Paths to understanding the genetic basis of autoimmune disease

Cell type-specific modulation of metabolic, immune-regulatory, and anti-microbial pathways by CD101

T lymphocytes and myeloid cells express the immunoglobulin-like glycoprotein cluster of differentiation (CD)101, notably in the gut. Here, we investigated the cell-specific functions of CD101 during dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium infection. Similar to conventional CD101-/- mice, animals with a regulatory T cell-specific Cd101 deletion developed more severe intestinal pathology than littermate controls in both models. While the accumulation of T helper 1 cytokines in a CD101-deficient environment entertained DSS-induced colitis, it impeded the replication of Salmonella as revealed by studying CD101-/- x interferon-g-/- mice. Moreover, CD101-expressing neutrophils were capable to restrain Salmonella infection in vitro and in vivo. Both cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms of CD101 contributed to the control of bacterial growth and spreading. The CD101-dependent containment of Salmonella infection required the expression of Irg-1 and Nox2 and the production of itaconate and reactive oxygen species. The level of intestinal microbial antigens in the sera of inflammatory bowel disease patients correlated inversely with the expression of CD101 on myeloid cells, which is in line with the suppression of CD101 seen in mice following DSS application or Salmonella infection. Thus, depending on the experimental or clinical setting, CD101 helps to limit inflammatory insults or bacterial infections due to cell type-specific modulation of metabolic, immune-regulatory, and anti-microbial pathways.

Dynamic chromatin architecture identifies new autoimmune-associated enhancers for IL2 and novel genes regulating CD4+ T cell activation

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of genetic signals associated with autoimmune disease. The majority of these signals are located in non-coding regions and likely impact cis-regulatory elements (cRE). Because cRE function is dynamic across cell types and states, profiling the epigenetic status of cRE across physiological processes is necessary to characterize the molecular mechanisms by which autoimmune variants contribute to disease risk. We localized risk variants from 15 autoimmune GWAS to cRE active during TCR-CD28 co-stimulation of naïve human CD4+ T cells. To characterize how dynamic changes in gene expression correlate with cRE activity, we measured transcript levels, chromatin accessibility, and promoter-cRE contacts across three phases of naive CD4+ T cell activation using RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and HiC. We identified ~1200 protein-coding genes physically connected to accessible disease-associated variants at 423 GWAS signals, at least one-third of which are dynamically regulated by activation. From these maps, we functionally validated a novel stretch of evolutionarily conserved intergenic enhancers whose activity is required for activation-induced IL2 gene expression in human and mouse, and is influenced by autoimmune-associated genetic variation. The set of genes implicated by this approach are enriched for genes controlling CD4+ T cell function and genes involved in human inborn errors of immunity, and we pharmacologically validated eight implicated genes as novel regulators of T cell activation. These studies directly show how autoimmune variants and the genes they regulate influence processes involved in CD4+ T cell proliferation and activation.

Association of IL-17A and IL-10 Polymorphisms with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Finnish Children

To analyze the role of interleukin IL-17A and IL-10 polymorphisms in susceptibility to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 98 Finnish children and adolescents with JIA were studied. Data from the 1000 Genomes Project, consisting of 99 healthy Finns, served as the controls. The patients were analyzed for four IL-17A and three IL-10 gene-promoter polymorphisms, and the serum IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-10, and IL-6 levels were determined. The IL-17A rs8193036 variant genotypes (CT/CC) were more common among the patients than controls, especially in those with polyarthritis (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.11-3.36; p = 0.020). IL-17A rs2275913 minor allele A was more common in patients (OR 1.45, 95% Cl 1.08-1.94; p = 0.014) and especially among patients with oligoarthritis and polyarthritis than the controls (OR 1.61, 95%CI 1.06-2.43; p = 0.024). Carriers of the IL-17A rs4711998 variant genotype (AG/AA) had higher serum IL-17A levels than those with genotype GG. However, carriers of the variant genotypes of IL-17A rs9395767 and rs4711998 appeared to have higher IL-17F levels than those carrying wildtype. IL-10 rs1800896 variant genotypes (TC/CC) were more abundant in patients than in the controls (OR 1.97, 95%CI 1.06-3.70; p = 0.042). Carriers of the IL-10 rs1800896 variant genotypes had lower serum levels of IL-17F than those with wildtype. These data provide preliminary evidence of the roles of IL-17 and IL-10 in the pathogenesis of JIA and its subtypes in the Finnish population. However, the results should be interpreted with caution, as the number of subjects included in this study was limited.

Immunological landscape of solid cancer: Interplay between tumor and autoimmunity

The immune system, a central player in maintaining homeostasis, emerges as a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis and progression of two seemingly disparate yet interconnected categories of diseases: autoimmunity and cancer. This chapter delves into the intricate and multifaceted role of the immune system, particularly T cells, in orchestrating responses that govern the delicate balance between immune surveillance and self-tolerance. T cells, pivotal immune system components, play a central role in both diseases. In autoimmunity, aberrant T cell activation drives damaging immune responses against normal tissues, while in cancer, T cells exhibit suppressed responses, allowing the growth of malignant tumors. Immune checkpoint receptors, example, initially explored in autoimmunity, now revolutionize cancer treatment via immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Though effective in various tumors, ICB poses risks of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) akin to autoimmunity. This chapter underscores the importance of understanding tumor-associated antigens and their role in autoimmunity, immune checkpoint regulation, and their implications for both diseases. It also explores autoimmunity resulting from cancer immunotherapy and shared molecular pathways in solid tumors and autoimmune diseases, highlighting their interconnectedness at the molecular level. Additionally, it sheds light on common pathways and epigenetic features shared by autoimmunity and cancer, and the potential of repurposing drugs for therapeutic interventions. Delving deeper into these insights could unlock therapeutic strategies for both autoimmunity and cancer.

Innovative cellular therapies for autoimmune diseases: expert-based position statement and clinical practice recommendations from the EBMT practice harmonization and guidelines committee

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are characterized by loss of immune tolerance, high chronicity, with substantial morbidity and mortality, despite conventional immunosuppression (IS) or targeted disease modifying therapies (DMTs), which usually require repeated administration. Recently, novel cellular therapies (CT), including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), Chimeric Antigen Receptors T cells (CART) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), have been successfully adopted in ADs. An international expert panel of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation and the International Society for the Cell and Gene Therapy, reviewed all available evidence, based on the current literature and expert practices, on use of MSC, CART and Tregs, in AD patients with rheumatological, neurological, and gastroenterological indications. Expert-based consensus and recommendations for best practice and quality of patient care were developed to support clinicians, scientists, and their multidisciplinary teams, as well as patients and care providers and will be regularly updated.

sscNOVA: a semi-supervised convolutional neural network for predicting functional regulatory variants in autoimmune diseases

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of variants in the human genome with autoimmune diseases. However, identifying functional regulatory variants associated with autoimmune diseases remains challenging, largely because of insufficient experimental validation data. We adopt the concept of semi-supervised learning by combining labeled and unlabeled data to develop a deep learning-based algorithm framework, sscNOVA, to predict functional regulatory variants in autoimmune diseases and analyze the functional characteristics of these regulatory variants. Compared to traditional supervised learning methods, our approach leverages more variants' data to explore the relationship between functional regulatory variants and autoimmune diseases. Based on the experimentally curated testing dataset and evaluation metrics, we find that sscNOVA outperforms other state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, we illustrate that sscNOVA can help to improve the prioritization of functional regulatory variants from lead single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the proxy variants in autoimmune GWAS data.

Deubiquitylating Enzymes in Cancer and Immunity

Deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) maintain relative homeostasis of the cellular ubiquitome by removing the post-translational modification ubiquitin moiety from substrates. Numerous DUBs have been demonstrated specificity for cleaving a certain type of ubiquitin linkage or positions within ubiquitin chains. Moreover, several DUBs perform functions through specific protein-protein interactions in a catalytically independent manner, which further expands the versatility and complexity of DUBs' functions. Dysregulation of DUBs disrupts the dynamic equilibrium of ubiquitome and causes various diseases, especially cancer and immune disorders. This review summarizes the Janus-faced roles of DUBs in cancer including proteasomal degradation, DNA repair, apoptosis, and tumor metastasis, as well as in immunity involving innate immune receptor signaling and inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The prospects and challenges for the clinical development of DUB inhibitors are further discussed. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of the multi-faced roles of DUBs in cancer and immunity.

Efficacy of Apremilast Gels in Mouse Model of Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis Skin Inflammation

Apremilast (APM) is a novel drug for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. APM is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, raising intracellular cAMP levels and thereby decreasing the inflammatory response by modulating the expression of TNF-α, IL-17, IL-23, and other inflammatory cytokines. The goal of this study is to develop APM gels as a new pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of topical psoriasis. APM was solubilized in Transcutol-P and incorporated into Pluronic F127, Sepigel, and carbomer bases at different proportions. All formulations were characterized physiochemically. A biopharmaceutical study (release profile) was performed, and ex vivo permeation was evaluated using a human skin model. A toxicity assay was carried out on the HaCaT cell line. A mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis skin inflammation was carried out to determine its efficacy by histological analysis, RNA extraction, and RT-qPCR assays. APM gel formulations showed good physicochemical characteristics and a sustained release profile. There was no permeation of any gel measured through human skin, indicating a high retained amount of APM on the skin. Cell viability was greater than 80% at most dilution concentrations. APM gels treated the psoriasis mouse model, and it shows a reduction in the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-23). APM gels could be a new approach for the treatment of topical psoriasis.

Functional Nanopores Enabled with DNA

Membrane-spanning nanopores are used in label-free single-molecule sensing and next-generation portable nucleic acid sequencing, and as powerful research tools in biology, biophysics, and synthetic biology. Naturally occurring protein and peptide pores, as well as synthetic inorganic nanopores, are used in these applications, with their limitations. The structural and functional repertoire of nanopores can be considerably expanded by functionalising existing pores with DNA strands and by creating an entirely new class of nanopores with DNA nanotechnology. This review outlines progress in this area of functional DNA nanopores and outlines developments to open up new applications.

Innate and adaptive immune abnormalities underlying autoimmune diseases: the genetic connections

With the exception of an extremely small number of cases caused by single gene mutations, most autoimmune diseases result from the complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors. In a nutshell, etiology of the common autoimmune disorders is unknown in spite of progress elucidating certain effector cells and molecules responsible for pathologies associated with inflammatory and tissue damage. In recent years, population genetics approaches have greatly enriched our knowledge regarding genetic susceptibility of autoimmunity, providing us with a window of opportunities to comprehensively re-examine autoimmunity-associated genes and possible pathways. In this review, we aim to discuss etiology and pathogenesis of common autoimmune disorders from the perspective of human genetics. An overview of the genetic basis of autoimmunity is followed by 3 chapters detailing susceptibility genes involved in innate immunity, adaptive immunity and inflammatory cell death processes respectively. With such attempts, we hope to expand the scope of thinking and bring attention to lesser appreciated molecules and pathways as important contributors of autoimmunity beyond the 'usual suspects' of a limited subset of validated therapeutic targets.

Molecular Mimicry Analyses Unveiled the Human Herpes Simplex and Poxvirus Epitopes as Possible Candidates to Incite Autoimmunity

Clinical epidemiological studies have reported that viral infections cause autoimmune pathology in humans. Host-pathogen protein sequences and structure-based molecular mimicry cause autoreactive T cells to cross-activate. The aim of the current study was to implement immunoinformatics approaches to infer sequence- and structure-based molecular mimicry between viral and human proteomic datasets. The protein sequences of all the so far known human-infecting viruses were obtained from the VIPR database, and complete human proteome data were retrieved from the NCBI repository. Based on a predefined, stringent threshold of comparative sequence analyses, 24 viral proteins were identified with significant sequence similarity to human proteins. PathDIP identified the enrichment of these homologous proteins in nine metabolic pathways with a p-value < 0.0001. Several viral and human mimic epitopes from these homologous proteins were predicted as strong binders of human HLA alleles, with IC50 < 50 nM. Downstream molecular docking analyses identified that lead virus-human homologous epitopes feasibly interact with HLA and TLR4 types of immune receptors. The vast majority of these top-hit homolog epitopic peptides belong to the herpes simplex and poxvirus families. These lead epitope biological sequences and 3D structural-based molecular mimicry may be promising for interpreting herpes simplex virus and poxvirus infection-mediated autoimmune disorders in humans.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Preclinical Models of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases, chronic in nature, are generally hard to alleviate. Present long-term treatments with available drugs such as steroids, immune-suppressive drugs, or antibodies have several debilitating side effects. Therefore, new treatment options are urgently needed. Stem cells, in general, have the potential to reduce immune-mediated damage through immunomodulation and T cell regulation (T regs) by inhibiting the proliferation of dendritic cells and T and B cells and reducing inflammation through the generation of immunosuppressive biomolecules like interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), nitric oxide (NO), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Many stem cell-based therapeutics have been evaluated in the clinic, but the overall clinical outcomes in terms of efficacy and the longevity of therapeutic benefits seem to be variable and inconsistent with the postulated benefits. This emphasizes a greater need for building robust preclinical models and models that can better predict the clinical translation of stem cell-based therapeutics. Stem cell therapy based on MSCs having the definitive potential to regulate the immune system and control inflammation is emerging as a promising tool for the treatment of autoimmune disorders while promoting tissue regeneration. MSCs, derived from bone marrow, umbilical cord, and adipose tissue, have been shown to be highly immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory and shown to enhance tissue repair and regeneration in preclinical models as well as in clinical settings. In this article, a review on the status of MSC-based preclinical disease models with emphasis on understanding disease mechanisms in chronic inflammatory disorders caused by exaggerated host immune response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was carried out. We also emphasized various factors that better predict the translation of stem cell therapeutic outcomes from preclinical disease models to human patients.

Endocrine Disorders in Autoimmune Rheumatological Diseases: A Focus on Thyroid Autoimmune Diseases and on the Effects of Chronic Glucocorticoid Treatment

Autoimmune rheumatological diseases’ incidence and prevalence have risen over the last decades and they are becoming increasingly important worldwide. Thyroid autoimmune diseases share with them an imbalance in the immune system that lead to a pro-inflammatory environment. Usually this is the result of a multi-factorial process. In fact, it includes not only a possible genetic predisposition, but also environmental causes like microbiota dysbiosis, diet rich in processed foods, exposure to toxicants and infections. However, many aspects are currently under study. This paper aims to examine the factors that participate in the developing of rheumatological and thyroid autoimmune diseases. Moreover, as glucocorticoids still represent a leading treatment for systemic autoimmune rheumatological diseases, our secondary aim is to summarize the main effects of glucocorticoids treatment focusing on iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome and glucocorticoids’ withdrawal syndrome.

Cytoplasmic-translocated Ku70 senses intracellular DNA and mediates interferon-lambda1 induction

We have previously identified that human Ku70, a nuclear protein, serves as a cytosolic DNA sensor. Upon transfection with DNA or infection with DNA virus, Ku70 translocates from the nucleus into the cytoplasm and then predominately induces interferon lambda1 (IFN-λ1) rather than IFN-alpha or IFN-beta, through a STING-dependent signalling pathway. However, a detailed mechanism for Ku70 cytoplasmic translocation and its correlation with IFN-λ1 induction have not been fully elucidated. Here, we observed that cytoplasmic translocation of Ku70 only occurred in DNA-triggered IFN-λ1-inducible cells. Additionally, infection by Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), a DNA virus, induces cytoplasmic translocation of Ku70 and IFN-λ1 induction in a strain-dependent manner: the translocation and IFN-λ1 induction were detected upon infection by HSV-1 McKrae, but not MacIntyre, strain. A kinetic analysis indicated that cytoplasmic translocation of Ku70 was initiated right after DNA transfection and was peaked at 6 hr after DNA stimulation. Furthermore, treatment with leptomycin B, a nuclear export inhibitor, inhibited both Ku70 translocation and IFN-λ1 induction, suggesting that Ku70 translocation is an essential and early event for its cytosolic DNA sensing. We further confirmed that enhancing the acetylation status of the cells promotes Ku70's cytoplasmic accumulation, and therefore increases DNA-mediated IFN-λ1 induction. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanism by which the versatile sensor detects pathogenic DNA in a localization-dependent manner.

CD101 as an indicator molecule for pathological changes at the interface of host-microbiota interactions

Intestinal microbiota signal to local and distant tissues in the body. Thus, they also regulate biochemical, metabolic and immunological processes in the gut and in the pancreas. Vice versa, eating habits or the immune system of the host shape the intraluminal microbiota. Disruptions of these versatile host-microbiota interactions underlie the pathogenesis of complex immune-mediated disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or type 1 diabetes (T1D). Consequently, dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability associated with both disorders change the biology of underlying tissues, as evidenced, for example, by an altered expression of surface markers such as CD101 on immune cells located at these dynamic host-microbiota interfaces. CD101, a heavily glycosylated member of the immunoglobulin superfamiliy, is predominantly detected on myeloid cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the gut. The expression of CD101 on both myeloid cells and T lymphocytes protects from experimental enterocolitis and T1D. The improved outcome of both diseases is associated with an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and a reduced expansion of T cells. However, distinct bacteria suppress the expression of CD101 on myeloid cells, similar as does inflammation on T cells. Thus, the reduced CD101 expression in T1D and IBD patients might be a consequence of an altered composition of the intestinal microbiota, enhanced bacterial translocation and a subsequent primining of local and systemic inflammatory immune responses.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and autoimmune diseases amidst the COVID-19 crisis

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become challenging even for the most durable healthcare systems. It seems that vaccination, one of the most effective public-health interventions, presents a ray of hope to end the pandemic by achieving herd immunity. In this review, we aimed to cover aspects of the current knowledge of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines and vaccine candidates in the light of autoimmune inflammatory diseases (AIIDs) and to analyze their potential in terms of safety and effectiveness in patients with AIIDs. Therefore, a focused narrative review was carried out to predict the possible implications of different types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines which confer distinct immune mechanisms to establish immune response and protection against COVID-19: whole virus (inactivated or weakened), viral vector (replicating and non-replicating), nucleic acid (RNA, DNA), and protein-based (protein subunit, virus-like particle). Still, there is uncertainty among patients with AIIDs and clinicians about the effectiveness and safety of the new vaccines. There are a variety of approaches towards building a protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Only high-quality clinical trials would clarify the underlying immunological mechanisms of the newly implemented vaccines/adjuvants in patients living with AIIDs.

Role of natural products in alleviation of rheumatoid arthritis-A review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RHA) is one of the most prevalent complex, chronic, inflammatory diseases, manifested by elevated oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. Prolonged administration of NSAIDs, steroids, and DMARDs, used in the treatment of RHA, is associated with deleterious side effects. This necessitates the urge of new and safe approaches for RHA management, based on the complementary and alternative system of medicine. Documented evidences have suggested that supplementation with nutritional, dietary, and herbal components; can play a crucial role as an adjuvant, in the alleviation of the RHA symptoms, through their influence on the pathological inflammatory processes. Dietary phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids with their ability to modulate prooxidant and pro-inflammatory pathways, have been effective in delaying the arthritic disease progression. Moreover, in scientific explorations, herbs containing phenolic compounds, alkaloids, carotenoids flavonoids, spices such as ginger, turmeric, Ayurvedic formulations, different diets such as Mediterranean diet, vegan diet, beverages, and oils such as sesame oil, rice bran oil, vitamins, and probiotics are proven to modulate the action of inflammatory molecules, involved in RHA pathology. Subsequently, the purpose of this review article is to summarize various in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies in RHA, which have documented remarkable insights into the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and immunomodulatory, bone erosion preventing properties of dietary, nutritional, and herbal components with the focus on their molecular level mechanisms involved in RHA. Even though major findings were derived from in vitro studies, several in vivo and clinical studies have established the use of diet, herbal, and nutritional management in RHA treatment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Thickening of the synovial membrane, bone erosion, and cartilage destruction is known to trigger rheumatoid arthritis causing inflammation and pain in bone joints. Continuous intake of NSAIDs, steroids, and DMARD therapy are associated with detrimental side effects. These side effects can be overcome by the use of dietary, nutritional, and herbal interventions based on the complementary and alternative therapy. This concept portrays the food components and other natural components having the potential to promote health, improve general well-being, and reduce the risk of RHA.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and autoimmune diseases amidst the COVID-19 crisis

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become challenging even for the most durable healthcare systems. It seems that vaccination, one of the most effective public-health interventions, presents a ray of hope to end the pandemic by achieving herd immunity. In this review, we aimed to cover aspects of the current knowledge of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines and vaccine candidates in the light of autoimmune inflammatory diseases (AIIDs) and to analyze their potential in terms of safety and effectiveness in patients with AIIDs. Therefore, a focused narrative review was carried out to predict the possible implications of different types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines which confer distinct immune mechanisms to establish immune response and protection against COVID-19: whole virus (inactivated or weakened), viral vector (replicating and non-replicating), nucleic acid (RNA, DNA), and protein-based (protein subunit, virus-like particle). Still, there is uncertainty among patients with AIIDs and clinicians about the effectiveness and safety of the new vaccines. There are a variety of approaches towards building a protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Only high-quality clinical trials would clarify the underlying immunological mechanisms of the newly implemented vaccines/adjuvants in patients living with AIIDs.

Can the FUT2 Non-secretor Phenotype Associated With Gut Microbiota Increase the Children Susceptibility for Type 1 Diabetes? A Mini Review

The global toll of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has steadily increased over the last decades. It is now widely acknowledged that T1D pathophysiology is more complex than expected. Indeed, a multifaceted interplay between genetic, metabolic, inflammatory and environmental factors exists that leads to heterogeneous clinical manifestations across individuals. Children with non-secretor phenotype and those affected by T1D share low abundance of bifidobacteria, low content of short-chain fatty acids, intestinal phosphatase alkaline and a high incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases. In this context, host-gut microbiota dyad may represent a relevant contributor to T1D development and progression due to its crucial role in shaping host immunity and susceptibility to autoimmune conditions. The FUT2 gene is responsible for the composition and functional properties of glycans in mucosal tissues and bodily secretions, including human milk. FUT2 polymorphisms may profoundly influence gut microbiota composition and host susceptibility to viral infections and chronic inflammatory disease. In this minireview, the possible interplay between mothers' phenotype, host FUT2 genetic background and gut microbiota composition will be discussed in perspective of the T1D onset. The study of FUT2-gut microbiota interaction may add a new piece on the puzzling T1D etiology and unveil novel targets of intervention to contrast T1D development and progression. Dietary interventions, including the intake of α-(1, 2)-fucosyl oligosaccharides in formula milk and the use of specific prebiotics and probiotics, could be hypothesized.

Adverse Events Following Cancer Immunotherapy: Obstacles and Opportunities

Oncology has recently undergone a revolutionary change with widespread adoption of immunotherapy for many cancers. Immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies against checkpoint molecules, including programmed death (PD)-1, PD ligand (PD-L)1, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA)-4, is effective in a significant subset of patients. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have emerged as frequent complications of checkpoint blockade, likely due to the physiological role of checkpoint pathways in regulating adaptive immunity and preventing autoimmunity. As immunotherapy becomes more common, a better understanding of the etiology of irAEs and ways to limit these events is needed. At the same time, studying these new therapy-related disorders provides an opportunity to better understand naturally occurring human autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, with the potential to improve therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

DLA class II risk haplotypes for autoimmune diseases in the bearded collie offer insight to autoimmunity signatures across dog breeds

BACKGROUND

Primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease, AD) and symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) are two clinical conditions with an autoimmune etiology that occur in multiple dog breeds. In man, autoimmunity is associated with polymorphisms in immune-related genes that result in a reduced threshold for, or defective regulation of, T cell activation. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes encode molecules that participate in these functions, and polymorphisms within these genes have been associated with autoimmune conditions in dogs and humans. Bearded collies have a relatively high prevalence of autoimmune diseases, particularly AD and SLO. Our study assessed the relationship between particular MHC (dog leukocyte antigen, DLA) class II haplotypes and the two autoimmune diseases most common in this breed. Moreover, five unrelated breeds at increased risk for AD were studied for comparative purposes and analyzed in the context of extant literature.

RESULTS

A single DLA class II three-locus haplotype, determined by sequence-based typing, was associated with increased risk for AD (DLA-DRB1*009:01/DQA1*001:01/DQB1*008:02) in bearded collies. Comparative analysis with the five additional breeds showed limited allele sharing, with DQA1*001:01 and DQB1*002:01 being the only alleles observed in all breeds. A distinct three-locus risk haplotype (DLA-DRB1*001:01/DQA1*001:01/DQB1*002:01) was associated with AD in the West Highland white terrier and Leonberger. Two different risk haplotypes were associated with increased risk for SLO in the bearded collie (DLA-DRB1*018:01/DQA1*001:01/DQB1*002:01 and DLA-DRB1*018:01/DQA1*001:01/ DQB1*008:02).

CONCLUSION

Two-locus DQ haplotypes composed of DLA-DQA1*001:01 in association with DLA-DQB1*002:01 or DLA-DQB1*008:02 make up the four risk haplotypes identified in the present study and are also found in other risk haplotypes previously associated with diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism across different dog breeds. Our findings build upon previously published data to suggest that this two-locus (DQ) model serves as a good indicator for susceptibility to multiple organ-specific autoimmune diseases in the canine population. However, it is also clear that additional loci are necessary for actual disease expression. Investigation of affected and unaffected dogs carrying these predisposing DQ haplotype signatures may allow for the identification of those additional genetic components that determine autoimmune disease expression and organ specificity.

Autoimmunity in plants

Attenuation in the activity of the negative regulators or the hyperactivity of plant innate immune receptors often causes ectopic defense activation manifested in severe growth retardation and spontaneous lesion formations, referred to as autoimmunity. In this review, we have described the cellular and molecular basis of the development of autoimmune responses for their useful applications in plant defense. Plants are exposed to diverse disease-causing pathogens, which bring infections by taking over the control on host immune machineries. To counter the challenges of evolving pathogenic races, plants recruit specific types of intracellular immune receptors that mostly belong to the family of polymorphic nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins. Upon recognition of effector molecules, NLR triggers hyperimmune signaling, which culminates in the form of a typical programmed cell death, designated hypersensitive response. Besides, few plant NLRs also guard certain host proteins known as 'guardee' that are modified by effector proteins. However, this fine-tuned innate immune system can be lopsided upon knock-out of the alleles that correspond to the host guardees, which mimick the presence of pathogen. The absence of pathogens causes inappropriate activation of the respective NLRs and results in the constitutive activation of plant defense and exhibiting autoimmunity. In plants, autoimmune mutants are readily scorable due to their dwarf phenotype and development of characteristic macroscopic disease lesions. Here, we summarize recent reports on autoimmune response in plants, how it is triggered, and phenotypic consequences associated with this phenomenon.

Collateral Damage: Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Induced With Checkpoint Inhibitors

Insulin-dependent diabetes may occur in patients with cancers who are treated with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). We reviewed cases occurring over a 6-year period at two academic institutions and identified 27 patients in whom this developed, or an incidence of 0.9%. The patients had a variety of solid-organ cancers, but all had received either anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies. Diabetes presented with ketoacidosis in 59%, and 42% had evidence of pancreatitis in the peridiagnosis period. Forty percent had at least one positive autoantibody and 21% had two or more. There was a predominance of HLA-DR4, which was present in 76% of patients. Other immune adverse events were seen in 70%, and endocrine adverse events in 44%. We conclude that autoimmune, insulin-dependent diabetes occurs in close to 1% of patients treated with anti-PD-1 or -PD-L1 CPIs. This syndrome has similarities and differences compared with classic type 1 diabetes. The dominance of HLA-DR4 suggests an opportunity to identify those at highest risk of these complications and to discover insights into the mechanisms of this adverse event.

Tolerogenic Nanoparticles Induce Antigen-Specific Regulatory T Cells and Provide Therapeutic Efficacy and Transferrable Tolerance against Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

T cells reacting to self-components can promote tissue damage when escaping tolerogenic control mechanisms which may result in autoimmune disease. The current treatments for these disorders are not antigen (Ag) specific and can compromise host immunity through chronic suppression. We have previously demonstrated that co-administration of encapsulated or free Ag with tolerogenic nanoparticles (tNPs) comprised of biodegradable polymers that encapsulate rapamycin are capable of inhibiting Ag-specific transgenic T cell proliferation and inducing Ag-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here, we further show that tNPs can trigger the expansion of endogenous Tregs specific to a target Ag. The proportion of Ag-specific Treg to total Ag-specific T cells remains constant even after subsequent Ag challenge in combination with a potent TLR7/8 agonist or complete Freund’s adjuvant. tNP-treated mice do not develop experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) after adoptive transfer of encephalitogenic T cells; furthermore, tNP treatment provided therapeutic protection in relapsing EAE that was transferred to naïve animals. These findings describe a potent therapy to expand Ag-specific Tregs in vivo and suppress T cell-mediated autoimmunity.

In vivo anti-psoriatic activity, biodistribution, sub-acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of orally administered methotrexate loaded chitin nanogel in comparison with methotrexate tablet

The anti-psoriatic efficacy of orally administered methotrexate loaded chitin nanogel (MCNG) was evaluated (two doses- 2.715 mg/kg and 5.143 mg/kg) and compared against orally administered methotrexate tablet MTX (5.143 mg/kg). MCNG at both dose levels of 2.715 mg/kg and 5.143 mg/kg exhibited significant anti-psoriatic activity which is very much comparable with MTX, caused normalization of histological features and inflammatory score associated with induced psoriasis. Biodistribution studies revealed the presence of drug in serum and in vital organs at all the three cases with highest amount in MCNG at 5.143 mg/kg dose, followed by MTX tablet and are lowest in MCNG at 2.715 mg/kg dose. MCNG at the highest dose of 5.143 mg/kg caused liver, lung and kidney toxicities on sub acute toxicity studies and MTX tablet was found to be toxic on liver and lung on sub chronic toxicity studies. MCNG 2.715 mg/kg was found to be safe on both sub acute and sub chronic administrations, suggesting that it can provide sufficient serum and tissue level of methotrexate necessary to clear psoriatic lesions, without inducing systemic toxicity and expected to be a better alternative for orally administered conventional methotrexate tablet for patients who need systemic medications for psoriasis.

Deubiquitylating enzymes and drug discovery: emerging opportunities

More than a decade after a Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and clinical approval of proteasome and ubiquitin E3 ligase inhibitors, first-generation deubiquitylating enzyme (DUB) inhibitors are now approaching clinical trials. However, although our knowledge of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of DUBs has evolved tremendously, the clinical development of selective DUB inhibitors has been challenging. In this Review, we discuss these issues and highlight recent advances in our understanding of DUB enzymology and biology as well as technological improvements that have contributed to the current interest in DUBs as therapeutic targets in diseases ranging from oncology to neurodegeneration.

Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis with Dietary Interventions

Self-help by means of dietary interventions can help in management of various disorders including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a debilitating autoimmune disease. Dietary interventions necessitate a widespread appeal for both patients as well as clinicians due to factors including affordability, accessibility, and presence of scientific evidences that demonstrate substantial benefits in reducing disease symptoms such as pain, joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness and associated disability with disease progression. However, there is still an uncertainty among the community about the therapeutic benefits of dietary manipulations for RA. In the present review, we provide an account of different diets and their possible molecular mechanism of actions inducing observed therapeutic benefits for remission and management of RA. We further indicate food that can be a potential aggravating factor for the disease or may help in symptomatic relief. We thereafter summarize and thereby discuss various diets and food which help in reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines in RA patients that may play an effective role in management of RA following proper patient awareness. We thus would like to promote diet management as a tool that can both supplement and complement present treatment strategies for a better patient health and recovery.

Anti-psoriatic and toxicity evaluation of methotrexate loaded chitin nanogel in imiquimod induced mice model

Methotrexate loaded chitin nanogel (MCNG) was formulated for its topical use in psoriasis. MCNG was characterized by DLS, TEM and FTIR. The MCNG particles were spherical in shape with size of 196±14nm, having surface charge of +9.21±0.42 mv. MCNG exhibited greater swelling and drug release at acidic pH than neutral and alkaline conditions. The treatment with MCNG showed significant level of toxicity on HaCaT and THP-1 cells and was taken up well by HaCaT cells as revealed by fluorescent microscopy. MCNGs exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity as revealed by the inhibitory effects observed on the activity of COX-2 and LOX-5 enzymes expressed in THP-1 cells. Skin permeation studies revealed an increased trasdermal flux of methotrexate from MCNG with loosened stratum corneum and other epidermal layers of skin in comparison with control methotrexate solution treated samples. Significant anti-psoriatic efficacy on imiquimod (IMQ) induced model of psoriasis without any dermal and systemic toxicities suggest that it as an ideal delivery platform for topical delivery of methotrexate in psoriasis. Thus it is expected to become a better alternative for the oral delivery of methotrexate in the selected disease.

The Genetic Architecture of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is classically characterised by the clinical need for insulin, the presence of disease-associated serum autoantibodies, and an onset in childhood. The disease, as with other autoimmune diseases, is due to the interaction of genetic and non-genetic effects, which induce a destructive process damaging insulin-secreting cells. In this review, we focus on the nature of this interaction, and how our understanding of that gene-environment interaction has changed our understanding of the nature of the disease. We discuss the early onset of the disease, the development of distinct immunogenotypes, and the declining heritability with increasing age at diagnosis. Whilst Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) have a major role in causing T1D, we note that some of these HLA genes have a protective role, especially in children, whilst other non-HLA genes are also important. In adult-onset T1D, the disease is often not insulin-dependent at diagnosis, and has a dissimilar immunogenotype with reduced genetic predisposition. Finally, we discuss the putative nature of the non-genetic factors and how they might interact with genetic susceptibility, including preliminary studies of the epigenome associated with T1D.

Autoimmune aspects of psoriasis: Heritability and autoantigens

Chronic immune-mediated disorders (IMDs) constitute a major health burden. Understanding IMD pathogenesis is facing two major constraints: Missing heritability explaining familial clustering, and missing autoantigens. Pinpointing IMD risk genes and autoimmune targets, however, is of fundamental importance for developing novel causal therapies. The strongest association of all IMDs is seen with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. Using psoriasis as an IMD model this article reviews the pathogenic role HLA molecules may have within the polygenic predisposition of IMDs. It concludes that disease-associated HLA alleles account for both missing heritability and autoimmune mechanisms by facilitating tissue-specific autoimmune responses through autoantigen presentation.

Sex-related differences in autoimmune-induced lung lesions in MRL/MpJ-faslpr mice are mediated by the development of mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters

MRL/MpJ-Fas^lpr (lpr) mice are a model for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These diseases mainly affect women, with a 10:1 female-to-male ratio, and cause pleuropulmonary lesions. We previously revealed a correlation between mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid cluster (MFALC) development and cellular infiltration in the lungs of lpr male mice; however, we did not report on MFALCs in females. The purpose of this investigation was to reveal sex-related differences in MFALCs in lpr mice. We compared the morphological features of MFALCs and lung mononuclear cell aggregates (LMCAs) in 5-month-old male and female lpr mice. The females showed significantly elevated anti-dsDNA autoantibody titers and larger MFALCs, with a higher ratio of lymphatic vessel (LV) and high endothelial venule (HEV) areas to MFALC area, and greater numbers of T- and B-cells, macrophages, and proliferating and dendritic cells in MFALCs and LMCAs than males. Our data indicated that MFALCs were more developed and lung lesions were more severe in female than in male lpr mice, thereby suggesting a potential role for LVs and HEVs in the establishment of MFALCs and lung lesions. Further investigation in female lpr mice will be needed for treatment of human respiratory diseases and autoimmune disorders.

Autoimmune Aspects of Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Diseases: A Template for Innovative Therapy

Neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases (NPDs) are today's most important group of diseases, surpassing both atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and cancer in morbidity incidence. Although NPDs have a dramatic impact on our society because of their high incidence, mortality, and severe debilitating character, remarkably few effective interventions have become available. The current treatments, if available, comprise the lifelong intake of general immunosuppressants to delay disease progression or neurotransmitter antagonists/agonists to dampen undesired behaviors. The long-term usage of such medication, however, coincides with often severe adverse side effects. There is, therefore, an urgent need for safe and effective treatments for these diseases. Here, we discuss that many NPDs coincide with subtle chronic or flaring brain inflammation sometimes escalating with infiltrations of lymphocytes in the inflamed brain parts causing mild to severe or even lethal brain damage. Thus, NPDs show all features of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we postulate that NPDs resemble autoimmune-driven inflammatory diseases in many aspects and may belong to the same disease spectrum. Just like in autoimmune diseases, NPD symptoms basically are manifestations of a chronic self-sustaining inflammatory process with detrimental consequences for the patient. Specific inhibition of the destructive immune responses in the brain, leaving the patient's immune system intact, would be the ultimate solution to cure patients from the disease. To reach this goal, the primary targets, e.g., the primary self-antigens (pSAgs) of the patient's chronic (auto)immune response, need to be identified. For a few major NPDs, immunological studies led to the identification of the pSAgs involved in the autoimmune damage of specific brain parts. However, further research is needed to complete the list of pSAgs for all NPDs. Such immunological studies will not only provide crucial insights into NPD pathogenesis but also ultimately enable the development of a new generation of safe and effective immunotherapies for NPDs. Interventions that will dramatically improve the life expectancy and quality of life of individual patients and, moreover, will significantly reduce the health-care costs of the society in general.

Human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells promote intracellular crawling of lymphocytes during recruitment: A new step in migration

The recruitment of lymphocytes via the hepatic sinusoidal channels and positioning within liver tissue is a critical event in the development and persistence of chronic inflammatory liver diseases. The hepatic sinusoid is a unique vascular bed lined by hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSECs), a functionally and phenotypically distinct subpopulation of endothelial cells. Using flow-based adhesion assays to study the migration of lymphocytes across primary human HSECs, we found that lymphocytes enter into HSECs, confirmed by electron microscopy demonstrating clear intracellular localization of lymphocytes in vitro and by studies in human liver tissues. Stimulation by interferon-γ increased intracellular localization of lymphocytes within HSECs. Furthermore, using confocal imaging and time-lapse recordings, we demonstrated "intracellular crawling" of lymphocytes entering into one endothelial cell from another. This required the expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and stabilin-1 and was facilitated by the junctional complexes between HSECs.

CONCLUSION

Lymphocyte migration is facilitated by the unique structure of HSECs. Intracellular crawling may contribute to optimal lymphocyte positioning in liver tissue during chronic hepatitis. (Hepatology 2017;65:294-309).

Polyspecificity of Anti-lipid A Antibodies and Its Relevance to the Development of Autoimmunity

The process of natural selection favours germ-line gene segments that encode CDRs that have the ability to recognize a range of structurally related antigens. This presents an immunological advantage to the host, as it can confer protection against a common pathogen and still cope with new or changing antigens. Cross-reactive and polyspecific antibodies also play a central role in autoimmune responses, and a link has been shown to exist between auto-reactive B cells and certain bacterial infections. Bacterial DNA, lipids, and carbohydrates have been implicated in the progression of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. As well, reports of anti-lipid A antibody polyspecificity towards single-stranded DNA together with the observed sequence homology amongst isolated auto- and anti-lipid A antibodies has prompted further study of this phenomenon. Though the lipid A epitope appears cryptic during Gram-negative bacterial infection, there have been several reported instances of lipid A-specific antibodies isolated from human sera, some of which have exhibited polyspecificity for single stranded DNA. In such cases, the breakdown of negative selection through polyspecificity can have the unfortunate consequence of autoimmune disease. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding such antibodies and emphasizes the features of S1-15, A6, and S55-5, anti-lipid A antibodies whose structures were recently determined by X-ray crystallography.

Autoimmunity against laminins

Laminins are ubiquitous constituents of the basement membranes with major architectural and functional role as supported by the fact that absence or mutations of laminins lead to either lethal or severely impairing phenotypes. Besides genetic defects, laminins are involved in a wide range of human diseases including cancer, infections, and inflammatory diseases, as well as autoimmune disorders. A growing body of evidence implicates several laminin chains as autoantigens in blistering skin diseases, collagenoses, vasculitis, or post-infectious autoimmunity. The current paper reviews the existing knowledge on autoimmunity against laminins referring to both experimental and clinical data, and on therapeutic implications of anti-laminin antibodies. Further investigation of relevant laminin epitopes in pathogenic autoimmunity would facilitate the development of appropriate diagnostic tools for thorough characterization of patients' antibody specificities and should decisively contribute to designing more specific therapeutic interventions.

The use of hematopoietic stem cells in autoimmune diseases

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been shown recently to hold much promise in curing autoimmune diseases. Newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes individuals have been successfully reverted to normoglycemia by administration of autologous HSCs in association with a nonmyeloablative regimen (antithymocyte globulin + cyclophasmide). Furthermore, recent trials reported positive results by using HSCs in treatment of systemic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis as well. Early data suggested that HSCs possess immunological properties that may be harnessed to alleviate the symptoms of individuals with autoimmune disorders and possibly induce remission of autoimmune diseases. Mechanistically, HSCs may facilitate the generation of regulatory T cells, may inhibit the function of autoreactive T-cell function and may reshape the immune system.

Differences in Gene-Gene Interactions in Graves' Disease Patients Stratified by Age of Onset

Background

Graves’ disease (GD) is a complex disease in which genetic predisposition is modified by environmental factors. Each gene exerts limited effects on the development of autoimmune disease (OR = 1.2–1.5). An epidemiological study revealed that nearly 70% of the risk of developing inherited autoimmunological thyroid diseases (AITD) is the result of gene interactions. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of the interactions of multiple loci on the genetic predisposition to GD. The aim of our analyses was to identify pairs of genes that exhibit a multiplicative interaction effect.

Material and Methods

A total of 709 patients with GD were included in the study. The patients were stratified into more homogeneous groups depending on the age at time of GD onset: younger patients less than 30 years of age and older patients greater than 30 years of age. Association analyses were performed for genes that influence the development of GD: HLADRB1, PTPN22, CTLA4 and TSHR. The interactions among polymorphisms were analyzed using the multiple logistic regression and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) methods.

Results

GD patients stratified by the age of onset differed in the allele frequencies of the HLADRB1*03 and 1858T polymorphisms of the PTPN22 gene (OR = 1.7, p = 0.003; OR = 1.49, p = 0.01, respectively). We evaluated the genetic interactions of four SNPs in a pairwise fashion with regard to disease risk. The coexistence of HLADRB1 with CTLA4 or HLADRB1 with PTPN22 exhibited interactions on more than additive levels (OR = 3.64, p = 0.002; OR = 4.20, p < 0.001, respectively). These results suggest that interactions between these pairs of genes contribute to the development of GD. MDR analysis confirmed these interactions.

Conclusion

In contrast to a single gene effect, we observed that interactions between the HLADRB1/PTPN22 and HLADRB1/CTLA4 genes more closely predicted the risk of GD onset in young patients.

A highly sensitive and selective impedimetric aptasensor for interleukin-17 receptor A

Interleukin-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) has been recognized as a valuable biomarker for diverse diseases, including autoimmune diseases. In this work, an electrochemical biosensor with great sensitivity and selectivity toward IL-17RA was fabricated using an IL-17RA aptamer (Kd=14.00nM) for the first time. The aptasensor was manufactured using electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles, and then quantitative detection of IL-17RA was performed based on impedimetry. The developed sensor exhibited a superior analytical performance for IL-17RA with a wide dynamic range of 10-10,000pg/mL in buffer and a detection limit of 2.13pg/mL, which is lower than that of commercially available ELISA kits. In addition, we validated the high specificity of the designed aptasensor to only IL-17RA, which showed good sensitivity even in human serum solution. Furthermore, the detection of the differentiated HL-60 cells expressing IL-17RA was successfully performed. Clinical applicability of the sensor was also demonstrated utilizing neutrophils separated from asthma patients. It is expected that the fabricated aptasensor will become an excellent diagnostic platform for IL-17RA-mediated diseases.

Update on mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy in lupus and scleroderma

Current systemic therapies are rarely curative for patients with severe life-threatening forms of autoimmune diseases (ADs). During the past 15 years, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been demonstrated to cure some patients with severe AD refractory to all other available therapies. As a consequence, ADs such as lupus and scleroderma have become an emerging indication for cell therapy. Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), isolated from bone marrow and other sites, display specific immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory properties and appear as ideal tools to treat such diseases. The present update aims at summarizing recent knowledge acquired in the field of MSC-based therapies for lupus and scleroderma.

The Attenuated Live Yellow Fever Virus 17D Infects the Thymus and Induces Thymic Transcriptional Modifications of Immunomodulatory Genes in C57BL/6 and BALB/C Mice

Thymus is involved in induction of self-tolerance in T lymphocytes, particularly due to Aire activity. In peripheral tissues, Treg cells and immunomodulatory molecules, like the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib molecules, are essential for maintenance of autotolerance during immune responses. Viral infections can trigger autoimmunity and modify thymic function, and YFV17D immunization has been associated with the onset of autoimmunity, being contraindicated in patients with thymic disorders. Aiming to study the influence of YFV17D immunization on the transcriptional profiles of immunomodulatory genes in thymus, we evaluated the gene expression of AIRE, FOXP3, H2-Q7 (Qa-2/HLA-G), H2-T23 (Qa-1/HLA-E), H2-Q10, and H2-K1 following immunization with 10,000 LD50 of YFV17D in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. The YFV17D virus replicated in thymus and induced the expression of H2-Q7 (Qa-2/HLA-G) and H2-T23 (Qa-1/HLA-E) transcripts and repressed the expression of AIRE and FOXP3. Transcriptional expression varied according to tissue and mouse strain analyzed. Expression of H2-T23 (Qa-1/HLA-E) and FOXP3 was induced in thymus and liver of C57BL/6 mice, which exhibited defective control of viral load, suggesting a higher susceptibility to YFV17D infection. Since the immunization with YFV17D modulated thymus gene expression in genetically predisposed individuals, the vaccine may be related to the onset of autoimmunity disorders.

Hinokitiol Negatively Regulates Immune Responses through Cell Cycle Arrest in Concanavalin A-Activated Lymphocytes

Autoimmune diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that arise from inappropriate inflammatory responses. Hinokitiol, isolated from the wood of Chamaecyparis taiwanensis, engages in multiple biological activities. Although hinokitiol has been reported to inhibit inflammation, its immunological regulation in lymphocytes remains incomplete. Thus, we determined the effects of hinokitiol on concanavalin A- (ConA-) stimulated T lymphocytes from the spleens of mice. In the present study, the MTT assay revealed that hinokitiol (1–5 μM) alone did not affect cell viability of lymphocytes, but at the concentration of 5 μM it could reduce ConA-stimulated T lymphocyte proliferation. Moreover, propidium iodide (PI) staining revealed that hinokitiol arrested cell cycle of T lymphocytes at the G0/G1 phase. Hinokitiol also reduced interferon gamma (IFN-γ) secretion from ConA-activated T lymphocytes, as detected by an ELISA assay. In addition, hinokitiol also downregulated cyclin D3, E2F1, and Cdk4 expression and upregulated p21 expression. These results revealed that hinokitiol may regulate immune responses. In conclusion, we for the first time demonstrated that hinokitiol upregulates p21 expression and attenuates IFN-γ secretion in ConA-stimulated T lymphocytes, thereby arresting cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. In addition, our findings also indicated that hinokitiol may provide benefits to treating patients with autoimmune diseases.

Clinical implications of copy number variations in autoimmune disorders

Human genetic variation is represented by the genetic differences both within and among populations, and most genetic variants do not cause overt diseases but contribute to disease susceptibility and influence drug response. During the last century, various genetic variants, such as copy number variations (CNVs), have been associated with diverse human disorders. Here, we review studies on the associations between CNVs and autoimmune diseases to gain some insight. First, some CNV loci are commonly implicated in various autoimmune diseases, such as Fcγ receptors in patients with systemic lupus erythemoatosus or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and β-defensin genes in patients with psoriasis or Crohn's disease. This means that when a CNV locus is associated with a particular autoimmune disease, we should examine its potential associations with other diseases. Second, interpopulation or interethnic differences in the effects of CNVs on phenotypes exist, including disease susceptibility, and evidence suggests that CNVs are important to understand susceptibility to and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, many findings need to be replicated in independent populations and different ethnic groups. The validity and reliability of detecting CNVs will improve quickly as genotyping technology advances, which will support the required replication.

Safety of vaccine adjuvants: focus on autoimmunity

Questions have been recently raised regarding the safety of vaccine adjuvants, particularly in relation to autoimmunity or autoimmune disease(s)/disorder(s) (AID). The International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) formed a scientific committee and convened a 2-day workshop, consisting of technical experts from around the world representing academia, government regulatory agencies, and industry, to investigate and openly discuss the issues around adjuvant safety in vaccines. The types of adjuvants considered included oil-in-water emulsions and toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. The state of science around the use of animal models and biomarkers for the evaluation and prediction of AID were also discussed. Following extensive literature reviews by the HESI committee, and presentations by experts at the workshop, several key points were identified, including the value of animal models used to study autoimmunity and AID toward studying novel vaccine adjuvants; whether there is scientific evidence indicating an intrinsic risk of autoimmunity and AID with adjuvants, or a higher risk resulting from the mechanism of action; and if there is compelling clinical data linking adjuvants and AID. The tripartite group of experts concluded that there is no compelling evidence supporting the association of vaccine adjuvants with autoimmunity signals. Additionally, it is recommended that future research on the potential effects of vaccine adjuvants on AID should consider carefully the experimental design in animal models particularly if they are to be used in any risk assessment, as an improper design and model could result in misleading information. Finally, studies on the mechanistic aspects and potential biomarkers related to adjuvants and autoimmunity phenomena could be developed.

Expression levels and genetic polymorphisms of interleukin-2 and interleukin-10 as biomarkers of Graves' disease

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-10 may be used as biological markers in Graves’ disease (GD) patients. A total of 256 individuals, including 118 GD patients and 138 healthy individuals, were enrolled into the study. Blood samples were collected from each patient and healthy individual, which were then subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Total RNA and total proteins were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was performed to detect the presence of genetic polymorphisms. The ELISA results indicated that the IL-2 and IL-10 serum levels in the GD patients were increased by ~5.2 and ~7-fold when compared with the levels in the healthy controls. The results of RT-qPCR indicated that the mRNA expression levels of IL-2 and IL-10 were upregulated in the GD patients when compared with the healthy controls. Furthermore, the western blot analysis results revealed that the protein expression levels of IL-2 and IL-10 were significantly increased in the GD patients. RFLP analysis indicated that the increased number of GG single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GD group were detected in the −330 locus of the IL-2 promoter and the −1082 locus of the IL-10 promoter. In addition, the results indicated that the relatively high rates of homozygous GG SNPs (IL-2 −330T/G and IL-10 −1082A/G polymorphisms) on the alleles may be associated with the incidence of GD. The serum, mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-2 and IL-10 were significantly increased in GD patients when compared with the levels in the healthy controls. In conclusion, the expression levels and genetic polymorphisms of IL-2 and IL-10 may be potential biomarkers for the incidence of Graves’ disease in the population studied.