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Elahee M, Mueller AA, Wang R, Marks KE, Sasaki T, Cao Y, Fava A, Dellaripa PF, Boin F, Rao DA. A PD-1 highCD4 + T Cell Population With a Cytotoxic Phenotype is Associated With Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis. ACR Open Rheumatol 2024; 6:429-439. [PMID: 38698736 PMCID: PMC11246828 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE T cells contribute to tissue injury in systemic sclerosis (SSc), yet the specific T cell subsets expanded in patients with SSc remain incompletely defined. Here we evaluated specific phenotypes and functions of peripheral helper T (Tph) and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, which have been implicated in autoantibody production, and assessed their associations with clinical features in a well-characterized cohort of patients with SSc. METHODS Mass cytometry of T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with SSc and controls were evaluated using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding visualization, biaxial gating, and marker expression levels. Findings were validated with flow cytometry and in vitro assays. RESULTS The frequencies of PD-1highCXCR5+ Tfh cells and PD-1highCXCR5- Tph cells were similar in patients with SSc and controls. t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding visualization (tSNE) revealed distinct populations within the PD-1highCXCR5- cells distinguished by expression of HLA-DR and inducible costimulator (ICOS). Among PD-1highCXCR5- cells, only the HLA-DR+ICOS- cell population was expanded in patients with SSc. Cytometric and RNA sequencing analyses indicated that these cells expressed cytotoxic rather than B cell helper features. HLA-DR+ICOS- PD-1highCXCR5- cells were less potent in inducing B cell plasmablast differentiation and antibody production than comparator T helper cell populations. HLA-DR+ICOS-PD-1highCXCR5- cells were significantly associated with the presence and severity of interstitial lung disease among patients with SSc. CONCLUSION Among PD-1highCXCR5- T cells, a subset of HLA-DR+ICOS- cells with cytotoxic features is specifically expanded in patients with SSc and is significantly associated with interstitial lung disease severity. This potential cytotoxicity appearing in the CD4 T cell population can be evaluated as a prognostic disease biomarker in patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehreen Elahee
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alisa A Mueller
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Runci Wang
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathryne E Marks
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Takanori Sasaki
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ye Cao
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea Fava
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Paul F Dellaripa
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Deepak A Rao
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Gupta B, Rai RP, Pal PB, Rossmiller D, Chaudhary S, Chiaro A, Seaman S, Singhi AD, Liu S, Monga SP, Iyer SS, Raeman R. Selective Targeting of α 4β 7/MAdCAM-1 Axis Suppresses Fibrosis Progression by Reducing Proinflammatory T Cell Recruitment to the Liver. Cells 2024; 13:756. [PMID: 38727292 PMCID: PMC11083209 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090756] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrin α4β7+ T cells perpetuate tissue injury in chronic inflammatory diseases, yet their role in hepatic fibrosis progression remains poorly understood. Here, we report increased accumulation of α4β7+ T cells in the liver of people with cirrhosis relative to disease controls. Similarly, hepatic fibrosis in the established mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis was associated with enrichment of intrahepatic α4β7+ CD4 and CD8 T cells. Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-mediated blockade of α4β7 or its ligand mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM)-1 attenuated hepatic inflammation and prevented fibrosis progression in CCl4-treated mice. Improvement in liver fibrosis was associated with a significant decrease in the infiltration of α4β7+ CD4 and CD8 T cells, suggesting that α4β7/MAdCAM-1 axis regulates both CD4 and CD8 T cell recruitment to the fibrotic liver, and α4β7+ T cells promote hepatic fibrosis progression. Analysis of hepatic α4β7+ and α4β7- CD4 T cells revealed that α4β7+ CD4 T cells were enriched for markers of activation and proliferation, demonstrating an effector phenotype. The findings suggest that α4β7+ T cells play a critical role in promoting hepatic fibrosis progression, and mAb-mediated blockade of α4β7 or MAdCAM-1 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for slowing hepatic fibrosis progression in chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biki Gupta
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Ravi Prakash Rai
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Pabitra B. Pal
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Daniel Rossmiller
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Sudrishti Chaudhary
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Anna Chiaro
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Shannon Seaman
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Aatur D. Singhi
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Silvia Liu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Smita S. Iyer
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Reben Raeman
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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3
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Padilla CM, Valenzi E, Tabib T, Nazari B, Sembrat J, Rojas M, Fuschiotti P, Lafyatis R. Increased CD8+ tissue resident memory T cells, regulatory T cells and activated natural killer cells in systemic sclerosis lungs. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:837-845. [PMID: 37310903 PMCID: PMC10907815 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multiple observations indicate a role for lymphocytes in driving autoimmunity in SSc. While T and NK cells have been studied in SSc whole blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, their role remains unclear, partly because no studies have analysed these cell types in SSc-interstitial lung disease (ILD) lung tissue. This research aimed to identify and analyse the lymphoid subpopulations in SSc-ILD lung explants. METHODS Lymphoid populations from 13 SSc-ILD and 6 healthy control (HC) lung explants were analysed using Seurat following single-cell RNA sequencing. Lymphoid clusters were identified by their differential gene expression. Absolute cell numbers and cell proportions in each cluster were compared between cohorts. Additional analyses were performed using pathway analysis, pseudotime and cell ligand-receptor interactions. RESULTS Activated CD16+ NK cells, CD8+ tissue resident memory T cells and Treg cells were proportionately higher in SSc-ILD compared with HC lungs. Activated CD16+ NK cells in SSc-ILD showed upregulated granzyme B, IFN-γ and CD226. Amphiregulin, highly upregulated by NK cells, was predicted to interact with epidermal growth factor receptor on several bronchial epithelial cell populations. Shifts in CD8+ T cell populations indicated a transition from resting to effector to tissue resident phenotypes in SSc-ILD. CONCLUSIONS SSc-ILD lungs show activated lymphoid populations. Activated cytotoxic NK cells suggest they may kill alveolar epithelial cells, while their expression of amphiregulin suggests they may also induce bronchial epithelial cell hyperplasia. CD8+ T cells in SSc-ILD appear to transition from resting to the tissue resident memory phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M Padilla
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eleanor Valenzi
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Banafsheh Nazari
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Patrizia Fuschiotti
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Guo L, Zhu Z, Shi C, Jia Y, Nurzat Y, Su W, Zhang Y, Xu H. Drug suspending during wound healing effectively weakens immunosuppression-related complications by preserving CD8 + T cell function. Wound Repair Regen 2023; 31:489-499. [PMID: 37129099 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.13086] [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: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive medications, which interfere with the activation and proliferation of T and B cells, increase the risk of wound healing complications. To address it, this study aimed to validate the feasibility of drug suspending during wound healing, whilst exploring the mechanisms exerted by T cells, which are important in the wound healing process. For this, a mouse skin wound model was set up. Tacrolimus (FK506) and fingolimod (FTY720) were both administered intraperitoneally prior to wounding to inhibit the T cell activation and migration, respectively. Flow-cytometric analysis subsequently revealed the functional T cell subtypes detected during the healing process. A CD8a antibody was also administered to deplete CD8+ T cells in vivo to verify their specific function. It was found that FK506 or FTY720 administration delayed the early phase of wound healing by reducing collagen production, which was also supported by the downregulation of col1a1, col3a1 and tgfb1. However, there was no significant difference in the total healing period. Both spleen- and skin-derived CD8+ T cells were proliferated and activated after injury without intervention, whereas CD4+ T cells showed no significant changes. Furthermore, selectively depleting CD8+ T cells retarded the healing process by downregulating collagen production-associated genes (col1a1, col3a1, tgfβ1 and en1) and proteins (collagen type 1 and 3). In addition, the CD8a antibody decreased the expression of genes lta, tnfa, il13 and il13ra, and protein interleukin-13Rα. In conclusion, suspending immunosuppressive drugs during wound healing was shown to be feasible through restraining the migration of activated T cells. CD8+ T cells represented the primary functional subtype positively associated with wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiumei Guo
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenchen Shi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxin Jia
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yeltai Nurzat
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Su
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Sisto M, Lisi S. Immune and Non-Immune Inflammatory Cells Involved in Autoimmune Fibrosis: New Discoveries. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113801. [PMID: 37297996 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an important health problem and its pathogenetic activation is still largely unknown. It can develop either spontaneously or, more frequently, as a consequence of various underlying diseases, such as chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Fibrotic tissue is always characterized by mononuclear immune cells infiltration. The cytokine profile of these cells shows clear proinflammatory and profibrotic characteristics. Furthermore, the production of inflammatory mediators by non-immune cells, in response to several stimuli, can be involved in the fibrotic process. It is now established that defects in the abilities of non-immune cells to mediate immune regulation may be involved in the pathogenicity of a series of inflammatory diseases. The convergence of several, not yet well identified, factors results in the aberrant activation of non-immune cells, such as epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, that, by producing pro-inflammatory molecules, exacerbate the inflammatory condition leading to the excessive and chaotic secretion of extracellular matrix proteins. However, the precise cellular mechanisms involved in this process have not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, we explore the latest discoveries on the mechanisms that initiate and perpetuate the vicious circle of abnormal communications between immune and non-immune cells, responsible for fibrotic evolution of inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
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6
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Gupta B, Rai RP, Pal PB, Chaudhary S, Chiaro A, Seaman S, Singhi AD, Monga SP, Iyer SS, Raeman R. Selective targeting of α 4 β 7 /MAdCAM-1 axis suppresses liver fibrosis by reducing proinflammatory T cell recruitment to the liver. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.20.528201. [PMID: 36865167 PMCID: PMC9980010 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.20.528201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Integrin α 4 β 7 + T cells perpetuate tissue injury in chronic inflammatory diseases, yet their role in hepatic fibrosis progression remains poorly understood. Here we report increased accumulation of α 4 β 7 + T cells in the liver of people with cirrhosis relative to disease controls. Similarly, hepatic fibrosis in the established mouse model of CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis was associated with enrichment of intrahepatic α 4 β 7 + CD4 and CD8 T cells. Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-mediated blockade of α 4 β 7 or its ligand mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM)-1 attenuated hepatic inflammation and prevented fibrosis progression in CCl 4 treated mice. Improvement in liver fibrosis was associated with a significant decrease in the infiltration of α 4 β 7 + CD4 and CD8 T cells suggesting that α 4 β 7 /MAdCAM-1 axis regulates both CD4 and CD8 T cell recruitment to the fibrotic liver, and α 4 β 7 + T cells promote hepatic fibrosis progression. Analysis of hepatic α 4 β 7 + and α 4 β 7 -CD4 T cells revealed that α 4 β 7 + CD4 T cells enriched for markers of activation and proliferation demonstrating an effector phenotype. Notably, blockade of α 4 β 7 or MAdCAM-1 did not affect the recruitment of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, demonstrating the specificity of α 4 β 7 /MAdCAM-1 axis in regulating effector T cell recruitment to the liver. The findings suggest that α 4 β 7 + T cells play a critical role in promoting hepatic fibrosis progression, and mAb-mediated blockade of α 4 β 7 or MAdCAM-1 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for slowing hepatic fibrosis progression in chronic liver diseases.
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7
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Radziszewska A, Moulder Z, Jury EC, Ciurtin C. CD8 + T Cell Phenotype and Function in Childhood and Adult-Onset Connective Tissue Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11431. [PMID: 36232733 PMCID: PMC9569696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that destroy pathogen infected and malignant cells through release of cytolytic molecules and proinflammatory cytokines. Although the role of CD8+ T cells in connective tissue diseases (CTDs) has not been explored as thoroughly as that of other immune cells, research focusing on this key component of the immune system has recently gained momentum. Aberrations in cytotoxic cell function may have implications in triggering autoimmunity and may promote tissue damage leading to exacerbation of disease. In this comprehensive review of current literature, we examine the role of CD8+ T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis with specific focus on comparing what is known about CD8+ T cell peripheral blood phenotypes, CD8+ T cell function, and CD8+ T cell organ-specific profiles in adult and juvenile forms of these disorders. Although, the precise role of CD8+ T cells in the initiation of autoimmunity and disease progression remains to be elucidated, increasing evidence indicates that CD8+ T cells are emerging as an attractive target for therapy in CTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Radziszewska
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London WC1E 6JF, UK
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Zachary Moulder
- University College London Medical School, University College London, London WC1E 6DE, UK
| | - Elizabeth C. Jury
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London WC1E 6JF, UK
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
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8
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Jin W, Zheng Y, Zhu P. T cell abnormalities in systemic sclerosis. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103185. [PMID: 36031049 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with a poor prognosis. To date, the pathogenesis of SSc is still unclear; moreover, its pathological conditions include microvascular damage, inflammation, and immune abnormalities. Different types of T cells may cause vasculitis and fibrosis in SSc by means of up- and down-regulation of cell surface molecules, abnormal release of pro-fibrotic or pro-inflammatory cytokines and direct contact with fibroblasts. These T cells, which are mainly CD4 + T cells, include the subtypes, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, regulatory T Cells (Treg), interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing Th17 cells, CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and angiogenic T (Tang) cells. In addition to the Th1/Th2 imbalance, which has long been established, there is also a Th17/Treg imbalance in SSc. This imbalance may be closely related to the abnormal immune status of SSc. There is mounting evidence that suggest T cell abnormalities may be crucial to the pathogenesis of SSc. In terms of treatment, existing therapies that target T cells, such as immunosuppressive therapy (tacrolimus), Janus kinase(JAK) inhibitors, and biologics(abatacept), have had some success. Other non-drug therapies, including Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have extensive and complex mechanisms of action actually including T cell regulation. Based on the current evidence, we believe that the study of T cells will further our understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc, and may lead to more targeted treatment optionsfor patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jin
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China; National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China; National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Xi'an, PR China.
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9
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Thoreau B, Chaigne B, Mouthon L. Role of B-Cell in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:933468. [PMID: 35903091 PMCID: PMC9315392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.933468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare multisystem autoimmune disease, characterized by fibrosis, vasculopathy, and autoimmunity. Recent advances have highlighted the significant implications of B-cells in SSc. B-cells are present in affected organs, their subpopulations are disrupted, and they display an activated phenotype, and the regulatory capacities of B-cells are impaired, as illustrated by the decrease in the IL-10+ producing B-cell subpopulation or the inhibitory membrane co-receptor density. Recent multi-omics evidence highlights the role of B-cells mainly in the early stage of SSc and preferentially during severe organ involvement. This dysregulated homeostasis partly explains the synthesis of anti-endothelial cell autoantibodies (AECAs) or anti-fibroblast autoantibodies (AFAs), proinflammatory or profibrotic cytokines (interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-β) produced by B and plasma cells. That is associated with cell-to-cell interactions with endothelial cells, fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, and other immune cells, altogether leading to cell activation and proliferation, cell resistance to apoptosis, the impairment of regulatory mechanisms, and causing fibrosis of several organs encountered in the SSc. Finally, alongside these exploratory data, treatments targeting B-cells, through their depletion by cytotoxicity (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody), or the cytokines produced by the B-cell, or their costimulation molecules, seem interesting, probably in certain profiles of early patients with severe organic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Thoreau
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Referral Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Cochin Hospital, AP‐HP, CEDEX 14, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- INSERM U1016, Cochin Institute, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Chaigne
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Referral Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Cochin Hospital, AP‐HP, CEDEX 14, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- INSERM U1016, Cochin Institute, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Referral Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Cochin Hospital, AP‐HP, CEDEX 14, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- INSERM U1016, Cochin Institute, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Luc Mouthon,
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10
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Papadimitriou TI, van Caam A, van der Kraan PM, Thurlings RM. Therapeutic Options for Systemic Sclerosis: Current and Future Perspectives in Tackling Immune-Mediated Fibrosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020316. [PMID: 35203525 PMCID: PMC8869277 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe auto-immune, rheumatic disease, characterized by excessive fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. SSc is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality rates, and unfortunately, few disease-modifying therapies are currently available. Inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis are the key hallmarks of SSc pathology. In this narrative review, we examine the relationship between inflammation and fibrosis and provide an overview of the efficacy of current and novel treatment options in diminishing SSc-related fibrosis based on selected clinical trials. To do this, we first discuss inflammatory pathways of both the innate and acquired immune systems that are associated with SSc pathophysiology. Secondly, we review evidence supporting the use of first-line therapies in SSc patients. In addition, T cell-, B cell-, and cytokine-specific treatments that have been utilized in SSc are explored. Finally, the potential effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other novel therapeutic approaches in reducing fibrosis is highlighted.
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11
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Kuca-Warnawin E, Olesińska M, Szczȩsny P, Kontny E. Impact and Possible Mechanism(s) of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on T-Cell Proliferation in Patients With Rheumatic Disease. Front Physiol 2022; 12:749481. [PMID: 35095547 PMCID: PMC8793746 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.749481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are chronic wasting, incurable rheumatic diseases of autoimmune background, in which T cells play a critical pathogenic role. Autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) may represent an alternative therapeutic option for SLE and SSc patients, but the biology of these cells is poorly understood. Methods: Herein, we evaluated the anti-proliferative impact of ASCs of healthy donors (HD/ASCs, 5 reference cell lines), SLE patients (n = 20), and SSc patients (n = 20) on T lymphocytes. To assess the direct and indirect pathway of ASCs action, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and purified CD4+ T cells of HD were activated and co-cultured in cell-to-cell contact (C-C) and transwell (T-W) conditions with untreated or cytokine (TNF + IFNΥ, TI)-licensed ASCs, then analyzed by flow cytometry to rate the proliferation response of CD8+ and/or CD4+ T cells. The concentrations of kynurenines, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) were measured from culture supernatants. Specific inhibitors of these factors (1-MT, indomethacin, and cytokine-neutralizing antibody) were used to assess their contribution to anti-proliferative ASCs action. Results: All tested ASCs significantly decreased the number of proliferating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, the number of division/proliferating cell (PI), and fold expansion (RI), and similarly upregulated kynurenines and PGE2, but not cytokine levels, in the co-cultures with both types of target cells. However, TI-treated SLE/ASCs and SSc/ASCs exerted a slightly weaker inhibitory effect on CD4+ T-cell replication than their respective HD/ASCs. All ASCs acted mainly via soluble factors. Their anti-proliferative effect was stronger, and kynurenine levels were higher in the T-W condition than the C-C condition. Blocking experiments indicated an involvement of kynurenine pathway in inhibiting the number of proliferating cells, PI, and RI values as well as PGE2 role in decreasing the number of proliferating cells. TGFβ did not contribute to ASCs anti-proliferative capabilities, while IL-10 seems to be involved in such activity of only SLE/ASCs. Conclusion: The results indicate that SLE/ASCs and SSc/ASCs retain their capability to restrain the expansion of allogeneic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and act by similar mechanisms as ASCs of healthy donors and thus may have therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kuca-Warnawin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Olesińska
- Clinic of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Szczȩsny
- Clinic of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kontny
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood are disturbed in systemic sclerosis patients and can be changed by immunosuppressive medication. Rheumatol Int 2021; 42:1373-1381. [PMID: 34694439 PMCID: PMC9287253 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-05034-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe chronic disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. SSc displays disturbed lymphocyte homeostasis. Immunosuppressive medications targeting T or B cells can improve disease manifestations. SSc clinical manifestations and immunosuppressive medication in itself can cause changes in lymphocyte subsets. The aim of this study was to investigate peripheral lymphocyte homeostasis in SSc with regards to the immunosuppression and to major organ involvement. 44 SSc patients and 19 healthy donors (HD) were included. Immunophenotyping of peripheral whole blood by fluorescence-activated cell sorting was performed. Cytokine secretions of stimulated B cell cultures were measured. SSc patients without immunosuppression compared to HD displayed lower γδ T cells, lower T helper cells (CD3+/CD4+), lower transitional B cells (CD19+/CD38++/CD10+/IgD+), lower pre-switched memory B cells (CD19+/CD27+/IgD+), and lower post-switched memory B cells (CD19+/CD27+/IgD−). There was no difference in the cytokine production of whole B cell cultures between SSc and HD. Within the SSc cohort, mycophenolate intake was associated with lower T helper cells and lower NK cells (CD56+/CD3−). The described differences in peripheral lymphocyte subsets between SSc and HD generate further insight in SSc pathogenesis. Lymphocyte changes under effective immunosuppression indicate how lymphocyte homeostasis in SSc might be restored.
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13
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Ferri C, Arcangeletti MC, Caselli E, Zakrzewska K, Maccari C, Calderaro A, D'Accolti M, Soffritti I, Arvia R, Sighinolfi G, Artoni E, Giuggioli D. Insights into the knowledge of complex diseases: Environmental infectious/toxic agents as potential etiopathogenetic factors of systemic sclerosis. J Autoimmun 2021; 124:102727. [PMID: 34601207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease secondary to three cardinal pathological features: immune-system alterations, diffuse microangiopathy, and fibrosis involving the skin and internal organs. The etiology of SSc remains quite obscure; it may encompass multiple host genetic and environmental -infectious/chemical-factors. The present review focused on the potential role of environmental agents in the etiopathogenesis of SSc based on epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory investigations previously published in the world literature. Among infectious agents, some viruses that may persist and reactivate in infected individuals, namely human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), and parvovirus B19 (B19V), and retroviruses have been proposed as potential causative agents of SSc. These viruses share a number of biological activities and consequent pathological alterations, such as endothelial dysfunction and/or fibroblast activation. Moreover, the acute worsening of pre-existing interstitial lung involvement observed in SSc patients with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection might suggest a potential role of this virus in the overall disease outcome. A variety of chemical/occupational agents might be regarded as putative etiological factors of SSc. In this setting, the SSc complicating silica dust exposure represents one of the most promising models of study. Considering the complexity of SSc pathogenesis, none of suggested causative factors may explain the appearance of the whole SSc; it is likely that the disease is the result of a multifactorial and multistep pathogenetic process. A variable combination of potential etiological factors may modulate the appearance of different clinical phenotypes detectable in individual scleroderma patients. The in-deep investigations on the SSc etiopathogenesis may provide useful insights in the broad field of human diseases characterized by diffuse microangiopathy or altered fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clodoveo Ferri
- Rheumatology Unit, Medical School, University of Modena and Reggio E, University-Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy; Rheumatology Unit, Casa di Cura Madonna dello Scoglio, Cotronei (KR), Italy.
| | | | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Krystyna Zakrzewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Clara Maccari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria D'Accolti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irene Soffritti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rosaria Arvia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sighinolfi
- Rheumatology Unit, Medical School, University of Modena and Reggio E, University-Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy.
| | - Erica Artoni
- Rheumatology Unit, Medical School, University of Modena and Reggio E, University-Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Dilia Giuggioli
- Rheumatology Unit, Medical School, University of Modena and Reggio E, University-Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
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14
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Kuca-Warnawin E, Janicka I, Szczęsny P, Olesińska M, Bonek K, Głuszko P, Kontny E. Modulation of T-Cell Activation Markers Expression by the Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Patients with Rheumatic Diseases. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720945682. [PMID: 32878464 PMCID: PMC7784571 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720945682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Activated T lymphocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases (RD). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess immunoregulatory activities but such functions of MSCs from bone marrow of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients are impaired. Adipose tissue–derived MSCs (ASCs) are an optional pool of therapeutically useful MSCs, but biology of these cells in RD is poorly known. This study aimed at investigating the effect of ASCs from RD patients and healthy donors (HD) on the expression of the key T-cell activation markers. Methods: ASCs were isolated from subcutaneous abdominal fat from SLE (n = 16), SSc (n = 18), and AS (n = 16) patients, while five human ASCs lines from HD were used as a control. Untreated and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor α + interferon γ)-treated ASCs were co-cultured with allogenic, mitogen (phytohemagglutinin)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or purified anti-CD3/CD28-activated CD4+ T lymphocytes. Contacting and noncontacting ASCs-PBMCs co-cultures were performed. RD/ASCs were analyzed in co-cultures with both allogeneic and autologous PBMCs. Flow cytometry analysis was used to evaluate expression of CD25, HLA-DR, and CD69 molecules on CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Results: In co-cultures with allogeneic, activated CD4+ T cells and PBMCs, HD/ASCs and RD/ASCs downregulated CD25 and HLA-DR, while upregulated CD69 molecules expression on both CD4+ and CD8+ cells with comparable potency. This modulatory effect was similar in contacting and noncontacting co-cultures. RD/ASCs exerted weaker inhibitory effect on CD25 expression on autologous than allogeneic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Conclusion: RD/ASCs retain normal capability to regulate expression of activation markers on allogeneic T cells. Both HD/ASCs and RD/ASCs exert this effect independently of their activation status, mostly through the indirect pathway and soluble factors. However, autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are partially resistant to RD/ASCs inhibition of CD25 expression, suggesting weaker control of T-cell activation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kuca-Warnawin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, 49552National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Janicka
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, 49552National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Szczęsny
- Clinic of Connective Tissue Diseases, 49552National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Olesińska
- Clinic of Connective Tissue Diseases, 49552National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bonek
- Department of Rheumatology, 49552National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Głuszko
- Department of Rheumatology, 49552National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kontny
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, 49552National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Liu X, Wu Y, Li M, Hao J, Wang Q, Zeng X. Plasticity of Treg and imbalance of Treg/Th17 cells in patients with systemic sclerosis modified by FK506. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 35:2058738421998086. [PMID: 33631989 PMCID: PMC7917869 DOI: 10.1177/2058738421998086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the effects of Tacrolimus (FK506) on Treg cells and subpopulations in SSc patients and assess the ability of FK506 to modify the immune imbalance of Treg/Th17 cells. We analyzed PBMC from five SSc patients and six healthy control by flow cytometry after cultured with 0, 0.1, 1, or 10 ng/ml FK506 in vitro. The number of Treg cells decreased in SSc patients treated with FK506. The number of FrI cells were decreased in SSc following FK506 treatment. The drug did increase the frequency of FrII/Treg cells, but not FrII cells. However, FK506 significantly decreased FrIII in both SSc patients and controls. FK506 clearly decreased the numbers of Th17 cells and FoxP3+IL-17+ cells. The proliferation capacity of cells was also inhibited by FK506, which had a greater effect on FoxP3- cells than FoxP3+ cells. FK506 did inhibit the proliferation of FrIII cells, but not FrI or FrII cells. Our study provides that FK506 reduced the number of FoxP3low CD45RA- T cells (FrIII) by inhibiting its proliferation. Therefore, FK506 modifies Treg cells and the immune imbalance between Tregs and Th17 cells in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjuan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyu Hao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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16
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Impact of Human Cytomegalovirus and Human Herpesvirus 6 Infection on the Expression of Factors Associated with Cell Fibrosis and Apoptosis: Clues for Implication in Systemic Sclerosis Development. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176397. [PMID: 32899126 PMCID: PMC7504027 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disorder characterized by vasculopathy and multi-organ fibrosis; its etiology and pathogenesis are still largely unknown. Herpesvirus infections, particularly by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), have been suggested among triggers of the disease based on virological and immunological observations. However, the direct impact of HCMV and/or HHV-6 infection on cell fibrosis and apoptosis at the cell microenvironment level has not yet been clarified. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of HCMV and HHV-6 infection on the induction of pro-fibrosis or pro-apoptosis conditions in primary human dermal fibroblasts, one of the relevant SSc target cells. The analysis, performed by microarray in in vitro HCMV- or HHV-6-infected vs. uninfected cells, using specific panels for the detection of the main cellular factors associated with fibrosis or apoptosis, showed that both viruses significantly modified the expression of at least 30 pro-fibrotic and 20 pro-apoptotic factors. Notably, several recognized pro-fibrotic factors were highly induced, and most of them were reported to be involved in vivo in the multifactorial and multistep pathogenic process of SSc, thus suggesting a potential role of both HCMV and HHV-6.
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17
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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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18
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune fibrotic diseases. These diseases include IgG4-related disease, systemic sclerosis and lupus nephritis. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies indicate that a poorly studied subset of helper T cells, cytotoxic CD4+ T cells and sub-populations of disease-specific activated B cells infiltrate inflamed tissues and collaborate to induce tissue fibrosis in autoimmune fibrotic diseases. Cycles of apoptosis induced by antigen-specific cytotoxic CD4+ T cells followed by macrophage-mediated clearing of apoptotic cells and finally tissue remodeling driven by cytokines released by these auto-antigen-specific activated T and B cells may contribute to the activation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and the laying down of collagen. In scleroderma, this process likely involves the apoptosis of endothelial cells and other neighboring cells and the subsequent remodeling of the tissue. SUMMARY Self-reactive cytotoxic CD4+ T cells infiltrate tissues where they may be nurtured by activated auto-reactive B cells, induce apoptosis, secrete cytokines and thus drive autoimmune fibrosis.
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19
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Hendrawan K, Visweswaran M, Ma DDF, Moore JJ. Tolerance regeneration by T regulatory cells in autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases. Bone Marrow Transplant 2019; 55:857-866. [PMID: 31619766 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-019-0710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation shows increasing promise as a therapeutic option for patients with treatment-refractory autoimmune disease, particularly systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. However, this intensive chemotherapy-based procedure is not always possible due to potential treatment toxicities and comorbidities. The biological mechanisms of how this procedure induces long-term remission in autoimmune disease are increasingly understood. The focus of this review is on recent research findings on the role of CD4+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) in resetting the immune system leading to the eradication of the autoimmune disease after transplantation. Discovery of the precise mechanisms of this process will allow development of novel Treg-based therapies and thus avoid the need for intensive chemotherapy-based treatment for these autoimmune diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Hendrawan
- Blood, Stem Cells and Cancer Research Programme, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2011, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.,Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Malini Visweswaran
- Blood, Stem Cells and Cancer Research Programme, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2011, Australia.,Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - David D F Ma
- Blood, Stem Cells and Cancer Research Programme, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2011, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.,Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - John J Moore
- Blood, Stem Cells and Cancer Research Programme, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2011, Australia. .,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia. .,Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
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20
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Meng M, Tan J, Chen W, Du Q, Xie B, Wang N, Zhu H, Wang K. The Fibrosis and Immunological Features of Hypochlorous Acid Induced Mouse Model of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1861. [PMID: 31481954 PMCID: PMC6710365 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic animal models are critical for the pathogenesis investigations and drug explorations in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model is the classical and most widely used fibrosis model. However, traditional subcutaneous injection of BLM rarely induced diffuse skin and lung lesions. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl)-induced mice are a more representative model that have diffuse cutaneous lesions, lung fibrosis and renal involvement. However, the fibrotic and immunological features of this model are not fully elucidated. Here, we injected BALB/c mice subcutaneously with HOCl used at different concentrations of HOCl (1:55, 1:70, and 1:110 NaClO: KH2PO4, hereafter named HOCl55, HOCl70, and HOCl110, respectively) for 6 weeks to induce fibrosis, and also used HOCl110 at different time course (4, 5, and 6 weeks). Morphological changes were observed via HE and Masson's trichrome staining. Immunohistochemistry or real-time PCR was used to detect inflammatory infiltrates, important fibrosis pathways and pro-inflammatory mediator expression. Flow cytometry was used to detect the alteration of immune cells in mouse spleen. Skin and lung fibrosis were most obvious in the HOCl55 group compared to lower concentration groups. In the HOCl110 group, dominant inflammatory infiltrates were found after 5 weeks, and significant fibrosis was found after 6 weeks. Then we explored the fibrosis and immunological profiles in the HOCl110 (6 weeks) group. Important fibrosis pathway proteins such as TGF-β, NF-κB, Smad3, p-Smad3, STAT3, and p-STAT3 were significantly elevated at week 6 in the HOCl110 group. Increased infiltration of CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, CD20+B cells, and myofibroblasts was found both in skin and lung tissues. However, decreased CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, monocytes and macrophages and increased CD19+B cells were found in the spleen tissues. The mRNA expression of fibrosis mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-33, TNF-α, and CTGF was also upregulated in skin and lung tissues. In conclusion, HOCl induced fibrosis mouse model displayed systemic immune cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory mediator release, vasculopathy and fibrosis, which better mimicked human SSc than BLM-induced mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Meng
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jieqiong Tan
- The Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weilin Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Du
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nian Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kangkai Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Laboratory Animals, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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21
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Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in systemic sclerosis induces long-lasting changes in B cell homeostasis toward an anti-inflammatory B cell cytokine pattern. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:106. [PMID: 31036055 PMCID: PMC6489316 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1889-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is performed in patients with aggressive forms of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The profile of B cell reconstitution after aHSCT is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate changes of B cell subsets and cytokine production of B cells in patients with SSc after aHSCT. METHODS Peripheral blood of six patients with SSc was collected at defined intervals up to 16 months after aHSCT. Immunophenotyping was performed, and B cell function was determined by measuring cytokine secretion in supernatants of stimulated B cell cultures. RESULTS Within 1 month after aHSCT, a peak in the percentage of CD38++/CD10+/IgD+ transitional B cells and CD38++/CD27++/IgD- plasmablasts was detected. Long-term changes persisted up to 14 months after aHSCT and showed an increased percentage of total B cells; the absolute B cell number did not change significantly. Within the B cell compartment, an increased CD27/IgD+ naïve B cell percentage was found whereas decreased percentages of CD27+/IgD+ pre-switched memory, CD27+/IgD- post-switched memory, and CD27-/IgD- double-negative B cells were seen after aHSCT. Cytokine secretion in B cell cultures showed significantly increased IL-10 concentrations 13 to 16 months after aHSCT. CONCLUSION A changed composition of the B cell compartment is present for up to 14 months after aHSCT indicating positive persisting effects of aHSCT on B cell homeostasis. The cytokine secretion profile of B cells changes in the long term and shows an increased production of the immune regulatory cytokine IL-10 after aHSCT. These findings might promote the clinical improvements after aHSCT in SSc patients.
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22
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Zhao H, Feng R, Peng A, Li G, Zhou L. The expanding family of noncanonical regulatory cell subsets. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 106:369-383. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.6ru0918-353rrrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Zhao
- Department of NeurosurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Ridong Feng
- Department of NeurosurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Aijun Peng
- Department of NeurosurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Gaowei Li
- Department of NeurosurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Liangxue Zhou
- Department of NeurosurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan University Chengdu China
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23
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Zhu H, Chen W, Liu D, Luo H. The role of metabolism in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Metabolism 2019; 93:44-51. [PMID: 30586574 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities. The cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear, and current therapies are limited. Cell metabolism has been shown to play an essential role in cancer survival and tumour invasion as well as in rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Although little is known about SSc, cell metabolism may provide new clues for understanding its pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent studies of metabolism in SSc and fibrotic disease, specifically focusing on glycolysis, fatty acid metabolism and oxidative stress. We highlight the role of metabolism in fibroblast differentiation and emphasize its potential therapeutic prospects in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilin Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China.
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Arcangeletti MC, Maccari C, Vescovini R, Volpi R, Giuggioli D, Sighinolfi G, De Conto F, Chezzi C, Calderaro A, Ferri C. A Paradigmatic Interplay between Human Cytomegalovirus and Host Immune System: Possible Involvement of Viral Antigen-Driven CD8+ T Cell Responses in Systemic Sclerosis. Viruses 2018; 10:E508. [PMID: 30231575 PMCID: PMC6163388 DOI: 10.3390/v10090508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly prevalent opportunistic agent in the world population, which persists as a latent virus after a primary infection. Besides the well-established role of this agent causing severe diseases in immunocompromised individuals, more recently, HCMV has been evoked as a possible factor contributing to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc). The interplay between HCMV and immune surveillance is supposed to become unbalanced in SSc patients with expanded anti-HCMV immune responses, which are likely involved in the exacerbation of inflammatory processes. In this study, blood samples from a cohort of SSc patients vs. healthy subjects were tested for anti-HCMV immune responses (IgM, IgG antibodies, and T cells to peptide pools spanning the most immunogenic HCMV proteins). Statistically significant increase of HCMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses in SSc patients vs. healthy subjects was observed. Moreover, significantly greater HCMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses were found in SSc patients with a longer disease duration and those with higher modified Rodnan skin scores. Given the known importance of T cells in the development of SSc and that this virus may contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases, these data support a relevant role of HCMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses in SSc pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Cristina Arcangeletti
- Virology Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Clara Maccari
- Virology Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Vescovini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Volpi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Dilia Giuggioli
- Rheumatology Unit, Medical School, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University-Hospital Policlinico of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Sighinolfi
- Rheumatology Unit, Medical School, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University-Hospital Policlinico of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy.
| | - Flora De Conto
- Virology Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Virology Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Adriana Calderaro
- Virology Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Clodoveo Ferri
- Rheumatology Unit, Medical School, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University-Hospital Policlinico of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy.
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