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Zhou Y, Du T, Yang CL, Li T, Li XL, Liu W, Zhang P, Dong J, Si WY, Duan RS, Wang CC. Extracellular vesicles encapsulated with caspase-1 inhibitor ameliorate experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis through targeting macrophages. J Control Release 2023; 364:458-472. [PMID: 37935259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.006] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1) is a multifunctional inflammatory mediator in many inflammation-related diseases. Previous studies show that caspase-1 inhibitors produce effective therapeutic outcomes in a rat model of myasthenia gravis. However, tissue toxicity and unwanted off-target effects are the major disadvantages limiting their clinical application as therapeutic agents. This study shows that dendritic cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) loaded with a caspase-1 inhibitor (EVs-VX-765) are phagocytized mainly by macrophages, and caspase-1 is precisely expressed in macrophages. Furthermore, EVs-VX-765 demonstrates excellent therapeutic effects through a macrophage-dependent mechanism, and it notably inhibits the level of interleukin-1β and subsequently inhibits Th17 response and germinal center (GC) reactions. In addition, EVs-VX-765 demonstrates better therapeutic effects than routine doses of VX-765, although drug loading is much lower than routine doses, consequently reducing tissue toxicity. In conclusion, this study's findings suggest that EV-mediated delivery of caspase-1 inhibitors is effective for treating myasthenia gravis and is promising for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tong Du
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Institute of Neuroimmunology, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chun-Lin Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Institute of Neuroimmunology, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Li Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Institute of Neuroimmunology, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Cerebral Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Institute of Neuroimmunology, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei-Yue Si
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Rui-Sheng Duan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Institute of Neuroimmunology, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Cong-Cong Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Institute of Neuroimmunology, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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2
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Duan Y, Peng Z, Zhong S, Zhou P, Huang H, Li J, He Z. VX-765 ameliorates CKD VSMC calcification by regulating STAT3 activation. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 945:175610. [PMID: 36858340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175610] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent clinical evidences show that caspase-1 inhibitor-VX-765 attenuates atherosclerosis in ApoE deficient mice. However, there is rarely information about the effect of VX-765 on hyperphosphatemia-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) calcification or vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) rats. Here we investigate the effect of VX-765 on vascular calcification in uremia circumstances. METHODS Hyperphosphatemia-induced VSMC calcification were evaluated by Alizarin Red S. Aortas from CKD rats which were gavaged with VX-765 were examined for calcification signal using micro-CT. Levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence assay, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We demonstrated for the first time that the levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 were up-regulated in hyperphosphatemia-induced calcifying VSMCs. Blockade of caspase-1 activation by VX-765 inhibited pyroptosis-related molecules and VSMC calcification in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. Further analysis of aortas from calcified CKD rats showed an up-regulation of caspase-1 and GSDMD expression compared with those non-calcified vascular tissue from control rats or with those decreased-calcified vascular tissue from CKD rats treated with 50 mg/kg/d, which indicated that pyroptotic indicators were tightly correlated with CKD arterial calcification. In vitro studies further demonstrated that VX-765 ameliorated hyperphosphatemia-induced VSMCs calcification through inhibiting the STAT3 activation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that VX-765 could inhibit hyperphosphatemia-induced calcifying VSMCs and ameliorate vascular calcification in CKD rats. VX-765 might be a potential treatment strategy for CKD vascular calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Duan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Nephrology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Zhong Peng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Shuzhu Zhong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Nephrology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Peng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Hong Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Jianlong Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Zhangxiu He
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Nephrology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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3
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Tan Y, Liu Q, Li Z, Yang S, Cui L. Pyroptosis-triggered pathogenesis: New insights on antiphospholipid syndrome. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1155222. [PMID: 37063905 PMCID: PMC10102483 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1155222] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
APS (antiphospholipid syndrome) is a systematic autoimmune disease presenting with the high levels of aPLs (antiphospholipid antibodies). These autoantibodies are involved in various clinical manifestations, mainly including arterial or venous thrombosis formation, proinflammatory response, and recurrent pregnant loss. Pyroptosis is a form of lytic programmed cell death, and it aggravates autoimmune diseases progression via activating NOD-like receptors, especially the NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream inflammatory factors IL (interleukin)-1β and IL-18. However, the underlying mechanisms of pyroptosis-induced APS progression remain to be elucidated. ECs (endothelial cells), monocytes, platelets, trophoblasts, and neutrophils are prominent participants in APS development. Of significance, pyroptosis of APS-related cells leads to the excessive release of proinflammatory and prothrombotic factors, which are the primary contributors to APOs (adverse pregnancy outcomes), thrombosis formation, and autoimmune dysfunction in APS. Furthermore, pyroptosis-associated medicines have made encouraging advancements in attenuating inflammation and thrombosis. Given the potential of pyroptosis in regulating APS development, this review would systematically expound the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, and elaborate the role of pyroptosis-mediated cellular effects in APS progression. Lastly, the prospective therapeutic approaches for APS would be proposed based on the regulation of pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongxin Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liyan Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Liyan Cui,
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Investigation of the Underlying Mechanism of Huangqi-Dangshen for Myasthenia Gravis Treatment via Molecular Docking and Network Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 2023:5301024. [PMID: 36818231 PMCID: PMC9935813 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5301024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The herbal pairing of Huangqi and Dangshen (HD) is traditional Chinese herbal medicine and has been widely used in China, especially to treat myasthenia gravis (MG). However, the mechanism of HD on MG is unclear. Aim of the Study. This study aims to investigate HD's possible role in MG treatment. Materials and Methods. The TCMSP database was used to identify the active chemicals and their targets. The GeneCards, DisGeNET, and OMIM databases were used to search for MG-related targets. The STRING database was employed in order to identify the common PPI network targets. We next utilised Cytoscape 3.8.2 for target identification and the DAVID database for gene ontology (GO) function analysis as well as Encyclopaedia of Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis on the selected targets. The AutoDock Vina software was used to test the affinity of essential components with the hub gene before concluding that the primary targets were corrected through molecular docking. Results. 41 active compounds were screened from HD, and the number of putative-identified target genes screened from HD was 112. There were 21 target genes that overlapped with the targets of MG, which were postulated to be potential treatment targets. Through further analysis, the results showed that the active compounds from HD (such as 7-methoxy-2-methylisoflavone, quercetin, luteolin, Kaempferol, and isorhamnetin) may achieve the purpose of treating MG by acting on some core targets and related pathways (such as EGFR, FOS, ESR2, MYC, ESR1, CASP3, and IL-6). Molecular docking findings demonstrated that these active molecules have a near-perfect ability to attach to the primary targets. Conclusion. Through network pharmacology, the findings in this study provide light on the coordinated action of several HD formula components, targets, and pathways. It provided a theoretical basis for further study of HD pharmacological action.
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Ulgheri F, Spanu P, Deligia F, Loriga G, Fuggetta MP, de Haan I, Chandgudge A, Groves M, Domling A. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 1,5-disubstituted α-amino tetrazole derivatives as non-covalent inflammasome-caspase-1 complex inhibitors with potential application against immune and inflammatory disorders. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 229:114002. [PMID: 34823899 PMCID: PMC8598261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114002] [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: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Compounds targeting the inflammasome-caspase-1 pathway could be of use for the treatment of inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Previous caspase-1 inhibitors were in great majority covalent inhibitors and failed in clinical trials. Using a mixed modelling, computational screening, synthesis and in vitro testing approach, we identified a novel class of non-covalent caspase-1 non cytotoxic inhibitors which are able to inhibit IL-1β release in activated macrophages in the low μM range, in line with the best activities observed for the known covalent inhibitors. Our compounds could form the basis of further optimization towards potent drugs for the treatment of inflammation and inflammatory disorders including also dysregulated inflammation in Covid 19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausta Ulgheri
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (CNR), Trav. La Crucca 3, 07100, Sassari, Italy,Corresponding author
| | - Pietro Spanu
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (CNR), Trav. La Crucca 3, 07100, Sassari, Italy,Corresponding author
| | - Francesco Deligia
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (CNR), Trav. La Crucca 3, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Loriga
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (CNR), Trav. La Crucca 3, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Fuggetta
- Institute of Traslational Pharmacology, National Research Council (CNR), Via Fosso Del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Roma, Italy
| | - Iris de Haan
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ajay Chandgudge
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew Groves
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Domling
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands,Corresponding author
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Song J, Yang J, Jing S, Yan C, Huan X, Chen S, Zhong H, Lu J, Xi J, Luo L, Chen X, Wang Z, Zhao C, Chu M, Luo S. Berberine attenuates experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis via rebalancing the T cell subsets. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 362:577787. [PMID: 34923373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a T cell-driven, autoantibody-mediated disease. Here we show that oral Berberine (BBR) ameliorated clinical symptoms of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis(EAMG) rat model via decreasing the frequencies of Th1, Th17, Th1/17 cell subsets. JAK-STAT pathway was highlighted by transcriptomic analysis with EAMG mononuclear cells (MNCs). Surface plasmon resonance identified ligand binding interaction between BBR and JAK2, and electrostatic interaction was proposed by molecular dynamic simulation. Reduced phosphorylated JAK1/2/3 and STAT1/3 in MNCs from BBR-fed EAMG rats were demonstrated. These results suggest that BBR might improve EAMG by rebalancing T cell subsets through targeting JAK-STAT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Song
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430020, China
| | - Sisi Jing
- Department of Neurology, Jing'an District Center Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Chong Yan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xiao Huan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Huahua Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lijun Luo
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430020, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Sushan Luo
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China.
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7
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Agah E, Nafissi S, Saleh F, Sarraf P, Tafakhori A, Mousavi SV, Saghazadeh A, Sadr M, Sinaei F, Mohebbi B, Mahmoudi M, Shadi H, Rezaei N. Investigating the possible association between NLRP3 gene polymorphisms and myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2021; 63:730-736. [PMID: 33533549 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this case-control study, we investigated the association between nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10754558, rs3806265, rs4612666, and rs35829419 and myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS Samples from MG patients were selected from a previous study conducted in our neuromuscular clinic, which investigated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes and MG. Genetic data of controls were also available from another study. The NLRP3 SNPs genotyping was performed using the TaqMan method. RESULTS A total of 93 blood samples from eligible Iranian patients with MG and 56 samples from healthy controls were obtained. The NLRP3 rs3806265 "C" allele was significantly more frequent in MG patients (P < .001; odd ratio [OR] = 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-4.0) than controls. The "CC" genotype of this SNP was found in 18.27% of patients, but none of the controls (P < .001). The distribution of other SNPs was similar between the groups. DISCUSSION These preliminary results suggest that there might be some associations between the NLRP3 gene polymorphism and MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Agah
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahriar Nafissi
- Iranian Center for Neurological Research, Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saleh
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Payam Sarraf
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Tafakhori
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Vahid Mousavi
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amene Saghazadeh
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadr
- Molecular Immunology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Sinaei
- Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Mohebbi
- Molecular Immunology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center (RRC), Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamideh Shadi
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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Huang H, Ran H, Liu X, Yu L, Qiu L, Lin Z, Ou C, Lu Y, Yang W, Liu W. Leflunomide ameliorates experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by regulating humoral and cellular immune responses. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 93:107434. [PMID: 33556668 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Leflunomide, an immunosuppressive disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA) as well as multiple sclerosis. However, its role in myasthenia gravis (MG) has not yet been clearly explored. Here, we investigated the effect of leflunomide on experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) in vivo and in vitro. The results demonstrated that leflunomide alleviated the severity of EAMG associated with reduced serum total anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) IgG levels. During the development of EAMG, the increase of follicular helper T cells (Tfh) 1, Tfh 17 cells and decrease of follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) were reversely altered after leflunomide administration. Our work further found that leflunomide might inhibit Tfh cells through the IL-21/STAT3 pathway to reduce the secretion of antibodies by B cells. In addition, leflunomide rebuilt the balance of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg subsets. These results suggested that leflunomide ameliorated EAMG severity by regulating humoral immune responses and Th cell profiles thereby providing a novel effective treatment strategy for MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Hao Ran
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xiaoxi Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Li Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Zhongqiang Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Changyi Ou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yaru Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Wenhao Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Weibin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
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9
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Huang Y, Chen Z, Wang H, Ba X, Shen P, Lin W, Wang Y, Qin K, Huang Y, Tu S. Follicular regulatory T cells: a novel target for immunotherapy? Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e1106. [PMID: 32082569 PMCID: PMC7019198 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
High‐affinity antibodies are produced during multiple processes in germinal centres (GCs), where follicular helper T (Tfh) cells interact closely with B cells to support B‐cell survival, differentiation and proliferation. Recent studies have revealed that a specialised subset of regulatory T cells, follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells, especially fine‐tune Tfh cells and GC B cells, ultimately regulating GC reactions. Alterations in frequencies or function of Tfr cells may result in multiple autoantibody‐mediated or autoantibody‐associated diseases. This review discusses recent insights into the physiology and pathology of Tfr cells, with a special emphasis on their potential roles in human diseases. Discrepancies are common among studies, reflecting the limited understanding of Tfr cells. Further exploration of the mechanisms of Tfr cells in these diseases and thus targeting Tfr cells may help reinstate immune homeostasis and provide novel immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Hui Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Xin Ba
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Pan Shen
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Weiji Lin
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Kai Qin
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Shenghao Tu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
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10
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Udjus C, Cero FT, Halvorsen B, Behmen D, Carlson CR, Bendiksen BA, Espe EKS, Sjaastad I, Løberg EM, Yndestad A, Aukrust P, Christensen G, Skjønsberg OH, Larsen KO. Caspase-1 induces smooth muscle cell growth in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2019; 316:L999-L1012. [PMID: 30908936 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00322.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung diseases with hypoxia are complicated by pulmonary hypertension, leading to heart failure and death. No pharmacological treatment exists. Increased proinflammatory cytokines are found in hypoxic patients, suggesting an inflammatory pathogenesis. Caspase-1, the effector of the inflammasome, mediates inflammation through activation of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β. Here, we investigate inflammasome-related mechanisms that can trigger hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Our aim was to examine whether caspase-1 induces development of hypoxia-related pulmonary hypertension and is a suitable target for therapy. Wild-type (WT) and caspase-1-/- mice were exposed to 10% oxygen for 14 days. Hypoxic caspase-1-/- mice showed lower pressure and reduced muscularization in pulmonary arteries, as well as reduced right ventricular remodeling compared with WT. Smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation was reduced in caspase-1-deficient pulmonary arteries and in WT arteries treated with a caspase-1 inhibitor. Impaired inflammation was shown in hypoxic caspase-1-/- mice by abolished pulmonary influx of immune cells and lower levels of IL-18, IL-1β, and IL-6, which were also reduced in the medium surrounding caspase-1 abrogated pulmonary arteries. By adding IL-18 or IL-1β to caspase-1-deficient pulmonary arteries, SMC proliferation was retained. Furthermore, inhibition of both IL-6 and phosphorylated STAT3 reduced proliferation of SMC in vitro, indicating IL-18, IL-6, and STAT3 as downstream mediators of caspase-1-induced SMC proliferation in pulmonary arteries. Caspase-1 induces SMC proliferation in pulmonary arteries through the caspase-1/IL-18/IL-6/STAT3 pathway, leading to pulmonary hypertension in mice exposed to hypoxia. We propose that caspase-1 inhibition is a potential target for treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Udjus
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Fadila T Cero
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Bente Halvorsen
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Dina Behmen
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Cathrine R Carlson
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Bård A Bendiksen
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Emil K S Espe
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Ivar Sjaastad
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Else M Løberg
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Arne Yndestad
- K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Pål Aukrust
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Geir Christensen
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Ole H Skjønsberg
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Karl-Otto Larsen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
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11
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Ritvo PG, Klatzmann D. Interleukin-1 in the Response of Follicular Helper and Follicular Regulatory T Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:250. [PMID: 30873158 PMCID: PMC6402473 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of interleukin-1 in the regulation of humoral responses is poorly documented, in contrast to its role in inflammation. Recent findings suggest there is an interleukin-1 axis in the follicular T cell control of B cell responses, involving interleukin-1 receptors (IL-1R1 and IL-1R2) and receptor antagonists (IL-1Ra). Here, we revisit the literature on this topic and conclude that targeting the interleukin-1 pathway should be a valuable therapeutic approach in many diseases involving excessive production of (auto)antibodies, such as autoimmune diseases or allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul-Gydéon Ritvo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (i3), Paris, France
| | - David Klatzmann
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (i3), Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Biotherapy (CIC-BTi) and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (i2B), Paris, France
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12
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Gong Y, Tong J, Wang S. Are Follicular Regulatory T Cells Involved in Autoimmune Diseases? Front Immunol 2017; 8:1790. [PMID: 29312316 PMCID: PMC5732443 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the germinal center (GC), follicular helper T (TFH) cells interact with B cells and undergo a series of GC reactions to ultimately produce high-affinity antibodies and memory plasma cells. Recent studies have found a subpopulation of regulatory T cells called follicular regulatory T (TFR) cells. TFR cells can inhibit TFH cells and/or B cells in a variety of ways to specifically regulate GC reactions. Dysfunction of TFR cells may lead to immune disorders and a variety of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the differentiation and function of TFR cells and provide an overview of TFR cells in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglu Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jia Tong
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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