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Meng X, Zhong Y, Kuang X, Zhang Y, Yang L, Cai Y, Wang F, He F, Xie H, Wang B, Li J. Targeting the STAT3/IL-36G signaling pathway can be a promising approach to treat rosacea. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00250-9. [PMID: 38909883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.013] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rosacea is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the release of inflammatory mediators from keratinocytes, which are thought to play a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Despite an incidence of approximately 5.5%, rosacea is associated with a poor quality of life. However, as the pathogenesis of rosacea remains enigmatic, treatment options are limited. OBJECTIVES To investigate the pathogenesis of rosacea and explore new therapeutic strategies. METHODS Transcriptome data from rosacea patients combined with immunohistochemical staining were used to investigate the activation of STAT3 in rosacea. The role of STAT3 activation in rosacea was subsequently explored by inhibiting STAT3 activation both in vivo and in vitro. The key molecules downstream of STAT3 activation were identified through data analysis and experiments. Dual-luciferase assay and ChIP-qPCR analysis were used to validate the direct binding of STAT3 to the IL-36G promoter. DARTS, in combination with experimental screening, was employed to identify effective drugs targeting STAT3 for rosacea treatment. RESULTS STAT3 signaling was hyperactivated in rosacea and served as a promoter of the keratinocyte-driven inflammatory response. Mechanistically, activated STAT3 directly bind to the IL-36G promoter region to amplify downstream inflammatory signals by promoting IL-36G transcription, and treatment with a neutralizing antibody (α-IL36γ) could mitigate rosacea-like inflammation. Notably, a natural plant extract (pogostone), which can interact with STAT3 directly to inhibit its activation and affect the STAT3/IL36G signaling pathway, was screened as a promising topical medication for rosacea treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a pivotal role for STAT3/IL36G signaling in the development of rosacea, suggesting that targeting this pathway might be a potential strategy for rosacea treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Meng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yun Zhong
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuyuan Kuang
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Jiangxi, China; Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiya Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yisheng Cai
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fanping He
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongfu Xie
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ben Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Li Z, Zhang X, Li K, Li F, Kou J, Wang Y, Wei X, Sun Y, Jing Y, Song Y, Yu Q, Yu H, Wang S, Chen S, Wang Y, Xie S, Zhu X, Zhan Y, Sun G, Ni Y. IL-36 antagonism blunts the proliferation and migration of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Cell Signal 2024; 117:111096. [PMID: 38346528 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111096] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
IL-36 is known to mediate inflammation and fibrosis. Nevertheless, IL-36 signalling axis has also been implicated in cancer, although understanding of exact contribution of IL-36 to cancer progression is very limited, partly due to existence of multiple IL-36 ligands with agonistic and antagonistic function. Here we explored the role of IL-36 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Firstly, we analyzed expression of IL-36 ligands and receptor and found that the expression of IL-36γ was significantly higher in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) than that of normal tissues, and that the high expression of IL-36γ predicted poor clinical outcomes. Secondly, we investigated the direct effect of IL-36γ on OSCC cells and found that IL-36γ stimulated proliferation of OSCC cells with high expression of IL-36R expression. Interestingly, IL-36γ also promoted migration of OSCC cells with low to high IL-36R expression. Critically, both proliferation and migration of OSCC cells induced by IL-36γ were abrogated by anti-IL-36R mAb. Fittingly, RNA sequence analysis revealed that IL-36γ regulated genes involved in cell cycle and cell division. In summary, our results showed that IL-36γ can be a tumor-promoting factor, and targeting of IL-36R signalling may be a beneficial targeted therapy for patients with abnormal IL-36 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihui Li
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Li
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fuyan Li
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahao Kou
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Wei
- Drug Discovery, Shanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Yawei Sun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Jing
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxian Song
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - QiuYa Yu
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haijia Yu
- Drug Discovery, Shanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Drug Discovery, Shanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Yangtin Wang
- Drug Discovery, Shanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Simin Xie
- Drug Discovery, Shanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhu
- Drug Discovery, Shanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Zhan
- Drug Discovery, Shanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China.
| | - Guowen Sun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yanhong Ni
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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3
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Xin T, Xing R, Jiang H, Jin F, Li M. Interleukin-36 receptor antagonist stimulation in vitro inhibits peripheral and lung-resident T cell response isolated from patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111513. [PMID: 38301411 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111513] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-36 (IL-36) cytokine family members play an immunomodulatory function to immune cells through IL-36 receptor signaling pathway. However, the regulatory role of IL-36 exerted on T cells is not completely elucidated in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). For this purpose, this study enrolled 51 VAP patients and 27 controls. IL-36 levels were measured by ELISA. The mRNA levels of IL-36 receptor subunits were determined by real-time PCR. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were enriched, and stimulated with recombinant IL-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36RA). The influence of IL-36RA on transcription factors and cytokine secretions by CD4+ T cells was investigated. The modulatory function of IL-36RA on CD8+ T cells was assessed by measuring target cell death and cytokine secretions. There were no significant differences in serum IL-36 levels between VAP patients and controls. Only IL-36RA, but not IL-36α, IL-36β, or IL-36γ, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was elevated in infection site of VAP patients. IL-36 receptor subunits in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were comparable between VAP patients and controls. 10 ng/mL of IL-36RA stimulation dampened peripheral effector CD4+ T cell response isolated from both VAP patients and controls. Target cell death mediated by CD8+ T cells isolated from BAFL of VAP patients was suppressed by 100 ng/mL of IL-36RA stimulation in vitro. The down-regulations of perforin, granzyme B, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and Fas ligand following IL-36RA stimulation in vitro were responsible for reduced CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. IL-36RA revealed an immunosuppressive property for T cell response in vitro, and may be involved in the protective mechanism in VAP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710038, China
| | - Rongxue Xing
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710038, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710038, China
| | - Faguang Jin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710038, China
| | - Manxiang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, China.
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Patel HA, Guo L, Feldman SR. The impact of current investigational drugs for acne on future treatment strategies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:127-132. [PMID: 38369920 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2313091] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide with a considerably high cost and a burden on quality of life. There are currently many topical and systemic therapies for acne; however, many are limited by their local adverse event profile. This review provides an update on current, novel Phase I and II trials for acne vulgaris. AREAS COVERED This review searched the National Institutes of Health US National Library of Medicine online database of clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov) for ongoing Phase I and II trials. Only papers discussing novel therapies were discussed, and combinations of previously FDA-approved drugs were excluded. EXPERT OPINION The current investigational approaches to acne treatment reflect an attempt to mitigate the underlying cause of acne pathogenesis. By targeting key mechanisms involved, studies aim to show long-term improvement with less frequent treatment use. This provides potential for more tolerable treatments with better patient adherence, in turn leading to increased efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli A Patel
- Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lily Guo
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steven R Feldman
- Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Dermatology, Pathology, and Public Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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5
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Martora F, Marasca C, Cacciapuoti S, Fariello F, Potestio L, Battista T, Scalvenzi M, Megna M. Secukinumab in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients Who Failed Adalimumab: A 52-Week Real-Life Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2024; 17:159-166. [PMID: 38283798 PMCID: PMC10821645 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s449367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Background The treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has always been a real challenge for dermatologists; to date, adalimumab the only biologic drug approved for HS is adalimumab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α drug, the approval of this drug dates to 2015, data provided by real life show an effectiveness rate of about 60% percent. Recently (31 October 2023) FDA approves secukinumab for moderate-severe HS. The treatment and management of HS is very challenging as available treatments are very limited and show very variable outcomes. Methods We conducted a prospective monocentric study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of secukinumab treatment in HS patients in a real-life setting. Results The initial cohort of patients recruited included 21 HS patients including 12 females and 9 males. About 57.1% of patients achieved the primary endpoint and recorded significant decrease in all the severity assessment scales (IHS4, DLQI and VAS pain scale) at week 16 and 52, when HiSCR reached 71.4%. Conclusion The results of our study highlight that treatment with secukinumab in patients with severe HS who failed adalimumab may be a safe and effective therapeutic weapon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Martora
- Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Marasca
- Dermatology Unit, Medical Department, “Antonio Cardarelli” National Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Cacciapuoti
- Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Fariello
- Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Potestio
- Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Battista
- Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Scalvenzi
- Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Megna
- Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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6
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Palaniappan V, Gopinath H, Murthy AB, Radhakrishnan S, Karthikeyan K. Spesolimab: a comprehensive review on the anti-IL-36 receptor antibody in dermatology. Int J Dermatol 2024; 63:88-93. [PMID: 38031264 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-36 (IL-36) cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory skin conditions and are potential therapeutic targets. Spesolimab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits IL-36 signaling recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of generalized pustular psoriasis flares in adults. Clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy of this monoclonal antibody in a few other dermatological conditions. Here, this review comprehensively summarizes the safety and efficacy of spesolimab treatment in various dermatological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayasankar Palaniappan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Pondicherry, India
| | - Hima Gopinath
- Department of Dermatology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, India
| | - Aravind B Murthy
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Pondicherry, India
| | - Suganya Radhakrishnan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Pondicherry, India
| | - Kaliaperumal Karthikeyan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Pondicherry, India
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7
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Ackerman L, Acloque G, Bacchelli S, Schwartz H, Feinstein BJ, La Stella P, Alavi A, Gollerkeri A, Davis J, Campbell V, McDonald A, Agarwal S, Karnik R, Shi K, Mishkin A, Culbertson J, Klaus C, Enerson B, Massa V, Kuhn E, Sharma K, Keaney E, Barnes R, Chen D, Zheng X, Rong H, Sabesan V, Ho C, Mainolfi N, Slavin A, Gollob JA. IRAK4 degrader in hidradenitis suppurativa and atopic dermatitis: a phase 1 trial. Nat Med 2023; 29:3127-3136. [PMID: 37957373 PMCID: PMC10719089 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02635-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor-driven and interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor-driven inflammation mediated by IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is involved in the pathophysiology of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and atopic dermatitis (AD). KT-474 (SAR444656), an IRAK4 degrader, was studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial where the primary objective was safety and tolerability. Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical activity in patients with moderate to severe HS and in patients with moderate to severe AD. KT-474 was administered as a single dose and then daily for 14 d in 105 healthy volunteers (HVs), followed by dosing for 28 d in an open-label cohort of 21 patients. Degradation of IRAK4 was observed in HV blood, with mean reductions after a single dose of ≥93% at 600-1,600 mg and after 14 daily doses of ≥95% at 50-200 mg. In patients, similar IRAK4 degradation was achieved in blood, and IRAK4 was normalized in skin lesions where it was overexpressed relative to HVs. Reduction of disease-relevant inflammatory biomarkers was demonstrated in the blood and skin of patients with HS and patients with AD and was associated with improvement in skin lesions and symptoms. There were no drug-related infections. These results, from what, to our knowledge, is the first published clinical trial using a heterobifunctional degrader, provide initial proof of concept for KT-474 in HS and AD to be further confirmed in larger trials. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04772885 .
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kelvin Shi
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eric Kuhn
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | - Erin Keaney
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | - Dapeng Chen
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Chris Ho
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
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Hassi NK, Weston T, Rinaldi G, Ng JC, Smahi A, Twelves S, Davan-Wetton C, Fakhreddine D, Fraternali F, Capon F. In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of IL36RN Alterations Reveals Critical Residues for the Function of the Interleukin-36 Receptor Complex. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:2468-2475.e6. [PMID: 37414245 PMCID: PMC10824670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.06.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Generalized pustular psoriasis is a potentially life-threatening skin disease, associated with IL36RN disease alleles. IL36RN encodes the IL-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra), a protein that downregulates the activity of IL-36 cytokines by blocking their receptor (IL-36R). Although generalized pustular psoriasis can be treated with IL-36R inhibitors, the structural underpinnings of the IL-36Ra/IL-36R interaction remain poorly understood. In this study, we sought to address this question by systematically investigating the effects of IL36RN sequence changes. We experimentally characterized the effects of 30 IL36RN variants on protein stability. In parallel, we used a machinelearning tool (Rhapsody) to analyze the IL-36Ra three-dimensional structure and predict the impact of all possible amino acid substitutions. This integrated approach identified 21 amino acids that are essential for IL-36Ra stability. We next investigated the effects of IL36RN changes on IL-36Ra/IL-36R binding and IL-36R signaling. Combining invitro assays and machine learning with a second program (mCSM), we identified 13 amino acids that are critical for IL-36Ra/IL36R engagement. Finally, we experimentally validated three representative predictions, further confirming the reliability of Rhapsody and mCSM. These findings shed light on the structural determinants of IL-36Ra activity, with potential to facilitate the design of new IL-36 inhibitors and aid the interpretation of IL36RN variants in diagnostic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niina K Hassi
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timir Weston
- Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Rinaldi
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph C Ng
- Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Smahi
- IMAGINE Institute INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Twelves
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Camilla Davan-Wetton
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dana Fakhreddine
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Franca Fraternali
- Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Capon
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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