1
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Ruscitti P, Cantarini L, Nigrovic PA, McGonagle D, Giacomelli R. Recent advances and evolving concepts in Still's disease. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:116-132. [PMID: 38212542 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01065-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Still's disease is a rare inflammatory syndrome that encompasses systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult-onset Still's disease, both of which can exhibit life-threatening complications, including macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a secondary form of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Genetic insights into Still's disease involve both HLA and non-HLA susceptibility genes, suggesting the involvement of adaptive immune cell-mediated immunity. At the same time, phenotypic evidence indicates the involvement of autoinflammatory processes. Evidence also implicates the type I interferon signature, mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signalling and ferritin in the pathogenesis of Still's disease and MAS. Pathological entities associated with Still's disease include lung disease that could be associated with biologic DMARDs and with the occurrence of MAS. Historically, monophasic, recurrent and persistent Still's disease courses were recognized. Newer proposals of alternative Still's disease clusters could enable better dissection of clinical heterogeneity on the basis of immune cell profiles that could represent diverse endotypes or phases of disease activity. Therapeutically, data on IL-1 and IL-6 antagonism and Janus kinase inhibition suggest the importance of early administration in Still's disease. Furthermore, there is evidence that patients who develop MAS can be treated with IFNγ antagonism. Despite these developments, unmet needs remain that can form the basis for the design of future studies leading to improvement of disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Ruscitti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Luca Cantarini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet's Disease Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Peter A Nigrovic
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis McGonagle
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Clinical and research section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Fondazione Policlinico Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Rome "Campus Biomedico", School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
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2
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Mastellos DC, Hajishengallis G, Lambris JD. A guide to complement biology, pathology and therapeutic opportunity. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:118-141. [PMID: 37670180 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Complement has long been considered a key innate immune effector system that mediates host defence and tissue homeostasis. Yet, growing evidence has illuminated a broader involvement of complement in fundamental biological processes extending far beyond its traditional realm in innate immunity. Complement engages in intricate crosstalk with multiple pattern-recognition and signalling pathways both in the extracellular and intracellular space. Besides modulating host-pathogen interactions, this crosstalk guides early developmental processes and distinct cell trajectories, shaping tissue immunometabolic and regenerative programmes in different physiological systems. This Review provides a guide to the system-wide functions of complement. It highlights illustrative paradigm shifts that have reshaped our understanding of complement pathobiology, drawing examples from evolution, development of the central nervous system, tissue regeneration and cancer immunity. Despite its tight spatiotemporal regulation, complement activation can be derailed, fuelling inflammatory tissue pathology. The pervasive contribution of complement to disease pathophysiology has inspired a resurgence of complement therapeutics with major clinical developments, some of which have challenged long-held dogmas. We thus highlight major therapeutic concepts and milestones in clinical complement intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Hajishengallis
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Alrubayyi A, Touizer E, Hameiri-Bowen D, Charlton B, Gea-Mallorquí E, Hussain N, da Costa KAS, Ford R, Rees-Spear C, Fox TA, Williams I, Waters L, Barber TJ, Burns F, Kinloch S, Morris E, Rowland-Jones S, McCoy LE, Peppa D. Natural killer cell responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination in people living with HIV-1. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18994. [PMID: 37923825 PMCID: PMC10624865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45412-9] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell subsets with adaptive properties are emerging as regulators of vaccine-induced T and B cell responses and are specialized towards antibody-dependent functions contributing to SARS-CoV-2 control. Although HIV-1 infection is known to affect the NK cell pool, the additional impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination on NK cell responses in people living with HIV (PLWH) has remained unexplored. Our data show that SARS-CoV-2 infection skews NK cells towards a more differentiated/adaptive CD57+FcεRIγ- phenotype in PLWH. A similar subset was induced following vaccination in SARS-CoV-2 naïve PLWH in addition to a CD56bright population with cytotoxic potential. Antibody-dependent NK cell function showed robust and durable responses to Spike up to 148 days post-infection, with responses enriched in adaptive NK cells. NK cell responses were further boosted by the first vaccine dose in SARS-CoV-2 exposed individuals and peaked after the second dose in SARS-CoV-2 naïve PLWH. The presence of adaptive NK cells associated with the magnitude of cellular and humoral responses. These data suggest that features of adaptive NK cells can be effectively engaged to complement and boost vaccine-induced adaptive immunity in potentially more vulnerable groups such as PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljawharah Alrubayyi
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emma Touizer
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Bethany Charlton
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Noshin Hussain
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kelly A S da Costa
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rosemarie Ford
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chloe Rees-Spear
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas A Fox
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ian Williams
- Department of HIV, Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Laura Waters
- Department of HIV, Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Tristan J Barber
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- The Ian Charleson Day Centre, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Fiona Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- The Ian Charleson Day Centre, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sabine Kinloch
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
- The Ian Charleson Day Centre, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emma Morris
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Laura E McCoy
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dimitra Peppa
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK.
- Department of HIV, Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Trust, London, UK.
- The Ian Charleson Day Centre, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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4
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Álvarez Pérez LF, Vila S. Exacerbation of Behcet's Disease and Pyoderma Gangrenosum Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e49386. [PMID: 38146565 PMCID: PMC10749583 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Behcet's disease (BD) and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) are rare autoimmune inflammatory diseases that have been reported to relapse following COVID-19 infection. BD is a multisystemic syndrome that may involve multiple body organs. PG is a skin disease that can be a part of the skin involvement of BD. We report a 33-year-old woman with BD and PG who developed headaches, arthralgias, and rapidly progressive painful skin ulcers after COVID-19. She had not complained about BD or PG symptoms for two years prior to admission. Treatment at admission comprised infliximab 560 mg every eight weeks, azathioprine 50 mg daily, and low-dose aspirin. Due to the suspicion of neuro BD and the rapid appearance and progression of the ulcers, she was treated with intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone 1000 mg daily three times followed by prednisone at 1 mg/kg/day. Azathioprine was increased to 100 mg bid. Local ulcer care was provided. She was discharged home on the eighth hospital day. The arthralgias were completely gone, and the headaches and skin ulcers had improved. Six months after discharge, she was off prednisone and continued infliximab and azathioprine. She had no headaches or joint pains, and the ulcers had completely healed. One year after admission, BD and PG signs and symptoms had completely disappeared. This case highlights the importance of recognizing that autoimmune diseases may exacerbate COVID-19. Timely management is crucial to prevent complications and morbidity. To our knowledge, this is a rare case report describing BD and PG exacerbation following COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F Álvarez Pérez
- Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PRI
| | - Salvador Vila
- Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PRI
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5
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Rios FJ, Montezano AC, Camargo LL, Touyz RM. Impact of Environmental Factors on Hypertension and Associated Cardiovascular Disease. Can J Cardiol 2023; 39:1229-1243. [PMID: 37422258 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases and is responsible for nearly 9 million deaths worldwide annually. Increasing evidence indicates that in addition to pathophysiologic processes, numerous environmental factors, such as geographic location, lifestyle choices, socioeconomic status, and cultural practices, influence the risk, progression, and severity of hypertension, even in the absence of genetic risk factors. In this review, we discuss the impact of some environmental determinants on hypertension. We focus on clinical data from large population studies and discuss some potential molecular and cellular mechanisms. We highlight how these environmental determinants are interconnected, as small changes in one factor might affect others, and further affect cardiovascular health. In addition, we discuss the crucial impact of socioeconomic factors and how these determinants influence diverse communities with economic disparities. Finally, we address opportunities and challenges for new research to address gaps in knowledge on understanding molecular mechanisms whereby environmental factors influence development of hypertension and associated cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Rios
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Livia L Camargo
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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6
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Li Y, Chen J, Wei J, Liu X, Yu L, Yu L, Ding D, Yang Y. Metallic nanoplatforms for COVID-19 diagnostics: versatile applications in the pandemic and post-pandemic era. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:255. [PMID: 37542245 PMCID: PMC10403867 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01981-5] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Hubei, China, in December 2019, has had a profound impact on global public health. With the elucidation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus structure, genome type, and routes of infection, a variety of diagnostic methods have been developed for COVID-19 detection and surveillance. Although the pandemic has been declared over, we are still significantly affected by it in our daily lives in the post-pandemic era. Among the various diagnostic methods, nanomaterials, especially metallic nanomaterials, have shown great potential in the field of bioanalysis due to their unique physical and chemical properties. This review highlights the important role of metallic nanosensors in achieving accurate and efficient detection of COVID-19 during the pandemic outbreak and spread. The sensing mechanisms of each diagnostic device capable of analyzing a range of targets, including viral nucleic acids and various proteins, are described. Since SARS-CoV-2 is constantly mutating, strategies for dealing with new variants are also suggested. In addition, we discuss the analytical tools needed to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants in the current post-pandemic era, with a focus on achieving rapid and accurate detection. Finally, we address the challenges and future directions of metallic nanomaterial-based COVID-19 detection, which may inspire researchers to develop advanced biosensors for COVID-19 monitoring and rapid response to other virus-induced pandemics based on our current achievements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Mate-Rials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jingqi Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Xueliang Liu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Linqi Yu
- Department of Immunization Program, Jing'an District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Ding Ding
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Yu Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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7
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Tada T, Minnee J, Landau NR. Vectored immunoprophylaxis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a preclinical model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303509120. [PMID: 37252952 PMCID: PMC10266030 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303509120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vectored immunoprophylaxis was first developed as a means of establishing engineered immunity to HIV using an adenoassociated viral vector expressing a broadly neutralizing antibody. We applied this concept to establish long-term prophylaxis against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a mouse model using adenoassociated virus and lentiviral vectors expressing a high-affinity angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) decoy. Administration of decoy-expressing (adenoassociated virus) AAV2.retro and AAV6.2 vectors by intranasal instillation or intramuscular injection protected mice against high-titered SARS-CoV-2 infection. AAV and lentiviral vectored immunoprophylaxis was durable and was active against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants. The AAV vectors were also effective therapeutically when administered postinfection. Vectored immunoprophylaxis could be of value for immunocompromised individuals for whom vaccination is not practical and as a means to rapidly establish protection from infection. Unlike monoclonal antibody therapy, the approach is expected to remain active despite continued evolution viral variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Tada
- Department of Microbiology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Julia Minnee
- Department of Microbiology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Nathaniel R. Landau
- Department of Microbiology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
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8
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García-Nicolás O, Godel A, Zimmer G, Summerfield A. Macrophage phagocytosis of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells mediates potent plasmacytoid dendritic cell activation. Cell Mol Immunol 2023:10.1038/s41423-023-01039-4. [PMID: 37253946 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01039-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Early and strong interferon type I (IFN-I) responses are usually associated with mild COVID-19 disease, whereas persistent or unregulated proinflammatory cytokine responses are associated with severe disease outcomes. Previous work suggested that monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are resistant and unresponsive to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we demonstrate that upon phagocytosis of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, MDMs are activated and secrete IL-6 and TNF. Importantly, activated MDMs in turn mediate strong activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), leading to the secretion of high levels of IFN-α and TNF. Furthermore, pDC activation promoted IL-6 production by MDMs. This kind of pDC activation was dependent on direct integrin-mediated cell‒cell contacts and involved stimulation of the TLR7 and STING signaling pathways. Overall, the present study describes a novel and potent pathway of pDC activation that is linked to the macrophage-mediated clearance of infected cells. These findings suggest that a high infection rate by SARS-CoV-2 may lead to exaggerated cytokine responses, which may contribute to tissue damage and severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- O García-Nicolás
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - A Godel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Zimmer
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Summerfield
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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9
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Stahel PF, Weckbach S, Huber-Lang MS, Stahel VP, Barnum SR. Editorial: The impact of COVID-19 on immune system-related complications in surgical patients. Front Surg 2023; 10:1132752. [PMID: 36793320 PMCID: PMC9923122 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1132752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Philip F. Stahel
- Department of Surgery, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, United States,Department of Specialty Medicine, Rocky Vista University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO, United States,Correspondence: Philip F. Stahel
| | | | - Markus S. Huber-Lang
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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10
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Risitano AM, Frieri C, Urciuoli E, Marano L. The complement alternative pathway in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: From a pathogenic mechanism to a therapeutic target. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:262-278. [PMID: 36110036 PMCID: PMC10087358 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare clonal, not malignant, hematological disease characterized by intravascular hemolysis, thrombophilia and bone marrow failure. While this latter presentation is due to a T-cell mediated auto-immune disorder resembling acquired aplastic anemia, the first two clinical presentations are largely driven by the complement pathway. Indeed, PNH is characterized by a broad impairment of complement regulation on affected cells, which is due to the lack of the complement regulators CD55 and CD59. The deficiency of these two proteins from PNH blood cells is due to the somatic mutation in the phosphatidylinositol N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase subunit A gene causing the disease, which impairs the surface expression of all proteins linked via the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. The lack of the complement regulators CD55 and CD59 on PNH erythrocytes accounts for the hallmark of PNH, which is the chronic, complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis. This hemolysis results from the impaired regulation of the alternative pathway upstream in the complement cascade, as well as of the downstream terminal pathway. PNH represented the first indication for the development of anti-complement agents, and the therapeutic interception of the complement cascade at the level of C5 led to remarkable changes in the natural history of the disease. Nevertheless, the clinical use of an inhibitor of the terminal pathway highlighted the broader derangement of complement regulation in PNH, shedding light on the pivotal role of the complement alternative pathway. Here we review the current understanding of the role of the alternative pathway in PNH, including the emergence of C3-mediated extravascular hemolysis in PNH patients on anti-C5 therapies. These observations provide the rationale for the development of novel complement inhibitors for the treatment of PNH. Recent preclinical and clinical data on proximal complement inhibitors intercepting the alternative pathway with the aim of improving the treatment of PNH are discussed, together with their clinical implications which are animating a lively debate in the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M Risitano
- AORN San Giuseppe Moscati, Avellino, Italy.,Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Leiden, Netherlands
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11
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Shafqat A, Omer MH, Ahmad O, Niaz M, Abdulkader HS, Shafqat S, Mushtaq AH, Shaik A, Elshaer AN, Kashir J, Alkattan K, Yaqinuddin A. SARS-CoV-2 epitopes inform future vaccination strategies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1041185. [PMID: 36505475 PMCID: PMC9732895 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1041185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
All currently approved COVID-19 vaccines utilize the spike protein as their immunogen. SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) contain mutations in the spike protein, enabling them to escape infection- and vaccination-induced immune responses to cause reinfection. New vaccines are hence being researched intensively. Studying SARS-CoV-2 epitopes is essential for vaccine design, as identifying targets of broadly neutralizing antibody responses and immunodominant T-cell epitopes reveal candidates for inclusion in next-generation COVID-19 vaccines. We summarize the major studies which have reported on SARS-CoV-2 antibody and T-cell epitopes thus far. These results suggest that a future of pan-coronavirus vaccines, which not only protect against SARS-CoV-2 but numerous other coronaviruses, may be possible. The T-cell epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 have gotten less attention than neutralizing antibody epitopes but may provide new strategies to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. T-cells target many SARS-CoV-2 antigens other than spike, recognizing numerous epitopes within these antigens, thereby limiting the chance of immune escape by VOCs that mainly possess spike protein mutations. Therefore, augmenting vaccination-induced T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 may provide adequate protection despite broad antibody escape by VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areez Shafqat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,*Correspondence: Areez Shafqat,
| | - Mohamed H. Omer
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Omar Ahmad
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahnoor Niaz
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Abdullah Shaik
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Junaid Kashir
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Alkattan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Dai W, Zhong A, Qiao Q, Wu J, Li W, Wu Q, Zhou H, Qin S, Jiang W, Zhang J, Xia X. Characteristics of lymphocyte subset alterations in COVID-19 patients with different levels of disease severity. Virol J 2022; 19:192. [DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01926-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disorder caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which had rapidly spread all over the world and caused public health emergencies in the past two years. Although the diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19 have been well defined, the immune cell characteristics and the key lymphocytes subset alterations in COVID-19 patients have not been thoroughly investigated.
Methods
The levels of immune cells including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells in 548 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and 30 types of lymphocyte subsets in 125 hospitalized COVID-19 patients admitted to Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital of China were measured using flow cytometry. The relationship between lymphocytes subsets with the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the characteristics of lymphocyte subsets in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also analysed in COVID-19 patients.
Results
In this study, we found that patients with critical COVID-19 infection exhibited an overall decline in lymphocytes including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, total T cells, B cells, and NK cells compared to mild and severe patients. However, the number of lymphocyte subsets, such as CD21low CD38low B cells, effector T4 cells, and PD1+ depleted T8 cells, was moderately increased in critical COVID-19 patients compared to mild cases. Notably, except for effector memory T4 cells, plasma blasts and Tregs, the number of all lymphocyte subsets was markedly decreased in COVID-19 patients with IL-6 levels over 30-fold higher than those in healthy cases. Moreover, scRNA-seq data showed obvious differences in the distribution and numbers of lymphocyte subsets between COVID-19 patients and healthy persons, and subsets-specific marker genes of lymphocyte subsets including CD4, CD19, CCR7, and IL7R, were markedly decreased in COVID-19 patients compared with those in healthy cases.
Conclusion
A comprehensive decrease in immune cell and lymphocyte subsets in critical COVID-19 patients, and peripheral lymphocyte subset alterations showed a clear association with clinical characteristics.
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Aramini B, Masciale V, Samarelli AV, Tonelli R, Cerri S, Clini E, Stella F, Dominici M. Biological effects of COVID-19 on lung cancer: Can we drive our decisions. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1029830. [PMID: 36300087 PMCID: PMC9589049 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1029830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 is considered catastrophic because it affects multiple organs, particularly those of the respiratory tract. Although the consequences of this infection are not fully clear, it causes damage to the lungs, the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and other organs, subsequently inducing organ failure. In particular, the effects of SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation on cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment need to be investigated. COVID-19 may alter the tumor microenvironment, promoting cancer cell proliferation and dormant cancer cell (DCC) reawakening. DCCs reawakened upon infection with SARS-CoV-2 can populate the premetastatic niche in the lungs and other organs, leading to tumor dissemination. DCC reawakening and consequent neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage activation with an uncontrolled cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines are the most severe clinical effects of COVID-19. Moreover, neutrophil extracellular traps have been demonstrated to activate the dissemination of premetastatic cells into the lungs. Further studies are warranted to better define the roles of COVID-19 in inflammation as well as in tumor development and tumor cell metastasis; the results of these studies will aid in the development of further targeted therapies, both for cancer prevention and the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine—DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni—L. Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
- *Correspondence: Beatrice Aramini,
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Laboratory of Cell Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anna Valeria Samarelli
- Laboratory of Cell Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Cerri
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Enrico Clini
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Franco Stella
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine—DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni—L. Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Laboratory of Cell Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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