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Sciascia S, Radin M, Roccatello D, Sanna G, Bertolaccini ML. Recent advances in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus. F1000Res 2018; 7:F1000 Faculty Rev-970. [PMID: 30026918 PMCID: PMC6039948 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.13941.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease presenting highly heterogeneous clinical manifestations and multi-systemic involvement. Patients are susceptible to relapse- and remission, thus making management challenging. Moreover, a considerable number of side effects may occur with conventional therapies; therefore, there is clearly a need for new therapeutic strategies. Since the pathogenesis of SLE is highly complex, it is far from being fully understood. However, greater understanding of the pathways and of the cellular and molecular mediators involved in SLE is being achieved. Emerging evidence has allowed the development of new biological therapeutic options targeting crucial molecular mediators involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. This literature review analyzes the availability of biological and target-directed treatments, phase II and III trials, and new therapies that are being developed for the treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savino Sciascia
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases, Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, and SCDU Nephrology and Dialysis, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Radin
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases, Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, and SCDU Nephrology and Dialysis, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Dario Roccatello
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases, Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, and SCDU Nephrology and Dialysis, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sanna
- Louise Coote Lupus Unit, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Maria Laura Bertolaccini
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
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Abstract
Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease with clinical manifestations of differing severity which may present with skin manifestations as primary sign of the disease (cutaneous lupus erythematosus, CLE) or as part of a disease spectrum (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE). To date, no drugs are approved specifically for the treatment of CLE and only single agents have been applied in randomized controlled trials. Therefore, topical and systemic agents are used "off-label", primarily based on open-label studies, case series, retrospective analyses, and expert opinions. In contrast, several agents, such as hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and belimumab, are approved for the treatment of SLE. Recent approaches in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of LE enabled the development of further new agents, which target molecules such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interferon (IFN). Only single trials, however, applied these new agents in patients with cutaneous involvement of the disease and/or included endpoints which evaluated the efficacy of these agents on skin manifestations. This article provides an updated review on new and recent approaches in the treatment of CLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kuhn
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Trials (IZKS), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany Division of Immunogenetics, Tumor Immunology Program, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Landmann
- Division of Immunogenetics, Tumor Immunology Program, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - J Wenzel
- Department of Dermatology, University of Bonn, Germany
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Radin M, Cecchi I, Schreiber K, Baldovino S, Rossi D, Menegatti E, Roccatello D, Sciascia S. Immunotherapies in phase II and III trials for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2017.1257937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Radin
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases- Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, Department of Rare, Immunologic, Hematologic and Immunohematologic Diseases, and SCDU Nephrology and Dialysis, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital
| | - Irene Cecchi
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases- Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, Department of Rare, Immunologic, Hematologic and Immunohematologic Diseases, and SCDU Nephrology and Dialysis, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital
| | - Karen Schreiber
- Department of Thrombosis and Thrombophilia, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simone Baldovino
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases- Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, Department of Rare, Immunologic, Hematologic and Immunohematologic Diseases, and SCDU Nephrology and Dialysis, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases- Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, Department of Rare, Immunologic, Hematologic and Immunohematologic Diseases, and SCDU Nephrology and Dialysis, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital
| | - Elisa Menegatti
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases- Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, Department of Rare, Immunologic, Hematologic and Immunohematologic Diseases, and SCDU Nephrology and Dialysis, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital
| | - Dario Roccatello
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases- Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, Department of Rare, Immunologic, Hematologic and Immunohematologic Diseases, and SCDU Nephrology and Dialysis, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital
| | - Savino Sciascia
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases- Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, Department of Rare, Immunologic, Hematologic and Immunohematologic Diseases, and SCDU Nephrology and Dialysis, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital
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Zhang H, Chambers W, Sciascia S, Cuadrado MJ. Emerging therapies in systemic lupus erythematous: from clinical trial to the real life. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2016; 9:681-94. [DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2016.1155446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Pavlović MD, Jandrlić DR, Mitić NS. Epitope distribution in ordered and disordered protein regions. Part B — Ordered regions and disordered binding sites are targets of T- and B-cell immunity. J Immunol Methods 2014; 407:90-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2014.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Synthetic peptides as tools for diagnosis and therapeutic strategies to treat systemic lupus erythematous. Autoimmun Rev 2012; 11:799-800. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2012.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by antibodies that bind target autoantigens in multiple organs in the body. In peripheral organs, immune complexes engage the complement cascade, recruiting blood-borne inflammatory cells and initiating tissue inflammation. Immune complex-mediated activation of Fc receptors on infiltrating blood-borne cells and tissue resident cells amplifies an inflammatory cascade with resulting damage to tissue function, ultimately leading to tissue destruction. This pathophysiology appears to explain tissue injury throughout the body, except in the central nervous system. This review addresses a paradigm we have developed for autoantibody-mediated brain damage. This paradigm suggests that antibody-mediated brain disease does not depend on immune complex formation but rather on antibody-mediated alterations in neuronal activation and survival. Moreover, antibodies only access brain tissue when blood-brain barrier integrity is impaired, leading to a lack of concurrence of brain disease and tissue injury in other organs. We discuss the implications of this model for lupus and for identifying other antibodies that may contribute to brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Diamond
- Center for Autoimmune and Musculoskeletal Diseases, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
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Kitamura M. Biphasic, bidirectional regulation of NF-kappaB by endoplasmic reticulum stress. Antioxid Redox Signal 2009; 11:2353-64. [PMID: 19187000 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2008.2391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induces an adaptive program called the unfolded protein response (UPR), which affects activity of an array of kinases and transcription factors. Previous reports provided evidence for activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), the major transcription factor regulating inflammatory processes, by ER stress. However, recent investigation also suggested that preceding ER stress suppresses activation of NF-kappaB by subsequent exposure to inflammatory stimuli. Although ER stress induces activation of NF-kappaB in the early phase, consequent UPR may inhibit NF-kappaB-dependent cellular activation in the later phase. This article summarizes current knowledge on potential mechanisms underlying the biphasic, bidirectional regulation of NF-kappaB by ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Kitamura
- Department of Molecular Signaling, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan.
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Abstract
IgG antibodies against dsDNA are involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) glomerulonephritis. In contrast, glomerulonephritis is rare in SLE patients with IgM antibodies against dsDNA. Therefore, a possible protective effect of IgM antibodies has been studied in more detail. In murine models of SLE, the lack of secreted IgM was associated with more severe glomerulonephritis. In more recent studies, the treatment of lupus-prone mice with a murine IgM monoclonal antibody against dsDNA prevented renal damage. Furthermore, the clearance of pathogenic immune complexes may be improved by IgM. Therefore, IgM antibodies against dsDNA are indeed protective and may be a new treatment modality of lupus nephritis in humans.
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Monneaux F, Muller S. Peptide-based therapy in lupus: promising data. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2007; 601:105-12. [PMID: 17712997 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-72005-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem chronic inflammatory disease of multifactorial aetiology, characterized by inflammation and damage of various tissues and organs. Current treatments of the disease are mainly based on immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. Although these treatments have reduced mortality and morbidity, they cause a non-specific immune suppression. To avoid these side effects, our efforts should focus on the development of alternative therapeutic strategies, which consist, for example in specific T cell targeting using autoantigen-derived peptides identified as sequences encompassing major epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Monneaux
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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Dieker JW, Fransen JH, van Bavel CC, Briand JP, Jacobs CW, Muller S, Berden JH, van der Vlag J. Apoptosis-induced acetylation of histones is pathogenic in systemic lupus erythematosus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 56:1921-33. [PMID: 17530637 DOI: 10.1002/art.22646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), inadequate removal of apoptotic cells may lead to challenge of the immune system with immunogenic self antigens that have been modified during apoptosis. We undertook this study to evaluate whether apoptosis-induced histone modifications are targets for the immune system in SLE. METHODS The epitope of KM-2, a monoclonal antihistone autoantibody derived from a lupus mouse, was mapped by random peptide phage display. The reactivity of KM-2 and plasma with (acetylated) histone H4 (H4) peptides and with nonapoptotic, apoptotic, and hyperacetylated histones was determined by immunofluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting. RESULTS KM-2 recognized apoptosis-induced acetylation of H4 at lysines 8, 12, and 16. The majority of plasma samples from SLE patients and lupus mice showed higher reactivity with triacetylated H4 peptide (residues 1-22) and with hyperacetylated and apoptotic histones than with nonacetylated H4 peptide and normal histones. Importantly, administration of triacetylated H4 peptide to lupus-prone mice before disease onset accelerated the disease by enhancing mortality and aggravating proteinuria, skin lesions, and glomerular IgG deposition, while the nonacetylated H4 peptide had no pathogenic effect. The delayed-type hypersensitivity response in lupus mice against the triacetylated H4 peptide was higher than that against the nonacetylated H4 peptide. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) cultured in the presence of hyperacetylated nucleosomes showed increased expression/production of CD40, CD86, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha compared with DCs cultured in the presence of normal nucleosomes. Finally, DCs cultured in the presence of hyperacetylated nucleosomes were able to activate syngeneic T cells, because IL-2 production increased. CONCLUSION Apoptosis-induced acetylation of nucleosomes may represent an important driving force in the development of lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen W Dieker
- Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Foreword. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1107:xiii-xv, 1-444. [PMID: 17804526 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1381.000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Abstract
The status of autoimmune disease therapies is not satisfactory. Antigen-specific immunotherapy has potential as a future therapy that could deliver maximal efficacy with minimal adverse effects. Several trials of antigen-specific immunotherapy have been performed, but so far no clear directions have been established. With regard to antigen-specificity in the immune system, T cells are essential components. However, at present, we do not have a sufficient range of strategies for manipulating antigen-specific T cells. In this review, the authors propose that T cell receptor gene transfer could be used for antigen-specific immunotherapy. In the proposed technique, important disease-related and, thus, antigen-specific T cells in patients would first be identified, and then a pair of cDNAs encoding alpha and beta T cell receptors would be isolated from these single T cells. These genes would then be transferred into self lymphocytes. These engineered antigen-specific cells can also be manipulated to express appropriate functional genes that could then be applied to specific immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Yamamoto
- University of Tokyo, Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113, Japan.
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Hayer S, Tohidast-Akrad M, Haralambous S, Jahn-Schmid B, Skriner K, Trembleau S, Dumortier H, Pinol-Roma S, Redlich K, Schett G, Muller S, Kollias G, Smolen J, Steiner G. Aberrant Expression of the Autoantigen Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein-A2 (RA33) and Spontaneous Formation of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Anti-RA33 Autoantibodies in TNF-α Transgenic Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:8327-36. [PMID: 16339574 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.12.8327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human TNF-alpha transgenic (hTNFtg) mice develop erosive arthritis closely resembling rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To investigate mechanisms leading to pathological autoimmune reactions in RA, we examined hTNFtg animals for the presence of RA-associated autoantibodies including Abs to citrullinated epitopes (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)-A2 (anti-RA33), and heat shock proteins (hsp) (anti-hsp). Although IgM anti-hsp Abs were detected in 40% of hTNFtg and control mice, IgG anti-hsp Abs were rarely seen, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide Abs were not seen at all. In contrast, >50% of hTNFtg mice showed IgG anti-RA33 autoantibodies, which became detectable shortly after the onset of arthritis. These Abs were predominantly directed to a short epitope, which was identical with an epitope previously described in MRL/lpr mice. Incidence of anti-RA33 was significantly decreased in mice treated with the osteoclast inhibitor osteoprotegerin and also in c-fos-deficient mice lacking osteoclasts. Pronounced expression of hnRNP-A2 and a smaller splice variant was seen in joints of hTNFtg mice, whereas expression was low in control animals. Although the closely related hnRNP-A1 was also overexpressed, autoantibodies to this protein were infrequently detected. Because expression of hnRNP-A2 in thymus, spleen, brain, and lung was similar in hTNFtg and control mice, aberrant expression appeared to be restricted to the inflamed joint. Finally, immunization of hTNFtg mice with recombinant hnRNP-A2 or a peptide harboring the major B cell epitope aggravated arthritis. These findings suggest that overproduction of TNF-alpha leads to aberrant expression of hnRNP-A2 in the rheumatoid joint and subsequently to autoimmune reactions, which may enhance the inflammatory and destructive process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Hayer
- Department of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Koffeman EC, Prakken B, Albani S. Recent developments in immunomodulatory peptides in juvenile rheumatic diseases: from trigger to dimmer? Curr Opin Rheumatol 2005; 17:600-5. [PMID: 16093839 DOI: 10.1097/01.bor.0000171213.49876.f6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Current therapy for juvenile rheumatic diseases is based on general immune suppression or blocking inflammatory pathways. These treatments do not induce long-term disease remission and have a risk of side effects; this is especially unfavorable in children. It is better to focus on induction of tolerance mechanisms than on suppression of inflammation. This promotes epitope specific immunotherapy as a possible safe treatment option. RECENT FINDINGS In the search for specific peptides for immunotherapy in autoimmunity, the focus is shifting from purported triggers of disease to peptides that regulate the ongoing inflammation. These so-called 'immunomodulatory peptides' are important in every healthy immune system. Several juvenile rheumatic diseases have been linked to certain immunomodulatory peptides. In juvenile dermatomyositis, peptides from human skeletal myosin play a role in the perpetuation of the disease. In systemic lupus erythematosus, the focus is mostly on DNA-derived peptides and peptides from anti-DNA antibodies. In juvenile idiopathic arthritis, heat shock proteins have been shown to contain important immunomodulatory epitopes. SUMMARY Immunomodulatory peptides play an important role in juvenile rheumatic diseases. Promising candidates for immunotherapy have been identified. This opens the possibility of clinical testing in rheumatic diseases of childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva C Koffeman
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093-0731, USA
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Larché M. Peptide therapy for allergic diseases: basic mechanisms and new clinical approaches. Pharmacol Ther 2005; 108:353-61. [PMID: 16014312 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2005.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2005] [Accepted: 05/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Desensitising allergen immunotherapy has been practised for many decades. Although time consuming, this form of therapy is antigen-specific and disease-modifying, in contrast to palliative pharmacotherapy. However, the use of allergen extracts containing native allergen molecules frequently results in allergic adverse reactions to treatment. Several strategies to reduce the allergenicity of therapeutic preparations, while maintaining their therapeutic benefit, are being developed. Peptide immunotherapy is one such approach. Short synthetic peptides, comprising T cell epitopes of major allergens, were unable to crosslink allergen-specific IgE molecules on basophils in vitro. Treatment of allergic volunteers with allergen peptides resulted in reduced skin, lung and nasal sensitivity to allergen challenge and improved their subjective ability to tolerate allergen exposure. Peptides reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from peripheral blood cells, whilst increasing the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10. Furthermore, peptide therapy was associated with the induction of a population of CD4+ T cells with a suppressive functional phenotype. Thus, peptide therapy may be suitable for the antigen-specific treatment of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Larché
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Dovehouse Street, London SW3 6LY, United Kingdom.
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Willers J, Lucchese A, Mittelman A, Dummer R, Kanduc D. Definition of anti-tyrosinase MAb T311 linear determinant by proteome-based similarity analysis. Exp Dermatol 2005; 14:543-50. [PMID: 15946243 DOI: 10.1111/j.0906-6705.2005.00327.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Using non-self discrimination as a driving force in generating peptide immunogenicity, we have developed a computer-assisted proteomic analysis in order to identify the protein antigenic regions that have evoked humoral response. The purpose of this study was to further validate the computational analysis for melanoma-associated antigens and, at the same time, to assess the efficacy of the methodology in defining antigenic regions of autoantigens associated to autoimmune diseases. To achieve this two-fold objective, we have examined the enzyme tyrosinase, a protein that represents an important autoantigen in patients with vitiligo or melanoma. Here, we report that the antigenic linear determinant of the monoclonal antibody (Mab) T311 raised against the melanoma/vitiligo tyrosinase autoantigen is located in the low similarity 15-mer amino acid sequence tyrosinase 233-247 IPYWDWRDAEKCDIC, within the fragment 237-247. These data confirm non-similarity to the host proteome as a factor that participates in shaping peptide immune reactivity and may be a first step towards designing tyrosinase antigenic peptides to be used for (i) direct neutralization of harmful melanocytes-attacking autoantibodies in vitiligo, or (ii) production of antibodies against tyrosinase-positive melanomas. Moreover tyrosinase peptide antigens might be used as key tools in studying the boundaries between self-tolerance and autoimmunity phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Willers
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Monneaux F, Parietti V, Briand JP, Muller S. Intramolecular T cell spreading in unprimed MRL/lpr mice: importance of the U1-70k protein sequence 131-151. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 50:3232-8. [PMID: 15476231 DOI: 10.1002/art.20510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze spontaneous T cell spreading against determinants of the U1-70K protein in young autoimmune MRL/lpr lupus mice, in comparison with the T cell spreading occurring in normal BALB/c mice immunized with peptide 131-151 of this protein. METHODS Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from both unprimed MRL/lpr mice and immunized BALB/c mice were tested for their ability to proliferate ex vivo in response to 18 overlapping peptides of the U1-70K spliceosomal protein, using assays for lymphocyte proliferation and secretion of interleukin-2. RESULTS The proliferative response to peptides of the U1-70K protein evolved rapidly in MRL/lpr mice tested at different ages. At least 5 peptides were recognized by PBLs from 8-week-old autoimmune mice, whereas a different peptide was recognized by PBLs from MRL/lpr mice at 12 weeks of age. At 15 weeks, the proliferative response was weak or negative when assessed with any of the test peptides. At least 2 major peptides recognized by MRL/lpr PBLs were also recognized by PBLs generated in the BALB/c mice primed with peptide 131-151. We further demonstrated that, in preautoimmune MRL/lpr mice, repeated administration of phosphorylated peptide 131-151 (called P140), which was shown previously to be protective, transiently abolished T cell intramolecular spreading to other regions of the 70K protein. CONCLUSION This is the first study to demonstrate that intramolecular T cell spreading effectively occurs in MRL/lpr mice with lupus, and that region 131-151 is important in the cascade of events observed in the murine lupus response. This sequence might originate a mechanism of tolerance spreading that leads to the beneficial effect observed in MRL/lpr mice after treatment with the phosphorylated peptide 131-151.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Monneaux
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Strasbourg, France
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Baniyash M. TCR zeta-chain downregulation: curtailing an excessive inflammatory immune response. Nat Rev Immunol 2004; 4:675-87. [PMID: 15343367 DOI: 10.1038/nri1434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The T-cell receptor (TCR) functions in both antigen recognition and signal transduction, which are crucial initial steps of antigen-specific immune responses. TCR integrity is vital for the induction of optimal and efficient immune responses, including the routine elimination of invading pathogens and the elimination of modified cells and molecules. Of the TCR subunits, the zeta-chain has a key role in receptor assembly, expression and signalling. Downregulation of TCR zeta-chain expression and impairment of T-cell function have been shown for T cells isolated from hosts with various chronic pathologies, including cancer, and autoimmune and infectious diseases. This review summarizes studies of the various pathologies that show this phenomenon and provides new insights into the mechanism responsible for downregulation of zeta-chain expression, its relevance and its clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Baniyash
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Post Office Box 12272, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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