics. Therefore, secondary surgery to correct the scar is often indicated. We will discuss the molecular and cellular pathways involved in facial and lip myogenesis, muscle anatomy in the normal and cleft lip, and complications following surgery. The aim of this review is to outline a novel molecular and cellular strategy to improve musculature and skin regeneration and to reduce scar formation following cleft repair. Orofacial clefting can be diagnosed in the fetus through prenatal ultrasound screening and allows planning for the harvesting of umbilical cord blood stem cells upon birth. Tissue engineering techniques using these cord blood stem cells and molecular targeting of inflammation and fibrosis during surgery may promote tissue regeneration. We expect that this novel strategy improves both muscle and skin regeneration, resulting in better function and esthetics after cleft repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Schreurs
- Department of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - C Maarten Suttorp
- Department of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Johannes W Von den Hoff
- Department of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin M Ongkosuwito
- Department of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paola L Carvajal Monroy
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Special Dental Care and Orthodontics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank A D T G Wagener
- Department of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Lande R, Lee EY, Palazzo R, Marinari B, Pietraforte I, Santos GS, Mattenberger Y, Spadaro F, Stefanantoni K, Iannace N, Dufour AM, Falchi M, Bianco M, Botti E, Bianchi L, Alvarez M, Riccieri V, Truchetet ME, C.L. Wong G, Chizzolini C, Frasca L. CXCL4 assembles DNA into liquid crystalline complexes to amplify TLR9-mediated interferon-α production in systemic sclerosis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1731. [PMID: 31043596 PMCID: PMC6494823 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09683-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vasculopathy. CXCL4 represents an early serum biomarker of severe SSc and likely contributes to inflammation via chemokine signaling pathways, but the exact role of CXCL4 in SSc pathogenesis is unclear. Here, we elucidate an unanticipated mechanism for CXCL4-mediated immune amplification in SSc, in which CXCL4 organizes "self" and microbial DNA into liquid crystalline immune complexes that amplify TLR9-mediated plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC)-hyperactivation and interferon-α production. Surprisingly, this activity does not require CXCR3, the CXCL4 receptor. Importantly, we find that CXCL4-DNA complexes are present in vivo and correlate with type I interferon (IFN-I) in SSc blood, and that CXCL4-positive skin pDCs coexpress IFN-I-related genes. Thus, we establish a direct link between CXCL4 overexpression and the IFN-I-gene signature in SSc and outline a paradigm in which chemokines can drastically modulate innate immune receptors without being direct agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Lande
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological research and experimental therapy UNIT, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ernest Y. Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Raffaella Palazzo
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological research and experimental therapy UNIT, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Marinari
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133 Italy
| | - Immacolata Pietraforte
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Santiago Santos
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Yves Mattenberger
- Department of Microbiol and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Spadaro
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Confocal Microscopy Unit, Core Facilities, Rome, 00161 Italy
| | - Katia Stefanantoni
- Division of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Iannace
- Division of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Aleksandra Maria Dufour
- Immunology & Allergy and Immunology & Pathology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mario Falchi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, National AIDS Center, Rome, 00161 Italy
| | - Manuela Bianco
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological research and experimental therapy UNIT, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Botti
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133 Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133 Italy
| | - Montserrat Alvarez
- Immunology & Allergy and Immunology & Pathology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Riccieri
- Division of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Elise Truchetet
- Division of Rheumatology and immunoConcept, University Hospital, Bordeaux, 33076 France
| | - Gerard C.L. Wong
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Carlo Chizzolini
- Immunology & Allergy and Immunology & Pathology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Loredana Frasca
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological research and experimental therapy UNIT, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Immunology & Allergy and Immunology & Pathology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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Henderson J, Distler J, O'Reilly S. The Role of Epigenetic Modifications in Systemic Sclerosis: A Druggable Target. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:395-411. [PMID: 30858032 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterised by skin fibrosis that often also affects internal organs, eventually resulting in mortality. Although management of the symptoms has extended lifespan, patients still suffer from poor quality of life, hence the need for improved therapies. Development of efficacious treatments has been stymied by the unknown aetiology, although recent advancements suggest a potentially key role for epigenetics - the regulation of gene expression by noncoding RNAs and chemical modifications to DNA or DNA-associated proteins. Herein, the evidence implicating epigenetics in the pathogenesis of SSc is discussed with an emphasis on the therapeutic potential this introduces to the field - particularly the repurposing of epigenetic targeting cancer therapeutics and newly emerging miRNA-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 8ST, UK
| | - Joerg Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Erlangen University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 8ST, UK.
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Brown M, O'Reilly S. The immunopathogenesis of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2018; 195:310-321. [PMID: 30430560 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an idiopathic systemic autoimmune disease. It is characterized by a triad of hallmarks: immune dysfunction, fibrosis and vasculopathy. Immune dysfunction in SSc is characterized by the activation and recruitment of immune cells and the production of autoantibodies and cytokines. How immune abnormalities link the fibrosis and vasculopathy in SSc is poorly understood. A plethora of immune cell types are implicated in the immunopathogenesis of SSc, including T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, mast cells and macrophages. How these different cell types interact to contribute to SSc is complicated, and can involve cell-to-cell interactions and communication via cytokines, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-4. We will attempt to review significant and recent research demonstrating the importance of immune cell regulation in the immunopathogenesis of SSc with a particular focus on fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Brown
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - S O'Reilly
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Toll-like receptors in immunity and inflammatory diseases: Past, present, and future. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 59:391-412. [PMID: 29730580 PMCID: PMC7106078 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is a very diverse system of the host that evolved during evolution to cope with various pathogens present in the vicinity of environmental surroundings inhabited by multicellular organisms ranging from achordates to chordates (including humans). For example, cells of immune system express various pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect danger via recognizing specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and mount a specific immune response. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are one of these PRRs expressed by various immune cells. However, they were first discovered in the Drosophila melanogaster (common fruit fly) as genes/proteins important in embryonic development and dorso-ventral body patterning/polarity. Till date, 13 different types of TLRs (TLR1-TLR13) have been discovered and described in mammals since the first discovery of TLR4 in humans in late 1997. This discovery of TLR4 in humans revolutionized the field of innate immunity and thus the immunology and host-pathogen interaction. Since then TLRs are found to be expressed on various immune cells and have been targeted for therapeutic drug development for various infectious and inflammatory diseases including cancer. Even, Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among various TLR genes have been identified among the different human population and their association with susceptibility/resistance to certain infections and other inflammatory diseases. Thus, in the present review the current and future importance of TLRs in immunity, their pattern of expression among various immune cells along with TLR based therapeutic approach is reviewed. TLRs are first described PRRs that revolutionized the biology of host-pathogen interaction and immune response The discovery of different TLRs in humans proved milestone in the field of innate immunity and inflammation The pattern of expression of all the TLRs expressed by human immune cells An association of various TLR SNPs with different inflammatory diseases Currently available drugs or vaccines based on TLRs and their future in drug targeting along with the role in reproduction, and regeneration
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Gheita TA, Sayed S, Azkalany GS, Abaza N, Hammam N, Eissa AH. Toll-like receptor 9 in systemic sclerosis patients: relation to modified Rodnan skin score, disease severity, and functional status. Clin Rheumatol 2017; 37:757-763. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-017-3880-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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