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Zhang Q, He X, Chen W, Jiu J, Gao C, Gao T. Vitamin D3 attenuates autoimmune thyroiditis by regulating Th17/Treg cell differentiation via YAP/JAK1/STAT1 axis. Immunol Lett 2024; 269:106890. [PMID: 38959983 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106890] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease. Substantial evidence suggests that Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is closely associated with an increased risk of AITD. However, the effects of VitD3 on immune cells, especially Th17/Treg cell subsets, and the underlying molecular mechanism in AITD have not yet been investigated. METHODS An experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) mouse model was established with a high-iodine diet. After 8 weeks, thyroid injury was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. ELISA was employed to measure serum levels of thyroxine (T3 and T4), thyroid autoimmune antibodies (Tg-Ab and TPO-Ab), and inflammatory cytokines. Flow cytometry and multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemical (mIHC) assays were used to analyze Th17/Treg cell subsets. The CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays were used to determine cell viability and apoptosis. RESULTS Administration of VitD3 reduced thyroid follicle destruction, decreased lymphocyte infiltration, and lowered T3, T4, Tg-Ab, and TPO-Ab serum levels in EAT mice. VitD3 treatment also reduced the frequency of Th17 cells while promoting the Treg cell subset both in the thyroid tissue and in the splenocytes cultured in vitro. Furthermore, VitD3 administration suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines in EAT mice. VitD3 was also found to regulate Treg cells' differentiation, viability, and apoptosis. Mechanistically, we discovered that VitD3 treatment upregulated YAP expression and activated the JAK/STAT pathway. Rescue assays confirmed that depletion of YAP counteracted the effects of VitD3 on Treg cell differentiation and function. CONCLUSION Vitamin D3 attenuates AITD by modulating Th17/Treg cell balance via regulating the YAP/JAK1/STAT1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 79 Chongshan East Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110847, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, No.40 Songpo Road, Linghe District, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Immunology, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 79 Chongshan East Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110847, China
| | - Junlong Jiu
- Department of Immunology, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 79 Chongshan East Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110847, China
| | - Chenghan Gao
- Department of Immunology, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 79 Chongshan East Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110847, China
| | - Tianshu Gao
- Department of Immunology, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 79 Chongshan East Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110847, China.
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McLachlan SM, Rapoport B. Discoveries in Thyroid Autoimmunity in the Past Century. Thyroid 2023; 33:278-286. [PMID: 35765927 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This review on the 100th anniversary of the American Thyroid Association summarizes the remarkable progress attained during the past century regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of thyroid autoimmune diseases. Indeed, the general concept of autoimmune diseases in humans was established 70 years ago by thyroid investigators. Graves' disease is a paradigm for the rare occurrence of how autoimmunity can cause disease by stimulating rather than destroying an organ system. Therapeutic advances in the mid 20th century involving administration of thyroid hormones, thionamide drugs, and radioiodine have been hugely beneficial for human health. However, these approaches can only treat, but not cure, thyroid autoimmunity. Investigation of these diseases is facilitated by the identification of a limited number of specific autoantigens, whose molecular cloning has provided much information on their structure. This knowledge has led to highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests, provided insight into novel aspects regarding the pathogenesis of thyroid autoimmunity, and has opened avenues for the development of new therapeutic agents. Immunotherapy for a cure as opposed to therapy of Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis remains the holy grail for the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M McLachlan
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Basil Rapoport
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Potential Association of Cutibacterium acnes with Sarcoidosis as an Endogenous Hypersensitivity Infection. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020289. [PMID: 36838255 PMCID: PMC9964181 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunohistochemical detection of Cutibacterium acnes in sarcoid granulomas suggests its potential role in granuloma formation. C. acnes is the sole microorganism ever isolated from sarcoid lesions. Histopathologic analysis of some sarcoid lymph nodes reveals latent infection and intracellular proliferation of cell-wall-deficient C. acnes followed by insoluble immune-complex formation. Activation of T helper type 1 (Th1) immune responses by C. acnes is generally higher in sarcoidosis patients than in healthy individuals. Pulmonary granulomatosis caused by an experimental adjuvant-induced allergic immune response to C. acnes is preventable by antimicrobials, suggesting that the allergic reaction targets C. acnes commensal in the lungs. C. acnes is the most common bacterium detected intracellularly in human peripheral lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes. Some sarcoidosis patients have increased amounts of C. acnes-derived circulating immune complexes, which suggests the proliferation of C. acnes in affected organs. In predisposed individuals with hypersensitive Th1 immune responses to C. acnes, granulomas may form to confine the intracellular proliferation of latent C. acnes triggered by certain host-related or drug-induced conditions. Current clinical trials in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis are evaluating combined treatment with steroids and antimicrobials during active disease with continued antimicrobial therapy while tapering off steroids after the disease subsides.
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Hashimoto Encephalopathy—Still More Questions than Answers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182873. [PMID: 36139446 PMCID: PMC9496753 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal function of the nervous system is conditioned by the undisturbed function of the thyroid gland and its hormones. Comprehensive clinical manifestations, including neurological disorders in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, have long been understood and, in recent years, attention has been paid to neurological symptoms in euthyroid patients. Hashimoto encephalopathy is a controversial and poorly understood disease entity and the pathogenesis of the condition remains unclear. We still derive our understanding of this condition from case reports, but on the basis of these, a clear clinical picture of this entity can be proposed. Based on a review of the recent literature, the authors present the current view on the subject, discuss controversies and questions that still remain unanswered, as well as ongoing research in this area and the results of our own work in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
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Höfling DB, Chavantes MC, Acencio MMP, Cerri GG, Marui S, Yoshimura EM, Chammas MC. Effects of low-level laser therapy on the serum TGF-β1 concentrations in individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis. Photomed Laser Surg 2016; 32:444-9. [PMID: 25101534 DOI: 10.1089/pho.2014.3716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum concentration of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) after low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with hypothyroidism resulting from chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT). BACKGROUND DATA Certain data indicate that LLLT is effective in patients with hypothyroidism caused by CAT; however, the mechanisms of action of LLLT in thyroid tissue are unknown. Cytokines could play a role in the response to LLLT. METHODS A randomized, placebo-controlled trial included 43 patients with a history of levothyroxine therapy for CAT-induced hypothyroidism. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 10 sessions of LLLT (830 nm, 50 mW output power, and 707 J/cm(2) fluence; L group, n=23) or 10 sessions of a placebo treatment (P group, n=20) twice a week. Levothyroxine was maintained at the same dose during the entire study period. TGF-β1 was measured both pre-intervention and 30 days post-intervention in both groups. The differences were calculated between the TGF-β1 values observed 30 days post-intervention and the pre-intervention TGF-β1 values for each group (intragroup). RESULTS Comparing the differences in TGF-β1 levels between the L group (874.9±541.7 pg/mL) and the P group (-128.4±832.8 pg/mL) revealed that there was a statistically significant increase in TGF-β1 levels 30 days post-intervention in group L compared with the placebo group (p=0.0379). CONCLUSIONS This finding suggested that the significant increase in serum TGF-β1 levels in patients with CAT-induced hypothyroidism was associated with the thyroid LLLT procedure. Future studies of the effect of LLLT on TGF-β1 gene expression in thyroid tissue are necessary to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo B Höfling
- 1 Ultrasound Unit, Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School , São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Kong YM, Brown NK, Morris GP, Flynn JC. The Essential Role of Circulating Thyroglobulin in Maintaining Dominance of Natural Regulatory T Cell Function to Prevent Autoimmune Thyroiditis. Horm Metab Res 2015; 47:711-20. [PMID: 26158397 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1548872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Several key findings from the late 1960s to mid-1970s regarding thyroid hormone metabolism and circulating thyroglobulin composition converged with studies pertaining to the role of T lymphocytes in autoimmune thyroiditis. These studies cemented the foundation for subsequent investigations into the existence and antigenic specificity of thymus-derived natural regulatory T cells (nTregs). These nTregs prevented the development of autoimmune thyroiditis, despite the ever-present genetic predisposition, autoantigen (thyroglobulin), and thyroglobulin-reactive T cells. Guided by the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis as a fixed set-point regulator in thyroid hormone metabolism, we used a murine model and compared at key junctures the capacity of circulating thyroglobulin level (raised by thyroid-stimulating hormone or exogenous thyroglobulin administration) to strengthen self-tolerance and resist autoimmune thyroiditis. The findings clearly demonstrated an essential role for raised circulating thyroglobulin levels in maintaining the dominance of nTreg function and inhibiting thyroid autoimmunity. Subsequent identification of thyroglobulin-specific nTregs as CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) in the early 2000s enabled the examination of probable mechanisms of nTreg function. We observed that whenever nTreg function was perturbed by immunotherapeutic measures, opportunistic autoimmune disorders invariably surfaced. This review highlights the step-wise progression of applying insights from endocrinologic and immunologic studies to advance our understanding of the clonal balance between natural regulatory and autoreactive T cells. Moreover, we focus on how tilting the balance in favor of maintaining peripheral tolerance could be achieved. Thus, murine autoimmune thyroiditis has served as a unique model capable of closely simulating natural physiologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Kong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - N K Brown
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - G P Morris
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - J C Flynn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Providence Hospital and Medical Centers, Southfield, USA
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Gaberšček S, Zaletel K, Schwetz V, Pieber T, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Lerchbaum E. Mechanisms in endocrinology: thyroid and polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol 2015; 172:R9-21. [PMID: 25422352 DOI: 10.1530/eje-14-0295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid disorders, especially Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are closely associated, based on a number of studies showing a significantly higher prevalence of HT in women with PCOS than in controls. However, the mechanisms of this association are not as clear. Certainly, genetic susceptibility contributes an important part to the development of HT and PCOS. However, a common genetic background has not yet been established. Polymorphisms of the PCOS-related gene for fibrillin 3 (FBN3) could be involved in the pathogenesis of HT and PCOS. Fibrillins influence the activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). Multifunctional TGFβ is also a key regulator of immune tolerance by stimulating regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are known to inhibit excessive immune response. With lower TGFβ and Treg levels, the autoimmune processes, well known in HT and assumed in PCOS, might develop. In fact, lower levels of TGFβ1 were found in HT as well as in PCOS women carrying allele 8 of D19S884 in the FBN3 gene. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency was shown to decrease Tregs. Finally, high estrogen-to-progesterone ratio owing to anovulatory cycles in PCOS women could enhance the immune response. Harmful metabolic and reproductive effects were shown to be more pronounced in women with HT and PCOS when compared with women with HT alone or with controls. In conclusion, HT and PCOS are associated not only with respect to their prevalence, but also with regard to etiology and clinical consequences. However, a possible crosstalk of this association is yet to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gaberšček
- Department of Nuclear MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1525 Ljubljana, SloveniaFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104 Ljubljana, SloveniaDivision of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria Department of Nuclear MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1525 Ljubljana, SloveniaFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104 Ljubljana, SloveniaDivision of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Katja Zaletel
- Department of Nuclear MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1525 Ljubljana, SloveniaFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104 Ljubljana, SloveniaDivision of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Verena Schwetz
- Department of Nuclear MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1525 Ljubljana, SloveniaFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104 Ljubljana, SloveniaDivision of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Pieber
- Department of Nuclear MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1525 Ljubljana, SloveniaFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104 Ljubljana, SloveniaDivision of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch
- Department of Nuclear MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1525 Ljubljana, SloveniaFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104 Ljubljana, SloveniaDivision of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Lerchbaum
- Department of Nuclear MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1525 Ljubljana, SloveniaFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1104 Ljubljana, SloveniaDivision of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
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A role for impaired regulatory T cell function in adverse responses to aluminum adjuvant-containing vaccines in genetically susceptible individuals. Vaccine 2014; 32:5149-55. [PMID: 25066736 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells play a critical role in the immune response to vaccination, but there is only a limited understanding of the response of regulatory T cells to aluminum adjuvants and the vaccines that contain them. Available studies in animal models show that although induced T regulatory cells may be induced concomitantly with effector T cells following aluminum-adjuvanted vaccination, they are unable to protect against sensitization, suggesting that under the Th2 immune-stimulating effects of aluminum adjuvants, Treg cells may be functionally compromised. Allergic diseases are characterized by immune dysregulation, with increases in IL-4 and IL-6, both of which exert negative effects on Treg function. For individuals with a genetic predisposition, the beneficial influence of adjuvants on immune responsiveness may be accompanied by immune dysregulation, leading to allergic diseases. This review examines aspects of the regulatory T cell response to aluminum-adjuvanted immunization and possible genetic susceptibility factors related to that response.
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Kong YCM, Flynn JC. Opportunistic Autoimmune Disorders Potentiated by Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors Anti-CTLA-4 and Anti-PD-1. Front Immunol 2014; 5:206. [PMID: 24904570 PMCID: PMC4032988 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune diseases, recent ongoing and completed clinical trials have focused on specific targets to redirect the immune network toward eradicating a variety of tumors and ameliorating the self-destructive process. In a previous review, both systemic immunomodulators and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), anti-CTLA-4, and anti-CD52, were discussed regarding therapeutics and autoimmune sequelae, as well as predisposing factors known to exacerbate immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This review will focus on immune-checkpoint inhibitors, and the data from most clinical trials involve blockade with anti-CTLA-4 such as ipilimumab. However, despite the mild to severe irAEs observed with ipilimumab in ~60% of patients, overall survival (OS) averaged ~22-25% at 3-5 years. To boost OS, other mAbs targeting programed death-1 and its ligand are undergoing clinical trials as monotherapy or dual therapy with anti-CTLA-4. Therapeutic combinations may generate different spectrum of opportunistic autoimmune disorders. To simulate clinical scenarios, we have applied regulatory T cell perturbation to murine models combined to examine the balance between thyroid autoimmunity and tumor-specific immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chi M Kong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, MI , USA
| | - Jeffrey C Flynn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Providence Hospital and Medical Centers , Southfield, MI , USA
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Bozkurt NC, Karbek B, Ucan B, Sahin M, Cakal E, Ozbek M, Delibasi T. The association between severity of vitamin D deficiency and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Endocr Pract 2014; 19:479-84. [PMID: 23337162 DOI: 10.4158/ep12376.or] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The relation between vitamin D and autoimmune disorders has long been investigated regarding the important roles of this hormone in immune regulation. We evaluated 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) status in subjects with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and healthy controls. METHODS Group-1 included 180 euthyroid patients (123 females/57 males) with HT who were on a stable dose of L-thyroxine (LT). A total of 180 sex-, age-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched euthyroid subjects with newly diagnosed HT were considered as Group-2, and 180 healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls (Group-3). All 540 subjects underwent thyroid ultrasound and were evaluated for serum 25OHD, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) levels. RESULTS Group-1 had the lowest 25OHD levels (11.4 ± 5.2 ng/mL) compared to newly diagnosed HT subjects (Group-2) (13.1 ± 5.9 ng/mL, P = .002) and to control subjects (15.4 ± 6.8 ng/mL, P<.001). Serum 25OHD levels directly correlated with thyroid volume (r = 0.145, P<.001) and inversely correlated with anti-TPO (r = -0.361, P<.001) and anti-TG levels (r = -0.335, P<.001). We determined that 48.3% of Group-1, 35% of Group-2, and 20.5% of controls had severe 25OHD deficiency (<10 ng/mL). Female chronic HT patients had the lowest serum 25OHD levels (10.3 ± 4.58 ng/mL), and male control subjects had the highest (19.3 ± 5.9 ng/mL, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that serum 25OHD levels of HT patients were significantly lower than controls, and 25OHD deficiency severity correlated with duration of HT, thyroid volume, and antibody levels. These findings may suggest a potential role of 25OHD in development of HT and/or its progression to hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nujen Colak Bozkurt
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
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McLachlan SM, Rapoport B. Breaking tolerance to thyroid antigens: changing concepts in thyroid autoimmunity. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:59-105. [PMID: 24091783 PMCID: PMC3895862 DOI: 10.1210/er.2013-1055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid autoimmunity involves loss of tolerance to thyroid proteins in genetically susceptible individuals in association with environmental factors. In central tolerance, intrathymic autoantigen presentation deletes immature T cells with high affinity for autoantigen-derived peptides. Regulatory T cells provide an alternative mechanism to silence autoimmune T cells in the periphery. The TSH receptor (TSHR), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and thyroglobulin (Tg) have unusual properties ("immunogenicity") that contribute to breaking tolerance, including size, abundance, membrane association, glycosylation, and polymorphisms. Insight into loss of tolerance to thyroid proteins comes from spontaneous and induced animal models: 1) intrathymic expression controls self-tolerance to the TSHR, not TPO or Tg; 2) regulatory T cells are not involved in TSHR self-tolerance and instead control the balance between Graves' disease and thyroiditis; 3) breaking TSHR tolerance involves contributions from major histocompatibility complex molecules (humans and induced mouse models), TSHR polymorphism(s) (humans), and alternative splicing (mice); 4) loss of tolerance to Tg before TPO indicates that greater Tg immunogenicity vs TPO dominates central tolerance expectations; 5) tolerance is induced by thyroid autoantigen administration before autoimmunity is established; 6) interferon-α therapy for hepatitis C infection enhances thyroid autoimmunity in patients with intact immunity; Graves' disease developing after T-cell depletion reflects reconstitution autoimmunity; and 7) most environmental factors (including excess iodine) "reveal," but do not induce, thyroid autoimmunity. Micro-organisms likely exert their effects via bystander stimulation. Finally, no single mechanism explains the loss of tolerance to thyroid proteins. The goal of inducing self-tolerance to prevent autoimmune thyroid disease will require accurate prediction of at-risk individuals together with an antigen-specific, not blanket, therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M McLachlan
- Thyroid Autoimmune Disease Unit, Cedars-Sinai Research Institute, and University of California-Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90048
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Shi L, Bi M, Yang R, Zhou J, Zhao S, Fan C, Shan Z, Li Y, Teng W. Defective expression of regulatory B cells in iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis in non-obese diabetic H-2(h4) mice. J Endocrinol Invest 2014; 37:43-50. [PMID: 24464449 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-013-0013-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ability of B cells to negatively regulate cellular immune responses and inflammation has been described. The regulatory B (Breg) cells with the unique CD1d(hi)CD5(+)CD19(+) phenotype and the capacity to produce IL-10 are potent negative regulators of inflammation and autoimmunity in several in vivo mouse models of autoimmune disease. AIM To investigate whether Breg cell deficiency participates in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Non-obese diabetic (NOD).H-2(h4) mice at 4 weeks of age were randomly divided into control and iodine-treated groups; the iodine-treated group received sterile water containing 0.005 % NaI for 10 or 20 weeks. The percentage of CD1d(hi)CD5(+)CD19(+) Bregs, CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) and CD4(+)IL17(+) T helper 17 cells (Th17) in splenic mononuclear cells was detected by multicolor flow cytometry. The expression of IL-10 mRNA and TGF-β mRNA in splenocytes was measured by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS NOD.H-2(h4) mice spontaneously develop anti-thyroglobulin autoantibodies and intrathyroidal lymphocyte infiltration when supplied with iodine in drinking water. Mice with AIT had a decreased CD1d(hi)CD5(+)CD19(+) Breg subset and reduced IL-10 mRNA expression in splenocytes compared with controls (p < 0.05) and maintained relatively low levels during the development of thyroiditis. The proportion of Breg cells was negatively correlated with the proportion of Th17 cells, but positively correlated with CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) Treg cells in splenocytes (All p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The defective expression of Breg cells combined with impaired Treg cells and enhanced Th17 cells might play an important role in the development of iodine-induced AIT in NOD.H-2(h4) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Shi
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China
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Kari S, Flynn JC, Zulfiqar M, Snower DP, Elliott BE, Kong YCM. Enhanced autoimmunity associated with induction of tumor immunity in thyroiditis-susceptible mice. Thyroid 2013; 23:1590-9. [PMID: 23777580 PMCID: PMC3868308 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2013.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapeutic modalities to bolster tumor immunity by targeting specific sites of the immune network often result in immune dysregulation with adverse autoimmune sequelae. To understand the relative risk for opportunistic autoimmune disorders, we studied established breast cancer models in mice resistant to experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). EAT is a murine model of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune syndrome with established MHC class II control of susceptibility. The highly prevalent Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a prominent autoimmune sequela in immunotherapy, and its relative ease of diagnosis and treatment could serve as an early indicator of immune dysfunction. Here, we examined EAT-susceptible mice as a combined model for induction of tumor immunity and EAT under the umbrella of disrupted regulatory T cell (Treg) function. METHODS Tumor immunity was evaluated in female CBA/J mice after depleting Tregs by intravenous administration of CD25 monoclonal antibody and/or immunizing with irradiated mammary adenocarcinoma cell line A22E-j before challenge; the role of T cell subsets was determined by injecting CD4 and/or CD8 antibodies after tumor immunity induction. Tumor growth was monitored 3×/week by palpation. Subsequent EAT was induced by mouse thyroglobulin (mTg) injections (4 daily doses/week over 4 weeks). For some experiments, EAT was induced before establishing tumor immunity by injecting mTg+interleukin-1, 7 days apart. EAT was evaluated by mTg antibodies and thyroid infiltration. RESULTS Strong resistance to tumor challenge after Treg depletion and immunization with irradiated tumor cells required participation of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. This immunity was not altered by induction of mild thyroiditis with our protocol of Treg depletion and adjuvant-free, soluble mTg injections. However, the increased incidence of mild thyroiditis can be directly related to Treg depletion needed to achieve strong tumor immunity. Moreover, when a subclinical, mild thyroiditis was induced with soluble mTg and low doses of interleukin-1, to simulate pre-existing autoimmunity in patients subjected to cancer immunotherapy, mononuclear infiltration into the thyroid was enhanced. CONCLUSIONS Our current findings indicate that genetic predisposition to autoimmune disease could enhance autoimmunity during induction of tumor immunity in thyroiditis-susceptible mice. Thus, HLA genotyping of cancer patients should be part of any risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Kari
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Jeffrey C. Flynn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Providence Hospital and Medical Centers, Southfield, Michigan
| | - Muhammad Zulfiqar
- Department of Pathology, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Daniel P. Snower
- Department of Pathology, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Bruce E. Elliott
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Botterell Hall, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yi-chi M. Kong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
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Prelog M, Schönlaub J, Würzner R, Koppelstaetter C, Almanzar G, Brunner A, Gasser M, Prommegger R, Häusler G, Kapelari K, Högler W. Lower CD28+ T cell proportions were associated with CMV-seropositivity in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. BMC Endocr Disord 2013; 13:34. [PMID: 24006909 PMCID: PMC3844619 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6823-13-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in the naive T cell subpopulations have been demonstrated in patients with T cell mediated autoimmune disorders, reminiscent of immunological changes found in the elderly during immunosenescence, including the switch from CD45RA + to CD45RO + T cells and decreased thymic function with increased compensatory proliferative mechanisms, partly associated with latent Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The present study was aimed to investigate proportions of lymphocytes, their relation to CMV-seropositivity and the replicative history of CD45RA + expressing T cells in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT, n = 18) and healthy controls (HC, n = 70). METHODS Proportions of peripheral T cells were investigated by flow cytometry. The replicative history was assessed by T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and relative telomere length (RTL). Expression of CD62L was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in thyroid sections. The role of CMV was assessed by serology, ELISPOT assay and in situ hybridization. RESULTS Our results demonstrated a significant increase of CD28-negative T cells, associated with CMV-seropositivity in HT patients. HT showed abundant CD45RO + T cells with peripheral loss of CD62L-expressing CD8 + CD45RA + T cells, the latter mainly depending on disease duration. CD62L was expressed in thyroid lymphocyte infiltrations. The diagnosis of HT and within the HT group CMV-seropositivity were the main determinants for the loss of CD28 expression. RTL was not different between HC and HT. HT showed significantly lower TRECs in CD4 + CD45RA + T cells compared to HC. CONCLUSIONS Patients with HT display a peripheral T cell phenotype reminiscent of findings in elderly persons or other autoimmune disorders. Whether these mechanisms are primary or secondary to the immunological alterations of autoimmune conditions should be investigated in longitudinal studies which may open research on new therapeutic regimes for treatment of HT and associated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Prelog
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jörn Schönlaub
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Department of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Fritz-Pregl-Str. 3, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Giovanni Almanzar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Brunner
- Department of Pathology, Medical University Innsbruck, Müllerstr. 44, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Gasser
- Department of Surgery, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rupert Prommegger
- Department of Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gabriele Häusler
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Kapelari
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Högler
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham, Children’s Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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15
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Soldevila B, Alonso N, Martínez-Arconada MJ, Granada ML, Boada A, Vallejos V, Fraile M, Fernández-Sanmartín MA, Pujol-Borrell R, Puig-Domingo M, Sanmartí A, Martínez-Cáceres EM. Regulatory T cells and other lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with melanoma developing interferon-induced thyroiditis during high-dose interferon-α2b treatment. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2013; 78:621-8. [PMID: 22957689 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT One of the side effects of interferon-alpha therapy is interferon-induced thyroiditis (IIT). The role of lymphocyte subpopulations in IIT melanoma patients remains to be defined. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to assess different peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations, mainly regulatory T cells (Tregs), in melanoma patients who developed IIT. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND METHODS From 30 melanoma patients receiving high-dose interferon (HDI)-alpha 2b (IFN-α2b) treatment, those who developed IIT (IIT patients) were selected and compared with patients who did not develop IIT (Co-MM) and healthy controls (Co-H). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained before treatment (BT), mid-treatment (MT), end of treatment (ET), 24 weeks post-treatment and at appearance of IIT (TT). RESULTS Nine patients developed IIT (30%): four Hashimoto's thyroiditis and five destructive thyroiditis. An increase in Tregs was observed in both melanoma groups during HDI treatment. A decrease in CD3(+) , NKT lymphocyte subpopulations and Bcl2 expression on B cells was also observed in both groups. However, no changes were observed in the percentage of CD4(+) , CD8(+) , CD3(+) γδ(+) , CD19(+) , transitional B cells (CD24(high) CD38(high) CD19(+) CD27(-) ), natural killer (NK), invariant NKT (iNKT) lymphocytes and Th1/Th2 balance when BT was compared with ET. At TT, IIT patients had a higher Tregs percentage than Co-MM (P = 0·012) and Co-H (P = 0·004), a higher iNKT percentage than Co-MM (P = 0·011), a higher transitional B cells percentage than Co-H (P = 0·015), a lower CD3(+) percentage than Co-H (P = 0·001) and a lower Bcl2 expression on B cells than Co-H (P < 0·001). CONCLUSIONS Our results point to the immunomodulatory effects of IFN-α on different lymphocyte subpopulations and a possible role of Tregs in melanoma patients who developed IIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Soldevila
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, spain.
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cogni
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri I.R.C.C.S., Chair of Endocrinology, University of Pavia, Italy
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Wang SH, Fan Y, Makidon PE, Cao Z, Baker JR. Induction of immune tolerance in mice with a novel mucosal nanoemulsion adjuvant and self-antigen. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2012; 7:867-76. [PMID: 22420425 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.11.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel nanoemulsion (NE) adjuvant, a soybean oil emulsion, on autoimmune response. To this end, we used murine thyroglobulin (mTg)-induced experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in mice as a study model. MATERIALS & METHODS Mice received NE or NE + mTg by nasal delivery. At 1 week after the second nasal delivery of NE with or without mTg, all mice were immunized with mTg and lipopolysaccharides to induce experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. RESULTS Compared with controls, mTg-NE-treated mice had much more antigens accumulated in the nasal passage and thymus and developed a milder form of thyroiditis. This was accompanied by an increase in IL-10, IL-17 and reduced IFN-γ. The production of anti-mTg antibodies was significantly decreased in mTg-NE-treated mice. The percentage of Tregs in cervical lymph nodes was higher in mTg-NE-treated mice than NE-treated mice. Furthermore, Foxp3 and TGF-β levels were prominently enhanced in mTg-NE-treated mice. CONCLUSION This study indicates that a low dose of mTg in NE can significantly enhance antigen uptake and Tregs, resulting in inhibition of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su He Wang
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine & Biological Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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18
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Zaletel K, Gaberšček S. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: From Genes to the Disease. Curr Genomics 2011; 12:576-88. [PMID: 22654557 PMCID: PMC3271310 DOI: 10.2174/138920211798120763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 08/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most prevalent autoimmune thyroid disorder. Intrathyroidal lymphocytic infiltration is followed by a gradual destruction of the thyroid gland which may lead to subclinical or overt hypothyroidism. Biochemical markers of the disease are thyroid peroxidase and/or thyroglobulin autoantibodies in the serum which are present with a higher prevalence in females than in males and increase with age. Although exact mechanisms of aetiology and pathogenesis of the disorder are not completely understood, a strong genetic susceptibility to the disease has been confirmed predominantly by family and twin studies. Several genes were shown to be associated with the disease occurrence, progression, and severity. Genes for human leukocyte antigen, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4, protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor-type 22, thyroglobulin, vitamin D receptor, and cytokines are considered to be of utmost importance. Amongst endogenous factors for the disease development, the attention is focused predominantly on female sex, pregnancy with postpartum period and fetal microchimerism. Environmental factors influencing HT development are iodine intake, drugs, infections and different chemicals. Disturbed self-tolerance accompanied by the increased antigen presentation is a prerequisite for the HT occurrence, whereas proper interaction of thyroid cells, antigen presenting cells, and T cells are necessary for the initiation of thyroid autoimmunity. Secreted cytokines lead predominantly to T-helper type 1 (Th1) response as well as to Th 17 response which has only recently been implicated. Final outcome of HT is thyroid destruction which is mostly a consequence of the apoptotic processes combined with T-cell mediated cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Gaberšček
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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19
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Xue H, Wang W, Shan Z, Li Y, Li Y, Teng X, Gao Y, Fan C, Teng W. Dynamic changes of CD4+CD25 + regulatory T cells in NOD.H-2h4 mice with iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2011; 143:292-301. [PMID: 20820943 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-010-8815-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Iodine is an essential trace element for thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism, either low or high intake may lead to thyroid disease, but the pathogenetic mechanisms by which iodine interacts with the thyroid autoimmune are poorly understood. We investigated the dynamic changes of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells in NOD.H-2(h4) mice with iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), and explore potential immune mechanism of AIT induced by iodine. NOD.H-2(h4) mice were randomly divided into two groups, and received plain water or water containing 0.005% sodium iodide. Eight weeks after iodine provision, the incidences of thyroiditis, relative weights of thyroids, and serum thyroglobulin antibody titers in the iodine-supplied groups were significantly increased compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). The AIT mice had fewer CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells and reduced Foxp3 mRNA expression in splenocytes compared with the controls (p < 0.01), and maintained relatively low levels during the development of thyroiditis. The changes described above aggravated gradually with the extension of iodine treatment. These data suggest that CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells may be involved in the pathogenesis and development of AIT induced by iodine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Xue
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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20
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Kong YCM, Brown NK, Flynn JC, McCormick DJ, Brusic V, Morris GP, David CS. Efficacy of HLA-DRB1∗03:01 and H2E transgenic mouse strains to correlate pathogenic thyroglobulin epitopes for autoimmune thyroiditis. J Autoimmun 2011; 37:63-70. [PMID: 21683551 PMCID: PMC3173590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thyroglobulin (Tg), a homodimer of 660 kD comprising 2748 amino acids, is the largest autoantigen known. The prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, has provided the impetus for identifying pathogenic T cell epitopes from human Tg over two decades. With no known dominant epitopes, the search has long been a challenge for investigators. After identifying HLA-DRB1∗03:01 (HLA-DR3) and H2E(b) as susceptibility alleles for Tg-induced experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in transgenic mouse strains, we searched for naturally processed T cell epitopes with MHC class II-binding motif anchors and tested the selected peptides for pathogenicity in these mice. The thyroiditogenicity of one peptide, hTg2079, was confirmed in DR3 transgenic mice and corroborated in clinical studies. In H2E(b)-expressing transgenic mice, we identified three T cell epitopes from mouse Tg, mTg179, mTg409 and mTg2342, based on homology to epitopes hTg179, hTg410 and hTg2344, respectively, which we and others have found stimulatory or pathogenic in both DR3- and H2E-expressing mice. The high homology among these peptides with shared presentation by DR3, H2E(b) and H2E(k) molecules led us to examine the binding pocket residues of these class II molecules. Their similar binding characteristics help explain the pathogenic capacity of these T cell epitopes. Our approach of using appropriate human and murine MHC class II transgenic mice, combined with the synthesis and testing of potential pathogenic Tg peptides predicted from computational models of MHC-binding motifs, should continue to provide insights into human autoimmune thyroid disease.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Autoantigens/immunology
- Binding Sites/genetics
- Cells, Cultured
- Computational Biology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epitope Mapping
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- HLA-DRB1 Chains/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/genetics
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Peptide Fragments/genetics
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Peptide Fragments/metabolism
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Protein Binding/genetics
- Thyroglobulin/genetics
- Thyroglobulin/immunology
- Thyroglobulin/metabolism
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/genetics
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/immunology
- Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/physiopathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-chi M Kong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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21
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Ganesh BB, Bhattacharya P, Gopisetty A, Prabhakar BS. Role of cytokines in the pathogenesis and suppression of thyroid autoimmunity. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2011; 31:721-31. [PMID: 21823922 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2011.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are one of the most common organ-specific autoimmune disorders, of which Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) are 2 of the most common clinical expressions. HT is characterized by hypothyroidism that results from the destruction of the thyroid by thyroglobulin-specific T cell-mediated autoimmune response. In contrast, GD is characterized by hyperthyroidism due to excessive production of thyroid hormone induced by thyrotropin receptor-specific stimulatory autoantibodies. Cytokines play a crucial role in modulating immune responses that affect the balance between maintenance of self-tolerance and initiation of autoimmunity. However, the role of cytokines is often confusing and is neither independent nor exclusive of other immune mediators. A regulatory cytokine may either favor induction of tolerance against thyroid autoimmune disease or favor activation and/or exacerbation of autoimmune responses. These apparently contradictory functions of a given cytokine are primarily influenced by the nature of co-signaling delivered by other cytokines. Consequently, a thorough understanding of the role of a particular cytokine in the context of a specific immune response is essential for the development of appropriate strategies to modulate cytokine responses to maintain or restore health. This review provides a summary of recent research pertaining to the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of AITD with a particular emphasis on the therapeutic applications of cytokine modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaji B Ganesh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Research Resources Center, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois, USA
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22
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23
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Hall SW, Cooke A. Autoimmunity and inflammation: murine models and translational studies. Mamm Genome 2011; 22:377-89. [PMID: 21688192 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-011-9338-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, constitute an important and growing public health burden. However, in many cases our understanding of disease biology is limited and available therapies vary greatly in their efficacy and safety. Animal models of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases have provided valuable tools to researchers investigating their aetiology, pathology, and novel therapeutic strategies. Although such models vary in the degree to which they reflect human autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and caution is required in the extrapolation of animal data to the clinical setting, therapeutic approaches first evaluated in established animal models, including collagen-induced arthritis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and the nonobese diabetic mouse, have successfully progressed to clinical investigation and practice. Similarly, these models have proven useful in providing support for basic hypotheses regarding the underlying causes and pathology of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Here we review selected murine models of autoimmunity and inflammation and efforts to translate findings from these models into both basic insights into disease biology and novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Hall
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, UK.
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24
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Behrens M, Smart M, Luckey D, Luthra H, Taneja V. To B or not to B: role of B cells in pathogenesis of arthritis in HLA transgenic mice. J Autoimmun 2011; 37:95-103. [PMID: 21665435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Population studies have shown that amongst all the genetic factors linked with autoimmune disease development, MHC class II genes are the most significant. Experimental autoimmune arthritis resembling human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be induced in susceptible strains of mice following immunization with type II collagen (CIA). We generated transgenic mice lacking endogenous class II molecules and expressing various HLA genes including RA-associated, HLA-DRB1*0401 and HLA-DQ8, and RA-resistant, DRB1*0402, genes. The HLA molecules in these mice are expressed on the cell surface and can positively select CD4+ T cells expressing various Vβ T cell receptors. Endogenous class II invariant chain is required for proper functioning of the class II transgene. Arthritis development in transgenic mice is CD4+ and B cells dependent. Studies in humanized mice showed that B cells are required as antigen presenting cells in addition to antibody producing cells for the development of CIA. The transgenic mice expressing *0401 and *0401/DQ8 genes developed sex-biased arthritis with predominantly females being affected, similar to that of human RA. Further, the transgenic mice produced autoantibodies like rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic antibodies. Antigen presentation by B cells leads to a sex-specific immune response in DRB1*0401 mice suggesting a role of B cells and HLA-DR in rendering susceptibility to develop arthritis in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall Behrens
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
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25
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Tüzün E, Huda R, Christadoss P. Complement and cytokine based therapeutic strategies in myasthenia gravis. J Autoimmun 2011; 37:136-43. [PMID: 21636248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a T cell-dependent and antibody-mediated disease in which the target antigen is the skeletal muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR). In the last few decades, several immunological factors involved in MG pathogenesis have been discovered mostly by studies utilizing the experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) model. Nevertheless, MG patients are still treated with non-specific global immunosuppression that is associated with severe chronic side effects. Due to the high heterogeneity of AChR epitopes and antibody responses involved in MG pathogenesis, the specific treatment of MG symptoms have to be achieved by inhibiting the complement factors and cytokines involved in anti-AChR immunity. EAMG studies have clearly shown that inhibition of the classical and common complement pathways effectively and specifically diminish the neuromuscular junction destruction induced by anti-AChR antibodies. The inborn or acquired deficiencies of IL-6, TNF-α and TNF receptor functions are associated with the lowest EAMG incidences. Th17-type immunity has recently emerged as an important contributor of EAMG pathogenesis. Overall, these results suggest that inhibition of the complement cascade and the cytokine networks alone or in combination might aid in development of future treatment models that would reduce MG symptoms with highest efficacy and lowest side effect profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Tüzün
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1070, USA
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26
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Zhang W, Ono Y, Miyamura Y, Bowlus CL, Gershwin ME, Maverakis E. T cell clonal expansions detected in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis express CX3CR1. J Autoimmun 2011; 37:71-8. [PMID: 21636249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The intrahepatic biliary destruction of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) appears secondary to a multi-lineage response that includes autoantibodies, biliary apotopes, and cellular responses. Although there has been considerable effort in defining the role and specificity of anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies, a major challenge has been the characterization of T effector pathways. This difficulty is due in part to the limitation of current technologies for directly isolating and characterizing autoreactive T cells from patients. Herein, we successfully demonstrate a novel technology for characterizing the surface phenotype of T cell oligoclonal expansions directly ex vivo. Using PBC as a prototypic disease we were able to detect clonal T cell expansions in 15/15 patients examined. Although the T cell expansions from different patients expressed different TCRVβ gene segments, the surface phenotype of the cells was the same. The clonal T cell expansions in PBC patients are CX3CR1(+) Fas(+) effector-memory T cells, a finding of particular importance given the known up-regulation of fractalkine on injured biliary epithelial cells (BEC). In contrast to the persistent aberrantly expanded T cells observed in the PBC patients, T cell expansions detected in response to a herpes viral infection were very dynamic and resolved over time. This protocol can be used to characterize T cell expansions in other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weici Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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27
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Chella David: a lifetime contribution in translational immunology. J Autoimmun 2011; 37:59-62. [PMID: 21621385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunology, like most scientific disciplines, is filled with buzz words. One such buzz word or term has been coined "translational immunology". Indeed, translational research is amongst the most popular expressions used to justify the use of basic research in the hopes that such research will lead to solutions to clinical problems. In fact, no such justification is needed and some of the most important observations in clinical medicine have been derived from basic science; basic science that had no idea at its time of its usefulness in clinical medicine. This special issue is devoted to Chella David. Chella's contributions in immunology have been legion. Before inbred mice became popular, long before multi-million dollar companies were developed to develop such models, Chella David was hard at the bench studying the genetics of the murine immune system and the importance of such mouse models in autoimmune diseases. Importantly, Dr. David provided animals without strings, without the burdens of MTAs, that now impede research. Chella has been generous with his time, with his reagents, and has been a caring and devoted mentor to generations of students. This issue is part of our series to recognize autoimmunologists and dedicated themes that include papers in multiple disciplines of immunology, but especially are focused on cutting-edge applications that will improve clinical therapeutics. Chella David, at age 75, is an athlete in immunology and still keeps going with the same enthusiasm as manifest as a young post-doc.
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Vergou T, Mantzou E, Tseke P, Moustou AE, Katsambas A, Alevizaki M, Antoniou C. Association of thyroid autoimmunity with acne in adult women. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011; 26:413-6. [PMID: 21521376 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04084.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last decades an increase has been observed regarding acne in adults and especially women. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between thyroid disorder and the presence of post-adolescent acne in adult women, comparing with healthy controls. METHODS 107 adult women with post-adolescent acne and 60 healthy controls were included. Complete blood count and standard biochemical profile of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG) and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO)] were determined in all subjects of both the acne and control groups. A thyroid ultrasound was also performed. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference (P=0.008) in the prevalence of positive anti-TG antibodies, with 25.2% of the acne group and 8.3% of the control group having elevated (>40 U/mL) anti-TG levels, respectively. Adult women with acne had a statistically significant increased relative risk to have high levels of anti-TG in comparison with healthy controls (odds ratio 3.89, P=0.011). This association was independent of age. Values for TSH, FT4, FT3, T4 and anti-TPO did not significantly differ between the two groups. No significant difference was found regarding the thyroid ultrasound findings. Although there was no significant difference between cases and controls regarding CRP levels, it is interesting that we observed a significant elevation in CRP in those acne patients who had positive antithyroglobulin antibodies. CONCLUSIONS It is likely that thyroid autoimmunity might be more frequent in the adult acne patients and this should be kept in mind when screening women with post-adolescent acne.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vergou
- Department of Dermatology, A. Sygros Hospital, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
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Peng DJ, Zeng M, Muromoto R, Matsuda T, Shimoda K, Subramaniam M, Spelsberg TC, Wei WZ, Venuprasad K. Noncanonical K27-linked polyubiquitination of TIEG1 regulates Foxp3 expression and tumor growth. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:5638-47. [PMID: 21471442 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Earlier, we demonstrated the essential role of Kruppel-like transcription factor, TIEG1, in TGF-β-induced regulatory T cell (Treg) development. In this article, we demonstrate that IL-6, which promotes Th17 development, abrogated TIEG1 nuclear translocation and inhibited TGF-β-induced Treg development. Tyrosine kinase Tyk2-mediated phosphorylation of TIEG1 at Tyr179 promoted noncanonical K-27-linked polyubiquitination, which inhibited TIEG1 nuclear translocation. To test the role of TIEG1-regulated Treg/Th17 development in antitumor immunity, we analyzed TRAMP-C2 tumor growth in TIEG1(-/-) mice. The defective Treg development and elevated Th17 response resulted in enhanced immune reactivity in the tumor and inhibition of TRAMP-C2 tumor growth in TIEG1(-/-) mice. Thus, our results uncovered a novel regulatory mechanism that modulates Tregs and may regulate tumor progression.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2010; 23:125-30. [PMID: 21124095 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0b013e3283422cce] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Mansourian AR. The immune system which adversely alter thyroid functions: a review on the concept of autoimmunity. Pak J Biol Sci 2010; 13:765-74. [PMID: 21850926 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2010.765.774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The immune system protect individual from many pathogens exists within our environment and in human body, by destroying them through molecular and cellular mechanism of B and T cells of immune system. Autoimmunity is an adverse relation of immune system against non- foreign substances leaving behind either alters the normal function or destroying the tissue involved. Autoimmunity occur in genetically predispose persons with familial connections. The autoimmunity to the thyroid gland mainly consists of Hashimato thyroiditis and Grave's disease, the two end of spectrum in thyroid function of hypo and hyperactivity, respectively. The thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, thyroglobuline, enzymes of thyroid hormones synthesis are targeted by autoantibodies and cell- mediated reactions. The aim of this review is to explore the studies reported on the autoimmunity to the thyroid gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azad Reza Mansourian
- Biochemistry and Metabolic Disorder Research Center, Gorgan Medical School, Gorgan, Iran
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Bernuzzi F, Fenoglio D, Battaglia F, Fravega M, Gershwin ME, Indiveri F, Ansari AA, Podda M, Invernizzi P, Filaci G. Phenotypical and functional alterations of CD8 regulatory T cells in primary biliary cirrhosis. J Autoimmun 2010; 35:176-80. [PMID: 20638239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2010.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms that lead to loss of tolerance in autoimmune disease have remained both elusive and diverse, including both genetic predisposition and generic dysregulation of critical mononuclear cell subsets. In primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), patients exhibit a multilineage response to the E2 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase involving antibody as well as autoreactive CD4 and CD8 responses. Recent data from murine models of PBC have suggested that a critical mechanism of biliary destruction is mediated by liver-infiltrating CD8 cells. Further, the number of autoreactive liver-infiltrating CD4 and CD8 cells is significantly higher in liver than blood in patients with PBC. Based on this data, we have studied the frequencies and phenotypic characterization of both CD4 and CD8 regulatory T cell components in both patients with PBC and age-sex matched controls. Our data is striking and indicate that CD8 Treg populations from PBC patients, but not controls, have significant phenotypic alterations, including increased expression of CD127 and reduced CD39. Furthermore, in vitro induction of CD8 Tregs by incubation with IL10 is significantly reduced in PBC patients. Importantly, the frequencies of circulating CD4+CD25+ and CD8+ and CD28- T cell subpopulations are not significantly different between patients and controls. In conclusion, these data identify the CD8 Treg subset as a regulatory T cell subpopulation altered in patients with PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bernuzzi
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatobiliary, Immunopathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy
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Venuprasad K, Poojary KV, Kong YCM, Farrar MA. Control of Th2-mediated inflammation by regulatory T cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:525-31. [PMID: 20566752 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Allergic diseases and asthma are caused by dysregulated Th2-type immune responses, which drive disease development in susceptible individuals. Immune tolerance to allergens prevents inflammatory symptoms in the respiratory mucosa and provides protection against inflammation in the airways. Increasing evidence indicates that Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in immune tolerance and control Th2-biased responses. Tregs develop in the thymus from CD4(+) T cells (natural Tregs) and also in the periphery by the conversion of naïve CD4(+) T cells (induced Tregs). Increased susceptibility to allergy and airway inflammation is hypothesized to result from impaired development and function of Tregs. Thus, strategies to induce allergen-specific Tregs hold great promise for treatment and prevention of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Venuprasad
- Karmanos Cancer Institute and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
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Shi Y, Wang H, Su Z, Chen J, Xue Y, Wang S, Xue Y, He Z, Yang H, Zhou C, Kong F, Liu Y, Yang P, Lu L, Shao Q, Huang X, Xu H. Differentiation Imbalance of Th1/ Th17 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Might Contribute to Pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Scand J Immunol 2010; 72:250-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2010.02425.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Xue H, Wang W, Li Y, Shan Z, Li Y, Teng X, Gao Y, Fan C, Teng W. Selenium upregulates CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells in iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis model of NOD.H-2(h4) mice. Endocr J 2010; 57:595-601. [PMID: 20453397 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.k10e-063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is required for thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. Se treatment reduces serum thyroidspecific antibody titers in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), but the exact mechanism is not clear. We investigated the effects of Se treatment on CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) in a iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis model. NOD.H-2(h4) mice were randomly divided into control, AIT untreated, and AIT with Se treatment groups. Mice were fed with 0.005% sodium iodine (NaI) water for 8 weeks to induce AIT. Se-treated mice received 0.3 mg/L sodium selenite in drinking water. The AIT mice had fewer Treg cells and reduced Foxp3 mRNA expression in splenocytes compared with the controls (p < 0.01). The percentage of Treg cells and expression of Foxp3 mRNA were increased by Se treatment (as compared with untreated AIT mice, p < 0.05). Mice that received Se supplementation also had lower serum thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) titers and reduced lymphocytic infiltration in thyroids than untreated AIT mice. These data suggest that CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells play an important role in the development of AIT. Se supplementation may restore normal levels of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells by up-regulating the expression of Foxp3 mRNA in mice with AIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Xue
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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