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Gupta S, Yamada E, Nakamura H, Perez P, Pranzatelli TJ, Dominick K, Jang SI, Abed M, Martin D, Burbelo P, Zheng C, French B, Alevizos I, Khavandgar Z, Beach M, Pelayo E, Walitt B, Hasni S, Kaplan MJ, Tandon M, Magone MT, Kleiner DE, Chiorini JA, Baer A, Warner BM. Inhibition of JAK-STAT pathway corrects salivary gland inflammation and interferon driven immune activation in Sjögren's disease. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:1034-1047. [PMID: 38527764 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Inflammatory cytokines that signal through the Janus kinases-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, especially interferons (IFNs), are implicated in Sjögren's disease (SjD). Although inhibition of JAKs is effective in other autoimmune diseases, a systematic investigation of IFN-JAK-STAT signalling and the effect of JAK inhibitor (JAKi) therapy in SjD-affected human tissues has not been fully investigated. METHODS Human minor salivary glands (MSGs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were investigated using bulk or single-cell (sc) RNA sequencing (RNAseq), immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy and flow cytometry. Ex vivo culture assays on PBMCs and primary salivary gland epithelial cell (pSGEC) lines were performed to model changes in target tissues before and after JAKi. RESULTS RNAseq and IF showed activated JAK-STAT pathway in SjD MSGs. Elevated IFN-stimulated gene (ISGs) expression associated with clinical variables (eg, focus scores, anti-SSA positivity). scRNAseq of MSGs exhibited cell type-specific upregulation of JAK-STAT and ISGs; PBMCs showed similar trends, including markedly upregulated ISGs in monocytes. Ex vivo studies showed elevated basal pSTAT levels in SjD MSGs and PBMCs that were corrected with JAKi. SjD-derived pSGECs exhibited higher basal ISG expressions and exaggerated responses to IFN-β, which were normalised by JAKi without cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS SjD patients' tissues exhibit increased expression of ISGs and activation of the JAK-STAT pathway in a cell type-dependent manner. JAKi normalises this aberrant signalling at the tissue level and in PBMCs, suggesting a putative viable therapy for SjD, targeting both glandular and extraglandular symptoms. Predicated on these data, a phase Ib/IIa randomised controlled trial to treat SjD with tofacitinib was initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarthak Gupta
- Lupus Clinical Trials Unit, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eiko Yamada
- Salivary Disorder Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paola Perez
- Salivary Disorder Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas Jf Pranzatelli
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kalie Dominick
- Salivary Disorder Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shyh-Ing Jang
- Salivary Disorder Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mehdi Abed
- Salivary Disorder Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Martin
- Genomics and Computational Biology Core, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter Burbelo
- Genomics and Computational Biology Core, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - ChangYu Zheng
- Genomics and Computational Biology Core, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ben French
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ilias Alevizos
- Salivary Disorder Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zohreh Khavandgar
- Salivary Disorder Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- NIDCR Sjögren's Disease Clinic, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Margaret Beach
- NIDCR Sjögren's Disease Clinic, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eileen Pelayo
- NIDCR Sjögren's Disease Clinic, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Walitt
- NIDCR Sjögren's Disease Clinic, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarfaraz Hasni
- Lupus Clinical Trials Unit, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mariana J Kaplan
- Lupus Clinical Trials Unit, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mayank Tandon
- Salivary Disorder Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maria Teresa Magone
- Consult Services Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David E Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John A Chiorini
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alan Baer
- NIDCR Sjögren's Disease Clinic, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Blake M Warner
- Salivary Disorder Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- NIDCR Sjögren's Disease Clinic, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Waterman HR, Dufort MJ, Posso SE, Ni M, Li LZ, Zhu C, Raj P, Smith KD, Buckner JH, Hamerman JA. Lupus IgA1 autoantibodies synergize with IgG to enhance plasmacytoid dendritic cell responses to RNA-containing immune complexes. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadl3848. [PMID: 38959329 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adl3848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Autoantibodies to nuclear antigens are hallmarks of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) where they contribute to pathogenesis. However, there remains a gap in our knowledge regarding how different isotypes of autoantibodies contribute to this autoimmune disease, including the production of the critical type I interferon (IFN) cytokines by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in response to immune complexes (ICs). We focused on IgA, which is the second-most prevalent isotype in serum and, along with IgG, is deposited in glomeruli in individuals with lupus nephritis. We show that individuals with SLE have serum IgA autoantibodies against most nuclear antigens, correlating with IgG against the same antigen. We investigated whether IgA autoantibodies against a major SLE autoantigen, Smith ribonucleoprotein (Sm/RNP), played a role in IC activation of pDCs. We found that pDCs expressed the IgA-specific Fc receptor, FcαR, and IgA1 autoantibodies synergized with IgG in RNA-containing ICs to generate robust primary blood pDC IFN-α responses in vitro. pDC responses to these ICs required both FcαR and FcγRIIa, showing synergy between these Fc receptors. Sm/RNP IC binding to and internalization by pDCs were greater when ICs contained both IgA1 and IgG. Circulating pDCs from individuals with SLE had higher binding of IgA1-containing ICs and higher expression of FcαR than pDCs from healthy control individuals. Although pDC FcαR expression correlated with the blood IFN-stimulated gene signature in SLE, Toll-like receptor 7 agonists, but not IFN-α, up-regulated pDC FcαR expression in vitro. Together, we show a mechanism by which IgA1 autoantibodies contribute to SLE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley R Waterman
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Matthew J Dufort
- Center for Systems Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Sylvia E Posso
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Minjian Ni
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Lucy Z Li
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Chengsong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Microarray and Immune Phenotyping Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Prithvi Raj
- Department of Immunology, Microarray and Immune Phenotyping Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kelly D Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jane H Buckner
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Jessica A Hamerman
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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3
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Chen Z, Wang C, Huang S, Shi Y, Xi R. Directly selecting cell-type marker genes for single-cell clustering analyses. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024:100810. [PMID: 38981475 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
In single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies, cell types and their marker genes are often identified by clustering and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis. A common practice is to select genes using surrogate criteria such as variance and deviance, then cluster them using selected genes and detect markers by DEG analysis assuming known cell types. The surrogate criteria can miss important genes or select unimportant genes, while DEG analysis has the selection-bias problem. We present Festem, a statistical method for the direct selection of cell-type markers for downstream clustering. Festem distinguishes marker genes with heterogeneous distribution across cells that are cluster informative. Simulation and scRNA-seq applications demonstrate that Festem can sensitively select markers with high precision and enables the identification of cell types often missed by other methods. In a large intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma dataset, we identify diverse CD8+ T cell types and potential prognostic marker genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Chen
- School of Mathematical Sciences and Center for Statistical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Changhu Wang
- School of Mathematical Sciences and Center for Statistical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Siyuan Huang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yang Shi
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ruibin Xi
- School of Mathematical Sciences and Center for Statistical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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4
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Crow MK, Olferiev M, Kirou KA. Standing on Shoulders: Interferon Research From Viral Interference to Lupus Pathogenesis and Treatment. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:1002-1012. [PMID: 38500017 DOI: 10.1002/art.42849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of interferon in the 1950s represents much more than the identification of the first cytokine and the key mediator of antiviral host defense. Defining the molecular nature and complexity of the type I interferon family, as well as its inducers and molecular mechanisms of action, was the work of investigators working at the highest level and producing insights of great consequence. Current knowledge of receptor-ligand interactions, cell signaling, and transcriptional regulation derives from studies of type I interferon. It is on the shoulders of the giants who produced that knowledge that others stand and have revealed critical mechanisms of the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. The design of novel therapeutics is informed by the advances in investigation of type I interferon, with the potential for important impact on patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Crow
- Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Mikhail Olferiev
- Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Kyriakos A Kirou
- Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York
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5
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Xie L, Gomes LLA, Stone CJ, Faden DF, Werth VP. An update on clinical trials for cutaneous lupus erythematosus. J Dermatol 2024; 51:885-894. [PMID: 38491743 PMCID: PMC11222050 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17161] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) comprises dermatologic manifestations that may occur independently or with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Despite advancements in refining CLE classification, establishing precise subtype criteria remains challenging due to overlapping presentations and difficulty in distinguishing morphology. Current treatments encompass preventive measures, topical therapies, and systemic approaches. Hydroxychloroquine and glucocorticoids are the sole US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for CLE, with numerous off-label treatments available. However, these treatments are often not covered by insurance, imposing a significant financial burden on patients. The exclusion of most CLE patients, particularly those without concurrent SLE, from trials designed for SLE has resulted in a lack of targeted treatments for CLE. To develop effective CLE treatments, validated outcome measures for tracking patient responsiveness are essential. The Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index is widely utilized for its reliability, validity, and ability to differentiate between skin activity and damage. In contrast, the FDA mandates the use of the Investigator's Global Assessment, a five-point Likert scale related to lesion characteristics, for skin-related therapeutic trials. It requires the disease to resolve or almost completely resolve to demonstrate improvement, which can be difficult when there is residual erythema or incomplete clearance that is meaningfully improved from a patient perspective. Various classes of skin lupus medications target diverse pathways, allowing tailored treatment based on the patient's lupus inflammatory profile, resulting in improved outcomes. Promising targeted therapeutic drugs include anifrolumab (anti-type 1 interferon), deucravacitinib (allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor), litifilimab (plasmacytoid dendritic cell-directed therapy), iberdomide (cereblon-targeting ligand), and belimumab (B-cell directed therapy). Despite the significant impact of CLE on quality of life, therapeutic options remain inadequate. While promising treatments for cutaneous lupus are emerging, it is crucial to underscore the urgency for skin-focused treatment outcomes and the implementation of validated measures to assess therapeutic effectiveness in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Xie
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lais Lopes Almeida Gomes
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Caroline J. Stone
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniella Forman Faden
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Victoria P. Werth
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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6
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Moadab F, Sohrabi S, Wang X, Najjar R, Wolters JC, Jiang H, Miao W, Romero D, Zaller DM, Tran M, Bays A, Taylor MS, Kapeller R, LaCava J, Mustelin T. Subcellular location of L1 retrotransposon-encoded ORF1p, reverse transcription products, and DNA sensors in lupus granulocytes. Mob DNA 2024; 15:14. [PMID: 38937837 PMCID: PMC11212426 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-024-00324-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with an unpredictable course of recurrent exacerbations alternating with more stable disease. SLE is characterized by broad immune activation and autoantibodies against double-stranded DNA and numerous proteins that exist in cells as aggregates with nucleic acids, such as Ro60, MOV10, and the L1 retrotransposon-encoded ORF1p. RESULTS Here we report that these 3 proteins are co-expressed and co-localized in a subset of SLE granulocytes and are concentrated in cytosolic dots that also contain DNA: RNA heteroduplexes and the DNA sensor ZBP1, but not cGAS. The DNA: RNA heteroduplexes vanished from the neutrophils when they were treated with a selective inhibitor of the L1 reverse transcriptase. We also report that ORF1p granules escape neutrophils during the extrusion of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and, to a lesser degree, from neutrophils dying by pyroptosis, but not apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS These results bring new insights into the composition of ORF1p granules in SLE neutrophils and may explain, in part, why proteins in these granules become targeted by autoantibodies in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moadab
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sepideh Sohrabi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiaoxing Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rayan Najjar
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Justina C Wolters
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hua Jiang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Megan Tran
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alison Bays
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Martin S Taylor
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - John LaCava
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tomas Mustelin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- University of Washington, 750 Republican Street, Room E507, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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Boz V, Tesser A, Burlo F, Donadel N, Pastore S, Amaddeo A, Vittoria F, Padovan M, Di Rosa M, Tommasini A, Valencic E. Siglec-1, an easy and contributory inflammation marker in rheumatology. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1520. [PMID: 38939726 PMCID: PMC11208081 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are poorly informative about interferon (IFN)-related disorders. In these conditions, the measure of the interferon score (IS), obtained by measuring the expression of IFN-stimulated genes, has been proposed. Flow cytometry-based assays measuring sialic-acid-binding Ig-like lectin 1 (Siglec-1) expression could be a more practical tool for evaluating IFN-inflammation. The study compared Siglec-1 measures with IS and other inflammatory indexes. We compared Siglec-1 measures with IS and other inflammatory indexes in real-world paediatric rheumatology experience. Methods We recruited patients with immuno-rheumatological conditions, acute infectious illness and patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery as controls. Siglec-1 expression was measured in all samples, and IS, ESR and CRP were also recorded if available. Results Overall, 98 subjects were enrolled in the study, with a total of 104 measures of Siglec-1. Compared with IS, Siglec-1 expression showed good accuracy (86.0%), specificity (72.7%) and sensitivity (85.7%). The measure of the percentage of Siglec-1-positive cells performed best at low levels of IFN-inflammation, while the measure of mean fluorescence intensity performed best at higher levels. Ex vivo studies on IFN-stimulated monocytes confirmed this behaviour. There was no link between Siglec-1 expression and either ESR or CRP, and positive Siglec-1 results were found even when ESR and CRP were normal. A high Siglec-1 expression was also recorded in subjects with acute infections. Conclusion Siglec-1 measurement by flow cytometry is an easy tool to detect IFN-related inflammation, even in subjects with normal results of common inflammation indexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Boz
- Department of PediatricsInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
| | - Alessandra Tesser
- Department of PediatricsInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
| | - Francesca Burlo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health SciencesUniversity of TriesteTriesteItaly
| | - Nicola Donadel
- Department of PediatricsInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
| | - Serena Pastore
- Department of PediatricsInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
| | - Alessandro Amaddeo
- Department of PediatricsInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
| | - Francesca Vittoria
- Department of PediatricsInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
| | - Matteo Padovan
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health SciencesUniversity of TriesteTriesteItaly
| | - Marianna Di Rosa
- Department of PediatricsInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
- Present address:
Department of Medical, Surgical and Health SciencesUniversity of TriesteTrieste34149Italy
| | - Alberto Tommasini
- Department of PediatricsInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health SciencesUniversity of TriesteTriesteItaly
| | - Erica Valencic
- Department of PediatricsInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
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8
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Nishide M, Shimagami H, Kumanogoh A. Single-cell analysis in rheumatic and allergic diseases: insights for clinical practice. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01043-3. [PMID: 38914790 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01043-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Since the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) methodology, single-cell analysis has become a powerful tool for exploration of cellular networks and dysregulated immune responses in disease pathogenesis. Advanced bioinformatics tools have enabled the combined analysis of scRNA-seq data and information on various cell properties, such as cell surface molecular profiles, chromatin accessibility and spatial information, leading to a deeper understanding of pathology. This Review provides an overview of the achievements in single-cell analysis applied to clinical samples of rheumatic and allergic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, allergic airway diseases and atopic dermatitis, with an expanded scope beyond peripheral blood cells to include local diseased tissues. Despite the valuable insights that single-cell analysis has provided into disease pathogenesis, challenges remain in translating single-cell findings into clinical practice and developing personalized treatment strategies. Beyond understanding the atlas of cellular diversity, we discuss the application of data obtained in each study to clinical practice, with a focus on identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Nishide
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
- Department of Immunopathology, World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
- Department of Advanced Clinical and Translational Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Shimagami
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunopathology, World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Advanced Clinical and Translational Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kumanogoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
- Department of Immunopathology, World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
- Center for Infectious Diseases for Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS (CAMaD), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
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9
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Chen S, Ye J, Lin Y, Chen W, Huang S, Yang Q, Qian H, Gao S, Hua C. Crucial Roles of RSAD2/viperin in Immunomodulation, Mitochondrial Metabolism and Autoimmune Diseases. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-02076-5. [PMID: 38909344 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-02076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are typically characterized by aberrant activation of immune system that leads to excessive inflammatory reactions and tissue damage. Nevertheless, precise targeted and efficient therapies are limited. Thus, studies into novel therapeutic targets for the management of autoimmune diseases are urgently needed. Radical S-adenosyl methionine domain-containing 2 (RSAD2) is an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) renowned for the antiviral properties of the protein it encodes, named viperin. An increasing number of studies have underscored the new roles of RSAD2/viperin in immunomodulation and mitochondrial metabolism. Previous studies have shown that there is a complex interplay between RSAD2/vipeirn and mitochondria and that binding of the iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster is necessary for the involvement of viperin in mitochondrial metabolism. Viperin influences the proliferation and development of immune cells as well as inflammation via different signaling pathways. However, the function of RSAD2/viperin varies in different studies and a comprehensive overview of this emerging theme is lacking. This review will describe the characteristics of RSAD2/viperin, decipher its function in immunometabolic processes, and clarify the crosstalk between RSAD2/viperin and mitochondria. Furthermore, we emphasize the crucial roles of RSAD2 in autoimmune diseases and its potential application value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyan Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Jiani Ye
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yinfang Lin
- School of the 1st Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Wenxiu Chen
- School of the 1st Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Shenghao Huang
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Qianru Yang
- School of the 1st Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Hengrong Qian
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Chunyan Hua
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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10
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Li TM, Zyulina V, Seltzer ES, Dacic M, Chinenov Y, Daamen AR, Veiga KR, Schwartz N, Oliver DJ, Cabahug-Zuckerman P, Lora J, Liu Y, Shipman WD, Ambler WG, Taber SF, Onel KB, Zippin JH, Rashighi M, Krueger JG, Anandasabapathy N, Rogatsky I, Jabbari A, Blobel CP, Lipsky PE, Lu TT. The interferon-rich skin environment regulates Langerhans cell ADAM17 to promote photosensitivity in lupus. eLife 2024; 13:e85914. [PMID: 38860651 PMCID: PMC11213570 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85914] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The autoimmune disease lupus erythematosus (lupus) is characterized by photosensitivity, where even ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure can lead to development of inflammatory skin lesions. We have previously shown that Langerhans cells (LCs) limit keratinocyte apoptosis and photosensitivity via a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17)-mediated release of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands and that LC ADAM17 sheddase activity is reduced in lupus. Here, we sought to understand how the lupus skin environment contributes to LC ADAM17 dysfunction and, in the process, differentiate between effects on LC ADAM17 sheddase function, LC ADAM17 expression, and LC numbers. We show through transcriptomic analysis a shared IFN-rich environment in non-lesional skin across human lupus and three murine models: MRL/lpr, B6.Sle1yaa, and imiquimod (IMQ) mice. IFN-I inhibits LC ADAM17 sheddase activity in murine and human LCs, and IFNAR blockade in lupus model mice restores LC ADAM17 sheddase activity, all without consistent effects on LC ADAM17 protein expression or LC numbers. Anti-IFNAR-mediated LC ADAM17 sheddase function restoration is associated with reduced photosensitive responses that are dependent on EGFR signaling and LC ADAM17. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a known mediator of ADAM17 activity; we show that UVR-induced LC ROS production is reduced in lupus model mice, restored by anti-IFNAR, and is cytoplasmic in origin. Our findings suggest that IFN-I promotes photosensitivity at least in part by inhibiting UVR-induced LC ADAM17 sheddase function and raise the possibility that anifrolumab ameliorates lupus skin disease in part by restoring this function. This work provides insight into IFN-I-mediated disease mechanisms, LC regulation, and a potential mechanism of action for anifrolumab in lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Morgan Li
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - Victoria Zyulina
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ethan S Seltzer
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - Marija Dacic
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Physiology, Biophysics, and Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical SciencesNew YorkUnited States
| | - Yurii Chinenov
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - Andrea R Daamen
- Department of Medicine, AMPEL BioSolutionsCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Keila R Veiga
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special SurgeryNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Noa Schwartz
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special SurgeryNew YorkUnited States
| | - David J Oliver
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - Pamela Cabahug-Zuckerman
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - Jose Lora
- Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Physiology, Biophysics, and Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical SciencesNew YorkUnited States
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - William D Shipman
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical SciencesNew YorkUnited States
| | - William G Ambler
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special SurgeryNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Sarah F Taber
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special SurgeryNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Karen B Onel
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special SurgeryNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Jonathan H Zippin
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Mehdi Rashighi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - James G Krueger
- Laboratory of Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Niroshana Anandasabapathy
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical SciencesNew YorkUnited States
| | - Inez Rogatsky
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical SciencesNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ali Jabbari
- Laboratory of Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Carl P Blobel
- Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Physiology, Biophysics, and Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical SciencesNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Peter E Lipsky
- Department of Medicine, AMPEL BioSolutionsCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Theresa T Lu
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery Research InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special SurgeryNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical SciencesNew YorkUnited States
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11
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Raupov RK, Suspitsin EN, Kalashnikova EM, Sorokina LS, Burtseva TE, Argunova VM, Mulkidzhan RS, Tumakova AV, Kostik MM. IFN-I Score and Rare Genetic Variants in Children with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1244. [PMID: 38927451 PMCID: PMC11200921 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Interferon I (IFN I) signaling hyperactivation is considered one of the most important pathogenetic mechanisms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Early manifestation and more severe SLE courses in children suggest a stronger genetic influence in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). Aim: To evaluate IFN-I score and SLE-associated genetic variants in cSLE. Material and Methods: 80 patients with cSLE were included in the study. IFN I-score was assessed by real-time PCR quantitation of 5 IFN I-regulated transcripts (IFI44L, IFI44, IFIT3, LY6E, MXA1) in 60 patients. Clinical exome sequencing (CES) was performed in 51 patients. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 32 patients with negative results of CES. Results: 46/60 patients (77%) had elevated IFN-I scores. Leucopenia and skin involvement were associated with over-expression of IFI44 and IFI44L, while hypocomplementemia-with hyperactivation of IFIT3, LY6E, and MX1. No correlation of IFN-I score with disease activity was found. At least one rare genetic variant, potentially associated with SLE, was found in 29 (56.9%) patients. The frequency of any SLE-genetic variants in patients with increased IFN scores was 84%, in patients with normal IFN scores-33%, and in the group whose IFN score was not assessed was 65% (p = 0.040). The majority of genetic variants (74%) are functionally related to nucleic acid sensing and IFN-signaling. The highest frequency of genetic variants was observed in Sakha patients (9/14; 64.3%); three and two unrelated patients had identical variants in PTPN22 and TREX1 genes, respectively. Conclusions: More than half of patients with childhood-onset SLE have rare variants in SLE-associated genes. The IFN-I score could be considered a tool for the selection of patients for further genetic assessment in whom monogenic lupus is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinat K. Raupov
- Hospital Pediatry Department, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia (E.M.K.); (L.S.S.)
- H. Turner National Medical Research Center for Children’s Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Pediatric Rheumatology, 196603 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny N. Suspitsin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (E.N.S.); (A.V.T.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, N. N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 197758 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Elvira M. Kalashnikova
- Hospital Pediatry Department, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia (E.M.K.); (L.S.S.)
| | - Lubov S. Sorokina
- Hospital Pediatry Department, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia (E.M.K.); (L.S.S.)
| | - Tatiana E. Burtseva
- Department of Pediatry and Pediatric Surgery, Medical Institute of North-Eastern Federal University, 677007 Yakutsk, Russia;
- Yakut Science Center of Complex Medical Problems, Laboratory of Monitoring of the Children Health and Environmental Research, 677018 Yakutsk, Russia
| | - Vera M. Argunova
- Republic Hospital #1–National Center of Medicine, Pediatric Rheumatology, 677010 Yakutsk, Russia
| | - Rimma S. Mulkidzhan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, N. N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 197758 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Anastasia V. Tumakova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (E.N.S.); (A.V.T.)
| | - Mikhail M. Kostik
- Hospital Pediatry Department, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia (E.M.K.); (L.S.S.)
- Research Laboratory of Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases, World-Class Research Centre for Personalized Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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12
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Vazquez T, Patel J, Kodali N, Diaz D, Bashir MM, Chin F, Keyes E, Sharma M, Sprow G, Grinnell M, Dan J, Werth VP. Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Are Not Major Producers of Type 1 IFN in Cutaneous Lupus: An In-Depth Immunoprofile of Subacute and Discoid Lupus. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1262-1272.e7. [PMID: 38086428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The immunologic drivers of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and its clinical subtypes remain poorly understood. We sought to characterize the immune landscape of discoid lupus erythematosus and subacute CLE using multiplexed immunophenotyping. We found no significant differences in immune cell percentages between discoid lupus erythematosus and subacute CLE (P > .05) with the exception of an increase in TBK1 in discoid lupus erythematosus (P < .05). Unbiased clustering grouped subjects into 2 major clusters without respect to clinical subtype. Subjects with a history of smoking had increased percentages of neutrophils, disease activity, and endothelial granzyme B compared with nonsmokers. Despite previous assumptions, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) did not stain for IFN-1. Skin-eluted and circulating pDCs from subjects with CLE expressed significantly less IFNα than healthy control pDCs upon toll-like receptor 7 stimulation ex vivo (P < .0001). These data suggest that discoid lupus erythematosus and subacute CLE have similar immune microenvironments in a multiplexed investigation. Our aggregated analysis of CLE revealed that smoking may modulate disease activity in CLE through neutrophils and endothelial granzyme B. Notably, our data suggest that pDCs are not the major producers of IFN-1 in CLE. Future in vitro studies to investigate the role of pDCs in CLE are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Vazquez
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jay Patel
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nilesh Kodali
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - DeAnna Diaz
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Muhammad M Bashir
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Felix Chin
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emily Keyes
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meena Sharma
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Grant Sprow
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Madison Grinnell
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua Dan
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Victoria P Werth
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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13
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Lorant AK, Yoshida AE, Gilbertson EA, Chu T, Stefani C, Acharya M, Hamerman JA, Lacy-Hulbert A. Integrin αvβ3 Limits Cytokine Production by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Restricts TLR-Driven Autoimmunity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1680-1692. [PMID: 38607278 PMCID: PMC11105983 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are strongly implicated as a major source of IFN-I in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), triggered through TLR-mediated recognition of nucleic acids released from dying cells. However, relatively little is known about how TLR signaling and IFN-I production are regulated in pDCs. In this article, we describe a role for integrin αvβ3 in regulating TLR responses and IFN-I production by pDCs in mouse models. We show that αv and β3-knockout pDCs produce more IFN-I and inflammatory cytokines than controls when stimulated through TLR7 and TLR9 in vitro and in vivo. Increased cytokine production was associated with delayed acidification of endosomes containing TLR ligands, reduced LC3 conjugation, and increased TLR signaling. This dysregulated TLR signaling results in activation of B cells and promotes germinal center (GC) B cell and plasma cell expansion. Furthermore, in a mouse model of TLR7-driven lupus-like disease, deletion of αvβ3 from pDCs causes accelerated autoantibody production and pathology. We therefore identify a pDC-intrinsic role for αvβ3 in regulating TLR signaling and preventing activation of autoreactive B cells. Because αvβ3 serves as a receptor for apoptotic cells and cell debris, we hypothesize that this regulatory mechanism provides important contextual cues to pDCs and functions to limit responses to self-derived nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina K Lorant
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason; Seattle, WA, USA 98101
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington; Seattle, WA, USA 98109
| | - Anna E Yoshida
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason; Seattle, WA, USA 98101
| | | | - Talyn Chu
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason; Seattle, WA, USA 98101
| | - Caroline Stefani
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason; Seattle, WA, USA 98101
| | - Mridu Acharya
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA 98105
| | - Jessica A Hamerman
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason; Seattle, WA, USA 98101
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington; Seattle, WA, USA 98109
| | - Adam Lacy-Hulbert
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason; Seattle, WA, USA 98101
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington; Seattle, WA, USA 98109
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14
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Gómez-Bañuelos E, Goldman DW, Andrade V, Darrah E, Petri M, Andrade F. Uncoupling interferons and the interferon signature explains clinical and transcriptional subsets in SLE. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101569. [PMID: 38744279 PMCID: PMC11148857 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) displays a hallmark interferon (IFN) signature. Yet, clinical trials targeting type I IFN (IFN-I) have shown variable efficacy, and blocking IFN-II failed to treat SLE. Here, we show that IFN type levels in SLE vary significantly across clinical and transcriptional endotypes. Whereas skin involvement correlated with IFN-I alone, systemic features like nephritis associated with co-elevation of IFN-I, IFN-II, and IFN-III, indicating additive IFN effects in severe SLE. Notably, while high IFN-II/-III levels without IFN-I had a limited effect on disease activity, IFN-II was linked to IFN-I-independent transcriptional profiles (e.g., OXPHOS and CD8+GZMH+ cells), and IFN-III enhanced IFN-induced gene expression when co-elevated with IFN-I. Moreover, dysregulated IFNs do not explain the IFN signature in 64% of patients or clinical manifestations including cytopenia, serositis, and anti-phospholipid syndrome, implying IFN-independent endotypes in SLE. This study sheds light on mechanisms underlying SLE heterogeneity and the variable response to IFN-targeted therapies in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel W Goldman
- Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Victoria Andrade
- Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Erika Darrah
- Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Michelle Petri
- Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Felipe Andrade
- Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224.
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15
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Alee I, Chantawichitwong P, Leelahavanichkul A, Paludan SR, Pisitkun T, Pisitkun P. The STING inhibitor (ISD-017) reduces glomerulonephritis in 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11020. [PMID: 38745067 PMCID: PMC11094069 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The absence of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice rescue lupus phenotypes. The administration of a STING inhibitor (ISD017) into the young 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice prevents lupus nephritis development. This study mainly aimed to evaluate the effects of STING inhibition (ISD107) on established SLE in mice to prove that ISD017 could be a good therapeutic drug to reverse the already set-up autoimmunity and kidney impairment. Twenty-four-week-old Fcgr2b-deficient mice were treated with cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, once per week), ISD017 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, three times per week), or control vehicle for 8 weeks, and were analyzed for phenotypes. Both ISD017 and cyclophosphamide treatment increased long-term survival and reduced the severity of glomerulonephritis in Fcgr2b-deficient mice. While cyclophosphamide reduced activated B cells (B220+GL-7+), ISD017 decreased activated T cells (CD4+CD69+) and neutrophils (Ly6c+Ly6g+) in Fcgr2b-deficient mice. In addition, ISD017 reduced IL-1β and interferon-inducible genes. In summary, ISD017 treatment in symptomatic 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice reduced the severity of glomerulonephritis and increased long-term survival. ISD017 worked comparably to cyclophosphamide for treating lupus nephritis in 129.B6.Fcgr2b-deficient mice. ISD017 reduced activated T cells and neutrophils, while cyclophosphamide targeted activated B cells. These results suggested that STING inhibitors can potentially be a new therapeutic drug for treating lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isara Alee
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Medical Sciences Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Papasara Chantawichitwong
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduated Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Center of Excellence in Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology (CETRII), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Søren R Paludan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Epithelial Systems Biology Laboratory, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Prapaporn Pisitkun
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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16
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Carter LM, Md Yusof MY, Wigston Z, Plant D, Wenlock S, Alase A, Psarras A, Vital EM. Blood RNA-sequencing across the continuum of ANA-positive autoimmunity reveals insights into initiating immunopathology. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2023-225349. [PMID: 38740438 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mechanisms underpinning clinical evolution to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from preceding antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positivity are poorly understood. This study aimed to understand blood immune cell transcriptional signatures associated with subclinical ANA positivity, and progression or non-progression to SLE. METHODS Bulk RNA-sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated at baseline from 35 ANA positive (ANA+) subjects with non-diagnostic symptoms was analysed using differential gene expression, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, deconvolution of cell subsets and functional enrichment analyses. ANA+ subjects, including those progressing to classifiable SLE at 12 months (n=15) and those with stable subclinical ANA positivity (n=20), were compared with 15 healthy subjects and 18 patients with SLE. RESULTS ANA+ subjects demonstrated extensive transcriptomic dysregulation compared with healthy controls with reduced CD4+naïve T-cells and resting NK cells, but higher activated dendritic cells. B-cell lymphopenia was evident in SLE but not ANA+ subjects. Two-thirds of dysregulated genes were common to ANA+ progressors and non-progressors. ANA+ progressors showed elevated modular interferon signature in which constituent genes were inducible by both type I interferon (IFN-I) and type II interferon (IFN-II) in vitro. Baseline downregulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex I components significantly associated with progression to SLE but did not directly correlate with IFN modular activity. Non-progressors demonstrated more diverse cytokine profiles. CONCLUSIONS ANA positivity, irrespective of clinical trajectory, is profoundly dysregulated and transcriptomically closer to SLE than to healthy immune function. Metabolic derangements and IFN-I activation occur early in the ANA+ preclinical phase and associated with diverging transcriptomic profiles which distinguish subsequent clinical evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Marie Carter
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Zoe Wigston
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Darren Plant
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Adewonuola Alase
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Antonios Psarras
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Edward M Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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17
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Wilhelm A, Chambers D, Müller F, Bozec A, Grieshaber-Bouyer R, Winkler T, Mougiakakos D, Mackensen A, Schett G, Krönke G. Selective CAR T cell-mediated B cell depletion suppresses IFN signature in SLE. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e179433. [PMID: 38722688 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.179433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Applying advanced molecular profiling together with highly specific targeted therapies offers the possibility to better dissect the mechanisms underlying immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in humans. Here we apply a combination of single-cell RNA-Seq and T/B cell repertoire analysis to perform an in-depth characterization of molecular changes in the immune-signature upon CD19 CAR T cell-mediated depletion of B cells in patients with SLE. The resulting data sets not only confirm a selective CAR T cell-mediated reset of the B cell response but simultaneously reveal consequent changes in the transcriptional signature of monocyte and T cell subsets that respond with a profound reduction in type I IFN signaling. Our current data, thus, provide evidence for a causal relationship between the B cell response and the increased IFN signature observed in SLE and additionally demonstrate the usefulness of combining targeted therapies and analytic approaches to decipher molecular mechanisms of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Wilhelm
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen - Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - David Chambers
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen - Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian Müller
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen - Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine 5 - Hematology and Oncology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aline Bozec
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen - Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ricardo Grieshaber-Bouyer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen - Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Winkler
- Department of Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen - Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Mackensen
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen - Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine 5 - Hematology and Oncology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen - Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Krönke
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen - Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité, Unversitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Gómez MA, Belew AT, Vargas D, Giraldo-Parra L, Rebellón-Sanchez D, Alexander T, Sayed NE. Innate biosignature of treatment failure in human cutaneous leishmaniasis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4271873. [PMID: 38746226 PMCID: PMC11092798 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4271873/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The quality and magnitude of the immune and inflammatory responses determine the clinical outcome of Leishmania infection, and contribute to the efficacy of antileishmanial treatments. However, the precise immune mechanisms involved in healing or in chronic immunopathology of human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are not completely understood. Through sequential transcriptomic profiling of blood monocytes (Mo), neutrophils (Nφ), and eosinophils (Eφ) over the course of systemic treatment with meglumine antimoniate, we discovered that a heightened and sustained Type I interferon (IFN) response signature is a hallmark of treatment failure (TF) in CL patients. The transcriptomes of pre-treatment, mid-treatment and end-of-treatment samples were interrogated to identify predictive and prognostic biomarkers of TF. A composite score derived from the expression of 9 differentially expressed genes (common between Mo, Nφ and Eφ) was predictive of TF in this patient cohort for biomarker discovery. Similarly, machine learning models constructed using data from pre-treatment as well as post-treatment samples, accurately classified treatment outcome between cure and TF. Results from this study instigate the evaluation of Type-I IFN responses as new immunological targets for host-directed therapies for treatment of CL, and highlight the feasibility of using transcriptional signatures as predictive biomarkers of outcome for therapeutic decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Deninson Vargas
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas
| | - Lina Giraldo-Parra
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas - CIDEIM
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Alserawan L, Mulet M, Anguera G, Riudavets M, Zamora C, Osuna-Gómez R, Serra-López J, Barba Joaquín A, Sullivan I, Majem M, Vidal S. Kinetics of IFNγ-Induced Cytokines and Development of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Receiving PD-(L)1 Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1759. [PMID: 38730712 PMCID: PMC11083441 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have the potential to trigger unpredictable immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can be severe. The underlying mechanisms of these events are not fully understood. As PD-L1 is upregulated by IFN, the heightened immune activation resulting from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition may enhance the IFN response, triggering the expression of IFN-inducible genes and contributing to irAE development and its severity. In this study, we investigated the interplay between irAEs and the expression of IFN-inducible chemokines and cytokines in 134 consecutive patients with solid tumours treated with PD-(L)1 inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy or other immunotherapy agents. We compared the plasma levels of IFN-associated cytokines (CXCL9/10/11, IL-18, IL-10, IL-6 and TGFβ) at various time points (at baseline, at the onset of irAE and previous to irAE onset) in three patient groups categorized by irAE development and severity: patients with serious irAEs, mild irAEs and without irAEs after PD-(L)1 inhibitors. No differences were observed between groups at baseline. However, patients with serious irAEs exhibited significant increases in CXCL9/10/11, IL-18 and IL-10 levels at the onset of the irAE compared to baseline. A network analysis and correlation patterns highlighted a robust relationship among these chemokines and cytokines at serious-irAE onset. Combining all of the analysed proteins in a cluster analysis, we identified a subgroup of patients with a higher incidence of serious irAEs affecting different organs or systems. Finally, an ROC analysis and a decision tree model proposed IL-18 levels ≥ 807 pg/mL and TGFβ levels ≤ 114 pg/mL as predictors for serious irAEs in 90% of cases. In conclusion, our study elucidates the dynamic changes in cytokine profiles associated with serious irAE development during treatment with PD-(L)1 inhibitors. The study's findings offer valuable insights into the intricate IFN-induced immune responses associated with irAEs and propose potential predictive markers for their severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Alserawan
- Immunology-Inflammatory Diseases, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (R.O.-G.)
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Mulet
- Immunology-Inflammatory Diseases, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (R.O.-G.)
| | - Geòrgia Anguera
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (M.R.); (J.S.-L.); (A.B.J.); (I.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Mariona Riudavets
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (M.R.); (J.S.-L.); (A.B.J.); (I.S.); (M.M.)
- Department of Pneumologie, Hôpital Cochin—APHP Centre, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Carlos Zamora
- Immunology-Inflammatory Diseases, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (R.O.-G.)
| | - Rubén Osuna-Gómez
- Immunology-Inflammatory Diseases, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (R.O.-G.)
| | - Jorgina Serra-López
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (M.R.); (J.S.-L.); (A.B.J.); (I.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Andrés Barba Joaquín
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (M.R.); (J.S.-L.); (A.B.J.); (I.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Ivana Sullivan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (M.R.); (J.S.-L.); (A.B.J.); (I.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Margarita Majem
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (G.A.); (M.R.); (J.S.-L.); (A.B.J.); (I.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Silvia Vidal
- Immunology-Inflammatory Diseases, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (R.O.-G.)
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20
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Yang Y, Zhang H, Xiao X, Guo M. Identification of EPSTI1 as a new potential biomarker for SLE based on GEO database. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:1531-1540. [PMID: 38507132 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-06881-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with highly heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to find the key genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients and to provide a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of lupus. METHODS GSE121239, GSE50772, GSE81622, and GSE144390 mRNA expression profiles were obtained from the website of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and differential expressed genes (DEGs) analysis was performed by R. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to elucidate signaling pathways for the DEGs. Real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR) was used to verify the key gene EPSTI1 in PBMCs of SLE patients. Finally, the correlation analysis and ROC curve analysis of EPSTI1 for SLE were performed. RESULTS A total of 12 upregulated DEGs were identified, including MMP8, MX1, IFI44, EPSTI1, OAS1, OAS3, HERC5, IFIT1, RSAD2, USP18, IFI44L, and IFI27. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that those DEGs were mainly concentrated in the response to virus and IFN signaling pathways. Real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR) revealed that EPSTI1 was increased in PBMCs of SLE. EPSTI1 was positively correlated with SLEDAI score in SLE patients. Besides, EPSTI1 was positively correlated with T cell activation- or differentiation-associated genes (BCL6 and RORC). Furthermore, ROC analyses proved EPSTI1 may have diagnostic value for SLE. CONCLUSION Together, EPSTI1 was found to be a potential biomarker for SLE, closely related to T cell immune imbalance. Key Points • EPSTI1 expression was significantly increased in PBMCs of SLE patients. • EPSTI1 was positively correlated with disease activity and T cell activation- or differentiation-associated genes in SLE patients. • EPSTI1 might have a good diagnostic value for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huali Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xiao
- Department of Nutrition, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Muyao Guo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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21
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Huo L, Montano E, Tumurkhuu G, Bose M, Berman DS, Wallace D, Wei J, Ishimori M, Merz CNB, Jefferies C. Alterations in genes associated with cytosolic RNA sensing in whole blood are associated with coronary microvascular disease in SLE. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4171759. [PMID: 38746373 PMCID: PMC11092805 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4171759/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are 90% women and over three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than women in the general population. Chest pain with no obstructive cardiac disease is associated with coronary microvascular disease (CMD), where narrowing of the small blood vessels can lead to ischemia, and frequently reported by SLE patients. Using whole blood RNA samples, we asked whether gene signatures discriminate SLE patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) on cardiac MRI (n=4) from those without (n=7) and whether any signaling pathway is linked to the underlying pathobiology of SLE CMD. RNA-seq analysis revealed 143 differentially expressed (DE) genes between the SLE and healthy control (HC) groups, with virus defense and interferon (IFN) signaling being the key pathways identified as enriched in SLE as expected. We next conducted a comparative analysis of genes differentially expressed in SLE-CMD and SLE-non-CMD relative to HC samples. Our analysis highlighted differences in IFN signaling, RNA sensing and ADP-ribosylation pathways between SLE-CMD and SLE-non-CMD. This is the first study to investigate possible gene signatures associating with CMD in SLE, and our data strongly suggests that distinct molecular mechanisms underly vascular changes in CMD and non-CMD involvement in SLE.
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22
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Qu S, Gan T, Wang YN, Qi YY, Zhang YM, Berthier CC, Liu LJ, Shi SF, Lv JC, Zhang H, Zhou XJ. A cluster of type I interferon-regulated genes associates with disease activity and prognosis in patients with IgA nephropathy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111920. [PMID: 38522142 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The exact pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is complex and so far, not well defined. Since it has been shown that microbial infections could induce high levels of type I interferon (IFN-I) and there is an evident link between mucosal infection and gross hematuria in IgAN, we hypothesized that IFN-I may play a role in the pathogenic process. In this study, we investigated the type I interferon status in IgAN based on the expression of 17 IFN-regulated genes (IRGs) in whole blood from 59 IgAN patients in a cross-sectional study, of which 34 patients followed longitudinally. Analysis of the IFN-score showed that there was a significant elevated IFN-score in the IgAN patients compared with healthy controls (n = 28, p = 9.80 × 10-3), and we observed an elevated IFN-score in the group with less tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (p = 1.07 × 10-2) and with a lower proportion of mesangial hypercellularity (p = 1.23 × 10-2). In the longitudinal analysis, Cox regression analysis revealed that a higher IFN level was associated with a better renal outcome in IgAN after adjustments for gender and age (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95 % confidence interval, 0.81 to 0.97; p = 4.20 × 10-2). In conclusion, our finding suggested that IFN score may represent a novel type of biomarker in IgAN, which requires further exploration on its mechanism and therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Qu
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Gan
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Na Wang
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Qi
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue-Miao Zhang
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Celine C Berthier
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Li-Jun Liu
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Fang Shi
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Cheng Lv
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu-Jie Zhou
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Waterman HR, Dufort MJ, Posso SE, Ni M, Li LZ, Zhu C, Raj P, Smith KD, Buckner JH, Hamerman JA. Lupus IgA1 autoantibodies synergize with IgG to enhance pDC responses to RNA-containing immune complexes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.07.556743. [PMID: 37745328 PMCID: PMC10515763 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.07.556743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Autoantibodies to nuclear antigens are hallmarks of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) where they contribute to pathogenesis. However, there remains a gap in our knowledge regarding how different isotypes of autoantibodies contribute to disease, including the production of the critical type I interferon (IFN) cytokines by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in response to immune complexes (ICs). We focused on IgA, which is the second most prevalent isotype in serum, and along with IgG is deposited in glomeruli in lupus nephritis. Here, we show that individuals with SLE have IgA autoantibodies against most nuclear antigens, correlating with IgG against the same antigen. We investigated whether IgA autoantibodies against a major SLE autoantigen, Smith ribonucleoproteins (Sm/RNPs), play a role in IC activation of pDCs. We found that pDCs express the IgA-specific Fc receptor, FcαR, and there was a striking ability of IgA1 autoantibodies to synergize with IgG in RNA-containing ICs to generate robust pDC IFNα responses. pDC responses to these ICs required both FcαR and FcγRIIa, showing a potent synergy between these Fc receptors. Sm/RNP IC binding to and internalization by pDCs were greater when ICs contained both IgA1 and IgG. pDCs from individuals with SLE had higher binding of IgA1-containing ICs and higher expression of FcαR than pDCs from healthy control individuals. Whereas pDC FcαR expression correlated with blood ISG signature in SLE, TLR7 agonists, but not IFNα, upregulated pDC FcαR expression in vitro. Together, we show a new mechanism by which IgA1 autoantibodies contribute to SLE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley R. Waterman
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of Washington; Seattle, USA
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute; Seattle, USA
| | - Matthew J. Dufort
- Center for Systems Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute; Seattle, USA
| | - Sylvia E. Posso
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute
| | - Minjian Ni
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute; Seattle, USA
| | - Lucy Z. Li
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of Washington; Seattle, USA
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute; Seattle, USA
| | - Chengsong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Microarray and Immune Phenotyping Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, USA
| | - Prithvi Raj
- Department of Immunology, Microarray and Immune Phenotyping Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, USA
| | - Kelly D. Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington; Seattle, USA
| | - Jane H. Buckner
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute
| | - Jessica A. Hamerman
- Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of Washington; Seattle, USA
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute; Seattle, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington; Seattle, USA
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24
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Song Q, Qi Z, Wang K, Wang N. Z-nucleic acid sensor ZBP1 in sterile inflammation. Clin Immunol 2024; 261:109938. [PMID: 38346464 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.109938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1), a cytosolic nucleic acid sensor for Z-form nucleic acids (Z-NA), can detect both exogenous and endogenous nucleic acids. Upon sensing of self Z-NA or exposure to diverse noxious stimuli, ZBP1 regulates inflammation by activating nuclear factor kappa B and interferon regulating factor 3 signaling pathways. In addition, ZBP1 promotes the assembly of ZBP1 PANoptosome, which initiates caspase 3-mediated apoptosis, mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase (MLKL)-mediated necroptosis, and gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis (PANoptosis), leading to the release of various damage-associated molecular patterns. Thereby, ZBP1 is implicated in the development and progression of diverse sterile inflammatory diseases. This review outlines the expression, structure, and function of ZBP1, along with its dual roles in controlling inflammation and cell death to orchestrate innate immunity in sterile inflammation, especially autoimmune diseases, and cancers. ZBP1 has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for various sterile inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixiang Song
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zehong Qi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kangkai Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Nian Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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25
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Dong C, Guo Y, Chen Z, Li T, Ji J, Sun C, Li J, Cao H, Xia Y, Xue Z, Gu X, Liang Q, Zhao R, Fu T, Ma J, Jiang S, Wu C, Fu Q, Guo G, Bao Y, Guo H, Yang J, Xu M, Zhang X, Sheng Z, Gu Z. Single-Cell Profiling of Bone Marrow B Cells and Early B Cell Developmental Disorders Associated With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:599-613. [PMID: 37946666 DOI: 10.1002/art.42750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The peripheral B cell compartment is heavily disturbed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but whether B cells develop aberrantly in the bone marrow (BM) is largely unknown. METHODS We performed single-cell RNA/B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing and immune profiling of BM B cells and classified patients with SLE into two groups: early B cell (Pro-B and Pre-B) normal (EBnor) and EB defective/low (EBlo) groups. RESULTS The SLE-EBlo group exhibited more severe disease activity and proinflammatory status, overaction of type I interferon signaling and metabolic pathways within the B cell compartment, and aberrant BCR repertoires compared with the SLE-EBnor group. Moreover, in one patient with SLE who was initially classified in the SLE-EBlo group, early B cell deficiency and associated abnormalities were largely rectified in a second BM sample at the remission phase. CONCLUSION In summary, this study suggests that early B cell loss in BM defines a unique pathological state in a subset of patients with SLE that may play an active role in the dysregulated autoimmune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Dong
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yicheng Guo
- Zukerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
| | - Zechuan Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Teng Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Ji
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chi Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Haixia Cao
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yunfei Xia
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhonghui Xue
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xixi Gu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Liang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ting Fu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jiaqiang Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunmei Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Fu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Genkai Guo
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yanfeng Bao
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Junling Yang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Min Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zizhang Sheng
- Zukerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
| | - Zhifeng Gu
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Ambler WG, Kaplan MJ. Vascular damage in systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:251-265. [PMID: 38172627 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00797-8] [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: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Vascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although comorbid cardiovascular risk factors are frequently present in patients with SLE, they do not explain the high burden of premature vascular disease. Profound innate and adaptive immune dysregulation seems to be the primary driver of accelerated vascular damage in SLE. In particular, evidence suggests that dysregulation of type 1 interferon (IFN-I) and aberrant neutrophils have key roles in the pathogenesis of vascular damage. IFN-I promotes endothelial dysfunction directly via effects on endothelial cells and indirectly via priming of immune cells that contribute to vascular damage. SLE neutrophils are vasculopathic in part because of their increased ability to form immunostimulatory neutrophil extracellular traps. Despite improvements in clinical care, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality among patients with SLE, and treatments that improve vascular outcomes are urgently needed. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of vascular injury in inflammatory conditions such as SLE could also have implications for common cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, and may ultimately lead to personalized therapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of this potentially fatal complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Ambler
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mariana J Kaplan
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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Kuga T, Chiba A, Murayama G, Hosomi K, Nakagawa T, Yahagi Y, Noto D, Kusaoi M, Kawano F, Yamaji K, Tamura N, Miyake S. Enhanced GATA4 expression in senescent systemic lupus erythematosus monocytes promotes high levels of IFNα production. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1320444. [PMID: 38605949 PMCID: PMC11007064 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1320444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced interferon α (IFNα) production has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We previously reported IFNα production by monocytes upon activation of the stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway was enhanced in patients with SLE. We investigated the mechanism of enhanced IFNα production in SLE monocytes. Monocytes enriched from the peripheral blood of SLE patients and healthy controls (HC) were stimulated with 2'3'-cyclic GAMP (2'3'-cGAMP), a ligand of STING. IFNα positive/negative cells were FACS-sorted for RNA-sequencing analysis. Gene expression in untreated and 2'3'-cGAMP-stimulated SLE and HC monocytes was quantified by real-time PCR. The effect of GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) on IFNα production was investigated by overexpressing GATA4 in monocytic U937 cells by vector transfection. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed to identify GATA4 binding target genes in U937 cells stimulated with 2'3'-cGAMP. Differentially expressed gene analysis of cGAS-STING stimulated SLE and HC monocytes revealed the enrichment of gene sets related to cellular senescence in SLE. CDKN2A, a marker gene of cellular senescence, was upregulated in SLE monocytes at steady state, and its expression was further enhanced upon STING stimulation. GATA4 expression was upregulated in IFNα-positive SLE monocytes. Overexpression of GATA4 enhanced IFNα production in U937 cells. GATA4 bound to the enhancer region of IFIT family genes and promoted the expressions of IFIT1, IFIT2, and IFIT3, which promote type I IFN induction. SLE monocytes with accelerated cellular senescence produced high levels of IFNα related to GATA4 expression upon activation of the cGAS-STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiga Kuga
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asako Chiba
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Goh Murayama
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosuke Hosomi
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakagawa
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Yahagi
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Noto
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makio Kusaoi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fuminori Kawano
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Matsumoto University, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Ken Yamaji
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoto Tamura
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Miyake
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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van den Broek T, Oleinika K, Rahmayanti S, Castrillon C, van der Poel CE, Carroll MC. Invasion of spontaneous germinal centers by naive B cells is rapid and persistent. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadi8150. [PMID: 38517953 PMCID: PMC11152582 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adi8150] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
In autoreactive germinal centers (GC) initiated by a single rogue B cell clone, wild-type B cells expand and give rise to clones that target other autoantigens, known as epitope spreading. The chronic, progressive nature of epitope spreading calls for early interventions to limit autoimmune pathologies, but the kinetics and molecular requirements for wild-type B cell invasion and participation in GC remain largely unknown. With parabiosis and adoptive transfer approaches in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus, we demonstrate that wild-type B cells join existing GCs rapidly, clonally expand, persist, and contribute to autoantibody production and diversification. The invasion of autoreactive GCs by wild-type B cells required TLR7, B cell receptor specificity, antigen presentation, and type I interferon signaling. The adoptive transfer model provides a tool for identifying early events in the breaking of B cell tolerance in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo van den Broek
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kristine Oleinika
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Siti Rahmayanti
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Carlos Castrillon
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Cees E van der Poel
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael C Carroll
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Wang J, Dang X, Wu X, Xiang Z, Li Y, Fu Y, Shen T. DNA methylation of IFI44L as a potential blood biomarker for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03135-1. [PMID: 38514858 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03135-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) promoter methylation has been demonstrated to serve as an effective blood diagnostic biomarker for adult-onset SLE. However, its utility as a diagnostic marker for childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) remains to be verified. METHODS Initially, we conducted a differential analysis of gene methylation and mRNA expression patterns in cSLE whole blood samples obtained from the public GEO database to determine IFI44L gene expression and assess the methylation status at its CpG sites. Subsequently, we collected clinical whole blood samples from 49 cSLE patients and 12 healthy children, employing an HRM-qPCR-based IFI44L methylation detection technique to evaluate its diagnostic efficacy in pediatric clinical practice. RESULTS A total of 26 hypomethylated, highly expressed genes in cSLE were identified by intersecting differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylation genes (DMGs). GO enrichment analysis for these 26 genes indicated a robust association with type I IFN. Among the overlapping genes, IFI44L exhibited the most pronounced differential expression and methylation. In subsequent clinical validation experiments, IFI44L methylation was confirmed as an effective blood-based diagnostic biomarker for cSLE, achieving an AUC of 0.867, a sensitivity of 0.753, and a specificity of 1.000. CONCLUSIONS IFI44L methylation is a promising blood biomarker for cSLE. IMPACT IFI44L promoter methylation was reported to serve as a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic marker for adult-onset SLE. However, the diagnostic efficacy of IFI44L in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) still remains to be confirmed. In this study, we utilized bioinformatics analysis and conducted clinical experiments to demonstrate that IFI44L methylation can also serve as a promising blood biomarker for cSLE. The findings of this study can facilitate the diagnosis of cSLE and broaden our understanding of its molecular mechanisms, with a particular focus on those related to type I interferons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Wang
- Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiqiang Dang
- Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wu
- Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhongyuan Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Li
- Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqian Fu
- Health Management Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tian Shen
- Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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30
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Wang M, Zhang Y, Zhai Y, Li H, Xie Z, Wen C. The mechanism of Langchuangding in treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus via modulating TLR7-IRF7-IFNα pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26022. [PMID: 38455571 PMCID: PMC10918011 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Object Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by aberrant activity of the immune system. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) which the main producer of activated type I interferon, are related to SLE disease activity. To investigate the mechanism of Langchuangding (LCD) improving SLE based on TLR7-IRF7-IFNα pathway. Methods SLE patients were randomly divided into Chinese medicine combined with western medicine (CWM) group and western medicine (WM) group, to observe the effect of LCD. The percent of pDCs in peripheral blood of SLE patients were detected by flow cytometry, and the influence of LCD on gene expression in SLE patients were detected by gene microarray. Mouse bone marrow cells were differentiated into dendritic like cells (DLC), then divided into Blank, immune complex (IC), LCD and dexamethasone (DXM) group. Employed RT-qPCR to detect MyD88, and IRF7 mRNA, and western blotting to determinate TLR7, MyD88, and p-IRF7 proteins. The IFNα in SLE patients were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Employ dual luciferase to observe the interferon stimulated response element (ISRE) gene. Results pDCs in WM group was higher than that of CWM group. The plasma IFNα in CWM group was significantly lower than that in WM group. The gene microarray showed that the gene expression of IFNα related signaling pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and genes related to activation and proliferation of immune cells were down-regulated after LCD treatment. The DLCs MyD88, and IRF7 mRNA were down-regulated, TLR7, MyD88, and p-IRF7 proteins were significantly reduced, and the supernatant IFNα was significantly decreased in LCD group. LCD were mildly inhibited activation of ISRE in 293T cells. Conclusions In certain degree, LCD is beneficial to SLE patients. LCD therapy SLE may be through TLR7 signaling pathway, and IRF7 may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Haichang Li
- Research Institute of Chinese Medicine Clinical Foundation and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhijun Xie
- Research Institute of Chinese Medicine Clinical Foundation and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengping Wen
- Research Institute of Chinese Medicine Clinical Foundation and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
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31
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Torell A, Stockfelt M, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Akhter T, Leonard D, Rönnblom L, Pihl S, Saleh M, Sjöwall C, Strevens H, Jönsen A, Bengtsson AA, Trysberg E, Majczuk Sennström M, Zickert A, Svenungsson E, Gunnarsson I, Bylund J, Jacobsson B, Rudin A, Lundell AC. Low CD4 + T cell count is related to specific anti-nuclear antibodies, IFNα protein positivity and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus pregnancy. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:65. [PMID: 38459582 PMCID: PMC10924387 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03301-0] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphopenia, autoantibodies and activation of the type I interferon (IFN) system are common features in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We speculate whether lymphocyte subset counts are affected by pregnancy and if they relate to autoantibody profiles and/or IFNα protein in SLE pregnancy. METHODS Repeated blood samples were collected during pregnancy from 80 women with SLE and 51 healthy controls (HC). Late postpartum samples were obtained from 19 of the women with SLE. Counts of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, B cells and NK cells were measured by flow cytometry. Positivity for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) fine specificities (double-stranded DNA [dsDNA], Smith [Sm], ribonucleoprotein [RNP], chromatin, Sjögren's syndrome antigen A [SSA] and B [SSB]) and anti-phospholipid antibodies (cardiolipin [CL] and β2 glycoprotein I [β2GPI]) was assessed with multiplexed bead assay. IFNα protein concentration was quantified with Single molecule array (Simoa) immune assay. Clinical data were retrieved from medical records. RESULTS Women with SLE had lower counts of all lymphocyte subsets compared to HC throughout pregnancy, but counts did not differ during pregnancy compared to postpartum. Principal component analysis revealed that low lymphocyte subset counts differentially related to autoantibody profiles, cluster one (anti-dsDNA/anti-Sm/anti-RNP/anti-Sm/RNP/anti-chromatin), cluster two (anti-SSA/anti-SSB) and cluster three (anti-CL/anti-β2GPI), IFNα protein levels and disease activity. CD4 + T cell counts were lower in women positive to all ANA fine specificities in cluster one compared to those who were negative, and B cell numbers were lower in women positive for anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm compared to negative women. Moreover, CD4 + T cell and B cell counts were lower in women with moderate/high compared to no/low disease activity, and CD4 + T cell count was lower in IFNα protein positive relative to negative women. Finally, CD4 + T cell count was unrelated to treatment. CONCLUSION Lymphocyte subset counts are lower in SLE compared to healthy pregnancies, which seems to be a feature of the disease per se and not affected by pregnancy. Our results also indicate that low lymphocyte subset counts relate differentially to autoantibody profiles, IFNα protein levels and disease activity, which could be due to divergent disease pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Torell
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Marit Stockfelt
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine and Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, University of Science and Technology of China and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Winsconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tansim Akhter
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dag Leonard
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Rönnblom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofia Pihl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Children's and Women's Health, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Muna Saleh
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Christopher Sjöwall
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Helena Strevens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Jönsen
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders A Bengtsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Estelle Trysberg
- Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Majczuk Sennström
- Department of Womens and Childrens Health, Division for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Zickert
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Svenungsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iva Gunnarsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Bylund
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Division of Health Data and Digitalisation, Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Rudin
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Carin Lundell
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Horisberger A, Griffith A, Keegan J, Arazi A, Pulford J, Murzin E, Howard K, Hancock B, Fava A, Sasaki T, Ghosh T, Inamo J, Beuschel R, Cao Y, Preisinger K, Gutierrez-Arcelus M, Eisenhaure TM, Guthridge J, Hoover PJ, Dall'Era M, Wofsy D, Kamen DL, Kalunian KC, Furie R, Belmont M, Izmirly P, Clancy R, Hildeman D, Woodle ES, Apruzzese W, McMahon MA, Grossman J, Barnas JL, Payan-Schober F, Ishimori M, Weisman M, Kretzler M, Berthier CC, Hodgin JB, Demeke DS, Putterman C, Brenner MB, Anolik JH, Raychaudhuri S, Hacohen N, James JA, Davidson A, Petri MA, Buyon JP, Diamond B, Zhang F, Lederer JA, Rao DA. Blood immunophenotyping identifies distinct kidney histopathology and outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.14.575609. [PMID: 38293222 PMCID: PMC10827101 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.14.575609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a frequent manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, and fewer than half of patients achieve complete renal response with standard immunosuppressants. Identifying non-invasive, blood-based pathologic immune alterations associated with renal injury could aid therapeutic decisions. Here, we used mass cytometry immunophenotyping of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 145 patients with biopsy-proven LN and 40 healthy controls to evaluate the heterogeneity of immune activation in patients with LN and to identify correlates of renal parameters and treatment response. Unbiased analysis identified 3 immunologically distinct groups of patients with LN that were associated with different patterns of histopathology, renal cell infiltrates, urine proteomic profiles, and treatment response at one year. Patients with enriched circulating granzyme B+ T cells at baseline showed more severe disease and increased numbers of activated CD8 T cells in the kidney, yet they had the highest likelihood of treatment response. A second group characterized primarily by a high type I interferon signature had a lower likelihood of response to therapy, while a third group appeared immunologically inactive by immunophenotyping at enrollment but with chronic renal injuries. Main immune profiles could be distilled down to 5 simple cytometric parameters that recapitulate several of the associations, highlighting the potential for blood immune profiling to translate to clinically useful non-invasive metrics to assess immune-mediated disease in LN.
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Yeo NKW, Lim CK, Yaung KN, Khoo NKH, Arkachaisri T, Albani S, Yeo JG. Genetic interrogation for sequence and copy number variants in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Genet 2024; 15:1341272. [PMID: 38501057 PMCID: PMC10944961 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1341272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus presents with a more severe disease and is associated with a greater genetic burden, especially in patients from Black, Asian or Hispanic ancestries. Next-generation sequencing techniques, notably whole exome sequencing, have been extensively used in genomic interrogation studies to identify causal disease variants that are increasingly implicated in the development of autoimmunity. This Review discusses the known casual variants of polygenic and monogenic systemic lupus erythematosus and its implications under certain genetic disparities while suggesting an age-based sequencing strategy to aid in clinical diagnostics and patient management for improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Kim-Wah Yeo
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Che Kang Lim
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Clinical Translation Research, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Katherine Nay Yaung
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Kim Huat Khoo
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thaschawee Arkachaisri
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Rheumatology and Immunology Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Salvatore Albani
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Rheumatology and Immunology Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joo Guan Yeo
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Rheumatology and Immunology Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Lien HJT, Pedersen TT, Jakobsen B, Flatberg A, Chawla K, Sætrom P, Fenstad MH. Single-cell resolution of longitudinal blood transcriptome profiles in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and healthy control pregnancies. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:300-311. [PMID: 38049980 PMCID: PMC10894842 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224644] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Comparative longitudinal analyses of cellular composition and peripheral blood gene expression in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy pregnancies. METHODS In total, 335 whole blood samples from 84 RA, SLE and healthy controls before pregnancy, at each trimester, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post partum were analysed. We combined bulk and single cell RNA analyses for cell-type estimation, validated by flow cytometry, before combining this in a cell-type adjusted analysis for an improved resolution of unrecognised gene expression changes associated with RA and SLE pregnancies. RESULTS Patients were well regulated throughout pregnancy, and few had pregnancy complications. In SLE, the interferon signature was augmented during pregnancy, and the pregnancy signature was continued post partum. An altered cell type composition strongly influences the profile. In the pregnancy signature, transcripts involved in galactosylation potentially altering the effector functions of autoantibodies became more evident. Several genes in the adjusted RA signature are expressed in mucosal associated invariant T cells. CONCLUSION We found distinct RA, SLE and pregnancy signatures, and no expression patterns could be attributed to medication or disease activity. Our results support the need for close postpartum follow-up of patients with SLE. Gene expression patterns in RA were closer to healthy controls than to SLE, and primarily became evident after cell-type adjustment. Adjusting for cell abundance unravelled gene expression signatures less associated with variation in cell-composition and highlighted genes with expression profiles associated with changes in specialised cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Julie T Lien
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tina T Pedersen
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Rheumatology, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bente Jakobsen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Rheumatology, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arnar Flatberg
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Genomics Core Facility, HF, Sentral Stab, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Konika Chawla
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- BioCore - Bioinformatics Core Facility, HF, Sentral stab, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pål Sætrom
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Computer Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mona H Fenstad
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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Burge DJ, Werth VP, Boackle SA, Posada J. Evaluation of RNase therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: a randomised phase 2a clinical trial of RSLV-132. Lupus Sci Med 2024; 11:e001113. [PMID: 38325898 PMCID: PMC10860108 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating, extracellular RNA is the primary trigger of type I interferon in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and interferon is known to play a central pathogenic role in the disease. RSLV-132 is a catalytically active human RNase molecule fused to human IgG1 Fc designed to digest RNA and thereby decrease the chronic inflammation associated with SLE. The drug was evaluated in a cohort of patients with SLE with moderate-severe cutaneous disease activity and the presence of RNA immune complexes. The primary objective of the study was the assessment of the impact of 13 doses of 10 mg/kg RSLV-132 over 6 months on the mean Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) score. METHODS Sixty-five patients meeting the entry criteria of a baseline CLASI score of 10 or greater and positivity of at least one of five autoantibodies to RNA-binding proteins (SM/RNP, SSA/Ro, SSB/La, Sm, RNP) were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive 13 doses of RSLV-132 10 mg/kg or placebo, respectively. Participants received study drug for 24 weeks on days 1, 8, 15, 29, 43, 57, 71, 85, 99, 113, 127, 141 and 155 with an end-of-treatment visit on day 169 and a follow-up visit at the end of the study on day 215. The primary objective was assessed on days 85 and 169. Secondary objectives included assessment of systemic disease activity using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group 2004 Index and the Physician's Global Assessment. Data from these instruments were used to calculate the SLE Responder Index 4 (SRI-4) and the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) scores. RESULTS The mean CLASI score change from baseline at day 169 was -5.7 (±7.0) in the placebo group and -6.2 (±8.5) in the RSLV-132 group. A subgroup of participants with moderate-severe systemic disease activity and high baseline SLEDAI scores (≥9) were analysed with respect to BICLA and SRI-4 responses. The RSLV-132 treated participants in the high SLEDAI subgroup had a greater percentage of BICLA responses (62% vs 44%) and SRI-4 responses (23% vs 11%) as compared with placebo. A second subgroup of participants with high baseline CLASI scores (≥21) were analysed with respect to BICLA and SRI-4 responses. The RSLV-132 treated participants in the high CLASI subgroup had a greater percentage of BICLA responses (28% vs 8%) and SRI-4 responses (39% vs 8%) as compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS Six months of RSLV-132 therapy consisting of a weekly loading dose of RSLV-132 for 1 month, followed by 5 months of biweekly administrations did not significantly improve the mean CLASI score relative to placebo in this cohort of patients with SLE. The study entry criteria selected patients with moderate-severe cutaneous disease activity and no minimum SLEDAI score, which resulted in a wide range of systemic disease activity from inactive to severe as measured by SLEDAI. When the participants with higher SLEDAI and CLASI scores were analysed, a trend towards clinical improvement favouring RSLV-132 was observed. The results warrant further evaluation of RSLV-132 in SLE and suggest that patients with more active systemic disease are most likely to benefit from RNase therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria P Werth
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan A Boackle
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Pan M, Hu T, Lyu J, Yin Y, Sun J, Wang Q, Xu L, Hu H, Wang C. CSNK1A1/CK1α suppresses autoimmunity by restraining the CGAS-STING1 signaling. Autophagy 2024; 20:311-328. [PMID: 37723657 PMCID: PMC10813568 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2256135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
STING1 (stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1) is the quintessential protein in the CGAS-STING1 signaling pathway, crucial for the induction of type I IFN (interferon) production and eliciting innate immunity. Nevertheless, the overactivation or sustained activation of STING1 has been closely associated with the onset of autoimmune disorders. Notably, the majority of these disorders manifest as an upregulated expression of type I interferons and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Hence, strict regulation of STING1 activity is paramount to preserve immune homeostasis. Here, we reported that CSNK1A1/CK1α, a serine/threonine protein kinase, was essential to prevent the overactivation of STING1-mediated type I IFN signaling through autophagic degradation of STING1. Mechanistically, CSNK1A1 interacted with STING1 upon the CGAS-STING1 pathway activation and promoted STING1 autophagic degradation by enhancing the phosphorylation of SQSTM1/p62 at serine 351 (serine 349 in human), which was critical for SQSTM1-mediated STING1 autophagic degradation. Consistently, SSTC3, a selective CSNK1A1 agonist, significantly attenuated the response of the CGAS-STING1 signaling by promoting STING1 autophagic degradation. Importantly, pharmacological activation of CSNK1A1 using SSTC3 markedly repressed the systemic autoinflammatory responses in the trex1-/- mouse autoimmune disease model and effectively suppressed the production of IFNs and ISGs in the PBMCs of SLE patients. Taken together, our study reveals a novel regulatory role of CSNK1A1 in the autophagic degradation of STING1 to maintain immune homeostasis. Manipulating CSNK1A1 through SSTC3 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating STING1-mediated aberrant type I IFNs in autoimmune diseases.Abbreviations: BMDMs: bone marrow-derived macrophages; cGAMP: cyclic GMP-AMP; CGAS: cyclic GMP-AMP synthase; HTDNA: herring testes DNA; IFIT1: interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1; IFNA4: interferon alpha 4; IFNB: interferon beta; IRF3: interferon regulatory factor 3; ISD: interferon stimulatory DNA; ISGs: IFN-stimulated genes; MEFs: mouse embryonic fibroblasts; PBMCs: peripheral blood mononuclear cells; RSAD2: radical S-adenosyl methionine domain containing 2; SLE: systemic lupus erythematosus; STING1: stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1; TBK1: TANK binding kinase 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tongyu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiao Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Quanyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingxiao Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, The affiliated Suqian First People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suqian, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Fan W, Wei B, Chen X, Zhang Y, Xiao P, Li K, Zhang YQ, Huang J, Leng L, Bucala R. Potential role of RhoA GTPase regulation in type interferon signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:31. [PMID: 38243295 PMCID: PMC10799493 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by abnormal activation of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway, which results in tissue inflammation and organ damage. We explored the role of the RhoA GTPase in the type I IFN activation pathway to provide a potential basis for targeting GTPase signaling for the treatment of SLE. METHODS Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients and healthy controls, and the mRNA expression levels of RhoA and IFN-stimulated genes were measured by SYBR Green quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. IFN-a-stimulated response element (ISRE)-luciferase reporter gene assays and Western blotting were conducted to assess the biologic function of RhoA. An enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) measured C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) protein expression. RESULTS Our studies demonstrate that the expression of RhoA in the PBMCs of SLE subjects was significantly higher than in healthy controls and positively correlated with type I IFN scores and type I IFN-stimulated gene (ISGs) expression levels. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of RhoA and the RhoA/ROCK inhibitor Y27632 reduced the activity of the type I IFN-induced ISRE, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1) phosphorylation, and the expression of CXCL10 and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1). Finally, we verified that Y27632 could significantly down-regulate the OAS1 and CXCL10 expression levels in the PBMCs of SLE patients. CONCLUSION Our study shows that RhoA positively regulates the activation of the type I IFN response pathway. Reducing the expression level of RhoA inhibits the abnormal activation of the type I IFN system, and the RhoA/ROCK inhibitor Y27632 decreases aberrant type I IFN signaling in SLE PBMCs, suggesting the possibility of targeting the RhoA GTPase for the treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China.
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Xuyan Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Pingping Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Kaiyan Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yi Qin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Jinmei Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Lin Leng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Richard Bucala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Zhao RJ, Zhang WY, Fan XX. Circular RNAs: Potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23694. [PMID: 38205329 PMCID: PMC10776946 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The outcomes and prognosis of autoimmune diseases depend on early diagnosis and effective treatments. However, symptoms of early autoimmune diseases are often remarkably similar to many inflammatory diseases, leading to difficulty in precise diagnosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) belong to a novel class of endogenous RNAs, functioning as microRNA (miRNA) sponges or participating in protein coding. It has been shown in many studies that patients with autoimmune diseases have aberrant circRNA expression in liquid biopsy samples (such as plasma, saliva, and urine). Thus, circRNAs are potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of autoimmune diseases. Moreover, overexpression and depletion of target circRNAs can be utilized as possible therapeutic approaches for treating autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarized recent progress in the roles of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. We also discussed their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xing-Xing Fan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau(SAR), China
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Paul K, Hernández-Armengol R, Lee JY, Chang CY, Shibata T, Yamashita M, Jefferies C, Gibb DR. Distinct RBC alloantibody responses in type 1 interferon-dependent and -independent lupus mouse models. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1304086. [PMID: 38288124 PMCID: PMC10822987 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1304086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
During transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs), recipients are exposed to both ABO and non-ABO 'minor' antigens. RBC donor units and recipient RBCs are not routinely matched for non-ABO antigens. Thus, recipients are exposed to many RBC alloantigens that can lead to RBC alloantibody production and subsequent clinically significant hemolysis. RBC alloantibodies also significantly limit the provision of compatible RBC units for recipients. Prior studies indicate that the frequency of RBC alloimmunization is increased during inflammatory responses and in patients with autoimmune diseases. Still, mechanisms contributing to alloimmune responses in patients with autoimmunity are not well understood. More than half of adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) produce type 1 interferons (IFNα/β) and express IFNα/β stimulated genes (ISGs). Previously, we reported that IFNα/β promote RBC alloimmune responses in the pristane mouse model, which develops a lupus-like phenotype that is dependent on IFNα/β signaling. However, it is unclear whether IFNα/β or the lupus-like phenotype induces alloimmunization in lupus models. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that IFNα/β promotes RBC alloimmune responses in lupus by examining alloimmune responses in IFNα/β-independent (MRL-lpr) and IFNα/β-dependent (pristane) lupus models. Whereas pristane treatment significantly induced interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), MRL-lpr mice produced significantly lower levels that were comparable to levels in untreated WT mice. Transfusion of murine RBCs that express the KEL antigen led to anti-KEL IgG production by pristane-treated WT mice. However, MRL-lpr mice produced minimal levels of anti-KEL IgG. Treatment of MRL-lpr mice with recombinant IFNα significantly enhanced alloimmunization. Collectively, results indicate that a lupus-like phenotype in pre-clinical models is not sufficient to induce RBC alloantibody production, and IFNα/β gene signatures may be responsible for RBC alloimmune responses in lupus mouse models. If these findings are extended to alternate pre-clinical models and clinical studies, patients with SLE who express an IFNα/β gene signature may have an increased risk of developing RBC alloantibodies and may benefit from more personalized transfusion protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kausik Paul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rosario Hernández-Armengol
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - June Young Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Che-Yu Chang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tomohiro Shibata
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michifumi Yamashita
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Caroline Jefferies
- Kao Autoimmunity Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David R. Gibb
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Gensous N, Lazaro E, Blanco P, Richez C. Anifrolumab: first biologic approved in the EU not restricted to patients with a high degree of disease activity for the treatment of moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:21-30. [PMID: 37800604 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2268284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Type 1 interferons (IFNs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and various type I IFNs targeting therapeutic approaches have been developed. Anifrolumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the subunit 1 of the type I IFN receptor, has acquired considerable interest and has entered different clinical human trials willing to evaluate its efficacy and safety. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the data obtained in phases 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials of anifrolumab for SLE patients. A focus is made on data of clinical efficacy and safety obtained in MUSE, TULIP-1 and TULIP-2 trials. EXPERT OPINION/COMMENTARY Anifrolumab is a promising therapeutic option for patients with SLE, currently authorized for moderate-to-severe SLE. Extensive real-world use is now going to generate data required to gain experience on the type of patients who benefit the most from the drug, and the exact positioning of anifrolumab in the therapeutic plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Gensous
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, CHU Bordeaux, Hôpital Saint-André, Bordeaux, France
- UMR/CNRS 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Estibaliz Lazaro
- UMR/CNRS 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Centre National de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares RESO, CHU Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Leveque, Pessac, France
| | - Patrick Blanco
- UMR/CNRS 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Immunology and Immunogenetics, CHU Bordeaux, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christophe Richez
- UMR/CNRS 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre National de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares RESO, CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
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Bao A, Petri MA, Fava A, Kang J. Case series of anifrolumab for treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus and lupus-related mucocutaneous manifestations in patients with SLE. Lupus Sci Med 2023; 10:e001007. [PMID: 38114267 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of anifrolumab, a type-1 interferon receptor subunit-1 monoclonal antibody, in treating refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and lupus non-specific mucocutaneous manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS A case series comprising four SLE patients with refractory CLE received anifrolumab (300mg) as add-on therapy. Medical history, serological markers and images were collected. Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index-Activity (CLASI-A) was assessed at baseline and post-treatment visits. RESULTS Patient 1: Anifrolumab effectively treated refractory chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus with lupus panniculitis and calcinosis cutis.Patient 2: Anifrolumab demonstrated rapid improvement in generalised discoid lupus, achieving a substantial reduction in CLASI-A from 40 to 8.Patient 3: Switching from belimumab to anifrolumab led to notable improvement in photosensitivity and tumid lupus.Patient 4: Anifrolumab effectively managed refractory subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, resulting in remarkable cutaneous improvement and successful tapering of prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil. CONCLUSION Anifrolumab demonstrates efficacy in treating refractory CLE subtypes and lupus non-specific mucocutaneous manifestations in SLE patients. Further studies are needed to establish response rates, optimal dosing, and long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Bao
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle A Petri
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea Fava
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jun Kang
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Wang Z, Hu D, Pei G, Zeng R, Yao Y. Identification of driver genes in lupus nephritis based on comprehensive bioinformatics and machine learning. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1288699. [PMID: 38130724 PMCID: PMC10733527 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1288699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and severe glomerulonephritis that often occurs as an organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the complex pathological mechanisms associated with LN have hindered the progress of targeted therapies. Methods We analyzed glomerular tissues from 133 patients with LN and 51 normal controls using data obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and subjected to enrichment analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify key gene modules. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and random forest were used to identify hub genes. We also analyzed immune cell infiltration using CIBERSORT. Additionally, we investigated the relationships between hub genes and clinicopathological features, as well as examined the distribution and expression of hub genes in the kidney. Results A total of 270 DEGs were identified in LN. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we clustered these DEGs into 14 modules. Among them, the turquoise module displayed a significant correlation with LN (cor=0.88, p<0.0001). Machine learning techniques identified four hub genes, namely CD53 (AUC=0.995), TGFBI (AUC=0.997), MS4A6A (AUC=0.994), and HERC6 (AUC=0.999), which are involved in inflammation response and immune activation. CIBERSORT analysis suggested that these hub genes may contribute to immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, these hub genes exhibited strong correlations with the classification, renal function, and proteinuria of LN. Interestingly, the highest hub gene expression score was observed in macrophages. Conclusion CD53, TGFBI, MS4A6A, and HERC6 have emerged as promising candidate driver genes for LN. These hub genes hold the potential to offer valuable insights into the molecular diagnosis and treatment of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Danni Hu
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guangchang Pei
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Zeng
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Yao
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Nutrition, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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43
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Gatto M, Depascale R, Stefanski AL, Schrezenmeier E, Dörner T. Translational implications of newly characterized pathogenic pathways in systemic lupus erythematosus. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101864. [PMID: 37625930 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2023.101864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Improved characterization of relevant pathogenic pathways in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been further delineated over the last decades. This led to the development of targeted treatments including belimumab and anifrolumab, which recently became available in clinics. Therapeutic targets in SLE encompass interferon (IFN) signaling, B-T costimulation including immune checkpoints, and increasing modalities of B lineage targeting, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells directed against CD19 or sequential anti-B cell targeting. Patient profiling based on characterization of underlying molecular abnormalities, often performed through comprehensive omics analyses, has recently been shown to better predict patients' treatment responses and also holds promise to unravel key molecular mechanisms driving SLE. SLE carries two key signatures, namely the IFN and B lineage/plasma cell signatures. Recent advances in SLE treatments clearly indicate that targeting innate and adaptive immunity is successful in such a complex autoimmune disease. Although those signatures may interact at the molecular level and provide the basis for the first selective treatments in SLE, it remains to be clarified whether these distinct treatments show different treatment responses among certain patient subsets. In fact, notwithstanding the remarkable amount of novel clues for innovative SLE treatment, harmonization of big data within tailored treatment strategies will be instrumental to better understand and treat this challenging autoimmune disorder. This review will provide an overview of recent improvements in SLE pathogenesis, related insights by analyses of big data and machine learning as well as technical improvements in conducting clinical trials with the ultimate goal that translational research results in improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariele Gatto
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Depascale
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ana Luisa Stefanski
- Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva Schrezenmeier
- Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany; Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Dörner
- Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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González-García A, Cusácovich I, Ruiz-Irastorza G. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: new therapeutic options. Rev Clin Esp 2023; 223:629-639. [PMID: 38000622 DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown cause, with heterogeneity in its clinical presentation, as well as variability in its clinical course and prognosis. The current goal of treatment is to achieve disease remission or a state of low activity, and thereby improve the patient's quality of life. Biological therapy in lupus, unlike other entities, although it has not been fully established, in recent years it has burst onto the scene with important therapeutic novelties. This review aims to update the therapeutic tools for the treatment of SLE focusing on the new molecules that have achieved the objectives of their clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A González-García
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain.
| | - I Cusácovich
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - G Ruiz-Irastorza
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes, Servicio de Medicina Interna, BioCruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, UPV/EHU, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
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45
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Cai M, Qin Y, Wan A, Jin H, Tang J, Chen Z. COX5A as a potential biomarker for disease activity and organ damage in lupus. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4745-4756. [PMID: 37891386 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01215-w] [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: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with limited therapeutic targets or clinical outcome predictors. This study aimed to gain more insights into the underlying immunological pathways and prognostic biomarkers of SLE. Integrated analyses of RNA-seq data from 64 SLE and 62 healthy controls, examining 27 immune cell types to explore the key pathways and driver genes in SLE pathogenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the skin and kidney were used to determine the association of COX5A expression with organ damage. The associations of COX5A with SLE phenotypes were further evaluated in two independent cohorts, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the value of COX5A as a biomarker for disease activity and organ damage in SLE. We found that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the most significantly altered metabolic pathway in SLE, especially in effector T cells. Notably, we identified an OXPHOS-related enzyme, COX5A, whose expression was significantly higher in effector T cells than in naïve T cells and showed associations with disease activity, organ damage, and steroid treatment of SLE. Furthermore, ROC curves showed that COX5A is a robust biomarker for disease activity, kidney involvement, and new-onset skin lesions, with the area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.880, 0.801, and 0.805, respectively. Our results identified the OXPHOS signature as a prominent feature in SLE T cells, and COX5A as a potential candidate biomarker for disease activity and organ damage in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglong Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - An Wan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Huizhi Jin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
| | - Zhu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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Wang Z, Heid B, He J, Xie H, Reilly CM, Dai R, Ahmed SA. Egr2 Deletion in Autoimmune-Prone C57BL6/lpr Mice Suppresses the Expression of Methylation-Sensitive Dlk1-Dio3 Cluster MicroRNAs. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:898-907. [PMID: 38153351 PMCID: PMC10759154 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300111] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that the upregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) at the genomic imprinted Dlk1-Dio3 locus in murine lupus is correlated with global DNA hypomethylation. We now report that the Dlk1-Dio3 genomic region in CD4+ T cells of MRL/lpr mice is hypomethylated, linking it to increased Dlk1-Dio3 miRNA expression. We evaluated the gene expression of methylating enzymes, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and demethylating ten-eleven translocation proteins (TETs) to elucidate the molecular basis of DNA hypomethylation in lupus CD4+ T cells. There was a significantly elevated expression of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b, as well as Tet1 and Tet2, in CD4+ T cells of three different lupus-prone mouse strains compared to controls. These findings suggest that the hypomethylation of murine lupus CD4+ T cells is likely attributed to a TET-mediated active demethylation pathway. Moreover, we found that deletion of early growth response 2 (Egr2), a transcription factor gene in B6/lpr mice markedly reduced maternally expressed miRNA genes but not paternally expressed protein-coding genes at the Dlk1-Dio3 locus in CD4+ T cells. EGR2 has been shown to induce DNA demethylation by recruiting TETs. Surprisingly, we found that deleting Egr2 in B6/lpr mice induced more hypomethylated differentially methylated regions at either the whole-genome level or the Dlk1-Dio3 locus in CD4+ T cells. Although the role of methylation in EGR2-mediated regulation of Dlk1-Dio3 miRNAs is not readily apparent, these are the first data to show that in lupus, Egr2 regulates Dlk1-Dio3 miRNAs, which target major signaling pathways in autoimmunity. These data provide a new perspective on the role of upregulated EGR2 in lupus pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Bettina Heid
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jianlin He
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Hehuang Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Christopher M. Reilly
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Rujuan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - S. Ansar Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
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Schett G, Mackensen A, Mougiakakos D. CAR T-cell therapy in autoimmune diseases. Lancet 2023; 402:2034-2044. [PMID: 37748491 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01126-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite the tremendous progress in the clinical management of autoimmune diseases, many patients do not respond to the currently used treatments. Autoreactive B cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab, have poor therapeutic efficacy in autoimmune diseases, mainly due to the persistence of autoreactive B cells in lymphatic organs and inflamed tissues. The adoptive transfer of T cells engineered to target tumour cells via chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has emerged as an effective treatment modality in B-cell malignancies. In the last 2 years treatment with autologous CAR T cells directed against the CD19 antigen has been introduced in therapy of autoimmune disease. CD19 CAR T cells induced a rapid and sustained depletion of circulating B cells, as well as in a complete clinical and serological remission of refractory systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis. In this paper, we discuss the evolving strategies for targeting autoreactive B cells via CAR T cells, which might be used for targeted therapy in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Mackensen
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Clinical Oncology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI(3)), Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Wiest MJ, Baert L, Gu C, Gayler KM, Ham H, Gorvel L, Keddis MT, Griffing LW, Joo H, Gorvel JP, Billadeau DD, Kane RR, Oh S. Endosomal trafficking inhibitor EGA can control TLR7-mediated IFNα expression by human plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202197. [PMID: 38077311 PMCID: PMC10704457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are the major producer of type 1 IFN in response to TLR7 agonists. Aberrant TLR7 activation and type 1 IFN expression by pDCs are linked to the pathogenesis of certain types of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study investigated the underlying mechanisms for TLR7-mediated cytokine expression by pDCs using a late endosome trafficking inhibitor, EGA (4-bromobenzaldehyde N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl) semicarbazone). We found that EGA treatment decreased IFNα expression by pDCs stimulated with imiquimod (R837), single-stranded RNA40, and influenza virus. EGA also decreased TNFα expression and secretion by R837-stimulated pDCs. Mechanistically, EGA treatment decreased phosphorylation of IKKα/β, STAT1, and p38, and prolonged degradation of IκBα. Furthermore, EGA treatment decreased the colocalization of 3F, a substituted adenine TLR7 agonist, with LAMP1+ compartments in pDCs. EGA was also capable of diminishing IFNα expression by SLE pDCs treated with R837 or live PR8/A/34 influenza viruses. Therefore, we concluded that trafficking of TLR7 agonists to LAMP1+ compartments is important for IFNα expression by pDCs. Data from this study support additional examinations of the potential benefits of EGA in treating type 1 IFN-associated inflammatory diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Wiest
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Laurie Baert
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Chao Gu
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Kevin M. Gayler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Hyoungjun Ham
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Laurent Gorvel
- CRCM, Aix Marseille Universite, INSERM, Marseille, France
| | - Mira T. Keddis
- Department of Nephrology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Leroy W. Griffing
- Department of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - HyeMee Joo
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | | | | | - Robert R. Kane
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - SangKon Oh
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
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Aw E, Zhang Y, Yalcin E, Herrmann U, Lin SL, Langston K, Castrillon C, Ma M, Moffitt JR, Carroll MC. Spatial enrichment of the type 1 interferon signature in the brain of a neuropsychiatric lupus murine model. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:511-522. [PMID: 37369340 PMCID: PMC10918751 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, neuropsychiatric symptoms are highly prevalent, being observed in up to 80% of adult and 95% of pediatric patients. Type 1 interferons, particularly interferon alpha (IFNα), have been implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE and its associated neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSLE). However, it remains unclear how type 1 interferon signaling in the central nervous system (CNS) might result in neuropsychiatric sequelae. In this study, we validate an NPSLE mouse model and find an elevated peripheral type 1 interferon signature alongside clinically relevant NPSLE symptoms such as anxiety and fatigue. Unbiased single-nucleus sequencing of the hindbrain and hippocampus revealed that interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were among the most highly upregulated genes in both regions and that gene pathways involved in cellular interaction and neuronal development were generally repressed among astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons. Using image-based spatial transcriptomics, we found that the type 1 interferon signature is enriched as spatially distinct patches within the brain parenchyma of these mice. Our results suggest that type 1 interferon in the CNS may play an important mechanistic role in mediating NPSLE behavioral phenotypes by repressing general cellular communication pathways, and that type 1 interferon signaling modulators are a potential therapeutic option for NPSLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Aw
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Esra Yalcin
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Uli Herrmann
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stacie L Lin
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kent Langston
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School and Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carlos Castrillon
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Minghe Ma
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Michael C Carroll
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a severe multisystem autoimmune disease that can cause injury in almost every body system. While considered a classic example of autoimmunity, it is still relatively poorly understood. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents is challenging, as many agents are relatively non-specific, and the underlying disease is characterized by unpredictable flares and remissions. This State of The Art Review provides a comprehensive current summary of systemic lupus erythematosus based on recent literature. In basic and translational science, this summary includes the current state of genetics, epigenetics, differences by ancestry, and updates about the molecular and immunological pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. In clinical science, the summary includes updates in diagnosis and classification, clinical features and subphenotypes, and current guidelines and strategies for treatment. The paper also provides a comprehensive review of the large number of recent clinical trials in systemic lupus erythematosus. Current knowns and unknowns are presented, and potential directions for the future are suggested. Improved knowledge of immunological pathogenesis and the molecular differences that exist between patients should help to personalize treatment, minimize side effects, and achieve better outcomes in this difficult disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric F Morand
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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