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Tian W, Qiu H, He Y, Zhang M, Pan X, Wang Y, Shi X, Wen C, Chen J. Qinghao-Biejia Herb Pair attenuates SLE atherosclerosis by regulating macrophage polarization via ABCA1/G1-mediated cholesterol efflux. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118545. [PMID: 39002826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qinghao-Biejia herb pair (QB) is the core herb pair of "Jieduquyuziyin prescription" and is one of the commonly used herb pairs for the clinical treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previous studies have shown that QB reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum and kidney of MRL/lpr mice. Additionally, it inhibits the expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in the kidney and aorta and reduces the deposition of renal complement C3 and aortic plaque after treatment. These findings suggest that QB has a preventive and therapeutic effect on lupus rats. AIM OF THE STUDY This study sought to investigate the mechanisms underlying the anti-SLE combined with atherosclerosis activity of the Qinghao-Biejia herb pair. MATERIALS AND METHODS Drug targets for QB were identified using the HERB database, while targets associated with SLE and atherosclerosis were retrieved from the GeneCards database. The intersection of these drug and disease targets was then analyzed using a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network with GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. In vivo, apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice were induced to develop SLE-AS by intraperitoneal injection of pristane and continued feeding of a high-fat diet. The changes in relevant indexes were observed after 12 weeks of gavage treatment with hydroxychloroquine, QB, Q (Qinghao alone), and B (Biejia alone). Bone marrow-derived macrophages from ApoE-/- mice and Raw 264.7 macrophages were used to explore the mechanisms of QB treatment. RESULTS The levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and pathological liver changes in mice were improved to varying degrees in the treatment groups. Additionally, there was a reduction in aortic atheromatous plaque formation and some improvement in cholesterol efflux. Furthermore, QB suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines in M1 macrophages, suggesting a role in regulating macrophage polarization. CONCLUSION QB demonstrates clear efficacy for treating SLE-AS, and its therapeutic mechanism may involve the regulation of macrophage phenotypes by promoting cholesterol efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyu Tian
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haonan Qiu
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuanfang He
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Pan
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiqi Wang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Shi
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengping Wen
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Juan Chen
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, Hangzhou, China.
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Dey I, Li Y, Taylor TC, Peroumal D, Asada N, Panzer U, Biswas PS, Sterneck E, Gaffen SL. C/EBPδ Mediates Immunity to Renal Autoinflammatory Disorders in a Stage-specific Manner. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 213:767-778. [PMID: 39082925 PMCID: PMC11371505 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2400124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Kidney disease represents a major medical and economic burden for which improved treatments are urgently needed. Emerging data have implicated Th17 cells and IL-17 signaling in the underlying pathogenesis of autoantibody-induced glomerulonephritis (AGN). However, the downstream transduction pathways mediated by IL-17 in autoimmunity are not well defined. In this article, we show that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) δ is elevated in kidney biopsies from multiple manifestations of human AGN. C/EBPδ is similarly upregulated in a mouse model of anti-glomerular basement membrane protein-mediated kidney disease, and Cebpd-/- mice were fully refractory to disease. Although C/EBPδ is expressed in a variety of cell types, C/EBPδ was required only in the radioresistant compartment to drive GN pathology. C/EBPδ induced expression of several IL-17-induced kidney injury markers and cytokines implicated in disease, including Il6 and Lcn2. Because mouse AGN models do not progress to fibrosis, we employed a nephrotoxic injury model using aristolochic acid I to assess the contribution of the IL-17-C/EBPδ pathway to renal fibrotic events. Surprisingly, deficiency of either C/EBPδ or the IL-17 receptor caused kidney fibrosis to be enhanced. Thus, C/EBPδ and IL-17 play divergent and apparently stage-specific roles in the pathogenesis of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipsita Dey
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yang Li
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Tiffany C Taylor
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Doureradjou Peroumal
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nariaki Asada
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulf Panzer
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Partha S Biswas
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Esta Sterneck
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
| | - Sarah L Gaffen
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Pittsburgh, PA
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Song ZC, Liu ST, Xia XY, Hu JJ, Leng RX, Zhao W. In vitro silencing of RIP2 in naive CD4 + T cells from lupus-prone mice promotes pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation. Clin Rheumatol 2024:10.1007/s10067-024-07124-x. [PMID: 39235498 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-07124-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work aims to investigate whether RIP2 silencing in naive CD4+ T cells from lupus-prone mice impacts Th17 cell activity or differentiation in vitro. METHODS Naive CD4+ T cells isolation from MRL/lpr mice's spleens. Three RNA interference target sequences of RIP2 were packaged with lentivirus and transfected into naive CD4+ T cells. The shRIP2 with the highest interference efficiency was selected and transfected into naive CD4+ T cells. Naive CD4+ T cells were cultured under conventional (TGF-β1 and IL-6) and pathogenic (IL-6, IL-23, IL-1β) differentiation environments, respectively. Then, RT-qPCR, Western blot or Flow Cytometry were used for measuring the amounts of RIP2 and IL-17 and the differentiation of Th17 cells in two settings. RESULTS Under the conventional Th17 (cTh17) cell differentiation environment (TGF-β1 and IL-6), RIP2 deficiency is linked to decreased IL-17A levels (1.00 ± 0.03 vs 0.80 ± 0.03) and attenuated cTh17 cell (2.46 ± 0.08 vs 0.78 ± 0.03) differentiation (all, P < 0.05). Under the pathogenic Th17 (pTh17) cell environment (IL-1β, IL-23, IL-6), RIP2 deficiency is linked to elevated IL-17A levels (1.03 ± 0.05 vs 1.63 ± 0.07) and enhanced pTh17 cell (3.69 ± 0.19 vs 5.49 ± 0.10) differentiation (all, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that RIP2 inhibition induces preferential differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells to pathogenic Th17 cells, while being able to upregulate IL-17A levels in the context of pTh17 cell differentiation. Our study opens up new research areas to reveal the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of SLE patients. Key Points • Silencing of RIP2 in naive CD4+ T cells from lupus-prone mice promotes pathogenic Th17 (pTh17) cell differentiation and IL-17A production under pTh17 cell (IL-1β, IL-23, and IL-6) conditions. • RIP2 deficiency in naive CD4+ T cells reduces conventional Th17 (cTh17) cell differentiation and IL-17A production under cTh17 cell (TGF-β1 and IL-6) conditions. • RIP2-deficient naive CD4+ T cells preferentially differentiate towards pTh17 cells rather than cTh17 cells in vitro. • Inhibition of RIP2 may be involved in the development of SLE via effects on Th17/IL-17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Cheng Song
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shu-Ting Liu
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xue-Ying Xia
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jia-Jia Hu
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui-Xue Leng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Li Y, Vyas SP, Mehta I, Asada N, Dey I, Taylor TC, Bechara R, Amatya N, Aggor FEY, Coleman BM, Li DD, Yamamoto K, Ezenwa O, Sun Y, Sterneck E, McManus CJ, Panzer U, Biswas PS, Savan R, Das J, Gaffen SL. The RNA binding protein Arid5a drives IL-17-dependent autoantibody-induced glomerulonephritis. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20240656. [PMID: 39058386 PMCID: PMC11284280 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20240656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoantibody-mediated glomerulonephritis (AGN) arises from dysregulated renal inflammation, with urgent need for improved treatments. IL-17 is implicated in AGN and drives pathology in a kidney-intrinsic manner via renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs). Nonetheless, downstream signaling mechanisms provoking kidney pathology are poorly understood. A noncanonical RNA binding protein (RBP), Arid5a, was upregulated in human and mouse AGN. Arid5a-/- mice were refractory to AGN, with attenuated myeloid infiltration and impaired expression of IL-17-dependent cytokines and transcription factors (C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ). Transcriptome-wide RIP-Seq revealed that Arid5a inducibly interacts with conventional IL-17 target mRNAs, including CEBPB and CEBPD. Unexpectedly, many Arid5a RNA targets corresponded to translational regulation and RNA processing pathways, including rRNAs. Indeed, global protein synthesis was repressed in Arid5a-deficient cells, and C/EBPs were controlled at the level of protein rather than RNA accumulation. IL-17 prompted Arid5a nuclear export and association with 18S rRNA, a 40S ribosome constituent. Accordingly, IL-17-dependent renal autoimmunity is driven by Arid5a at the level of ribosome interactions and translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shachi P Vyas
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Isha Mehta
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nariaki Asada
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ipsita Dey
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tiffany C Taylor
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rami Bechara
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nilesh Amatya
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Felix E Y Aggor
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bianca M Coleman
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - De-Dong Li
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kenta Yamamoto
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ogechukwu Ezenwa
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yeque Sun
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Esta Sterneck
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - C Joel McManus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ulf Panzer
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg, Germany
| | - Partha S Biswas
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ram Savan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jishnu Das
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sarah L Gaffen
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Feng Q, Xu X, Zhang S. cGAS-STING pathway in systemic lupus erythematosus: biological implications and therapeutic opportunities. Immunol Res 2024:10.1007/s12026-024-09525-1. [PMID: 39096420 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09525-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has been identified as a significant modulator of inflammation in various clinical contexts, including infection, cellular stress, and tissue injury. The extensive participation of the cGAS-STING pathway can be attributed to its ability to detect and control the cellular reaction to DNAs originating from both microorganisms and hosts. These DNAs are well recognized as molecules linked with potential risks. At physiological levels, the STING signaling system exhibits protective effects. However, prolonged stimulation of this pathway contributes to autoimmune disorder pathogenesis. The present paper provides an overview of the activation mechanism of the cGAS-STING signaling pathways and their associated significant functions, as well as therapeutic interventions in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The primary objective is to enhance our comprehension of SLE and facilitate more effective diagnosis and treatment strategies for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Feng
- College of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130017, China
| | - Xiaolin Xu
- Cardiology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Shoulin Zhang
- Nephropathy Department, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China.
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Tatomir A, Vlaicu S, Nguyen V, Luzina IG, Atamas SP, Drachenberg C, Papadimitriou J, Badea TC, Rus HG, Rus V. RGC-32 mediates proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways in immune-mediated kidney disease. Clin Immunol 2024; 265:110279. [PMID: 38878807 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that results in immune-mediated damage to kidneys and other organs. We investigated the role of response gene to complement-32 (RGC-32), a proinflammatory and profibrotic mediator induced by TGFβ and C5b-9, in nephrotoxic nephritis (NTN), an experimental model that mimics human lupus nephritis. Proteinuria, loss of renal function and kidney histopathology were attenuated in RGC-32 KO NTN mice. RGC-32 KO NTN mice displayed downregulation of the CCL20/CCR6 and CXCL9/CXCR3 ligand/receptor pairs resulting in decreased renal recruitment of IL-17+ and IFNγ+ cells and subsequent decrease in the influx of innate immune cells. RGC-32 deficiency attenuated renal fibrosis as demonstrated by decreased deposition of collagen I, III and fibronectin. Thus, RGC-32 is a unique mediator shared by the Th17 and Th1 dependent proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways and a potential novel therapeutic target in the treatment of immune complex mediated glomerulonephritis such as lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Tatomir
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Neurology Service, Veterans Administration Medical Health Care Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sonia Vlaicu
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Clinic nr. 1, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vinh Nguyen
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Irina G Luzina
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sergei P Atamas
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Tudor C Badea
- Research and Development Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania
| | - Horea G Rus
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Neurology Service, Veterans Administration Medical Health Care Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Violeta Rus
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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7
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Li W, Tang X, Zheng Y, Xu X, Zhao N, Tsao BP, Feng X, Sun L. Phosphatidic Acid Promoting the Generation of Interleukin-17A Producing Double-Negative T Cells by Enhancing mTORC1 Signaling in Lupus. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:1096-1108. [PMID: 38433594 DOI: 10.1002/art.42840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal was to investigate the role and intracellular regulatory mechanisms of double-negative T (DNT) cells in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS DNT cells were assessed in murine models, patients with SLE, and controls using flow cytometry (FCM). DNT cells from either resiquimod (R848) or vehicle-treated C57BL/6 (B6) mice were cultured with B cells from R848-treated mice to explore functions. Differential mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway signaling in DNT cells measured using FCM and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was validated by rapamycin inhibition. Candidate lipid metabolites detected using liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry were functionally assessed in DNT cell cultures. RESULTS DNT cells were markedly increased in both spontaneous and induced mouse lupus models and in patients with SLE. Expanded DNT cells from R848-treated B6 mice produced elevated interleukin (IL)-17A and IgG with increased germinal center B (GCB) cells. Expansion of DNT cells associated with activation of mTORC1 pathway that both IL-17A levels and the number of DNT cells exhibited dose-dependent reduction with rapamycin treatment. Lipidomics studies revealed differential patterns of lipid metabolites in T cells of R848-treated mice. Among candidate metabolites, elevated phosphatidic acid (PA) that was partially controlled by phospholipase D2 increased the expression of the mTORC1 downstream target p-S6 and positively expanded IL-17A-producing DNT cells. Similarly, elevated proportions of circulating DNT cells in patients with SLE correlated with disease activity and proteinuria, and IL-17A secretion was elevated after in vitro PA stimulation. CONCLUSION The accumulation of PA in T cells could activate the mTORC1 pathway, promoting DNT cell expansion and IL-17A secretion, resulting in GCB cell abnormalities in lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojun Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zheng
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuefeng Xu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Betty P Tsao
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Xuebing Feng
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Vejvisithsakul PP, Thumarat C, Leelahavanichkul A, Hirankan N, Pisitkun T, Paludan SR, Pisitkun P. Elucidating the function of STING in systemic lupus erythematosus through the STING Goldenticket mouse mutant. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13968. [PMID: 38886451 PMCID: PMC11183220 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64495-6] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The complexity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) arises from intricate genetic and environmental interactions, with STING playing a pivotal role. This study aims to comprehend the function of STING using the pristane-induced lupus (PIL) model in Sting missense mutant mice (Goldenticket or StingGt), which contrasts with previous research using Sting knockout mice. Investigating two-month-old StingGt mice over six months post-PIL induction, we observed a profound reduction in autoimmune markers, including antinuclear and anti-dsDNA antibodies, germinal center B cells, and plasma cells, compared to their wild-type counterparts. A pivotal finding was the marked decrease in IL-17-producing T cells. Notably, the severity of lupus nephritis and pulmonary hemorrhages was significantly diminished in StingGt mice. These findings demonstrate that different genetic approaches to interfere with STING signaling can lead to contrasting outcomes in SLE pathogenesis, which highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the role of STING in drug development for SLE. In summary, the loss of Sting function in Goldenticket mutant mice rescued autoimmune phenotypes in PIL. This study reveals the critical nature of STING in SLE, suggesting that the method of STING modulation significantly influences disease phenotypes and should be a key consideration in developing targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pichpisith Pierre Vejvisithsakul
- Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Chisanu Thumarat
- Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattiya Hirankan
- Centre of Excellent in Immunology and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Prapaporn Pisitkun
- Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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9
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Peroumal D, Biswas PS. Kidney-Specific Interleukin-17 Responses During Infection and Injury. Annu Rev Immunol 2024; 42:35-55. [PMID: 37906942 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-052523-015141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The kidneys are life-sustaining organs that are vital to removing waste from our bodies. Because of their anatomic position and high blood flow, the kidneys are vulnerable to damage due to infections and autoinflammatory conditions. Even now, our knowledge of immune responses in the kidney is surprisingly rudimentary. Studying kidney-specific immune events is challenging because of the poor regenerative capacity of the nephrons, accumulation of uremic toxins, and hypoxia- and arterial blood pressure-mediated changes, all of which have unexpected positive or negative impacts on the immune response in the kidney. Kidney-specific defense confers protection against pathogens. On the other hand, unresolved inflammation leads to kidney damage and fibrosis. Interleukin-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been linked to immunity against pathogens and pathogenesis of autoinflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of IL-17 activities in the kidney in the context of infections, autoinflammatory diseases, and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doureradjou Peroumal
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Partha S Biswas
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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10
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Alee I, Chantawichitwong P, Leelahavanichkul A, Paludan SR, Pisitkun T, Pisitkun P. The STING inhibitor (ISD-017) reduces glomerulonephritis in 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11020. [PMID: 38745067 PMCID: PMC11094069 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61597-z] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The absence of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice rescue lupus phenotypes. The administration of a STING inhibitor (ISD017) into the young 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice prevents lupus nephritis development. This study mainly aimed to evaluate the effects of STING inhibition (ISD107) on established SLE in mice to prove that ISD017 could be a good therapeutic drug to reverse the already set-up autoimmunity and kidney impairment. Twenty-four-week-old Fcgr2b-deficient mice were treated with cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, once per week), ISD017 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, three times per week), or control vehicle for 8 weeks, and were analyzed for phenotypes. Both ISD017 and cyclophosphamide treatment increased long-term survival and reduced the severity of glomerulonephritis in Fcgr2b-deficient mice. While cyclophosphamide reduced activated B cells (B220+GL-7+), ISD017 decreased activated T cells (CD4+CD69+) and neutrophils (Ly6c+Ly6g+) in Fcgr2b-deficient mice. In addition, ISD017 reduced IL-1β and interferon-inducible genes. In summary, ISD017 treatment in symptomatic 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice reduced the severity of glomerulonephritis and increased long-term survival. ISD017 worked comparably to cyclophosphamide for treating lupus nephritis in 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice. ISD017 reduced activated T cells and neutrophils, while cyclophosphamide targeted activated B cells. These results suggested that STING inhibitors can potentially be a new therapeutic drug for treating lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isara Alee
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Medical Sciences Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Papasara Chantawichitwong
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduated Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Center of Excellence in Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology (CETRII), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Søren R Paludan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Epithelial Systems Biology Laboratory, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Prapaporn Pisitkun
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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11
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Mizui M, Kono M. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting abnormal T-cell signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Immunol 2024; 262:110182. [PMID: 38458302 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases have been based on the use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents that broadly suppress immune responses. Therefore, organ damage from long-term use and infections due to immunocompromised status have been significant issues. Safer immunosuppressants and biological agents are now available, but there is still an urgent need to develop specific drugs to replace glucocorticoids. T-lymphocytes, central players in immune responses, could be crucial targets in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Extensive research has been conducted on the phenotypic changes of T-cells in systemic lupus erythematosus, which has led to the discovery of various therapeutic strategies. In this comprehensive review, we discuss novel treatment approaches and target molecules with expected effectiveness in humans and mice, based on research for lymphocytes involved in autoimmune diseases, especially T-cells in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Mizui
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Michihito Kono
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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12
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Jin H, Wei W, Zhao Y, Ma A, Sun K, Lin X, Liu Q, Shou S, Zhang Y. The roles of interleukin-17A in risk stratification and prognosis of patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2023; 42:742-750. [PMID: 37448288 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.22.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of interleukin (IL)-17A in risk stratification and prognosis of patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SAKI). METHODS We enrolled 146 sepsis patients (84 non-SAKI and 62 SAKI patients) admitted to the emergency department from November 2020 to November 2021. Patients with SAKI were differentiated based on the severity of acute kidney injury. All clinical parameters were evaluated upon admission before administering antibiotic treatment. Inflammatory cytokines were assessed using flow cytometry and the Pylon 3D automated immunoassay system (ET Healthcare). In addition, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to determine the prognostic values of IL-17A in SAKI. RESULTS The levels of creatinine, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin (PCT) were significantly higher in the SAKI group than in the non-SAKI group (p < 0.05). The level of IL-17A revealed significant differences among stages 1, 2, and 3 in SAKI patients (p < 0.05). The mean levels of PCT, IL-4, and IL-17A were significantly higher in the non-survival group than in the survival group in SAKI patients (p < 0.05). In addition, the area under the ROC curve of IL-17A was 0.811. Moreover, the IL-17A cutoff for differentiating survivors from non-survivors was 4.7 pg/mL, of which the sensitivity and specificity were 77.4% and 71.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION Elevated levels of IL-17A could predict that SAKI patients are significantly prone to worsening kidney injury with higher mortality. The usefulness of IL-17A in treating SAKI requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Jin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yibo Zhao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ai Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Keke Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxi Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qihui Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Songtao Shou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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13
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Qi H, Xu L, Liu Q. Knockdown of DEC2 expression inhibits the proliferation of mesangial cells through suppressed glycolysis and p38 MAPK/Erk pathway in lupus nephritis. Mol Med 2023; 29:99. [PMID: 37488524 PMCID: PMC10364423 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00672-z] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To elucidate the mechanism by which DEC2 modulates the proliferation of mesangial cells (MCs) in lupus nephritis (LN). METHODS The 32-week-old female Fcgr2b-/- mice and their serum-treated MCs were used as in vivo and in vitro LN model. MCs knocked down of DEC2 and overexpressed with DEC2 were also established. The expression of DEC2 was measured in the kidneys of Fcgr2b-/- mice and LN serum-treated MCs using RT-qPCR and Western blot. MCs proliferation was detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) labeling assay and PCNA expression using immunofluorescence. The glucose metabolism was evaluated in LN serum-treated MCs, and the levels of lactate production, glucose consumption, ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential were assayed. The glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration function of the MCs were measured using the Extracellular Flux Analyzer. The extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were dynamically monitored and multiple important bioenergetic parameters can be calculated. The expression of Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) were detected in the MCs. Multiple signaling proteins were screened. RESULTS DEC2 was found overexpressed in the kidney of Fcgr2b-/- LN mice. Knockdown of DEC2 inhibited LN serum-induced MCs proliferation. DEC2 was associated with the glucose metabolism in LN serum-treated MCs. DEC2 regulated glycolysis in LN serum-treated MCs. DEC2 was associated with mitochondrial fitness in LN serum treated MCs. DEC2 activated MCs glycolysis through TLR4 and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) regulation. DEC2 regulated MCs proliferation through two signaling pathways including dependent and independent of glycolysis, which located in the downstream of TLR4 signaling. CONCLUSION Knockdown of DEC2 expression inhibits the proliferation of MCs through suppressed glycolysis and p38 MAPK/ERK pathway in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimeng Qi
- Department of General Practice, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, 236000, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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14
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Sun L, Su Y, Jiao A, Wang X, Zhang B. T cells in health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:235. [PMID: 37332039 PMCID: PMC10277291 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are crucial for immune functions to maintain health and prevent disease. T cell development occurs in a stepwise process in the thymus and mainly generates CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Upon antigen stimulation, naïve T cells differentiate into CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic effector and memory cells, mediating direct killing, diverse immune regulatory function, and long-term protection. In response to acute and chronic infections and tumors, T cells adopt distinct differentiation trajectories and develop into a range of heterogeneous populations with various phenotype, differentiation potential, and functionality under precise and elaborate regulations of transcriptional and epigenetic programs. Abnormal T-cell immunity can initiate and promote the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of T cell development, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell classification, and differentiation in physiological settings. We further elaborate the heterogeneity, differentiation, functionality, and regulation network of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in infectious disease, chronic infection and tumor, and autoimmune disease, highlighting the exhausted CD8+ T cell differentiation trajectory, CD4+ T cell helper function, T cell contributions to immunotherapy and autoimmune pathogenesis. We also discuss the development and function of γδ T cells in tissue surveillance, infection, and tumor immunity. Finally, we summarized current T-cell-based immunotherapies in both cancer and autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on their clinical applications. A better understanding of T cell immunity provides insight into developing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Yanhong Su
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Anjun Jiao
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China.
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15
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Tsai CY, Li KJ, Shen CY, Lu CH, Lee HT, Wu TH, Ng YY, Tsao YP, Hsieh SC, Yu CL. Decipher the Immunopathological Mechanisms and Set Up Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Patients with Lupus Nephritis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10066. [PMID: 37373215 PMCID: PMC10298725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most severe complications in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Traditionally, LN is regarded as an immune complex (IC) deposition disease led by dsDNA-anti-dsDNA-complement interactions in the subendothelial and/or subepithelial basement membrane of glomeruli to cause inflammation. The activated complements in the IC act as chemoattractants to chemically attract both innate and adaptive immune cells to the kidney tissues, causing inflammatory reactions. However, recent investigations have unveiled that not only the infiltrating immune-related cells, but resident kidney cells, including glomerular mesangial cells, podocytes, macrophage-like cells, tubular epithelial cells and endothelial cells, may also actively participate in the inflammatory and immunological reactions in the kidney. Furthermore, the adaptive immune cells that are infiltrated are genetically restricted to autoimmune predilection. The autoantibodies commonly found in SLE, including anti-dsDNA, are cross-reacting with not only a broad spectrum of chromatin substances, but also extracellular matrix components, including α-actinin, annexin II, laminin, collagen III and IV, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Besides, the glycosylation on the Fab portion of IgG anti-dsDNA antibodies can also affect the pathogenic properties of the autoantibodies in that α-2,6-sialylation alleviates, whereas fucosylation aggravates their nephritogenic activity. Some of the coexisting autoantibodies, including anti-cardiolipin, anti-C1q, anti-ribosomal P autoantibodies, may also enhance the pathogenic role of anti-dsDNA antibodies. In clinical practice, the identification of useful biomarkers for diagnosing, monitoring, and following up on LN is quite important for its treatments. The development of a more specific therapeutic strategy to target the pathogenic factors of LN is also critical. We will discuss these issues in detail in the present article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Youh Tsai
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital & College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24352, Taiwan
| | - Ko-Jen Li
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 106319, Taiwan; (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (S.-C.H.)
| | - Chieh-Yu Shen
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 106319, Taiwan; (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (S.-C.H.)
| | - Cheng-Hsun Lu
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 106319, Taiwan; (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (S.-C.H.)
| | - Hui-Ting Lee
- MacKay Memorial Hospital & MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan;
| | - Tsai-Hung Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
| | - Yee-Yung Ng
- Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital & College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24352, Taiwan;
| | - Yen-Po Tsao
- Division of Holistic and Multidisciplinary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 106319, Taiwan; (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (S.-C.H.)
| | - Chia-Li Yu
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 106319, Taiwan; (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (S.-C.H.)
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16
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Mohan C, Zhang T, Putterman C. Pathogenic cellular and molecular mediators in lupus nephritis. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023:10.1038/s41581-023-00722-z. [PMID: 37225921 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00722-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Kidney involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus - lupus nephritis (LN) - is one of the most important and common clinical manifestations of this disease and occurs in 40-60% of patients. Current treatment regimens achieve a complete kidney response in only a minority of affected individuals, and 10-15% of patients with LN develop kidney failure, with its attendant morbidity and considerable prognostic implications. Moreover, the medications most often used to treat LN - corticosteroids in combination with immunosuppressive or cytotoxic drugs - are associated with substantial side effects. Advances in proteomics, flow cytometry and RNA sequencing have led to important new insights into immune cells, molecules and mechanistic pathways that are instrumental in the pathogenesis of LN. These insights, together with a renewed focus on the study of human LN kidney tissue, suggest new therapeutic targets that are already being tested in lupus animal models and early-phase clinical trials and, as such, are hoped to eventually lead to meaningful improvements in the care of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus-associated kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Mohan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ting Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaim Putterman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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17
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Dysregulated balance in Th17/Treg axis of Pristane-induced lupus mouse model, are mesenchymal stem cells therapeutic? Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109699. [PMID: 36867923 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in general and targeted immunosuppressive therapies, limiting all mainstay treatment options in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases has necessitated the development of new therapeutic strategies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently emerged with unique properties, including a solid propensity to reduce inflammation, exert immunomodulatory effects, and repair injured tissues. METHODS An animal model of acquired SLE mice was induced via intraperitoneal immunization with Pristane and affirmed by measuring specific biomarkers. Bone marrow (BM) MSCs were isolated from healthy BALB/c mice and cultured in vitro, then were identified and confirmed by flow cytometry and cytodifferentiation. Systemic MSCs transplantation was performed and then several parameters were analyzed and compared, including specific cytokines (IL-17, IL-4, IFN-ɣ, TGF-β) at the serum level, the percentage of Th cell subsets (Treg/Th17, Th1/Th2) in splenocytes, and also the relief of lupus nephritis, respectively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry analysis and by hematoxylin & eosin staining and also immunofluorescence assessment. Experiments were carried out with different initiation treatment time points (early and late stages of disease). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc Tukey's test was used for multiple comparisons. RESULTS The rate of proteinuria, anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) antibodies, and serum creatinine levels decreased with BM-MSCs transplantation. These results were associated with attenuated lupus renal pathology in terms of reducing IgG and C3 deposition and lymphocyte infiltration. Our findings suggested that TGF-β (associated with lupus microenvironment) can contribute to MSC-based immunotherapy by modulating the population of TCD4+ cell subsets. Obtained results indicated that MSCs-based cytotherapy could negatively affect the progression of induced SLE by recovering the function of Treg cells, suppressing Th1, Th2, and Th17 lymphocyte function, and downregulating their pro-inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION MSC-based immunotherapy showed a delayed effect on the progression of acquired SLE in a lupus microenvironment-dependent manner. Allogenic MSCs transplantation revealed the ability to re-establish the balance of Th17/Treg, Th1/Th2 and restore the plasma cytokines network in a pattern dependent on disease conditions. The conflicting results of early versus advanced therapy suggest that MSCs may produce different effects depending on when they are administered and their activation status.
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18
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Hoseinzadeh A, Rezaieyazdi Z, Afshari JT, Mahmoudi A, Heydari S, Moradi R, Esmaeili SA, Mahmoudi M. Modulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Mediated Adaptive Immune Effectors' Repertoire in the Recovery of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:322-344. [PMID: 36272020 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10452-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The breakdown of self-tolerance of the immune response can lead to autoimmune conditions in which chronic inflammation induces tissue damage. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a debilitating multisystemic autoimmune disorder with a high prevalence in women of childbearing age; however, SLE incidence, prevalence, and severity are strongly influenced by ethnicity. Although the mystery of autoimmune diseases remains unsolved, disturbance in the proportion and function of B cell subsets has a major role in SLE's pathogenesis. Additionally, colocalizing hyperactive T helper cell subgroups within inflammatory niches are indispensable. Despite significant advances in standard treatments, nonspecific immunosuppression, the risk of serious infections, and resistance to conventional therapies in some cases have raised the urgent need for new treatment strategies. Without the need to suppress the immune system, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as ''smart" immune modulators, are able to control cellular and humoral auto-aggression responses by participating in precursor cell development. In lupus, due to autologous MSCs disorder, the ability of allogenic engrafted MSCs in tissue regeneration and resetting immune homeostasis with the provision of a new immunocyte repertoire has been considered simultaneously. In Brief The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) lineage plays a critical role in maintaining the hematopoietic stem-cell microstructure and modulating immunocytes. The impairment of BM-MSCs and their niche partially contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE-like diseases. Allogenic MSC transplantation can reconstruct BM microstructure, possibly contributing to the recovery of immunocyte phenotype restoration of immune homeostasis. In terms of future prospects of MSCs, artificially gained by ex vivo isolation and culture adaptation, the wide variety of potential mediators and mechanisms might be linked to the promotion of the immunomodulatory function of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Hoseinzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Rezaieyazdi
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran.,Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jalil Tavakol Afshari
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sahar Heydari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Reza Moradi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mahmoudi
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Kalantari Blvd, Pardi's campusMashhad, Iran.
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19
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Yang Y, Yan C, Yu L, Zhang X, Shang J, Fan J, Zhang R, Ren J, Duan X. The star target in SLE: IL-17. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:313-328. [PMID: 36538077 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01674-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this review is to discuss the significance of IL-17 in SLE and the potential of IL-17-targeted therapy. BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect many organs and tissues throughout the body. It is characterized by overactive B and T cells and loss of immune tolerance to autoantigens. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a cytokine that promotes inflammation and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases as well as inflammatory diseases. In in vitro cellular experiments in lupus susceptible mice or SLE patients, there is substantial evidence that IL-17 is a highly promising therapeutic target. METHODS We searched papers from PubMed database using the search terms, such as interleukin-17, systemic lupus erythematosus, treatment targets, T cells, lupus nephritis, and other relevant terms. RESULTS We discuss in this paper the molecular mechanisms of IL-17 expression, Th17 cell proliferation, and the relationship between IL-17 and Th17. The significance of IL-17 in SLE and the potential of IL-17-targeted therapy are further discussed in detail. CONCLUSION IL-17 has a very high potential for the development as a star target in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Yan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Le Yu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiuling Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jingjing Shang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jie Fan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Rongwei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xinwang Duan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
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20
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Feng X, Li X, Liu N, Hou N, Sun X, Liu Y. Glutaminolysis and CD4+ T-cell metabolism in autoimmunity: From pathogenesis to therapy prospects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:986847. [PMID: 36211442 PMCID: PMC9537545 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.986847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent increase in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases revealed the critical role of T cells. Investigation into immunometabolism has drawn attention to metabolic processes other than glycometabolism. In rapidly dividing immune cells, including T lymphocytes, the consumption of glutamine is similar to or higher than that of glucose even though glucose is abundant. In addition to contributing to many processes critical for cellular integrity and function, glutamine, as the most abundant amino acid, was recently regarded as an immunomodulatory nutrient. A better understanding of the biological regulation of glutaminolysis in T cells will provide a new perspective for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge of glutamine catabolism in CD4+ T-cell subsets of autoimmunity. We also focused on potential treatments targeting glutaminolysis in patients with autoimmune diseases. Knowledge of immunometabolism is constantly evolving, and glutamine metabolism may be a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojin Feng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ningning Hou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yongping Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- *Correspondence: Yongping Liu,
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21
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Harley ITW, Allison K, Scofield RH. Polygenic autoimmune disease risk alleles impacting B cell tolerance act in concert across shared molecular networks in mouse and in humans. Front Immunol 2022; 13:953439. [PMID: 36090990 PMCID: PMC9450536 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.953439] [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: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most B cells produced in the bone marrow have some level of autoreactivity. Despite efforts of central tolerance to eliminate these cells, many escape to periphery, where in healthy individuals, they are rendered functionally non-responsive to restimulation through their antigen receptor via a process termed anergy. Broad repertoire autoreactivity may reflect the chances of generating autoreactivity by stochastic use of germline immunoglobulin gene segments or active mechanisms may select autoreactive cells during egress to the naïve peripheral B cell pool. Likewise, it is unclear why in some individuals autoreactive B cell clones become activated and drive pathophysiologic changes in autoimmune diseases. Both of these remain central questions in the study of the immune system(s). In most individuals, autoimmune diseases arise from complex interplay of genetic risk factors and environmental influences. Advances in genome sequencing and increased statistical power from large autoimmune disease cohorts has led to identification of more than 200 autoimmune disease risk loci. It has been observed that autoantibodies are detectable in the serum years to decades prior to the diagnosis of autoimmune disease. Thus, current models hold that genetic defects in the pathways that control autoreactive B cell tolerance set genetic liability thresholds across multiple autoimmune diseases. Despite the fact these seminal concepts were developed in animal (especially murine) models of autoimmune disease, some perceive a disconnect between human risk alleles and those identified in murine models of autoimmune disease. Here, we synthesize the current state of the art in our understanding of human risk alleles in two prototypical autoimmune diseases - systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) along with spontaneous murine disease models. We compare these risk networks to those reported in murine models of these diseases, focusing on pathways relevant to anergy and central tolerance. We highlight some differences between murine and human environmental and genetic factors that may impact autoimmune disease development and expression and may, in turn, explain some of this discrepancy. Finally, we show that there is substantial overlap between the molecular networks that define these disease states across species. Our synthesis and analysis of the current state of the field are consistent with the idea that the same molecular networks are perturbed in murine and human autoimmune disease. Based on these analyses, we anticipate that murine autoimmune disease models will continue to yield novel insights into how best to diagnose, prognose, prevent and treat human autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac T. W. Harley
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative (HI3), Department of Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Rheumatology Section, Medicine Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Kristen Allison
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative (HI3), Department of Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - R. Hal Scofield
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Medical/Research Service, US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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22
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Wang M, Ishikawa T, Lai Y, Nallapothula D, Singh RR. Diverse Roles of NETosis in the Pathogenesis of Lupus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:895216. [PMID: 35686129 PMCID: PMC9170953 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.895216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NETosis is a form of neutrophil cell death during which extracellular fibrillary structures composed of cytosolic and granule proteins assembled on scaffolds of decondensed chromatin, called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), are released. NETs normally contribute to host immune defense. Accumulating evidence implicates aberrant NET production and/or reduced NET clearance, along with alterations of molecules involved in NETosis pathway, in humans and animals with lupus. The extruded nuclear antigens released by NET are a source of autoantigens, which can contribute to the breakdown of self-tolerance in lupus. Excessive NET can also promote the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-α, elicit direct cytotoxic effect on various renal cells, and cause capillary necrosis and podocyte loss. Additionally, NET can induce endothelial-to-mesenchymal transdifferentiation, which can promote activated myofibroblasts leading to extracellular matrix production. Thus, aberrant NETosis can play diverse roles, including autoantibody production, inflammation, and tissue damage, at different stages of lupus pathogenesis. Evidence suggests that treatments currently used in lupus may reduce NETosis, suggesting a potential utility of targeting NETosis to treat lupus. In fact, several approaches are being experimented to therapeutically target pathways of NETosis. Future studies should precisely delineate distinct roles of NETosis at different stages of lupus pathogenesis in humans, which would offer a rational basis for NETosis-targeting treatments in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiying Wang
- Autoimmunity and Tolerance Laboratory, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tatsuya Ishikawa
- Autoimmunity and Tolerance Laboratory, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yupeng Lai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dhiraj Nallapothula
- Autoimmunity and Tolerance Laboratory, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ram Raj Singh
- Autoimmunity and Tolerance Laboratory, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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23
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A Mechanistic Insight into the Pathogenic Role of Interleukin 17A in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:6600264. [PMID: 35620115 PMCID: PMC9129985 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6600264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) has been put forward as a strong ally in our fight against invading pathogens across exposed epithelial surfaces by serving an antimicrobial immunosurveillance role in these tissues to protect the barrier integrity. Amongst other mechanisms that prevent tissue injury mediated by potential microbial threats and promote restoration of epithelial homeostasis, IL-17A attracts effector cells to the site of inflammation and support the host response by driving the development of ectopic lymphoid structures. Accumulating evidence now underscores an integral role of IL-17A in driving the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations in three potentially life-threatening autoimmune diseases, namely, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic sclerosis. Available studies provide convincing evidence that the abundance of IL-17A in target tissues and its prime source, which is T helper 17 cells (Th17) and double negative T cells (DNT), is not an innocent bystander but in fact seems to be prerequisite for organ pathology. In this regard, IL-17A has been directly implicated in critical steps of autoimmunity. This review reports on the synergistic interactions of IL-17A with other critical determinants such as B cells, neutrophils, stromal cells, and the vasculature that promote the characteristic immunopathology of these autoimmune diseases. The summary of observations provided by this review may have empowering implications for IL-17A-based strategies to prevent clinical manifestations in a broad spectrum of autoimmune conditions.
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24
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Li J, Luo M, Li B, Lou Y, Zhu Y, Bai X, Sun B, Lu X, Luo P. Immunomodulatory Activity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Lupus Nephritis: Advances and Applications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:843192. [PMID: 35359961 PMCID: PMC8960601 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a significant cause of various acute and chronic renal diseases, which can eventually lead to end-stage renal disease. The pathogenic mechanisms of LN are characterized by abnormal activation of the immune responses, increased cytokine production, and dysregulation of inflammatory signaling pathways. LN treatment is an important issue in the prevention and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the advantages of immunomodulation, anti-inflammation, and anti-proliferation. These unique properties make MSCs a strong candidate for cell therapy of autoimmune diseases. MSCs can suppress the proliferation of innate and adaptive immune cells, such as natural killer cells (NKs), dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, and B cells. Furthermore, MSCs suppress the functions of various immune cells, such as the cytotoxicity of T cells and NKs, maturation and antibody secretion of B cells, maturation and antigen presentation of DCs, and inhibition of cytokine secretion, such as interleukins (ILs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interferons (IFNs) by a variety of immune cells. MSCs can exert immunomodulatory effects in LN through these immune functions to suppress autoimmunity, improve renal pathology, and restore kidney function in lupus mice and LN patients. Herein, we review the role of immune cells and cytokines in the pathogenesis of LN and the mechanisms involved, as well as the progress of research on the immunomodulatory role of MSCs in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicui Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Manyu Luo
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Lou
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuexin Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Baichao Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuehong Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ping Luo
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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25
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Salehi A, Nasrollahzadeh Sabet M, Esmaeilzadeh E, Mousavi M, Karimi J, Pakzad B. Impact of miRNA-binding site polymorphisms in STAT3 gene on occurrence and clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2022; 31:338-346. [PMID: 35073195 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221076739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a major regulator of immune response and chronic inflammatory conditions acting through regulation of B cells, T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, and IL-17 production. Previous studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of STAT3 is crucial for SLE pathogenesis and disease severity. It is believed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at the 3'-UTR sequence of the target genes could dysregulate their expression by disrupting the binding site of miRNAs. In the present study, we assessed the possible association between rs1053005 and rs1053023 SNPs at miRNA binding sites in the STAT3 gene and the risk of SLE in the Iranian population for the first time. METHODS 112 SLE cases and 120 healthy controls were genotyped for rs1053005 (A>G) and rs1053023 (A>G) polymorphisms in STAT3 using real-time PCR high resolution melting method (HRM). RESULTS Our results revealed substantial associations between GG genotype and G allele of rs1053023 with enhanced risk of SLE (OR for GG genotype= 3.13; 95%CI [1.61-6.1], OR for G allele = 2.22; 95%CI [1.51-3.25]). However, no important correlations have been found between rs1053005 polymorphism and SLE susceptibility in this population (p>0.05). Moreover, stratification analysis showed that these polymorphisms are correlated with parameters indicating disease activity and more severe course of the disease. These factors include some laboratory test results and clinical manifestations such as renal involvements. CONCLUSION The current study suggests a significant association between STAT3 polymorphisms and augmented risk of SLE, clinical symptoms, disease activity, and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Salehi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, 48455Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | | | - Maryam Mousavi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, 48455Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Jalal Karimi
- Department of Social Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahram Pakzad
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, 48455Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
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26
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Jin M, Ren W, Zhang W, Liu L, Yin Z, Li D. Exploring the Underlying Mechanism of Shenyankangfu Tablet in the Treatment of Glomerulonephritis Through Network Pharmacology, Machine Learning, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Validation. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:4585-4601. [PMID: 34785888 PMCID: PMC8590514 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s333209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of Shenyankangfu tablet (SYKFT) in the treatment of glomerulonephritis (GN) based on network pharmacology, machine learning, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Methods The active ingredients and potential targets of SYKFT were obtained through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, the targets of GN were obtained through GeneCards, etc. Perl and Cytoscape were used to construct an herb-active ingredient–target network. Then, the clusterProfiler package of R was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. We also used the STRING platform and Cytoscape to construct a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, as well as the SwissTargetPrediction server to predict the target protein of the core active ingredient based on machine-learning model. Molecular-docking analysis was further performed using AutoDock Vina and Pymol. Finally, we verified the effect of SYKFT on GN in vivo. Results A total of 154 active ingredients and 255 targets in SYKFT were screened, and 135 targets were identified to be related to GN. GO enrichment analysis indicated that biological processes were primarily associated with oxidative stress and cell proliferation. KEGG pathway analysis showed that these targets were involved mostly in infection-related and GN-related pathways. PPI network analysis identified 13 core targets of SYKFT. Results of machine-learning model suggested that STAT3 and AKT1 may be the key target. Results of molecular docking suggested that the main active components of SYKFT can be combined with various target proteins. In vivo experiments confirmed that SYKFT may alleviate renal pathological injury by regulating core genes, thereby reducing urinary protein. Conclusion This study demonstrated for the first time the multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway characteristics of SYKFT for GN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Jin
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing-Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China.,Department of Nephrology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People's Liberation Army Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases (2011DAV00088), National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100853, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Ren
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Ditan Hospital,Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiguang Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People's Liberation Army Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases (2011DAV00088), National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100853, People's Republic of China
| | - Linchang Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People's Liberation Army Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases (2011DAV00088), National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100853, People's Republic of China.,Department of Nephrology, Beijing Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Yin
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People's Liberation Army Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases (2011DAV00088), National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100853, People's Republic of China.,College of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Diangeng Li
- Department of Academic Research, Beijing-Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China
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27
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Jamaly S, Rakaee M, Abdi R, Tsokos GC, Fenton KA. Interplay of immune and kidney resident cells in the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures in lupus nephritis. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102980. [PMID: 34718163 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Kidney involvement confers significant morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN) involves diverse mechanisms instigated by elements of the autoimmune response which alter the biology of kidney resident cells. Processes in the glomeruli and in the interstitium may proceed independently albeit crosstalk between the two is inevitable. Podocytes, mesangial cells, tubular epithelial cells, kidney resident macrophages and stromal cells with input from cytokines and autoantibodies present in the circulation alter the expression of enzymes, produce cytokines and chemokines which lead to their injury and damage of the kidney. Several of these molecules can be targeted independently to prevent and reverse kidney failure. Tertiary lymphoid structures with true germinal centers are present in the kidneys of patients with lupus nephritis and have been increasingly recognized to associate with poorer renal outcomes. Stromal cells, tubular epithelial cells, high endothelial vessel and lymphatic venule cells produce chemokines which enable the formation of structures composed of a T-cell-rich zone with mature dendritic cells next to a B-cell follicle with the characteristics of a germinal center surrounded by plasma cells. Following an overview on the interaction of the immune cells with kidney resident cells, we discuss the cellular and molecular events which lead to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures in the interstitium of the kidneys of mice and patients with lupus nephritis. In parallel, molecules and processes that can be targeted therapeutically are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Jamaly
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mehrdad Rakaee
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reza Abdi
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George C Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristin Andreassen Fenton
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
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28
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Costa R, Antunes P, Salvador P, Oliveira P, Marinho A. Secukinumab on Refractory Lupus Nephritis. Cureus 2021; 13:e17198. [PMID: 34540426 PMCID: PMC8439396 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17198] [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] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most frequent severe organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). About 30% of patients are refractory to treatment. The authors report a case of treatment of LN with interleukin-17-targeted therapy, demonstrating its possible benefit, after reports of T helper 17 cell involvement in SLE pathogenesis. We present the case of a childbearing age woman with SLE, who developed refractory LN despite all the indicated therapeutic options. During follow up, infection with human papillomavirus was detected, a possible trigger, and the following management was based on this discovery. We currently know that cytokines play a major role in tissue damage and interleukin-17 (IL-17) seems to be a fundamental key in SLE and LN, having shown its expression in renal glomeruli and urinary sediment. Thus, it was decided to start treatment with an anti-IL-17A antibody, secukinumab. After starting secukinumab, clinical and biological features improved and complete renal response was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Costa
- Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova De Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, PRT
| | - Paula Antunes
- Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cascais Dr José de Almeida, Lisboa, PRT
| | - Pedro Salvador
- Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova De Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, PRT
| | - Pedro Oliveira
- Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova De Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, PRT
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29
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Paquissi FC, Abensur H. The Th17/IL-17 Axis and Kidney Diseases, With Focus on Lupus Nephritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:654912. [PMID: 34540858 PMCID: PMC8446428 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.654912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease characterized by dysregulation and hyperreactivity of the immune response at various levels, including hyperactivation of effector cell subtypes, autoantibodies production, immune complex formation, and deposition in tissues. The consequences of hyperreactivity to the self are systemic and local inflammation and tissue damage in multiple organs. Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most worrying manifestations of SLE, and most patients have this involvement at some point in the course of the disease. Among the effector cells involved, the Th17, a subtype of T helper cells (CD4+), has shown significant hyperactivation and participates in kidney damage and many other organs. Th17 cells have IL-17A and IL-17F as main cytokines with receptors expressed in most renal cells, being involved in the activation of many proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways. The Th17/IL-17 axis promotes and maintains repetitive tissue damage and maladaptive repair; leading to fibrosis, loss of organ architecture and function. In the podocytes, the Th17/IL-17 axis effects include changes of the cytoskeleton with increased motility, decreased expression of health proteins, increased oxidative stress, and activation of the inflammasome and caspases resulting in podocytes apoptosis. In renal tubular epithelial cells, the Th17/IL-17 axis promotes the activation of profibrotic pathways such as increased TGF-β expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with consequent increase of extracellular matrix proteins. In addition, the IL-17 promotes a proinflammatory environment by stimulating the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines by intrinsic renal cells and immune cells, and the synthesis of growth factors and chemokines, which together result in granulopoiesis/myelopoiesis, and further recruitment of immune cells to the kidney. The purpose of this work is to present the prognostic and immunopathologic role of the Th17/IL-17 axis in Kidney diseases, with a special focus on LN, including its exploration as a potential immunotherapeutic target in this complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feliciano Chanana Paquissi
- Department of Medicine, Clínica Girassol, Luanda, Angola
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Abensur
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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30
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Yang F, Lin J, Chen W. Post-translational modifications in T cells in systemic erythematosus lupus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:2502-2516. [PMID: 33512488 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE) is a classic autoimmune disease characterized by multiple autoantibodies and immune-mediated tissue damage. The aetiology of this disease is still unclear. A new drug, belimumab, which acts against the B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), can effectively improve the condition of SLE patients, but it cannot resolve all SLE symptoms. The discovery of novel, precise therapeutic targets is urgently needed. It is well known that abnormal T-cell function is one of the most crucial factors contributing to the pathogenesis of SLE. Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination and SUMOylation have been emphasized for their roles in activating protein activity, maintaining structural stability, regulating protein-protein interactions and mediating signalling pathways, in addition to other biological functions. Summarizing the latest data in this area, this review focuses on the potential roles of diverse PTMs in regulating T-cell function and signalling pathways in SLE pathogenesis, with the goal of identifying new targets for SLE therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin Lin
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiqian Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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31
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Bechara R, Amatya N, Bailey RD, Li Y, Aggor FEY, Li DD, Jawale CV, Coleman BM, Dai N, Gokhale NS, Taylor TC, Horner SM, Poholek AC, Bansal A, Biswas PS, Gaffen SL. The m 6A reader IMP2 directs autoimmune inflammation through an IL-17- and TNFα-dependent C/EBP transcription factor axis. Sci Immunol 2021; 6:eabd1287. [PMID: 34215679 PMCID: PMC8404281 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abd1287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Excessive cytokine activity underlies many autoimmune conditions, particularly through the interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) signaling axis. Both cytokines activate nuclear factor κB, but appropriate induction of downstream effector genes requires coordinated activation of other transcription factors, notably, CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs). Here, we demonstrate the unexpected involvement of a posttranscriptional "epitranscriptomic" mRNA modification [N6-methyladenosine (m6A)] in regulating C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ in response to IL-17A, as well as IL-17F and TNFα. Prompted by the observation that C/EBPβ/δ-encoding transcripts contain m6A consensus sites, we show that Cebpd and Cebpb mRNAs are subject to m6A modification. Induction of C/EBPs is enhanced by an m6A methylase "writer" and suppressed by a demethylase "eraser." The only m6A "reader" found to be involved in this pathway was IGF2BP2 (IMP2), and IMP2 occupancy of Cebpd and Cebpb mRNA was enhanced by m6A modification. IMP2 facilitated IL-17-mediated Cebpd mRNA stabilization and promoted translation of C/EBPβ/δ in response to IL-17A, IL-17F, and TNFα. RNA sequencing revealed transcriptome-wide IL-17-induced transcripts that are IMP2 influenced, and RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing identified the subset of mRNAs that are directly occupied by IMP2, which included Cebpb and Cebpd Lipocalin-2 (Lcn2), a hallmark of autoimmune kidney injury, was strongly dependent on IL-17, IMP2, and C/EBPβ/δ. Imp2-/- mice were resistant to autoantibody-induced glomerulonephritis (AGN), showing impaired renal expression of C/EBPs and Lcn2 Moreover, IMP2 deletion initiated only after AGN onset ameliorated disease. Thus, posttranscriptional regulation of C/EBPs through m6A/IMP2 represents a previously unidentified paradigm of cytokine-driven autoimmune inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Bechara
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nilesh Amatya
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rachel D Bailey
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Felix E Y Aggor
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - De-Dong Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chetan V Jawale
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bianca M Coleman
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ning Dai
- Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nandan S Gokhale
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tiffany C Taylor
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stacy M Horner
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amanda C Poholek
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anita Bansal
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Partha S Biswas
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sarah L Gaffen
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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32
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Abstract
The presence of immune cells is a morphological hallmark of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, a disease group that includes anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis. The cellular infiltrates include cells from both the innate and the adaptive immune responses. The latter includes CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In the past, CD4+ T cell subsets were viewed as terminally differentiated lineages with limited flexibility. However, it is now clear that Th17 cells can in fact have a high degree of plasticity and convert, for example, into pro-inflammatory Th1 cells or anti-inflammatory Tr1 cells. Interestingly, Th17 cells in experimental GN display limited spontaneous plasticity. Here we review the literature of CD4+ T cell plasticity focusing on immune-mediated kidney disease. We point out the key findings of the past decade, in particular that targeting pathogenic Th17 cells by anti-CD3 injection can be a tool to modulate the CD4+ T cell response. This anti-CD3 treatment can trigger a regulatory phenotype in Th17 cells and transdifferentiation of Th17 cells into immunosuppressive IL-10-expressing Tr1 cells (Tr1exTh17 cells). Thus, targeting Th17 cell plasticity could be envisaged as a new therapeutic approach in patients with glomerulonephritis.
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33
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An JN, Ryu S, Kim YC, Yoo KD, Lee J, Kim HY, Lee H, Lee JP, Lee JW, Jeon US, Kim DK, Kim YS, Yang SH. NK1.1 - natural killer T cells upregulate interleukin-17 expression in experimental lupus nephritis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 320:F772-F788. [PMID: 33719574 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00252.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-17-secreting invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells are involved in several inflammatory diseases. However, their role in lupus nephritis (LN) has not been fully characterized. Samples from patients with LN or glomerulonephritis and healthy controls were obtained, and elevated IL-17+ NKT cell numbers and IL-17 expression were observed in blood cells and kidneys, respectively, in patients with LN. Comparison of a mouse model of experimental autoimmune LN with the parental strain (NKT-deficient B6.CD1d-/- mice) revealed improved proteinuria, disease severity, and histopathology and decreased levels of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 16 and T cell receptor-α variable 14 expression. Spleens and kidneys of B6.CD1d-/- mice also showed downregulation of inflammatory markers and IL-17. In coculture with renal mesangial and NKT cells, inflammatory markers and IL-17 were upregulated following α-galactosylceramide treatment and downregulated after treatment with IL-17-blocking antibodies. This was most prominent with killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily B member 1 C (NK1.1)- NKT cells. Thus, IL-17 is upregulated in LN. Activation of NKT cells regulates IL-17-related immune responses systemically and in the kidneys, primarily via NK1.1- NKT cells. IL-17-secreting NK1.1- NKT cells could serve as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for LN.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because our results indicate that IL-17 is upregulated in lupus nephritis and that natural killer T (NKT) cells are involved in its pathogenesis. Activation of NKT cells regulates IL-17-related immune responses, both systemically and in the kidney, and this mainly involves NK1.1- NKT cells. Furthermore, IL-17-secreting NK1.1- NKT cells could serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Nam An
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Korea
| | - Seungwon Ryu
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Chul Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Don Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Jangwook Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Young Kim
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hajeong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Pyo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Wook Lee
- Nephrology Clinic, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Un Sil Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dong Ki Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yon Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hee Yang
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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34
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Prabakaran T, Troldborg A, Kumpunya S, Alee I, Marinković E, Windross SJ, Nandakumar R, Narita R, Zhang BC, Carstensen M, Vejvisithsakul P, Marqvorsen MHS, Iversen MB, Holm CK, Østergaard LJ, Pedersen FS, Pisitkun T, Behrendt R, Pisitkun P, Paludan SR. A STING antagonist modulating the interaction with STIM1 blocks ER-to-Golgi trafficking and inhibits lupus pathology. EBioMedicine 2021; 66:103314. [PMID: 33813142 PMCID: PMC8047499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nucleic acids are potent stimulators of type I interferon (IFN-I) and antiviral defense, but may also promote pathological inflammation. A range of diseases are characterized by elevated IFN-I, including systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). The DNA-activated cGAS-STING pathway is a major IFN-I-inducing pathway, and activation of signaling is dependent on trafficking of STING from the ER to the Golgi. METHODS Here we used cell culture systems, a mouse lupus model, and material from lupus patients, to explore the mode of action of a STING antagonistic peptide, and its ability to modulate disease processes. FINDINGS We report that the peptide ISD017 selectively inhibits all known down-stream activities of STING, including IFN-I, inflammatory cytokines, autophagy, and apoptosis. ISD017 blocks the essential trafficking of STING from the ER to Golgi through a mechanism dependent on the STING ER retention factor STIM1. Importantly, ISD017 blocks STING activity in vivo and ameliorates disease development in a mouse model for lupus. Finally, ISD017 treatment blocks pathological cytokine responses in cells from lupus patients with elevated IFN-I levels. INTERPRETATION These data hold promise for beneficial use of STING-targeting therapy in lupus. FUNDING The Novo Nordisk Foundation, The European Research Council, The Lundbeck Foundation, European Union under the Horizon 2020 Research, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Chulalongkorn University.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Troldborg
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark; Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark
| | - Sarinya Kumpunya
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Inter-Department Program of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Graduate, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Isara Alee
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Inter-Department Program of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Graduate, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Emilija Marinković
- Institute for Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Samuel J Windross
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Ramya Nandakumar
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Ryo Narita
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Bao-Cun Zhang
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Carstensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Pichpisith Vejvisithsakul
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark; Section for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Marie B Iversen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Christian K Holm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Lars J Østergaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark
| | - Finn Skou Pedersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rayk Behrendt
- Institute for Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Prapaporn Pisitkun
- Section for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Søren R Paludan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark.
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35
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Koga T, Ichinose K, Kawakami A, Tsokos GC. Current Insights and Future Prospects for Targeting IL-17 to Treat Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2021; 11:624971. [PMID: 33597953 PMCID: PMC7882681 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.624971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune cell abnormalities which lead to the production of autoantibodies and the deposition of immune complexes. Interleukin (IL)-17-producing cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease, making them an attractive therapeutic target. Studies in lupus-prone mice and of ex vivo cells from patients with SLE humans have shown that IL-17 represents a promising therapeutic target. Here we review molecular mechanisms involved in IL-17 production and Th17 cell differentiation and function and an update on the role of IL-17 in autoimmune diseases and the expected usefulness for targeting IL-17 therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Koga
- Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Ichinose
- Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kawakami
- Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - George C Tsokos
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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36
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Gupta S, Kaplan MJ. Bite of the wolf: innate immune responses propagate autoimmunity in lupus. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:144918. [PMID: 33529160 PMCID: PMC7843222 DOI: 10.1172/jci144918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a clinically heterogeneous multisystemic syndrome that derives its name from the initial characterization of facial lesions that resemble the bite of a wolf, is considered a complex, multifactorial interplay between underlying genetic susceptibility factors and the environment. Prominent pathogenic factors include the induction of aberrant cell death pathways coupled with defective cell death clearance mechanisms that promote excessive externalization of modified cellular and nuclear debris with subsequent loss of tolerance to a wide variety of autoantigens and innate and adaptive immune dysregulation. While abnormalities in adaptive immunity are well recognized and are key to the pathogenesis of SLE, recent findings have emphasized fundamental roles of the innate immune system in the initiation and propagation of autoimmunity and the development of organ damage in this disease. This Review focuses on recent discoveries regarding the role of components of the innate immune system, specifically neutrophils and interferons, in promoting various aspects of lupus pathogenesis, with potential implications for novel therapeutic strategies.
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37
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Gasparotto M, Gatto M, Binda V, Doria A, Moroni G. Lupus nephritis: clinical presentations and outcomes in the 21st century. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:v39-v51. [PMID: 33280015 PMCID: PMC7751166 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a frequent and severe manifestation of SLE. Along the decades, the epidemiology of LN and its clinical presentation have been changing. However, even though retrospective cohort studies report a decreased mortality rate and an improvement in the disease prognosis, the percentage of patients progressing into end stage renal disease (ESRD) keeps steady despite the improvements in therapeutic strategies. Current in-use medications have been available for decades now, yet over the years, regimens for optimizing their efficacy and minimizing toxicity have been developed. Therapeutic research is now moving towards the direction of precision medicine and several new drugs, targeting selectively different pathogenetic pathways, are currently under evaluation with promising results. In this review, we address the main changes and persistent unmet needs in LN management throughout the past decades, with a focus on prognosis and upcoming treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua
| | - Valentina Binda
- Nephrology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua
| | - Gabriella Moroni
- Nephrology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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38
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Blocking IL-17: A Promising Strategy in the Treatment of Systemic Rheumatic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197100. [PMID: 32993066 PMCID: PMC7582977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic rheumatic diseases are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders that affect the connective tissue, characterized by the involvement of multiple organs, leading to disability, organ failure and premature mortality. Despite the advances in recent years, the therapeutic options for these diseases are still limited and some patients do not respond to the current treatments. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a cytokine essential in the defense against extracellular bacteria and fungi. Disruption of IL-17 homeostasis has been associated with the development and progression of rheumatic diseases, and the approval of different biological therapies targeting IL-17 for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has highlighted the key role of this cytokine. IL-17 has been also implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the most recent findings about the pathogenic role of IL-17 in systemic rheumatic and its potential use as a therapeutic option.
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39
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Ma K, Du W, Xiao F, Han M, Huang E, Peng N, Tang Y, Deng C, Liu L, Chen Y, Li J, Yuan S, Huang Q, Hong X, Hu D, Cai X, Jiang Q, Liu D, Lu L. IL-17 sustains the plasma cell response via p38-mediated Bcl-xL RNA stability in lupus pathogenesis. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 18:1739-1750. [PMID: 32917979 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00540-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated a central role for plasma cells in the development of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Currently, both the phenotypic features and functional regulation of autoreactive plasma cells during SLE pathogenesis remain largely unclear. In this study, we first found that a major subset of IL-17 receptor-expressing plasma cells potently produced anti-dsDNA IgG upon IL-17A (IL-17) stimulation in SLE patients and lupus mice. Using a humanized lupus mouse model, we showed that the transfer of Th17 cell-depleted PBMCs from lupus patients resulted in a significantly reduced plasma cell response and attenuated renal damage in recipient mice compared to the transfer of total SLE PBMCs. Moreover, long-term BrdU incorporation in lupus mice detected highly enriched long-lived BrdU+ subsets among IL-17 receptor-expressing plasma cells. Lupus mice deficient in IL-17 or IL-17 receptor C (IL-17RC) exhibited a diminished plasma cell response and reduced autoantibody production with attenuated renal damage, while the adoptive transfer of Th17 cells triggered the plasma cell response and renal damage in IL-17-deficient lupus mice. In reconstituted chimeric mice, IL-17RC deficiency resulted in severely impaired plasma cell generation but showed no obvious effect on germinal center B cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that IL-17 significantly promoted plasma cell survival via p38-mediated Bcl-xL transcript stabilization. Together, our findings identified a novel function of IL-17 in enhancing plasma cell survival for autoantibody production in lupus pathogenesis, which may provide new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kongyang Ma
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenhan Du
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fan Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man Han
- Division of Rheumatology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Enyu Huang
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Na Peng
- Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, the Second People's Hospital, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yuan Tang
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chong Deng
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixiong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yulan Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shiwen Yuan
- Department of Rheumatology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoping Hong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dajun Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, the Second People's Hospital, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Cai
- Department of Rheumatology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quan Jiang
- Division of Rheumatology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongzhou Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Hong Kong, China.
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40
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Thim-Uam A, Prabakaran T, Tansakul M, Makjaroen J, Wongkongkathep P, Chantaravisoot N, Saethang T, Leelahavanichkul A, Benjachat T, Paludan S, Pisitkun T, Pisitkun P. STING Mediates Lupus via the Activation of Conventional Dendritic Cell Maturation and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Differentiation. iScience 2020; 23:101530. [PMID: 33083760 PMCID: PMC7502826 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling through stimulator of interferon genes (STING) leads to the production of type I interferons (IFN-Is) and inflammatory cytokines. A gain-of-function mutation in STING was identified in an autoinflammatory disease (STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy; SAVI). The expression of cyclic GMP-AMP, DNA-activated cGAS-STING pathway, increased in a proportion of patients with SLE. The STING signaling pathway may be a candidate for targeted therapy in SLE. Here, we demonstrated that disruption of STING signaling ameliorated lupus development in Fcgr2b-deficient mice. Activation of STING promoted maturation of conventional dendritic cells and differentiation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells via LYN interaction and phosphorylation. The inhibition of LYN decreased the differentiation of STING-activated dendritic cells. Adoptive transfer of STING-activated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells into the FCGR2B and STING double-deficiency mice restored lupus phenotypes. These findings provide evidence that the inhibition of STING signaling may be a candidate targeted treatment for a subset of patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthid Thim-Uam
- Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Mookmanee Tansakul
- Section for Translational Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama 6 Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Jiradej Makjaroen
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Piriya Wongkongkathep
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Naphat Chantaravisoot
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thammakorn Saethang
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-mediated Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thitima Benjachat
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-mediated Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Søren Paludan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Epithelial Systems Biology Laboratory, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Prapaporn Pisitkun
- Section for Translational Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama 6 Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.,Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama 6 Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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41
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Jang SG, Lee J, Hong SM, Kwok SK, Cho ML, Park SH. Metformin enhances the immunomodulatory potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells through STAT1 in an animal model of lupus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:1426-1438. [PMID: 31904843 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered potential therapeutic agents for treating autoimmune disease because of their immunomodulatory capacities and anti-inflammatory effects. However, several studies have shown that there is no consistency in the effectiveness of the MSCs to treat autoimmune disease, including SLE. In this study, we investigated whether metformin could enhance the immunoregulatory function of MSCs, what mechanism is relevant, and whether metformin-treated MSCs could be effective in an animal lupus model. METHODS Adipose-derived (Ad)-MSCs were cultured for 72 h in the presence of metformin. Immunoregulatory factors expression was analysed by real-time PCR and ELISA. MRL/lpr mice weekly injected intravenously with 1 × 106 Ad-MSCs or metformin-treated Ad-MSCs for 8 weeks. 16-week-old mice were sacrificed and proteinuria, anti-dsDNA IgG antibody, glomerulonephritis, immune complex, cellular subset were analysed in each group. RESULTS Metformin enhanced the immunomodulatory functions of Ad-MSCs including IDO, IL-10 and TGF-β. Metformin upregulated the expression of p-AMPK, p-STAT1 and inhibited the expression of p-STAT3, p-mTOR in Ad-MSCs. STAT1 inhibition by siRNA strongly diminished IDO, IL-10, TGF-β in metformin-treated Ad-MSCs. As a result, metformin promoted the immunoregulatory effect of Ad-MSCs by enhancing STAT1 expression, which was dependent on the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Administration of metformin-treated Ad-MSCs resulted in significant disease activity improvement including inflammatory phenotype, glomerulonephritis, proteinuria and anti-dsDNA IgG antibody production in MRL/lpr mice. Moreover, metformin-treated Ad-MSCs inhibited CD4-CD8- T-cell expansion and Th17/Treg cell ratio. CONCLUSION Metformin optimized the immunoregulatory properties of Ad-MSCs and may be a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Gwang Jang
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical ScienceThe Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseon Lee
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical ScienceThe Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Min Hong
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical ScienceThe Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ki Kwok
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical ScienceThe Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-La Cho
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical ScienceThe Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan Park
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical ScienceThe Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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42
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Qi H, Cao Q, Liu Q. MicroRNA-16 directly binds to DEC2 and inactivates the TLR4 signaling pathway to inhibit lupus nephritis-induced kidney tissue hyperplasia and mesangial cell proliferation. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106859. [PMID: 32795896 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most serious manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a major risk of mortality. This research focused on the function of microRNA-16 (miR-16) in LN development. Fcgamma receptor II-b-deficient (Fcgr2b-/-) mice with the natural potential to develop SLE- and LN-like diseases were used. Gain- and loss-of-function studies were performed to explore the function of miR-16 in pathological symptoms in mouse kidney tissues and the proliferation of mesangial cells (SV40 MES-13). The putative downstream molecules of miR-16 were explored. Consequently, poor expression of miR-16 was found in kidney tissues. Upregulation of miR-16 inhibited tissue hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, glomerular injury and fibrosis but increased cell apoptosis in mouse kidney tissues, and it inhibited proliferation but promoted apoptosis of MES-13 cells as well. miR-16 directly bound to DEC2 and inactivated the TLR4 signaling. DEC2 blocked the protective roles of miR-16 in MES-13 cells. The enhanced proliferation in MES-13 cells following miR-16 inhibition was reversed by chloroquine phosphate, a TLR4 antagonist. To sum up, miR-16 was evidenced to have a potent protective capacity in LN through relieving the LN symptoms in kidney tissues and reducing proliferation of mesangial cells, during which DEC2 silencing and TLR4 signaling deficit were involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimeng Qi
- Department of General Practice, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Qin Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, PR China.
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Olson WJ, Jakic B, Hermann‐Kleiter N. Regulation of the germinal center response by nuclear receptors and implications for autoimmune diseases. FEBS J 2020; 287:2866-2890. [PMID: 32246891 PMCID: PMC7497069 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The immune system plays an essential role in protecting the host from infectious diseases and cancer. Notably, B and T lymphocytes from the adaptive arm of the immune system can co-operate to form long-lived antibody responses and are therefore the main target in vaccination approaches. Nevertheless, protective immune responses must be tightly regulated to avoid hyper-responsiveness and responses against self that can result in autoimmunity. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are perfectly adapted to rapidly alter transcriptional cellular responses to altered environmental settings. Their functional role is associated with both immune deficiencies and autoimmunity. Despite extensive linking of nuclear receptor function with specific CD4 T helper subsets, research on the functional roles and mechanisms of specific NRs in CD4 follicular T helper cells (Tfh) and germinal center (GC) B cells during the germinal center reaction is just emerging. We review recent advances in our understanding of NR regulation in specific cell types of the GC response and discuss their implications for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Olson
- Translational Cell GeneticsDepartment of Pharmacology and GeneticsMedical University of InnsbruckAustria
| | - Bojana Jakic
- Translational Cell GeneticsDepartment of Pharmacology and GeneticsMedical University of InnsbruckAustria
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and PathologyUppsala UniversitySweden
| | - Natascha Hermann‐Kleiter
- Translational Cell GeneticsDepartment of Pharmacology and GeneticsMedical University of InnsbruckAustria
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Abstract
IgG antibodies cause inflammation and organ damage in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated the metabolic profile of macrophages isolated from inflamed tissues in immune complex (IC)-associated diseases, including SLE and rheumatoid arthritis, and following IgG Fcγ receptor cross-linking. We found that human and mouse macrophages undergo a switch to glycolysis in response to IgG IC stimulation, mirroring macrophage metabolic changes in inflamed tissue in vivo. This metabolic reprogramming was required to generate a number of proinflammatory mediators, including IL-1β, and was dependent on mTOR and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1α. Inhibition of glycolysis, or genetic depletion of HIF1α, attenuated IgG IC-induced activation of macrophages in vitro, including primary human kidney macrophages. In vivo, glycolysis inhibition led to a reduction in kidney macrophage IL-1β and reduced neutrophil recruitment in a murine model of antibody-mediated nephritis. Together, our data reveal the molecular mechanisms underpinning FcγR-mediated metabolic reprogramming in macrophages and suggest a therapeutic strategy for autoantibody-induced inflammation, including lupus nephritis.
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45
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Update on the cellular and molecular aspects of lupus nephritis. Clin Immunol 2020; 216:108445. [PMID: 32344016 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress has highlighted the involvement of a variety of innate and adaptive immune cells in lupus nephritis. These include activated neutrophils producing extracellular chromatin traps that induce type I interferon production and endothelial injury, metabolically-rewired IL-17-producing T-cells causing tissue inflammation, follicular and extra-follicular helper T-cells promoting the maturation of autoantibody-producing B-cells that may also sustain the formation of germinal centers, and alternatively activated monocytes/macrophages participating in tissue repair and remodeling. The role of resident cells such as podocytes and tubular epithelial cells is increasingly recognized in regulating the local immune responses and determining the kidney function and integrity. These findings are corroborated by advanced, high-throughput genomic studies, which have revealed an unprecedented amount of data highlighting the molecular heterogeneity of immune and non-immune cells implicated in lupus kidney disease. Importantly, this research has led to the discovery of putative pathogenic pathways, enabling the rationale design of novel treatments.
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46
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Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are relatively common autoimmune diseases, often considered prototypic examples for how protective immunity switches to destructive immunity. The autoantigens recognized in RA and SLE are distinct, clinical manifestations are partially overlapping. A shared feature is the propensity of the adaptive immune system to respond inappropriately, with T cell hyper-responsiveness a pinnacle pathogenic defect. Upon antigen recognition, T cells mobilize a multi-pranged metabolic program, enabling them to massively expand and turn into highly mobile effector cells. Current evidence supports that T cells from patients with RA or SLE adopt metabolic programs different from healthy T cells, in line with the concept that autoimmune effector functions rely on specified pathways of energy sensing, energy generation and energy utilization. Due to misrouting of the energy sensor AMPK, RA T cells have a defect in balancing catabolic and anabolic processes and deviate towards a cell-building program. They supply biosynthetic precursors by shunting glucose away from glycolytic breakdown towards the pentose phosphate pathway and upregulate lipogenesis, enabling cellular motility and tissue invasiveness. Conversely, T cells from SLE patients are committed to high glycolytic flux, overusing the mitochondrial machinery and imposing oxidative stress. Typically, disease-relevant effector functions in SLE are associated with inappropriate activation of the key metabolic regulator mTORC1. Taken together, disease-specific metabolic signatures in RA and SLE represent vulnerabilities that are therapeutically targetable to suppress pathogenic immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Wu
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jörg J. Goronzy
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Palo Alto Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Cornelia M. Weyand
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Palo Alto Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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Rahimzadeh M, Montazerghaem H, Chegeni SA, Naderi N. Interleukin -17 Serum Levels and Polymorphisms in Acute Kidney Injury Patients. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2020; 20:400-408. [PMID: 32138639 DOI: 10.2174/1871530319666191009152048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been demonstrated to provoke a systemic inflammatory response believed to be responsible for some of the serious postoperative complications such as renal dysfunction. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis suggesting that the serum levels of IL- 17A (IL-17), as an inflammatory cytokine, and its gene variants are associated with acute kidney injury after CPB (AKI-CPB). METHODS A total of 135 Iranian patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were included in this study, of whom 65 (48.1%) developed AKI. Blood specimens were collected preoperatively and at 12 hours postoperatively. The IL-17 gene polymorphisms (rs2275913 and rs3819024) were determined using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) technique.Pre- and postoperative IL-17 levels were measured and analyzed in relation to polymorphisms. RESULTS IL-17 concentrations in CBP subjects, were increased after cardiopulmonary bypass (P<0.00001)but there were no statistically significant differences in IL-17 serum level between AKI and non-AKI groups. Different genotypes of IL-17 rs2275913 SNP (G→A) were associated with different circulating IL-17 levels before bypass and also after AKI development. There were no associations between gene polymorphisms (rs2275913and rs3819024) and incidence of AKI- CPB. There was an association between thers2275913 SNP and the severity of AKI. CONCLUSION This study clarified that the rs2275913 SNP to some extent determines plasma IL-17 concentrations in CPB patients. No significant association was found between IL-17 levels or gene polymorphisms (rs2275913and rs3819024) and incidence of AKI-CPB. Our results suggest that there is an association between rs2275913 and the severity of AKI- CPB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Rahimzadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Hossein Montazerghaem
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Sara A Chegeni
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Nadereh Naderi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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Koriyama H, Ikeda Y, Nakagami H, Shimamura M, Yoshida S, Rakugi H, Morishita R. Development of an IL-17A DNA Vaccine to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010083. [PMID: 32059488 PMCID: PMC7157613 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The interleukin-17 (IL-17) family, especially IL-17A, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study developed an IL-17A epitope vaccine to treat SLE in NZBWF1 and MRL/lpr mouse models. A plasmid vector encoding a hepatitis B core (HBc)-IL-17A epitope fusion protein was injected using electroporation into the skeletal muscle of NZBWF1(New Zealand Black mice x New Zealand White mice F1 hybrid strain) or MRL/lpr mice three times at 2-week intervals. As a result, anti-IL-17A antibodies were successfully produced in the HBc-IL-17A group. Accordingly, serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations were significantly reduced in the HBc-IL-17A group. According to pathological analysis, the IL-17A DNA vaccine significantly suppressed renal tissue damage and macrophage infiltration. Consequently, the survival rate was significantly improved in the HBc-IL-17A group. In addition, we evaluated the antigen reactivity of splenocytes from IL-17A-immunized mice using an enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot (ELISPot) assay for safety evaluation. Splenocytes from IL-17A-immunized mice were significantly stimulated by the HBc epitope peptide, but not by the IL-17A epitope or recombinant IL-17A. These results indicate that the IL-17A vaccine did not induce autoreactive T cells against endogenous IL-17A. This study demonstrates for the first time that an IL-17A DNA vaccine significantly reduced organ damage and extended survival time in lupus-prone mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Koriyama
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuka Ikeda
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hironori Nakagami
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Correspondence: (H.N.); (R.M.)
| | - Munehisa Shimamura
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shota Yoshida
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiromi Rakugi
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Morishita
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Correspondence: (H.N.); (R.M.)
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49
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Johnson BM, Gaudreau MC, Gudi R, Brown R, Gilkeson G, Vasu C. Gut microbiota differently contributes to intestinal immune phenotype and systemic autoimmune progression in female and male lupus-prone mice. J Autoimmun 2020; 108:102420. [PMID: 32019684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is about 9 times higher in women as compared to men. Our recent report, which used (SWRxNZB) F1 (SNF1) mouse model of spontaneous lupus, showed a potential link between immune response initiated in the gut mucosa at juvenile age (sex hormone independent) and SLE susceptibility. Here, using this mouse model, we show that gut microbiota contributes differently to pro-inflammatory immune response in the intestine and autoimmune progression in lupus-prone males and females. We found that gut microbiota composition in male and female littermates are significantly different only at adult ages. However, depletion of gut microbes causes suppression of autoimmune progression only in females. In agreement, microbiota depletion suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokine response of gut mucosa in juvenile and adult females. Nevertheless, microbiota from females and males showed, upon cross-transfer, contrasting abilities to modulate disease progression. Furthermore, orchidectomy (castration) not only caused changes in the composition of gut microbiota, but also a modest acceleration of autoimmune progression. Overall, our work shows that microbiota-dependent pro-inflammatory immune response in the gut mucosa of females initiated at juvenile ages and androgen-dependent protection of males contribute to gender differences in the intestinal immune phenotype and systemic autoimmune progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Johnson
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Gaudreau
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Radhika Gudi
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Robert Brown
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Gary Gilkeson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Chenthamarakshan Vasu
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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Performance of cytokine models in predicting SLE activity. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:287. [PMID: 31842967 PMCID: PMC6915901 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-2029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of universal biomarkers to predict systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares is challenging due to the heterogeneity of the disease. Several biomarkers have been reported. However, the data of validated biomarkers to use as a predictor for lupus flares show variation. This study aimed to identify the biomarkers that are sensitive and specific to predict lupus flares. Methods One hundred and twenty-four SLE patients enrolled in this study and were prospectively followed up. The evaluation of disease activity achieved by the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI-2K) and clinical SLEDAI (modified SLEDAI). Patients with active SLE were categorized into renal or non-renal flares. Serum cytokines were measured by multiplex bead-based flow cytometry. The correlation and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Levels of IFN-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 significantly increased in active SLE and correlated with clinical SLEDAI. Complement C3 showed a weakly negative relationship with IFN-α and IL-18. IL-18 showed the highest positive likelihood ratios for active SLE. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for active SLE at baseline while complement C3 and IL-18 increased OR for active SLE at 12 weeks. IL-18 and IL-6 yielded higher sensitivity and specificity than anti-dsDNA and C3 to predict active renal and active non-renal, respectively. Conclusion The heterogeneity of SLE pathogenesis leads to different signaling mechanisms and mediates through several cytokines. The monitoring of cytokines increases the sensitivity and specificity to determine SLE disease activity. IL-18 predicts the risk of active renal SLE while IL-6 and IL-8 predict the risk of active non-renal. The sensitivity and specificity of these cytokines are higher than the anti-dsDNA or C3. We propose to use the serum level of IL-18, IL-6, and IL-8 to monitor SLE disease activity in clinical practice.
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