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Strandmoe AL, Bremer J, Diercks GFH, Gostyński A, Ammatuna E, Pas HH, Wouthuyzen-Bakker M, Huls GA, Heeringa P, Laman JD, Horváth B. Beyond the skin: B cells in pemphigus vulgaris, tolerance and treatment. Br J Dermatol 2024; 191:164-176. [PMID: 38504438 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljae107] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune bullous disease characterized by blistering of the skin and mucosa owing to the presence of autoantibodies against the desmosome proteins desmoglein 3 and occasionally in conjunction with desmoglein 1. Fundamental research into the pathogenesis of PV has revolutionized its treatment and outcome with rituximab, a B-cell-depleting therapy. The critical contribution of B cells to the pathogenesis of pemphigus is well accepted. However, the exact pathomechanism, mechanisms of onset, disease course and relapse remain unclear. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the fundamental research progress that has unfolded over the past few centuries to give rise to current and emerging therapies. Furthermore, we summarize the multifaceted roles of B cells in PV, including their development, maturation and antibody activity. Finally, we explored how these various aspects of B-cell function contribute to disease pathogenesis and pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lise Strandmoe
- Departments of Medical Biology and Pathology
- Dermatology (Centre for Blistering Diseases)
| | | | - Gilles F H Diercks
- Departments of Medical Biology and Pathology
- Dermatology (Centre for Blistering Diseases)
| | - Antoni Gostyński
- Dermatology (Centre for Blistering Diseases)
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker
- Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jon D Laman
- Departments of Medical Biology and Pathology
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2
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López E, Cabrera R, Lecaros C. Targeted therapy for immune mediated skin diseases. What should a dermatologist know? An Bras Dermatol 2024; 99:546-567. [PMID: 38521706 PMCID: PMC11221168 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2023.10.002] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecularly targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKis), have emerged as essential tools in the treatment of dermatological diseases. These therapies modulate the immune system through specific signaling pathways, providing effective alternatives to traditional systemic immunosuppressive agents. This review aims to provide an updated summary of targeted immune therapies for inflammatory skin diseases, considering their pathophysiology, efficacy, dosage, and safety profiles. METHODS The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed over the past 10 years, focusing on randomized clinical trials, case reports, and case series related to targeted immune therapies in dermatology. Eligibility criteria were applied, and data were extracted from each study, including citation data, study design, and results. RESULTS We identified 1360 non-duplicate articles with the initial search strategy. Title and abstract review excluded 1150, while a full-text review excluded an additional 50 articles. The review included 143 studies published between 2012 and 2022, highlighting 39 drugs currently under investigation or in use for managing inflammatory skin diseases. STUDY LIMITATIONS The heterogeneity of summarized information limits this review. Some recommendations originated from data from clinical trials, while others relied on retrospective analyses and small case series. Recommendations will likely be updated as new results emerge. CONCLUSION Targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of chronic skin diseases, offering new options for patients unresponsive to standard treatments. Paradoxical reactions are rarely observed. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms and nature of these therapies. Overall, targeted immune therapies in dermatology represent a promising development, significantly improving the quality of life for patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edinson López
- Department of Dermatology, Facultad de Medicina Universidad del Desarrollo-Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Santiago, Chile
| | - Raúl Cabrera
- Department of Dermatology, Facultad de Medicina Universidad del Desarrollo-Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cristóbal Lecaros
- Department of Dermatology, Facultad de Medicina Universidad del Desarrollo-Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Santiago, Chile
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3
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Liu Y, Dong M, Chu Y, Zhou L, You Y, Pang X, Yang S, Zhang L, Chen L, Zhu L, Xiao J, Wang W, Qin C, Tian D. Dawn of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1140-1150. [PMID: 38613216 PMCID: PMC11101238 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003111] [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: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Based on the immunomodulatory capability of CAR-T cells, efforts have turned toward exploring their potential in treating autoimmune diseases. Bibliometric analysis of 210 records from 128 academic journals published by 372 institutions in 40 countries/regions indicates a growing number of publications on CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases, covering a range of subtypes such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, among others. CAR-T therapy holds promise in mitigating several shortcomings, including the indiscriminate suppression of the immune system by traditional immunosuppressants, and non-sustaining therapeutic levels of monoclonal antibodies due to inherent pharmacokinetic constraints. By persisting and proliferating in vivo , CAR-T cells can offer a tailored and precise therapeutics. This paper reviewed preclinical experiments and clinical trials involving CAR-T and CAR-related therapies in various autoimmune diseases, incorporating innovations well-studied in the field of hematological tumors, aiming to explore a safe and effective therapeutic option for relapsed/refractory autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Minghao Dong
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yunhui Chu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Luoqi Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yunfan You
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiaowei Pang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Sheng Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Luyang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lian Chen
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lifang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Chuan Qin
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Daishi Tian
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
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Sun MY, Li W, Chen W. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell and regulatory T cell therapy in non-oncology diseases: A narrative review of studies from 2017 to 2023. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2251839. [PMID: 37814513 PMCID: PMC10566417 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2251839] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the remarkable success of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy in treating certain tumors has led to numerous studies exploring its potential application to treat non-oncology diseases. This review discusses the progress and evolution of CAR-T cell therapies for treating non-oncology diseases over the past 5 years. Additionally, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of CAR-T cell therapy in treating non-oncological diseases and identify any difficulties that should be overcome. After conducting an in-depth analysis of the most recent studies on CAR-T technology, we discuss the key elements of CAR-T therapy, such as developing an effective CAR design for non-oncological diseases, controlling the rate and duration of response, and implementing safety measures to reduce toxicity. These studies provide new insights into different delivery strategies, the discovery of new target molecules, and improvements in the safety of CAR-T therapy for non-oncological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yao Sun
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences - Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wanyang Li
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences - Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences - Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
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5
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Segú-Vergés C, Caño S, Calderón-Gómez E, Bartra H, Sardon T, Kaveri S, Terencio J. Systems biology and artificial intelligence analysis highlights the pleiotropic effect of IVIg therapy in autoimmune diseases with a predominant role on B cells and complement system. Front Immunol 2022; 13:901872. [PMID: 36248801 PMCID: PMC9563374 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.901872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used as treatment for several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, but its specific mechanisms are not fully understood. Herein, we aimed to evaluate, using systems biology and artificial intelligence techniques, the differences in the pathophysiological pathways of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that show diverse responses to IVIg treatment. We also intended to determine the targets of IVIg involved in the best treatment response of the evaluated diseases. Our selection and classification of diseases was based on a previously published systematic review, and we performed the disease characterization through manual curation of the literature. Furthermore, we undertook the mechanistic evaluation with artificial neural networks and pathway enrichment analyses. A set of 26 diseases was selected, classified, and compared. Our results indicated that diseases clearly benefiting from IVIg treatment were mainly characterized by deregulated processes in B cells and the complement system. Indeed, our results show that proteins related to B-cell and complement system pathways, which are targeted by IVIg, are involved in the clinical response. In addition, targets related to other immune processes may also play an important role in the IVIg response, supporting its wide range of actions through several mechanisms. Although B-cell responses and complement system have a key role in diseases benefiting from IVIg, protein targets involved in such processes are not necessarily the same in those diseases. Therefore, IVIg appeared to have a pleiotropic effect that may involve the collaborative participation of several proteins. This broad spectrum of targets and 'non-specificity' of IVIg could be key to its efficacy in very different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Caño
- Grifols Innovation and New Technologies (GIANT) Ltd., Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Helena Bartra
- Health Department, Anaxomics Biotech, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Sardon
- Health Department, Anaxomics Biotech, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Srini Kaveri
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - José Terencio
- Grifols Innovation and New Technologies (GIANT) Ltd., Dublin, Ireland
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6
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Somerville E, Gebauer K, Mclean‐Tooke A. Treatment of pemphigus in Australia: Aligning current practises with global recommendations. Australas J Dermatol 2022; 63:190-196. [DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kurt Gebauer
- University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Andrew Mclean‐Tooke
- Department of Clinical Immunology Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Perth WA Australia
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7
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Kaur B, Kerbrat J, Kho J, Kaler M, Kanatsios S, Cirillo N. Mechanism-based therapeutic targets of pemphigus vulgaris: A scoping review of pathogenic molecular pathways. Exp Dermatol 2021; 31:154-171. [PMID: 34435386 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially fatal autoimmune blistering disease characterised by cell-cell detachment or acantholysis. The mechanisms which follow antibody (Ab) binding and culminate in acantholytic changes and skin/mucosal blistering have not been fully clarified. Current treatment strategies are not specific to PV pathophysiology and although life-saving, harbour considerable side effects. We aimed to systematically assess the molecules amenable to targeted treatments that follow Ab binding and are associated with PV acantholysis. The resulting scoping review was conducted under PRISMA-ScR guidelines with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria and focused specifically on kinases, caspases, proteases, hydrolytic enzymes and other molecules of interest postulated to take part in the pathophysiology of PV. The review process resulted in the identification of 882 articles, of which 56 were eligible for qualitative synthesis. From the included articles, the majority (n = 42) used PV-IgG as the pathogenic agent, mainly via in vitro (n = 16) and in vivo (n = 10) models. Twenty-five molecules were found to play a pathogenic role in PV, including uPA, ADAM10, EGFR, Src, PKC, cdk2, ERK, PLC, calmodulin, NOS, p38MAPK and caspase-3. Selective inhibition of these molecules resulted in varying degrees of reduction in acantholysis and blistering. The pathogenic molecules identified in this review represent potential candidates for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bavleen Kaur
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenna Kerbrat
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jia Kho
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Manreet Kaler
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefanos Kanatsios
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicola Cirillo
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Kridin K, Ahmed AR. The evolving role of rituximab in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris: a comprehensive state-of-the-art review. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:443-454. [PMID: 33455475 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1874915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a life-threatening autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease. Systemic corticosteroids (CS), while life-saving, have several serious side effects. To improve treatment and prognosis, recently rituximab (RTX), a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20 molecule on B cells, has become popular. This Expert Opinion discusses clinical and scientifically relevant aspects of RTX treating PV. AREA COVERED This presentation describes the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, safety, adverse events, protocols used, and clinical outcomes. Concerns for infection, reactivation of latent or previous infections, and high relapse rate are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Use of RTX in PV is still a work in progress. There are many unanswered questions. FDA did not provide a protocol or guidelines. Whenever RTX is used, systemic corticosteroids are simultaneously used, albeit for a shorter duration and lower dose. Used in these doses for these durations they can cause immunosuppression. Would it be more appropriate if instead of 'First Line Therapy' it would be more advisable to use the term 'First Adjunctive Immunosuppressive Agent'?
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalaf Kridin
- Department of Dermatology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - A Razzaque Ahmed
- Department of Dermatology, Tufts University School of Medicine, and the Center for Blistering Diseases, USA
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Abstract
Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease of the skin, characterized by autoantibodies targeting adhesion proteins of the epidermis, in particular desmoglein 3 and desmoglein 1, that cause the loss of cell-cell adhesion and the formation of intraepidermal blisters. Given that these autoantibodies are both necessary and sufficient for pemphigus to occur, the goal of pemphigus therapy is the elimination of autoreactive B-cells responsible for autoantibody production. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, was the first targeted B-cell therapy approved for use in pemphigus and is now considered the frontline therapy for new onset disease. One limitation of this treatment is that it targets both autoreactive and non -autoreactive B-cells, which accounts for the increased risk of serious infections in treated patients. In addition, most rituximab-treated patients experience disease relapse, highlighting the need of new therapeutic options. This review provides a concise overview of rituximab use in pemphigus and discusses new B-cell and antibody-directed therapies undergoing investigation in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Maglie
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy -
| | - Emiliano Antiga
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Aimee S Payne
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Petzl-Erler ML. Beyond the HLA polymorphism: A complex pattern of genetic susceptibility to pemphigus. Genet Mol Biol 2020; 43:e20190369. [PMID: 32639508 PMCID: PMC7341728 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2019-0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune bullous skin diseases that result in
significant morbidity. As for other multifactorial autoimmune disorders,
environmental factors may trigger the disease in genetically susceptible
individuals. The goals of this review are to summarize the state of knowledge
about the genetic variation that may affect the susceptibility and pathogenesis
of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus – both the endemic and the
sporadic forms –, to compare and discuss the possible meaning of the
associations reported, and to propose recommendations for new research
initiatives. Understanding how genetic variants translate into pathogenic
mechanisms and phenotypes remains a mystery for most of the polymorphisms that
contribute to disease susceptibility. However, genetic studies provide a strong
foundation for further developments in this field by generating testable
hypotheses. Currently, results still have limited influence on disease
prevention and prognosis, drug development, and clinical practice, although the
perspectives for future applications for the benefit of patients are
encouraging. Recommendations for the continued advancement of our understanding
as to the impact of genetic variation on pemphigus include these partially
overlapping goals: (1) Querying the functional effect of genetic variants on the
regulation of gene expression through their impact on the nucleotide sequence of
cis regulatory DNA elements such as promoters and enhancers, the splicing of
RNA, the structure of regulatory RNAs and proteins, binding of these regulatory
molecules to regulatory DNA elements, and alteration of epigenetic marks; (2)
identifying key cell types and cell states that are implicated in pemphigus
pathogenesis and explore their functional genomes; (3) integrating structural
and functional genomics data; (4) performing disease-progression longitudinal
studies to disclose the causal relationships between genetic and epigenetic
variation and intermediate disease phenotypes; (5) understanding the influence
of genetic and epigenetic variation in the response to treatment and the
severity of the disease; (6) exploring gene-gene and genotype-environment
interactions; (7) developing improved pemphigus-prone and non-prone animal
models that are appropriate for research about the mechanisms that link
genotypes to pemphigus. Achieving these goals will demand larger samples of
patients and controls and multisite collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luiza Petzl-Erler
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular Humana, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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