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Pas HH, van der Molen M, van Nijen-Vos L, Nijenhuis M, Bremer J. The Autoimmune IgG Subclass Response Defines the IgG Deposition Pattern in Pemphigus Patient Skin. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1649-1650. [PMID: 38272208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hendri H Pas
- Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marije van der Molen
- Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura van Nijen-Vos
- Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Miranda Nijenhuis
- Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Bremer
- Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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2
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Xie Z, Dai X, Li Q, Lin S, Ye X. Tacrolimus reverses pemphigus vulgaris serum-induced depletion of desmoglein in HaCaT cells via inhibition of heat shock protein 27 phosphorylation. BMC Immunol 2023; 24:43. [PMID: 37940861 PMCID: PMC10634089 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-023-00582-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids are the first-line treatment for Pemphigus vulgaris (PV), but its serious side effects can be life-threatening for PV patients. Tacrolimus (FK506) has been reported to have an adjuvant treatment effect against PV. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of FK506 on PV-IgG-induced acantholysis is unclear. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the effect of FK506 on desmoglein (Dsg) expression and cell adhesion in an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells) stimulated with PV sera. METHODS A cell culture model of PV was established by stimulating HaCaT cells with 5% PV sera with or without FK506 and clobetasol propionate (CP) treatment. The effects of PV sera on intercellular junctions and protein levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), and Dsg were assayed using western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and a keratinocyte dissociation assay. RESULTS PV sera-induced downregulation of Dsg3 was observed in HaCaT cells and was blocked by FK506 and/or CP. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that linear deposits of Dsg3 on the surface of HaCaT cells in the PV sera group disappeared and were replaced by granular and agglomerated fluorescent particles on the cell surface; however, this effect was reversed by FK506 and/or CP treatment. Furthermore, cell dissociation assays showed that FK506 alone or in combination with CP increased cell adhesion in HaCaT cells and ameliorated loss of cell adhesion induced by PV sera. Additionally, FK506 noticeably decreased the PV serum-induced phosphorylation of HSP 27, but had no effect on p38MAPK phosphorylation. CONCLUSION FK506 reverses PV-IgG induced-Dsg depletion and desmosomal dissociation in HaCaT cells, and this effect may be obtained by inhibiting HSP27 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Xie
- Department of Dermatology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangnong Dai
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingqing Li
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sifan Lin
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingdong Ye
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Zaver SA, Sarkar MK, Egolf S, Zou J, Tiwaa A, Capell BC, Gudjonsson JE, Simpson CL. Targeting SERCA2 in organotypic epidermis reveals MEK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for Darier disease. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e170739. [PMID: 37561594 PMCID: PMC10561730 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.170739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutation of the ATP2A2 gene encoding sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 (SERCA2) was linked to Darier disease more than 2 decades ago; however, there remain no targeted therapies for this disorder causing recurrent skin blistering and infections. Since Atp2a2-knockout mice do not phenocopy its pathology, we established a human tissue model of Darier disease to elucidate its pathogenesis and identify potential therapies. Leveraging CRISPR/Cas9, we generated human keratinocytes lacking SERCA2, which replicated features of Darier disease, including weakened intercellular adhesion and defective differentiation in organotypic epidermis. To identify pathogenic drivers downstream of SERCA2 depletion, we performed RNA sequencing and proteomics analysis. SERCA2-deficient keratinocytes lacked desmosomal and cytoskeletal proteins required for epidermal integrity and exhibited excess MAPK signaling, which modulates keratinocyte adhesion and differentiation. Immunostaining patient biopsies substantiated these findings, with lesions showing keratin deficiency, cadherin mislocalization, and ERK hyperphosphorylation. Dampening ERK activity with MEK inhibitors rescued adhesive protein expression and restored keratinocyte sheet integrity despite SERCA2 depletion or chemical inhibition. In sum, coupling multiomic analysis with human organotypic epidermis as a preclinical model, we found that SERCA2 haploinsufficiency disrupts critical adhesive components in keratinocytes via ERK signaling and identified MEK inhibition as a treatment strategy for Darier disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivam A. Zaver
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, and
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mrinal K. Sarkar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Shaun Egolf
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan Zou
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Afua Tiwaa
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Brian C. Capell
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Cory L. Simpson
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, and
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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4
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Zaver SA, Sarkar MK, Egolf S, Zou J, Tiwaa A, Capell BC, Gudjonsson JE, Simpson CL. Targeting SERCA2 in organotypic epidermis reveals MEK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for Darier disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.07.531620. [PMID: 36945477 PMCID: PMC10028894 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.07.531620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Mutation of the ATP2A2 gene encoding sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 (SERCA2) was linked to Darier disease more than two decades ago; however, there remain no targeted therapies for this disorder causing recurrent skin blistering and infections. Since Atp2a2 knockout mice do not phenocopy its pathology, we established a human tissue model of Darier disease to elucidate its pathogenesis and identify potential therapies. Leveraging CRISPR/Cas9, we generated human keratinocytes lacking SERCA2, which replicated features of Darier disease, including weakened intercellular adhesion and defective differentiation in organotypic epidermis. To identify pathogenic drivers downstream of SERCA2 depletion, we performed RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis. SERCA2-deficient keratinocytes lacked desmosomal and cytoskeletal proteins required for epidermal integrity and exhibited excess MAP kinase signaling, which modulates keratinocyte adhesion and differentiation. Immunostaining patient biopsies substantiated these findings with lesions showing keratin deficiency, cadherin mis-localization, and ERK hyper-phosphorylation. Dampening ERK activity with MEK inhibitors rescued adhesive protein expression and restored keratinocyte sheet integrity despite SERCA2 depletion or chemical inhibition. In sum, coupling multi-omic analysis with human organotypic epidermis as a pre-clinical model, we found that SERCA2 haploinsufficiency disrupts critical adhesive components in keratinocytes via ERK signaling and identified MEK inhibition as a treatment strategy for Darier disease.
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5
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Emtenani S, Hertl M, Schmidt E, Hudemann C. Mouse models of pemphigus: valuable tools to investigate pathomechanisms and novel therapeutic interventions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1169947. [PMID: 37180099 PMCID: PMC10172572 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1169947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD) are paradigms of autoantibody-mediated organ-specific autoimmune disorders that involve skin and/or mucous membranes. Compared to other autoimmune diseases, the pathogenicity of autoantibodies in AIBD is relatively well described. Pemphigus is a potentially lethal autoantibody driven autoimmune disorder with a strong HLA class II association. It is mainly characterized by IgG against the desmosomal adhesion molecules desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) and Dsg1. Several murine pemphigus models were developed subsequently, each allowing the analysis of a characteristic feature, such as pathogenic IgG or Dsg3-specific T or B cells. Thus, the models can be employed to preclinically evaluate potentially novel therapies. We here thoroughly summarize past and recent efforts in developing and utilizing pemphigus mouse models for pathomechanistic investigation and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Emtenani
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Michael Hertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Enno Schmidt
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christoph Hudemann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christoph Hudemann,
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6
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Brescacin A, Baig Z, Bhinder J, Lin S, Brar L, Cirillo N. What protein kinases are crucial for acantholysis and blister formation in pemphigus vulgaris? A systematic review. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:2825-2837. [PMID: 35616233 PMCID: PMC9540544 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially fatal autoimmune blistering disease characterized by cell-cell detachment (or acantholysis) and blister formation. While the signaling mechanisms that associate with skin/mucosal blistering are being elucidated, specific treatment strategies targeting PV-specific pathomechanisms, particularly kinase signaling, have yet to be established. Hence, the aim of this review was to systematically evaluate molecules in the class of kinases that are essential for acantholysis and blister formation and are therefore candidates for targeted therapy. English articles from PubMed and Scopus databases were searched, and included in vitro, in vivo, and human studies that investigated the role of kinases in PV. We selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias in duplicates and the results were reported according to the methodology outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). The risk of bias assessment was performed on in vivo studies utilizing SYRCLE's risk of bias tool. Thirty-five studies were included that satisfied the pathogenicity criterion of kinases in PV, the vast majority being experimental models that used PV sera (n = 13) and PV-IgG (n = 22). Inhibition of kinase activity (p38MAPK, PKC, TK, c-Src, EGFR, ERK, mTOR, BTK, and CDK2) was achieved mostly by pharmacological means. Overall, we found substantial evidence that kinase inhibition reduced PV-associated phosphorylation events and keratinocyte disassociation, prevented acantholysis, and blocked blister formation. However, the scarce adherence to standardized reporting systems and the experimental protocols/models used did limit the internal and external validity of these studies. In summary, this systematic review highlighted the pathogenic intracellular events mediated by kinases in PV acantholysis and presented kinase signaling as a promising avenue for translational research. In particular, the molecules identified and discussed in this study represent potential candidates for the development of mechanism-based interventions in PV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Brescacin
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zunaira Baig
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jaspreet Bhinder
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sen Lin
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lovejot Brar
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicola Cirillo
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Egu DT, Schmitt T, Waschke J. Mechanisms Causing Acantholysis in Pemphigus-Lessons from Human Skin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:884067. [PMID: 35720332 PMCID: PMC9205406 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.884067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune bullous skin disease caused primarily by autoantibodies (PV-IgG) against the desmosomal adhesion proteins desmoglein (Dsg)1 and Dsg3. PV patient lesions are characterized by flaccid blisters and ultrastructurally by defined hallmarks including a reduction in desmosome number and size, formation of split desmosomes, as well as uncoupling of keratin filaments from desmosomes. The pathophysiology underlying the disease is known to involve several intracellular signaling pathways downstream of PV-IgG binding. Here, we summarize our studies in which we used transmission electron microscopy to characterize the roles of signaling pathways in the pathogenic effects of PV-IgG on desmosome ultrastructure in a human ex vivo skin model. Blister scores revealed inhibition of p38MAPK, ERK and PLC/Ca2+ to be protective in human epidermis. In contrast, inhibition of Src and PKC, which were shown to be protective in cell cultures and murine models, was not effective for human skin explants. The ultrastructural analysis revealed that for preventing skin blistering at least desmosome number (as modulated by ERK) or keratin filament insertion (as modulated by PLC/Ca2+) need to be ameliorated. Other pathways such as p38MAPK regulate desmosome number, size, and keratin insertion indicating that they control desmosome assembly and disassembly on different levels. Taken together, studies in human skin delineate target mechanisms for the treatment of pemphigus patients. In addition, ultrastructural analysis supports defining the specific role of a given signaling molecule in desmosome turnover at ultrastructural level.
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8
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Ellebrecht CT, Maseda D, Payne AS. Pemphigus and Pemphigoid: From Disease Mechanisms to Druggable Pathways. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:907-914. [PMID: 34756581 PMCID: PMC8860856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus and pemphigoid are paradigms for understanding the mechanisms of antibody-mediated autoimmune disease in humans. In pemphigus, IgG4-predominant autoantibodies cause intraepidermal blistering by direct interference with desmoglein interactions and subsequent disruption of desmosomes and signaling pathways. In pemphigoid, IgG1, IgG4, and IgE autoantibodies against basement membrane zone antigens directly interfere with hemidesmosomal adhesion, activating complement and Fc receptor‒mediated effector pathways. Unraveling disease mechanisms in pemphigus and pemphigoid has identified numerous opportunities for clinical trials, which hold promise to identify safer and more effective therapies for these potentially life-threatening diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damian Maseda
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aimee S. Payne
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Zhao WL, Ishii K, Egami S, Xu Z, Funakoshi T, Takahashi H, Tanikawa A, Ishiko A, Amagai M, Yamagami J. Analysis of clinical characteristics, prognosis and antibody pathogenicity of pemphigus patients positive for anti-desmoglein IgG autoantibodies in remission: a retrospective cohort study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 36:271-278. [PMID: 34704306 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The detection of serum anti-desmoglein (Dsg) IgG autoantibodies has been reported to be useful for assessment of disease activity in pemphigus. However, previous studies have reported that anti-Dsg autoantibodies remain detectable in some patients without active pemphigus lesions. OBJECTIVES To investigate the clinical characteristics and antibody pathogenicity of pemphigus patients positive for anti-Dsg IgG autoantibodies in remission. METHODS We retrospectively investigated pemphigus patients with a history of clinical remission who visited the Department of Dermatology of Keio University during 2019 and 2020. The antibody pathogenicity was assessed by bead aggregation assay. RESULTS When patients were recognized as having entered remission (PDAI = 0 and PSL ≦ 10 mg/day for 2 months), serum autoantibodies against Dsg were detected in 72 of 132 patients (54.5%, positive group; PG), but were not detected in 60 patients (45.5%, negative group; NG). Anti-Dsg antibody titres in remission declined from the active phase in 33 patients in the PG for whom data were available. There were no differences in the chance of reducing PSL to 5 mg/day (P = 0.885) and rate of relapse (P = 0.279) between PG and NG, but fewer patients in PG discontinued corticosteroids (P = 0.004). The ability of patients' sera to block aggregation of Dsg/desmocollin beads was significantly reduced in remission compared to the active phase. However, our results revealed that whole sera in remission still had pathogenic activity in seven of nine patients, and the approximately equal amounts of anti-Dsg antibodies in active phase and remission showed similar pathogenicity. CONCLUSIONS This study will provide guidance in cases where autoantibodies are found to be positive in pemphigus patients during remission or steroid reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- W L Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Shunyi Maternal and Children's Hospital of Beijing Children's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - K Ishii
- Department of Dermatology, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Egami
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Z Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - T Funakoshi
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - H Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - A Tanikawa
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - A Ishiko
- Department of Dermatology, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Amagai
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - J Yamagami
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Kaur B, Kerbrat J, Kho J, Kaler M, Kanatsios S, Cirillo N. Mechanism-based therapeutic targets of pemphigus vulgaris: A scoping review of pathogenic molecular pathways. Exp Dermatol 2021; 31:154-171. [PMID: 34435386 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14453] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially fatal autoimmune blistering disease characterised by cell-cell detachment or acantholysis. The mechanisms which follow antibody (Ab) binding and culminate in acantholytic changes and skin/mucosal blistering have not been fully clarified. Current treatment strategies are not specific to PV pathophysiology and although life-saving, harbour considerable side effects. We aimed to systematically assess the molecules amenable to targeted treatments that follow Ab binding and are associated with PV acantholysis. The resulting scoping review was conducted under PRISMA-ScR guidelines with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria and focused specifically on kinases, caspases, proteases, hydrolytic enzymes and other molecules of interest postulated to take part in the pathophysiology of PV. The review process resulted in the identification of 882 articles, of which 56 were eligible for qualitative synthesis. From the included articles, the majority (n = 42) used PV-IgG as the pathogenic agent, mainly via in vitro (n = 16) and in vivo (n = 10) models. Twenty-five molecules were found to play a pathogenic role in PV, including uPA, ADAM10, EGFR, Src, PKC, cdk2, ERK, PLC, calmodulin, NOS, p38MAPK and caspase-3. Selective inhibition of these molecules resulted in varying degrees of reduction in acantholysis and blistering. The pathogenic molecules identified in this review represent potential candidates for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bavleen Kaur
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenna Kerbrat
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jia Kho
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Manreet Kaler
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefanos Kanatsios
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicola Cirillo
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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Schmitt T, Waschke J. Autoantibody-Specific Signalling in Pemphigus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:701809. [PMID: 34434944 PMCID: PMC8381052 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.701809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pemphigus is a severe autoimmune disease impairing barrier functions of epidermis and mucosa. Autoantibodies primarily target the desmosomal adhesion molecules desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and Dsg 3 and induce loss of desmosomal adhesion. Strikingly, autoantibody profiles in pemphigus correlate with clinical phenotypes. Mucosal-dominant pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is characterised by autoantibodies (PV-IgG) against Dsg3 whereas epidermal blistering in PV and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is associated with autoantibodies against Dsg1. Therapy in pemphigus is evolving towards specific suppression of autoantibody formation and autoantibody depletion. Nevertheless, during the acute phase and relapses of the disease additional treatment options to stabilise desmosomes and thereby rescue keratinocyte adhesion would be beneficial. Therefore, the mechanisms by which autoantibodies interfere with adhesion of desmosomes need to be characterised in detail. Besides direct inhibition of Dsg adhesion, autoantibodies engage signalling pathways interfering with different steps of desmosome turn-over. With this respect, recent data indicate that autoantibodies induce separate signalling responses in keratinocytes via specific signalling complexes organised by Dsg1 and Dsg3 which transfer the signal of autoantibody binding into the cell. This hypothesis may also explain the different clinical pemphigus phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schmitt
- Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität München, Anatomische Anstalt, Lehrstuhl Anatomie I - Vegetative Anatomie, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Waschke
- Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität München, Anatomische Anstalt, Lehrstuhl Anatomie I - Vegetative Anatomie, Munich, Germany
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12
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Papara C, Zillikens D, Sadik CD, Baican A. MicroRNAs in pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102852. [PMID: 33971341 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune blistering diseases are a heterogenous group of dermatological disorders characterized by blisters and erosions of the skin and/or mucous membranes induced by autoantibodies against structural proteins of the desmosome or the dermal-epidermal adhesion complex including the hemidesmosome. They consist of the two major disease groups, pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases (PPDs). The diagnosis is based on clinical findings, histopathology, direct immunofluorescence, and detection of circulating autoantibodies. The pathogenesis is not fully elucidated, prognostic factors are lacking, and to date, there is no cure for PPDs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent small, non-coding RNAs that play a pivotal role in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Their dysfunction was highlighted to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Even though a link between miRNAs and autoimmune blistering diseases had been suggested, the research of their involvement in the pathogenesis of PPDs is still in its infancy. miRNAs hold promise for uncovering new layers in the pathogenesis of PPDs, in order to improve diagnosis and also to develop potential therapeutic options. In the current article, we provide an overview regarding current knowledge of miRNAs in terms of complex pathogenesis of PPDs, and, also, their potential role as biomarkers, predictive factors and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Papara
- Department of Dermatology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Detlef Zillikens
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Christian D Sadik
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Adrian Baican
- Department of Dermatology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Autoimmune bullous skin diseases, pemphigus and pemphigoid. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 145:1031-1047. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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14
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Egu D, Sigmund A, Schmidt E, Spindler V, Walter E, Waschke J. A new
ex vivo
human oral mucosa model reveals that p38
MAPK
inhibition is not effective in preventing autoantibody‐induced mucosal blistering in pemphigus. Br J Dermatol 2019; 182:987-994. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.18237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D.T. Egu
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy Institute of Anatomy Faculty of Medicine LMU Munich Germany
| | - A.M. Sigmund
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy Institute of Anatomy Faculty of Medicine LMU Munich Germany
| | - E. Schmidt
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology University of Lübeck LübeckGermany
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology University of Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - V. Spindler
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy Institute of Anatomy Faculty of Medicine LMU Munich Germany
- Department of Biomedicine University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - E. Walter
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy Institute of Anatomy Faculty of Medicine LMU Munich Germany
| | - J. Waschke
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy Institute of Anatomy Faculty of Medicine LMU Munich Germany
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15
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Didona D, Maglie R, Eming R, Hertl M. Pemphigus: Current and Future Therapeutic Strategies. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1418. [PMID: 31293582 PMCID: PMC6603181 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pemphigus encompasses a heterogeneous group of autoimmune blistering diseases, which affect both mucous membranes and the skin. The disease usually runs a chronic-relapsing course, with a potentially devastating impact on the patients' quality of life. Pemphigus pathogenesis is related to IgG autoantibodies targeting various adhesion molecules in the epidermis, including desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and 3, major components of desmosomes. The pathogenic relevance of such autoantibodies has been largely demonstrated experimentally. IgG autoantibody binding to Dsg results in loss of epidermal keratinocyte adhesion, a phenomenon referred to as acantholysis. This in turn causes intra-epidermal blistering and the clinical appearance of flaccid blisters and erosions at involved sites. Since the advent of glucocorticoids, the overall prognosis of pemphigus has largely improved. However, mortality persists elevated, since long-term use of high dose corticosteroids and adjuvant steroid-sparing immunosuppressants portend a high risk of serious adverse events, especially infections. Recently, rituximab, a chimeric anti CD20 monoclonal antibody which induces B-cell depletion, has been shown to improve patients' survival, as early rituximab use results in higher disease remission rates, long term clinical response and faster prednisone tapering compared to conventional immunosuppressive therapies, leading to its approval as a first line therapy in pemphigus. Other anti B-cell therapies targeting B-cell receptor or downstream molecules are currently tried in clinical studies. More intriguingly, a preliminary study in a preclinical mouse model of pemphigus has shown promise regarding future therapeutic application of Chimeric Autoantibody Receptor T-cells engineered using Dsg domains to selectively target autoreactive B-cells. Conversely, previous studies from our group have demonstrated that B-cell depletion in pemphigus resulted in secondary impairment of T-cell function; this may account for the observed long-term remission following B-cell recovery in rituximab treated patients. Likewise, our data support the critical role of Dsg-specific T-cell clones in orchestrating the inflammatory response and B-cell activation in pemphigus. Monitoring autoreactive T-cells in patients may indeed provide further information on the role of these cells, and would be the starting point for designating therapies aimed at restoring the lost immune tolerance against Dsg. The present review focuses on current advances, unmet challenges and future perspectives of pemphigus management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Didona
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roberto Maglie
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.,Surgery and Translational Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Section of Dermatology, Departement of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rüdiger Eming
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
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16
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Hariton WVJ, Galichet A, Vanden Berghe T, Overmiller AM, Mahoney MG, Declercq W, Müller EJ. Feasibility study for clinical application of caspase-3 inhibitors in Pemphigus vulgaris. Exp Dermatol 2018; 26:1274-1277. [PMID: 29105150 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The potentially severe side effects of systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants used in Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) call for novel therapeutic approaches. In this context, pharmacological inhibition of major pathogenic signalling effectors represents a promising alternative. However, we have also shown that overinhibition of effectors required for epidermal homeostasis can exacerbate PV pathophysiology implicating transepidermal keratinocyte fragility. A feedforward target validation therefore preferentially includes studies on knockout mouse models. We previously reported on successful amelioration of PV blisters following inhibition of non-apoptotic, low-level caspase-3. Here, we use conditional, keratinocyte-specific caspase-3-deficient mice (casp3EKO ) to demonstrate (i) absence of keratinocyte fragility upon injection of the potent Dsg3-specific antibody AK23 and (ii) amelioration of blistering on the background of known signalling effectors. Our results provide the experimental proof of concept justifying translation of the caspase-3 inhibitor approach into PV clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- William V J Hariton
- Department of BioMedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Galichet
- Department of BioMedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tom Vanden Berghe
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andrew M Overmiller
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - My G Mahoney
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wim Declercq
- Molecular Signaling and Cell Death Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eliane J Müller
- Department of BioMedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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17
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Sajda T, Sinha AA. Autoantibody Signaling in Pemphigus Vulgaris: Development of an Integrated Model. Front Immunol 2018; 9:692. [PMID: 29755451 PMCID: PMC5932349 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune skin blistering disease effecting both cutaneous and mucosal epithelia. Blister formation in PV is known to result from the binding of autoantibodies (autoAbs) to keratinocyte antigens. The primary antigenic targets of pathogenic autoAbs are known to be desmoglein 3, and to a lesser extent, desmoglein 1, cadherin family proteins that partially comprise the desmosome, a protein structure responsible for maintaining cell adhesion, although additional autoAbs, whose role in blister formation is still unclear, are also known to be present in PV patients. Nevertheless, there remain large gaps in knowledge concerning the precise mechanisms through which autoAb binding induces blister formation. Consequently, the primary therapeutic interventions for PV focus on systemic immunosuppression, whose side effects represent a significant health risk to patients. In an effort to identify novel, disease-specific therapeutic targets, a multitude of studies attempting to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms downstream of autoAb binding, have led to significant advancements in the understanding of autoAb-mediated blister formation. Despite this enhanced characterization of disease processes, a satisfactory explanation of autoAb-induced acantholysis still does not exist. Here, we carefully review the literature investigating the pathogenic disease mechanisms in PV and, taking into account the full scope of results from these studies, provide a novel, comprehensive theory of blister formation in PV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sajda
- Department of Dermatology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Animesh A Sinha
- Department of Dermatology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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18
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Egu DT, Walter E, Spindler V, Waschke J. Inhibition of p38MAPK signalling prevents epidermal blistering and alterations of desmosome structure induced by pemphigus autoantibodies in human epidermis. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:1612-1618. [PMID: 28600798 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a skin blistering disease caused by autoantibodies targeting the desmosomal adhesion proteins desmoglein (Dsg) 3 and 1. The mechanisms underlying pemphigus skin blistering are not fully elucidated but p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activation is one of the signalling events necessary for full loss of cell cohesion. However, it is unclear whether ultrastructural hallmarks of desmosome morphology as observed in patients' lesions are mediated by p38MAPK signalling. OBJECTIVES In this study, we tested the relevance of p38MAPK for blister formation and the ultrastructural changes induced by PV autoantibodies in human skin. METHODS Human skin samples were injected with IgG fractions of one patient suffering from mucocutaneous PV (mcPV-IgG), one from mucosal-dominant PV (mdPV-IgG) or AK23, a pathogenic monoclonal Dsg3 antibody derived from a pemphigus mouse model. Samples were processed for histological and electron microscopy analyses. RESULTS mcPV-IgG and AK23 but not mdPV-IgG reduced desmosome size, caused interdesmosomal widening and formation of split desmosomes, and altered keratin filament insertion. In contrast, full epidermal blister formation and lower desmosome number were evident in tissue samples exposed to mcPV-IgG only. Pharmacological inhibition of p38MAPK blunted the reduction of desmosome number and size, ameliorated interdesmosomal widening and loss of keratin insertion and prevented mcPV-IgG-induced blister formation. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that blistering can be prevented by inhibition of p38MAPK in the human epidermis. Moreover, typical morphological alterations induced by mcPV-IgG such as interdesmosomal widening and the reduction of desmosome size at least in part require p38MAPK signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Egu
- Department I, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), München, D-80336, Germany
| | - E Walter
- Department I, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), München, D-80336, Germany
| | - V Spindler
- Department I, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), München, D-80336, Germany
| | - J Waschke
- Department I, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), München, D-80336, Germany
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19
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Spindler V, Eming R, Schmidt E, Amagai M, Grando S, Jonkman MF, Kowalczyk AP, Müller EJ, Payne AS, Pincelli C, Sinha AA, Sprecher E, Zillikens D, Hertl M, Waschke J. Mechanisms Causing Loss of Keratinocyte Cohesion in Pemphigus. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 138:32-37. [PMID: 29037765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The autoimmune blistering skin disease pemphigus is caused by IgG autoantibodies against desmosomal cadherins, but the precise mechanisms are in part a matter of controversial discussions. This review focuses on the currently existing models of the disease and highlights the relevance of desmoglein-specific versus nondesmoglein autoantibodies, the contribution of nonautoantibody factors, and the mechanisms leading to cell dissociation and blister formation in response to autoantibody binding. As the review brings together the majority of laboratories currently working on pemphigus pathogenesis, it aims to serve as a solid basis for further investigations for the entire field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Spindler
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.
| | - Rüdiger Eming
- Department of Dermatology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Enno Schmidt
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Masayuki Amagai
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sergei Grando
- Institute for Immunology and Departments of Dermatology and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Marcel F Jonkman
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew P Kowalczyk
- Departments of Cell Biology and Dermatology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eliane J Müller
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, Institute of Animal Pathology, Bern, Switzerland; Vetsuisse Faculty, DermFocus, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aimee S Payne
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carlo Pincelli
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Animesh A Sinha
- Department of Dermatology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Eli Sprecher
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Detlef Zillikens
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Michael Hertl
- Department of Dermatology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jens Waschke
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.
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20
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Vielmuth F, Wanuske MT, Radeva MY, Hiermaier M, Kugelmann D, Walter E, Buechau F, Magin TM, Waschke J, Spindler V. Keratins Regulate the Adhesive Properties of Desmosomal Cadherins through Signaling. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 138:121-131. [PMID: 28899688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tightly controlled intercellular adhesion is crucial for the integrity and function of the epidermis. The keratin filament cytoskeleton anchors desmosomes, supramolecular complexes required for strong intercellular adhesion. We tested whether keratin filaments control cell adhesion by regulating the adhesive properties of desmosomal cadherins such as desmoglein (Dsg) 3. Atomic force microscopy and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments showed reduced Dsg3 adhesive forces and membrane stability in murine keratinocytes lacking all keratin filaments. Impairment of the actin cytoskeleton also resulted in decreased Dsg3 immobilization but did not affect Dsg3 binding properties, indicating that the latter are exclusively controlled by keratins. Reduced binding forces were dependent on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, which was deregulated in keratin-deficient cells. In contrast, inhibition of protein kinase C signaling, which is known to be controlled by keratins, promoted and spatially stabilized Dsg3-mediated interactions in the membrane. These results show a previously unreported mechanism for how keratins stabilize intercellular adhesion on the level of single desmosomal adhesion molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Vielmuth
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marie-Therès Wanuske
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mariya Y Radeva
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Hiermaier
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Kugelmann
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elias Walter
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fanny Buechau
- Institute of Biology and Translational Center for Regenerative Medicine, Sächsischer Inkubator für klinische Translation, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas M Magin
- Institute of Biology and Translational Center for Regenerative Medicine, Sächsischer Inkubator für klinische Translation, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jens Waschke
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Volker Spindler
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany.
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21
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Cipolla GA, Park JK, Lavker RM, Petzl-Erler ML. Crosstalk between Signaling Pathways in Pemphigus: A Role for Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation? Front Immunol 2017; 8:1022. [PMID: 28928733 PMCID: PMC5591886 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pemphigus consists of a group of chronic blistering skin diseases mediated by autoantibodies (autoAbs). The dogma that pemphigus is caused by keratinocyte dissociation (acantholysis) as a distinctive and direct consequence of the presence of autoAb targeting two main proteins of the desmosome—desmoglein (DSG) 1 and/or DSG3—has been put to the test. Several outside-in signaling events elicited by pemphigus autoAb in keratinocytes have been described, among which stands out p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) engagement and its apoptotic effect on keratinocytes. The role of apoptosis in the disease is, however, debatable, to an extent that it may not be a determinant event for the occurrence of acantholysis. Also, it has been verified that compromised DSG trans-interaction does not lead to keratinocyte dissociation when p38 MAPK is inhibited. These examples of conflicting results have been followed by recent work revealing an important role for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in pemphigus’ pathogenesis. ER stress is known to activate the p38 MAPK pathway, and vice versa. However, this relationship has not yet been studied in the context of activated signaling pathways in pemphigus. Therefore, by reviewing and hypothetically connecting the role(s) of ER stress and p38 MAPK pathway in pemphigus, we highlight the importance of elucidating the crosstalk between all activated signaling pathways, which may in turn contribute for a better understanding of the role of apoptosis in the disease and a better management of this life-threatening condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel A Cipolla
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Jong Kook Park
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Biomedical Science and Research, Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Robert M Lavker
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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22
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Ludwig RJ, Vanhoorelbeke K, Leypoldt F, Kaya Z, Bieber K, McLachlan SM, Komorowski L, Luo J, Cabral-Marques O, Hammers CM, Lindstrom JM, Lamprecht P, Fischer A, Riemekasten G, Tersteeg C, Sondermann P, Rapoport B, Wandinger KP, Probst C, El Beidaq A, Schmidt E, Verkman A, Manz RA, Nimmerjahn F. Mechanisms of Autoantibody-Induced Pathology. Front Immunol 2017; 8:603. [PMID: 28620373 PMCID: PMC5449453 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies are frequently observed in healthy individuals. In a minority of these individuals, they lead to manifestation of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Graves' disease. Overall, more than 2.5% of the population is affected by autoantibody-driven autoimmune disease. Pathways leading to autoantibody-induced pathology greatly differ among different diseases, and autoantibodies directed against the same antigen, depending on the targeted epitope, can have diverse effects. To foster knowledge in autoantibody-induced pathology and to encourage development of urgently needed novel therapeutic strategies, we here categorized autoantibodies according to their effects. According to our algorithm, autoantibodies can be classified into the following categories: (1) mimic receptor stimulation, (2) blocking of neural transmission, (3) induction of altered signaling, triggering uncontrolled (4) microthrombosis, (5) cell lysis, (6) neutrophil activation, and (7) induction of inflammation. These mechanisms in relation to disease, as well as principles of autoantibody generation and detection, are reviewed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf J. Ludwig
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Karen Vanhoorelbeke
- Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, IRF Life Sciences, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Frank Leypoldt
- Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ziya Kaya
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Bieber
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sandra M. McLachlan
- Thyroid Autoimmune Disease Unit, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lars Komorowski
- Institute for Experimental Immunology, Affiliated to Euroimmun AG, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Jon M. Lindstrom
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Peter Lamprecht
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Andrea Fischer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Tersteeg
- Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, IRF Life Sciences, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Basil Rapoport
- Thyroid Autoimmune Disease Unit, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Klaus-Peter Wandinger
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical-Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christian Probst
- Institute for Experimental Immunology, Affiliated to Euroimmun AG, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Asmaa El Beidaq
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Enno Schmidt
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alan Verkman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rudolf A. Manz
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Falk Nimmerjahn
- Department of Biology, Institute of Genetics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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23
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Abstract
Pemphigus is a group of IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases of stratified squamous epithelia, such as the skin and oral mucosa, in which acantholysis (the loss of cell adhesion) causes blisters and erosions. Pemphigus has three major subtypes: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus and paraneoplastic pemphigus. IgG autoantibodies are characteristically raised against desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3, which are cell-cell adhesion molecules found in desmosomes. The sites of blister formation can be physiologically explained by the anti-desmoglein autoantibody profile and tissue-specific expression pattern of desmoglein isoforms. The pathophysiological roles of T cells and B cells have been characterized in mouse models of pemphigus and patients, revealing insights into the mechanisms of autoimmunity. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and confirmed with histological and immunochemical testing. The current first-line treatment is systemic corticosteroids and adjuvant therapies, including immunosuppressive agents, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against CD20+ B cells, is a promising therapeutic option that may soon become first-line therapy. Pemphigus is one of the best-characterized human autoimmune diseases and provides an ideal paradigm for both basic and clinical research, especially towards the development of antigen-specific immune suppression treatments for autoimmune diseases.
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24
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Abstract
Despite the rising incidence of autoimmunity, therapeutic options for patients with autoimmune disease still rely on decades-old immunosuppressive strategies that risk severe and potentially fatal complications. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches for autoimmune diseases are greatly needed in order to minimize treatment-related toxicity. Such strategies would ideally target only the autoreactive immune components to preserve beneficial immunity. Here, we review how several decades of basic, translational, and clinical research on the immunology of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoantibody-mediated skin disease, have enabled the development of targeted immunotherapeutic strategies. We discuss research to elucidate the pathophysiology of PV and how the knowledge afforded by these studies has led to the preclinical and clinical testing of targeted approaches to neutralize autoantibodies, to induce antigen-specific tolerance, and to specifically eliminate autoreactive B cells in PV.
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25
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Ellebrecht CT, Bhoj VG, Nace A, Choi EJ, Mao X, Cho MJ, Di Zenzo G, Lanzavecchia A, Seykora JT, Cotsarelis G, Milone MC, Payne AS. Reengineering chimeric antigen receptor T cells for targeted therapy of autoimmune disease. Science 2016; 353:179-84. [PMID: 27365313 PMCID: PMC5343513 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf6756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 433] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ideally, therapy for autoimmune diseases should eliminate pathogenic autoimmune cells while sparing protective immunity, but feasible strategies for such an approach have been elusive. Here, we show that in the antibody-mediated autoimmune disease pemphigus vulgaris (PV), autoantigen-based chimeric immunoreceptors can direct T cells to kill autoreactive B lymphocytes through the specificity of the B cell receptor (BCR). We engineered human T cells to express a chimeric autoantibody receptor (CAAR), consisting of the PV autoantigen, desmoglein (Dsg) 3, fused to CD137-CD3ζ signaling domains. Dsg3 CAAR-T cells exhibit specific cytotoxicity against cells expressing anti-Dsg3 BCRs in vitro and expand, persist, and specifically eliminate Dsg3-specific B cells in vivo. CAAR-T cells may provide an effective and universal strategy for specific targeting of autoreactive B cells in antibody-mediated autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vijay G Bhoj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Arben Nace
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eun Jung Choi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xuming Mao
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Jeffrey Cho
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Giovanni Di Zenzo
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00167 Rome, Italy
| | | | - John T Seykora
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - George Cotsarelis
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael C Milone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Aimee S Payne
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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26
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Lo AS, Mao X, Mukherjee EM, Ellebrecht CT, Yu X, Posner MR, Payne AS, Cavacini LA. Pathogenicity and Epitope Characteristics Do Not Differ in IgG Subclass-Switched Anti-Desmoglein 3 IgG1 and IgG4 Autoantibodies in Pemphigus Vulgaris. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156800. [PMID: 27304671 PMCID: PMC4909199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is characterized by IgG1 and IgG4 autoantibodies to desmoglein (Dsg) 3, causing suprabasal blistering of skin and mucous membranes. IgG4 is the dominant autoantibody subclass in PV and correlates with disease activity, whereas IgG1 can be associated with remittent disease. It is unknown if switching the same variable region between IgG4 and IgG1 directly impacts pathogenicity. Here, we tested whether three pathogenic PV monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from three different patients demonstrate differences in antigen affinity, epitope specificity, or pathogenicity when expressed as IgG1 or IgG4. F706 anti-Dsg3 IgG4 and F779 anti-Dsg3 IgG1, previously isolated as heterohybridomas, and Px43, a monovalent anti-Dsg3/Dsg1 IgG antibody isolated by phage display, were subcloned to obtain paired sets of IgG1 and IgG4 mAbs. Using ELISA and cell surface staining assays, F706 and F779 demonstrated similar antigen binding affinities of IgG1 and IgG4, whereas Px43 showed 3- to 8-fold higher affinity of IgG4 versus IgG1 by ELISA, but identical binding affinities to human skin, perhaps due to targeting of a quaternary epitope best displayed in tissues. All 3 mAb pairs targeted the same extracellular cadherin (EC) domain on Dsg3, caused Dsg3 internalization in primary human keratinocytes, and caused suprabasal blisters in human skin at comparable doses. We conclude that switching IgG1 and IgG4 subclasses of pathogenic PV mAbs does not directly affect their antigen binding or pathogenic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes S. Lo
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xuming Mao
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Eric M. Mukherjee
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christoph T. Ellebrecht
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Xiaocong Yu
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Marshall R. Posner
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Aimee S. Payne
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Cavacini
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Stahley SN, Warren MF, Feldman RJ, Swerlick RA, Mattheyses AL, Kowalczyk AP. Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals Altered Desmosomal Protein Organization in Tissue from Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 136:59-66. [PMID: 26763424 PMCID: PMC4730957 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune epidermal blistering disease in which autoantibodies (IgG) are directed against the desmosomal cadherin desmoglein 3 (Dsg3). In order to better understand how PV IgG alters desmosome morphology and function in vivo, PV patient biopsies were analyzed by structured illumination microscopy (SIM), a form of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. In patient tissue, desmosomal proteins were aberrantly clustered and localized to PV IgG-containing endocytic linear arrays. Patient IgG also colocalized with markers for lipid rafts and endosomes. Additionally, steady-state levels of Dsg3 were decreased and desmosomes were reduced in size in patient tissue. Desmosomes at blister sites were occasionally split, with PV IgG decorating the extracellular faces of split desmosomes. Desmosome splitting was recapitulated in vitro by exposing cultured keratinocytes both to PV IgG and to mechanical stress, demonstrating that splitting at the blister interface in patient tissue is due to compromised desmosomal adhesive function. These findings indicate that Dsg3 clustering and endocytosis are associated with reduced desmosome size and adhesion defects in PV patient tissue. Further, this study reveals that super-resolution optical imaging is powerful approach for studying epidermal adhesion structures in normal and diseased skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N Stahley
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maxine F Warren
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ron J Feldman
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert A Swerlick
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alexa L Mattheyses
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andrew P Kowalczyk
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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28
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Hammers CM, Stanley JR. Mechanisms of Disease: Pemphigus and Bullous Pemphigoid. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2016; 11:175-97. [PMID: 26907530 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-012615-044313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid are autoantibody-mediated blistering skin diseases. In pemphigus, keratinocytes in epidermis and mucous membranes lose cell-cell adhesion, and in pemphigoid, the basal keratinocytes lose adhesion to the basement membrane. Pemphigus lesions are mediated directly by the autoantibodies, whereas the autoantibodies in pemphigoid fix complement and mediate inflammation. In both diseases, the autoantigens have been cloned and characterized; pemphigus antigens are desmogleins (cell adhesion molecules in desmosomes), and pemphigoid antigens are found in hemidesmosomes (which mediate adhesion to the basement membrane). This knowledge has enabled diagnostic testing for these diseases by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and dissection of various pathophysiological mechanisms, including direct inhibition of cell adhesion, antibody-induced internalization of antigen, and cell signaling. Understanding these mechanisms of disease has led to rational targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph M Hammers
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; .,Department of Dermatology, University of Luebeck, D-23562 Luebeck, Germany;
| | - John R Stanley
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104;
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29
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Desmoglein 3-Dependent Signaling Regulates Keratinocyte Migration and Wound Healing. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 136:301-10. [DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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30
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Vielmuth F, Waschke J, Spindler V. Loss of Desmoglein Binding Is Not Sufficient for Keratinocyte Dissociation in Pemphigus. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:3068-3077. [DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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31
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Di Zenzo G, Amber KT, Sayar BS, Müller EJ, Borradori L. Immune response in pemphigus and beyond: progresses and emerging concepts. Semin Immunopathol 2015; 38:57-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-015-0541-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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32
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Circulating tumor cell clusters-associated gene plakoglobin and breast cancer survival. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2015; 151:491-500. [PMID: 25957595 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-015-3416-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer recurrence is a major cause of the disease-specific death. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are negatively associated with breast cancer survival. Plakoglobin, a cell adhesion protein, was recently reported as a determinant of CTCs types, single or clustered ones. Here, we aim to summarize the studies on the roles of plakoglobin and evaluate the association of plakoglobin and breast cancer survival. Plakoglobin as a key component in both cell adhesion and the signaling pathways was briefly reviewed first. Then the double-edge functions of plakoglobin in tumors and its association with CTCs and breast cancer metastasis were introduced. Finally, based on an open-access database, the association between plakoglobin and breast cancer survival was investigated using univariate and multivariate survival analyses. Plakoglobin may be a molecule functioning as a double-edge sword. Loss of plakoglobin expression leads to increased motility of epithelial cells, thereby promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and further metastasis of cancer. However, studies also show that plakoglobin can function as an oncogene. High expression of plakoglobin results in clustered tumor cells in circulation with high metastatic potential in breast cancer and shortened patient survival. Plakoglobin may be a potential prognostic biomarker that can be exploited to develop as a therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Brandner JM, Zorn-Kruppa M, Yoshida T, Moll I, Beck LA, De Benedetto A. Epidermal tight junctions in health and disease. Tissue Barriers 2015; 3:e974451. [PMID: 25838981 DOI: 10.4161/21688370.2014.974451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin, the largest organ of the body, is an essential barrier that under homeostatic conditions efficiently protects and/or minimizes damage from both environmental (e.g. microorganisms, physical trauma, ultraviolet radiation) and endogenous (e.g., cancers, inflammation) factors. This formidable barrier function resides mainly in the epidermis, a dynamic, highly-stratified epithelium. The epidermis has 2 major barrier structures: stratum corneum, the outmost layer and tight junctions, intercellular junctions that seal adjacent keratinocytes in the stratum granulosum, found below the stratum corneum. In recent years there have been significant advances in our understanding of tight junction function, composition and regulation. Herein we review what is known about tight junctions in healthy skin and keratinocyte culture systems and highlight the dynamic crosstalk observed between tight junctions and the cutaneous immune system. Finally we discuss the preliminary observations suggesting that tight junction function or protein expression may be relevant for the pathogenesis of a number of common cutaneous inflammatory and neoplastic conditions.
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Key Words
- AD, atopic dermatitis
- AMP, antimicrobial peptides
- Cldn, claudin
- DC, dendritic cells
- FLG, filaggrin
- JAM, junctional adhesion molecule
- LC, Langerhans cells
- MM, malignant melanoma
- PRR, pattern recognition receptor
- PS, psoriasis
- SCC, squamous cell carcinoma; SC, stratum corneum
- SG, stratum granulosum
- SNP, single nucleotide polymorphism
- TER, TransEpithelial Electrical Resistance
- TJ, tight junction
- TLR, Toll-like receptor
- Th, T helper
- ZO-1, zonula occludens 1
- claudins
- skin barrier
- skin immune system
- skin innate barrier
- tight junction
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Brandner
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf ; Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Zorn-Kruppa
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf ; Hamburg, Germany
| | - T Yoshida
- Department of Dermatology; University of Rochester Medical Center ; Rochester, NY USA
| | - I Moll
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf ; Hamburg, Germany
| | - L A Beck
- Department of Dermatology; University of Rochester Medical Center ; Rochester, NY USA
| | - A De Benedetto
- Department of Dermatology; University of Rochester Medical Center ; Rochester, NY USA
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34
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Abstract
Desmosomes are cell-cell junctions that mediate adhesion and couple the intermediate filament cytoskeleton to sites of cell-cell contact. This architectural arrangement integrates adhesion and cytoskeletal elements of adjacent cells. The importance of this robust adhesion system is evident in numerous human diseases, both inherited and acquired, which occur when desmosome function is compromised. This review focuses on autoimmune and infectious diseases that impair desmosome function. In addition, we discuss emerging evidence that desmosomal genes are often misregulated in cancer. The emphasis of our discussion is placed on the way in which human diseases can inform our understanding of basic desmosome biology and in turn, the means by which fundamental advances in the cell biology of desmosomes might lead to new treatments for acquired diseases of the desmosome.
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35
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Luyet C, Schulze K, Sayar BS, Howald D, Müller EJ, Galichet A. Preclinical studies identify non-apoptotic low-level caspase-3 as therapeutic target in pemphigus vulgaris. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119809. [PMID: 25748204 PMCID: PMC4352034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) patients suffer from a live-threatening loss of intercellular adhesion between keratinocytes (acantholysis). The disease is caused by auto-antibodies that bind to desmosomal cadherins desmoglein (Dsg) 3 or Dsg3 and Dsg1 in mucous membranes and skin. A currently unresolved controversy in PV is whether apoptosis is involved in the pathogenic process. The objective of this study was to perform preclinical studies to investigate apoptotic pathway activation in PV pathogenesis with the goal to assess its potential for clinical therapy. For this purpose, we investigated mouse and human skin keratinocyte cultures treated with PV antibodies (the experimental Dsg3 monospecific antibody AK23 or PV patients IgG), PV mouse models (passive transfer of AK23 or PVIgG into adult and neonatal mice) as well as PV patients' biopsies (n=6). A combination of TUNEL assay, analyses of membrane integrity, early apoptotic markers such as cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and the collapse of actin cytoskeleton failed to provide evidence for apoptosis in PV pathogenesis. However, the in vitro and in vivo PV models, allowing to monitor progression of lesion formation, revealed an early, transient and low-level caspase-3 activation. Pharmacological inhibition confirmed the functional implication of caspase-3 in major events in PV such as shedding of Dsg3, keratin retraction, proliferation including c-Myc induction, p38MAPK activation and acantholysis. Together, these data identify low-level caspase-3 activation downstream of disrupted Dsg3 trans- or cis-adhesion as a major event in PV pathogenesis that is non-synonymous with apoptosis and represents, unlike apoptotic components, a promising target for clinical therapy. At a broader level, these results posit that an impairment of adhesive functions in concert with low-level, non-lethal caspase-3 activation can evoke profound cellular changes which may be of relevance for other diseases including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Luyet
- Molecular Dermatology, Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katja Schulze
- Molecular Dermatology, Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Beyza S. Sayar
- Molecular Dermatology, Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Denise Howald
- Molecular Dermatology, Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eliane J. Müller
- Molecular Dermatology, Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Galichet
- Molecular Dermatology, Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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36
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The dual nature of interleukin-10 in pemphigus vulgaris. Cytokine 2014; 73:335-41. [PMID: 25464924 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) plays beneficial but also potentially detrimental roles in inflammation, infection, and autoimmunity. Recent studies suggest a regulatory role for IL-10-expressing B cells in the autoimmune blistering disease pemphigus vulgaris. Here we review the studies on IL-10 in pemphigus vulgaris and discuss the potential pathophysiological significance of these findings in comparison to prior studies of IL-10 in other human conditions. A better understanding of the complex roles of IL-10 in immune regulation may improve our understanding of pemphigus pathogenesis and treatment.
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37
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Johnson JL, Najor NA, Green KJ. Desmosomes: regulators of cellular signaling and adhesion in epidermal health and disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 4:a015297. [PMID: 25368015 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a015297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Desmosomes are intercellular junctions that mediate cell-cell adhesion and anchor the intermediate filament network to the plasma membrane, providing mechanical resilience to tissues such as the epidermis and heart. In addition to their critical roles in adhesion, desmosomal proteins are emerging as mediators of cell signaling important for proper cell and tissue functions. In this review we highlight what is known about desmosomal proteins regulating adhesion and signaling in healthy skin-in morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis, wound healing, and protection against environmental damage. We also discuss how human diseases that target desmosome molecules directly or interfere indirectly with these mechanical and signaling functions to contribute to pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L Johnson
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611 Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Nicole A Najor
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Kathleen J Green
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611 Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
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38
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Kitajima Y. 150(th) anniversary series: Desmosomes and autoimmune disease, perspective of dynamic desmosome remodeling and its impairments in pemphigus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:269-80. [PMID: 25078507 DOI: 10.3109/15419061.2014.943397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Desmosomes are the most important intercellular adhering junctions that adhere two adjacent keratinocytes directly with desmosomal cadherins, that is, desmogleins (Dsgs) and desmocollins, forming an epidermal sheet. Recently, two cell-cell adhesion states of desmosomes, that is, "stable hyper-adhesion" and "dynamic weak-adhesion" conditions have been recognized. They are mutually reversible through cell signaling events involving protein kinase C (PKC), Src and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) during Ca(2+)-switching and wound healing. This remodeling is impaired in pemphigus vulgaris (PV, an autoimmune blistering disease), caused by anti-Dsg3 antibodies. The antibody binding to Dsg3 activates PKC, Src and EGFR, linked to generation of dynamic weak-adhesion desmosomes, followed by p38MAPK-mediated endocytosis of Dsg3, resulting in the specific depletion of Dsg3 from desmosomes and acantholysis. A variety of pemphigus outside-in signaling may explain different clinical (non-inflammatory, inflammatory, and necrolytic) types of pemphigus. Pemphigus could be referred to a "desmosome-remodeling disease involving pemphigus IgG-activated outside-in signaling events".
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Kitajima
- Department of Dermatology, Kizawa Memorial Hospital, Professor Emeritus Gifu University School of Medicine , Minokamo City, Gifu Prefecture , Japan
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39
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Sumigray K, Zhou K, Lechler T. Cell-cell adhesions and cell contractility are upregulated upon desmosome disruption. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101824. [PMID: 25006807 PMCID: PMC4090201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmosomes are perturbed in a number of disease states – including genetic disorders, autoimmune and bacterial diseases. Here, we report unexpected changes in other cell-cell adhesion structures upon loss of desmosome function. We found that perturbation of desmosomes by either loss of the core desmosomal protein desmoplakin or treatment with pathogenic anti-desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) antibodies resulted in changes in adherens junctions consistent with increased tension. The total amount of myosin IIA was increased in desmoplakin-null epidermis, and myosin IIA became highly localized to cell contacts in both desmoplakin-null and anti-Dsg3-treated mouse keratinocytes. Inhibition of myosin II activity reversed the changes to adherens junctions seen upon desmosome disruption. The increased cortical myosin IIA promoted epithelial sheet fragility, as myosin IIA-null cells were less susceptible to disruption by anti-Dsg3 antibodies. In addition to the changes in adherens junctions, we found a significant increase in the expression of a number of claudin genes, which encode for transmembrane components of the tight junction that provide barrier function. These data demonstrate that desmosome disruption results in extensive transcriptional and posttranslational changes that alter the activity of other cell adhesion structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaelyn Sumigray
- Depts. of Dermatology and Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kang Zhou
- Depts. of Dermatology and Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Terry Lechler
- Depts. of Dermatology and Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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40
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Waschke J, Spindler V. Desmosomes and Extradesmosomal Adhesive Signaling Contacts in Pemphigus. Med Res Rev 2014; 34:1127-45. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Waschke
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department I; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich; Pettenkoferstrasse 11 D-80336 Munich Germany
| | - Volker Spindler
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department I; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich; Pettenkoferstrasse 11 D-80336 Munich Germany
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41
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Plakoglobin but not desmoplakin regulates keratinocyte cohesion via modulation of p38MAPK signaling. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:1655-1664. [PMID: 24441103 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Plakoglobin (Pg) and desmoplakin (DP) are adapter proteins within the desmosome, providing a mechanical link between desmosomal cadherins as transmembrane adhesion molecules and the intermediate filament cytoskeleton. As in the severe skin blistering disease pemphigus, autoantibodies against desmosomal adhesion molecules induce loss of keratinocyte cohesion at least in part via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activation and depletion of desmosomal components, we evaluated the roles of Pg and DP in the p38MAPK-dependent loss of cell adhesion. Silencing of either Pg or DP reduced cohesion of cultured human keratinocytes in dissociation assays. However, Pg but not DP silencing caused activation of p38MAPK-dependent keratin filament collapse and cell dissociation. Interestingly, extranuclear but not nuclear Pg rescued loss of cell adhesion and keratin retraction. In line with this, Pg regulated the levels of the desmosomal adhesion molecule desmoglein 3 and tethered p38MAPK to desmosomal complexes. Our data demonstrate a role of extranuclear Pg in controlling cell adhesion via p38MAPK-dependent regulation of keratin filament organization.
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