1
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Forsyth KS, Jiwrajka N, Lovell CD, Toothacre NE, Anguera MC. The conneXion between sex and immune responses. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:487-502. [PMID: 38383754 PMCID: PMC11216897 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-00996-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
There are notable sex-based differences in immune responses to pathogens and self-antigens, with female individuals exhibiting increased susceptibility to various autoimmune diseases, and male individuals displaying preferential susceptibility to some viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections. Although sex hormones clearly contribute to sex differences in immune cell composition and function, the presence of two X chromosomes in female individuals suggests that differential gene expression of numerous X chromosome-linked immune-related genes may also influence sex-biased innate and adaptive immune cell function in health and disease. Here, we review the sex differences in immune system composition and function, examining how hormones and genetics influence the immune system. We focus on the genetic and epigenetic contributions responsible for altered X chromosome-linked gene expression, and how this impacts sex-biased immune responses in the context of pathogen infection and systemic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Forsyth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nikhil Jiwrajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claudia D Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Natalie E Toothacre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Montserrat C Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Zhou X, Cai F, Li S, Li G, Zhang C, Xie J, Yang Y. Machine learning techniques for prediction in pregnancy complicated by autoimmune rheumatic diseases: Applications and challenges. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112238. [PMID: 38735259 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112238] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are chronic conditions affecting multiple systems and often occurring in young women of childbearing age. The diseases and the physiological characteristics of pregnancy significantly impact maternal-fetal health and pregnancy outcomes. Currently, the integration of big data with healthcare has led to the increasing popularity of using machine learning (ML) to mine clinical data for studying pregnancy complications. In this review, we introduce the basics of ML and the recent advances and trends of ML in different prediction applications for common pregnancy complications by autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Finally, the challenges and future for enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and clinical applicability of ML in prediction have been discussed. This review will provide insights into the utilization of ML in identifying and assisting clinical decision-making for pregnancy complications, while also establishing a foundation for exploring comprehensive management strategies for pregnancy and enhancing maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshi Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Feifei Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiran Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Guolin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changji Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingxian Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; College of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
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3
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Makova KD, Pickett BD, Harris RS, Hartley GA, Cechova M, Pal K, Nurk S, Yoo D, Li Q, Hebbar P, McGrath BC, Antonacci F, Aubel M, Biddanda A, Borchers M, Bornberg-Bauer E, Bouffard GG, Brooks SY, Carbone L, Carrel L, Carroll A, Chang PC, Chin CS, Cook DE, Craig SJC, de Gennaro L, Diekhans M, Dutra A, Garcia GH, Grady PGS, Green RE, Haddad D, Hallast P, Harvey WT, Hickey G, Hillis DA, Hoyt SJ, Jeong H, Kamali K, Pond SLK, LaPolice TM, Lee C, Lewis AP, Loh YHE, Masterson P, McGarvey KM, McCoy RC, Medvedev P, Miga KH, Munson KM, Pak E, Paten B, Pinto BJ, Potapova T, Rhie A, Rocha JL, Ryabov F, Ryder OA, Sacco S, Shafin K, Shepelev VA, Slon V, Solar SJ, Storer JM, Sudmant PH, Sweetalana, Sweeten A, Tassia MG, Thibaud-Nissen F, Ventura M, Wilson MA, Young AC, Zeng H, Zhang X, Szpiech ZA, Huber CD, Gerton JL, Yi SV, Schatz MC, Alexandrov IA, Koren S, O'Neill RJ, Eichler EE, Phillippy AM. The complete sequence and comparative analysis of ape sex chromosomes. Nature 2024; 630:401-411. [PMID: 38811727 PMCID: PMC11168930 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07473-2] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Apes possess two sex chromosomes-the male-specific Y chromosome and the X chromosome, which is present in both males and females. The Y chromosome is crucial for male reproduction, with deletions being linked to infertility1. The X chromosome is vital for reproduction and cognition2. Variation in mating patterns and brain function among apes suggests corresponding differences in their sex chromosomes. However, owing to their repetitive nature and incomplete reference assemblies, ape sex chromosomes have been challenging to study. Here, using the methodology developed for the telomere-to-telomere (T2T) human genome, we produced gapless assemblies of the X and Y chromosomes for five great apes (bonobo (Pan paniscus), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii)) and a lesser ape (the siamang gibbon (Symphalangus syndactylus)), and untangled the intricacies of their evolution. Compared with the X chromosomes, the ape Y chromosomes vary greatly in size and have low alignability and high levels of structural rearrangements-owing to the accumulation of lineage-specific ampliconic regions, palindromes, transposable elements and satellites. Many Y chromosome genes expand in multi-copy families and some evolve under purifying selection. Thus, the Y chromosome exhibits dynamic evolution, whereas the X chromosome is more stable. Mapping short-read sequencing data to these assemblies revealed diversity and selection patterns on sex chromosomes of more than 100 individual great apes. These reference assemblies are expected to inform human evolution and conservation genetics of non-human apes, all of which are endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brandon D Pickett
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Monika Cechova
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Karol Pal
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sergey Nurk
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - DongAhn Yoo
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Qiuhui Li
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Prajna Hebbar
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Erich Bornberg-Bauer
- University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- MPI for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerard G Bouffard
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shelise Y Brooks
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lucia Carbone
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Laura Carrel
- Penn State University School of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Chen-Shan Chin
- Foundation of Biological Data Sciences, Belmont, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mark Diekhans
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Amalia Dutra
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gage H Garcia
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Diana Haddad
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pille Hallast
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Glenn Hickey
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - David A Hillis
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | - Hyeonsoo Jeong
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Charles Lee
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Yong-Hwee E Loh
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Masterson
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kelly M McGarvey
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Karen H Miga
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Evgenia Pak
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benedict Paten
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Arang Rhie
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joana L Rocha
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Fedor Ryabov
- Masters Program in National Research, University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Samuel Sacco
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Steven J Solar
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Sweetalana
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Alex Sweeten
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Françoise Thibaud-Nissen
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mario Ventura
- Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Alice C Young
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Xinru Zhang
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Soojin V Yi
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Sergey Koren
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Evan E Eichler
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Adam M Phillippy
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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4
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Lovell CD, Jiwrajka N, Amerman HK, Cancro MP, Anguera MC. Xist Deletion in B Cells Results in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Phenotypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594175. [PMID: 38798403 PMCID: PMC11118349 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease preferentially observed in females. X-linked gene expression in XX females is normalized to that of XY males by X-Chromosome Inactivation (XCI). However, B cells from female SLE patients and mouse models of SLE exhibit mislocalization of Xist RNA, a critical regulator of XCI, and aberrant expression of X-linked genes, suggesting that impairment of XCI may contribute to disease. Here, we find that a subset of female mice harboring a conditional deletion of Xis t in B cells ("Xist cKO") spontaneously develop SLE phenotypes, including expanded activated B cell subsets, disease-specific autoantibodies, and glomerulonephritis. Moreover, pristane-induced SLE-like disease is more severe in Xist cKO mice. Activated B cells from Xist cKO mice with SLE phenotypes have increased expression of proinflammatory X-linked genes implicated in SLE. Together, this work indicates that impaired XCI maintenance in B cells directly contributes to the female-bias of SLE.
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5
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Huret C, Ferrayé L, David A, Mohamed M, Valentin N, Charlotte F, Savignac M, Goodhardt M, Guéry JC, Rougeulle C, Morey C. Altered X-chromosome inactivation predisposes to autoimmunity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn6537. [PMID: 38701219 PMCID: PMC11068014 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn6537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
In mammals, males and females show marked differences in immune responses. Males are globally more sensitive to infectious diseases, while females are more susceptible to systemic autoimmunity. X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), the epigenetic mechanism ensuring the silencing of one X in females, may participate in these sex biases. We perturbed the expression of the trigger of XCI, the noncoding RNA Xist, in female mice. This resulted in reactivation of genes on the inactive X, including members of the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) signaling pathway, in monocyte/macrophages and dendritic and B cells. Consequently, female mice spontaneously developed inflammatory signs typical of lupus, including anti-nucleic acid autoantibodies, increased frequencies of age-associated and germinal center B cells, and expansion of monocyte/macrophages and dendritic cells. Mechanistically, TLR7 signaling is dysregulated in macrophages, leading to sustained expression of target genes upon stimulation. These findings provide a direct link between maintenance of XCI and female-biased autoimmune manifestations and highlight altered XCI as a cause of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Huret
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Léa Ferrayé
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Antoine David
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMRS 976, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, F-75010, Paris, France
| | - Myriame Mohamed
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Valentin
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Charlotte
- Sorbonne University, Department of Pathological Anatomy and Cytology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Charles Foix, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Magali Savignac
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Michele Goodhardt
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMRS 976, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, F-75010, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Claire Rougeulle
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Céline Morey
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
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6
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Candore G, Accardi G, Aiello A, Baggio G, Bellini T, Calabrese V, Carreca AP, Carreca I, Masucci A, Cattaneo M, Dato S, Bona DD, Fabris L, Gambino C, Lorenzo GD, Francescschi C, Ligotti ME, Manfrinato MC, Puca AA, Tamburello M, Vassallo R, Caruso C. Sex and Gender in Ageing and Longevity: Highlights From an International Course. Transl Med UniSa 2024; 26:15-29. [PMID: 38560614 PMCID: PMC10980291 DOI: 10.37825/2239-9747.1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Gender medicine is a multidisciplinary science and represents an important perspective for pathophysiological and clinical studies in the third millennium. Here, it is provided an overview of the topics discussed in a recent course on the Role of Sex and Gender in Ageing and Longevity. The paper highlights three themes discussed in the course, i.e., the interaction of gender/sex with, i) the pathophysiology of age-related diseases; ii), the role of genetics and epigenetics in ageing and longevity and, iii) the immune responses of older people to pathogens, vaccines, autoantigens, and allergens. Although largely unexplored, it is clear that sex and gender are modulators of disease biology and treatment outcomes. It is becoming evident that men and women should no longer be considered as subgroups, but as biologically distinct groups of patients deserving consideration for specific therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo,
Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital “P.Giaccone”, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Giulia Accardi
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Anna Aiello
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Giovannella Baggio
- Italian Center for Studies on Gender Health and Medicine, Padua University-Hospital, Padua,
Italy
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara,
Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania,
Italy
| | | | - Ignazio Carreca
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Anna Masucci
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital “P.Giaccone”, Palermo,
Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo,
Italy
| | | | - Serena Dato
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende,
Italy
| | - Danilo D. Bona
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia,
Italy
| | - Luca Fabris
- Italian Center for Studies on Gender Health and Medicine, Padua University-Hospital, Padua,
Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua,
Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Disease Section, Yale University, New Haven, CT,
USA
| | - Caterina Gambino
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital “P.Giaccone”, Palermo,
Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Gabriele D. Lorenzo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Claudio Francescschi
- Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod,
Russia
- Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod,
Russia
| | - Mattia E. Ligotti
- Department of Research, ISMETT-IRCCS Mediterranean Institute for Transplants and Highly Specialized Therapies, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Maria C. Manfrinato
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara,
Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Annibale A. Puca
- Cardiovascular Department, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan,
Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno,
Italy
| | - Martina Tamburello
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital “P.Giaccone”, Palermo,
Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Roberta Vassallo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital “P.Giaccone”, Palermo,
Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo,
Italy
| | - Calogero Caruso
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo,
Italy
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7
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Punnanitinont A, Kasperek EM, Zhu C, Yu G, Miecznikowski JC, Kramer JM. TLR7 activation of age-associated B cells mediates disease in a mouse model of primary Sjögren's disease. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:497-510. [PMID: 37930711 PMCID: PMC10990110 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad135] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's disease (pSD) (also referred to as Sjögren's syndrome) is an autoimmune disease that primarily occurs in women. In addition to exocrine gland dysfunction, pSD patients exhibit B cell hyperactivity. B cell-intrinsic TLR7 activation is integral to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease that shares similarities with pSD. The role of TLR7-mediated B cell activation in pSD, however, remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that age-associated B cells (ABCs) were expanded in pSD and that TLR7-stimulated ABCs exhibited pathogenic features characteristic of disease. Our data revealed that ABC expansion and TLR7 expression were enhanced in a pSD mouse model in a Myd88-dependent manner. Splenocytes from pSD mice showed enhanced sensitivity to TLR7 agonism as compared with those derived from control animals. Sort-purified marginal zone B cells and ABCs from pSD mice showed enhanced inflammatory cytokine secretion and were enriched for antinuclear autoantibodies following TLR7 agonism. Finally, IgG from pSD patient sera showed elevated antinuclear autoantibodies, many of which were secreted preferentially by TLR7-stimulated murine marginal zone B cells and ABCs. These data indicate that pSD B cells are hyperresponsive to TLR7 agonism and that TLR7-activated B cells contribute to pSD through cytokine and autoantibody production. Thus, therapeutics that target TLR7 signaling cascades in B cells may have utility in pSD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achamaporn Punnanitinont
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Eileen M. Kasperek
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Chengsong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Microarray & Immune Phenotyping Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Guan Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Jeffrey C. Miecznikowski
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Jill M. Kramer
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
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8
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Forsyth KS, Toothacre NE, Jiwrajka N, Driscoll AM, Shallberg LA, Cunningham-Rundles C, Barmettler S, Farmer J, Verbsky J, Routes J, Beiting DP, Romberg N, May MJ, Anguera MC. NF-κB Signaling is Required for X-Chromosome Inactivation Maintenance Following T cell Activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.08.579505. [PMID: 38405871 PMCID: PMC10888971 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.08.579505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
X Chromosome Inactivation (XCI) is a female-specific process which balances X-linked gene dosage between sexes. Unstimulated T cells lack cytological enrichment of Xist RNA and heterochromatic modifications on the inactive X chromosome (Xi), and these modifications become enriched at the Xi after cell stimulation. Here, we examined allele-specific gene expression and the epigenomic profiles of the Xi following T cell stimulation. We found that the Xi in unstimulated T cells is largely dosage compensated and is enriched with the repressive H3K27me3 modification, but not the H2AK119-ubiquitin (Ub) mark, even at promoters of XCI escape genes. Upon CD3/CD28-mediated T cell stimulation, the Xi accumulates H2AK119-Ub and H3K27me3 across the Xi. Next, we examined the T cell signaling pathways responsible for Xist RNA localization to the Xi and found that T cell receptor (TCR) engagement, specifically NF-κB signaling downstream of TCR, is required. Disruption of NF-κB signaling, using inhibitors or genetic deletions, in mice and patients with immunodeficiencies prevents Xist/XIST RNA accumulation at the Xi and alters expression of some X-linked genes. Our findings reveal a novel connection between NF-κB signaling pathways which impact XCI maintenance in female T cells.
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9
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Sakkas LI, Chikanza IC. Sex bias in immune response: it is time to include the sex variable in studies of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:203-209. [PMID: 37716925 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05446-8] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Healthy females and males differ in their immune cell composition and function and females generally mount stronger immune response than males and are much more susceptible to autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Females differ from males in sex hormones, and X-chromosome genes. Sex hormones affect immune cells and responses, and may induce epigenetic DNA changes. The importance of X-chromosome genes is exemplified in men with the Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) who have an additional X-chromosome and develop systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) as frequently as women. X-chromosome contains genes critical for the immune response, such as FOXP3, toll-like receptor(TLR)7, TLR8, CD40 Ligand, IL2RG, IL9R, BTK, and others. Whereas one X-chromosome in females is randomly inactivated early in embryonic development, around 25% of X-linked genes escape inactivation and result in more X-linked gene dosage in females. We use two key female-biased autoimmune rheumatic diseases, SLE and systemic sclerosis, to review differences in immune response, and clinical manifestations between females and males. The inclusion of sex variable in research will facilitate precision medicine and optimal patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazaros I Sakkas
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
- Division of Rheumatology, IASO Thessalias General Hospital, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Ian C Chikanza
- Professor in Rheumatology and Immunology, Paediatrics Department, Catholic University, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- International Arthritis and Hypermobility Centre, Harley Street Clinic, London, UK
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10
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Makova KD, Pickett BD, Harris RS, Hartley GA, Cechova M, Pal K, Nurk S, Yoo D, Li Q, Hebbar P, McGrath BC, Antonacci F, Aubel M, Biddanda A, Borchers M, Bomberg E, Bouffard GG, Brooks SY, Carbone L, Carrel L, Carroll A, Chang PC, Chin CS, Cook DE, Craig SJ, de Gennaro L, Diekhans M, Dutra A, Garcia GH, Grady PG, Green RE, Haddad D, Hallast P, Harvey WT, Hickey G, Hillis DA, Hoyt SJ, Jeong H, Kamali K, Kosakovsky Pond SL, LaPolice TM, Lee C, Lewis AP, Loh YHE, Masterson P, McCoy RC, Medvedev P, Miga KH, Munson KM, Pak E, Paten B, Pinto BJ, Potapova T, Rhie A, Rocha JL, Ryabov F, Ryder OA, Sacco S, Shafin K, Shepelev VA, Slon V, Solar SJ, Storer JM, Sudmant PH, Sweetalana, Sweeten A, Tassia MG, Thibaud-Nissen F, Ventura M, Wilson MA, Young AC, Zeng H, Zhang X, Szpiech ZA, Huber CD, Gerton JL, Yi SV, Schatz MC, Alexandrov IA, Koren S, O’Neill RJ, Eichler E, Phillippy AM. The Complete Sequence and Comparative Analysis of Ape Sex Chromosomes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.30.569198. [PMID: 38077089 PMCID: PMC10705393 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.30.569198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Apes possess two sex chromosomes-the male-specific Y and the X shared by males and females. The Y chromosome is crucial for male reproduction, with deletions linked to infertility. The X chromosome carries genes vital for reproduction and cognition. Variation in mating patterns and brain function among great apes suggests corresponding differences in their sex chromosome structure and evolution. However, due to their highly repetitive nature and incomplete reference assemblies, ape sex chromosomes have been challenging to study. Here, using the state-of-the-art experimental and computational methods developed for the telomere-to-telomere (T2T) human genome, we produced gapless, complete assemblies of the X and Y chromosomes for five great apes (chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, Bornean and Sumatran orangutans) and a lesser ape, the siamang gibbon. These assemblies completely resolved ampliconic, palindromic, and satellite sequences, including the entire centromeres, allowing us to untangle the intricacies of ape sex chromosome evolution. We found that, compared to the X, ape Y chromosomes vary greatly in size and have low alignability and high levels of structural rearrangements. This divergence on the Y arises from the accumulation of lineage-specific ampliconic regions and palindromes (which are shared more broadly among species on the X) and from the abundance of transposable elements and satellites (which have a lower representation on the X). Our analysis of Y chromosome genes revealed lineage-specific expansions of multi-copy gene families and signatures of purifying selection. In summary, the Y exhibits dynamic evolution, while the X is more stable. Finally, mapping short-read sequencing data from >100 great ape individuals revealed the patterns of diversity and selection on their sex chromosomes, demonstrating the utility of these reference assemblies for studies of great ape evolution. These complete sex chromosome assemblies are expected to further inform conservation genetics of nonhuman apes, all of which are endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brandon D. Pickett
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Monika Cechova
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Karol Pal
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sergey Nurk
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - DongAhn Yoo
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Qiuhui Li
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Prajna Hebbar
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Erich Bomberg
- University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- MPI for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerard G. Bouffard
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shelise Y. Brooks
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lucia Carbone
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Laura Carrel
- Penn State University School of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Chen-Shan Chin
- Foundation of Biological Data Sciences, Belmont, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mark Diekhans
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Amalia Dutra
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gage H. Garcia
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Diana Haddad
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pille Hallast
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Glenn Hickey
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - David A. Hillis
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | - Hyeonsoo Jeong
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Charles Lee
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick Masterson
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Karen H. Miga
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Evgenia Pak
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benedict Paten
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Arang Rhie
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Fedor Ryabov
- Masters Program in National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Samuel Sacco
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Steven J. Solar
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Sweetalana
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Alex Sweeten
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Françoise Thibaud-Nissen
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Alice C. Young
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Xinru Zhang
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Soojin V. Yi
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Sergey Koren
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Evan Eichler
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adam M. Phillippy
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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11
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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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12
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Crawford JD, Wang H, Trejo-Zambrano D, Cimbro R, Talbot CC, Thomas MA, Curran AM, Girgis AA, Schroeder JT, Fava A, Goldman DW, Petri M, Rosen A, Antiochos B, Darrah E. The XIST lncRNA is a sex-specific reservoir of TLR7 ligands in SLE. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e169344. [PMID: 37733447 PMCID: PMC10634230 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.169344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with a dramatic sex bias, affecting 9 times more women than men. Activation of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) by self-RNA is a central pathogenic process leading to aberrant production of type I interferon (IFN) in SLE, but the specific RNA molecules that serve as TLR7 ligands have not been defined. By leveraging gene expression data and the known sequence specificity of TLR7, we identified the female-specific X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) long noncoding RNA as a uniquely rich source of TLR7 ligands in SLE. XIST RNA stimulated IFN-α production by plasmacytoid DCs in a TLR7-dependent manner, and deletion of XIST diminished the ability of whole cellular RNA to activate TLR7. XIST levels were elevated in blood leukocytes from women with SLE compared with controls, correlated positively with disease activity and the IFN signature, and were enriched in extracellular vesicles released from dying cells in vitro. Importantly, XIST was not IFN inducible, suggesting that XIST is a driver, rather than a consequence, of IFN in SLE. Overall, our work elucidated a role for XIST RNA as a female sex-specific danger signal underlying the sex bias in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
| | | | | | - C. Conover Talbot
- The Single Cell and Transcriptomics Core, Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences; and
| | | | | | | | - John T. Schroeder
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea Fava
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
| | | | | | - Antony Rosen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Erika Darrah
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
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13
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Jiwrajka N, Toothacre NE, Beethem ZT, Sting S, Forsyth KS, Dubin AH, Driscoll A, Stohl W, Anguera MC. Impaired dynamic X-chromosome inactivation maintenance in T cells is a feature of spontaneous murine SLE that is exacerbated in female-biased models. J Autoimmun 2023; 139:103084. [PMID: 37399593 PMCID: PMC11140471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103084] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly female-biased systemic autoimmune disease, but the molecular basis for this female bias remains incompletely elucidated. B and T lymphocytes from patients with SLE and female-biased mouse models of SLE exhibit features of epigenetic dysregulation on the X chromosome which may contribute to this strong female bias. We therefore examined the fidelity of dynamic X-chromosome inactivation maintenance (dXCIm) in the pathogenesis of two murine models of spontaneous lupus-NZM2328 and MRL/lpr-with disparate levels of female-bias to determine whether impaired dXCIm contributes to the female bias of disease. METHODS CD23+ B cells and CD3+ T cells were purified from age-matched C57BL/6 (B6), MRL/lpr, and NZM2328 male and female mice, activated in vitro, and processed for Xist RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, H3K27me3 immunofluorescence imaging, qPCR, and RNA sequencing analyses. RESULTS The dynamic relocalization of Xist RNA and the canonical heterochromatin mark, H3K27me3, to the inactive X chromosome was preserved in CD23+ B cells, but impaired in activated CD3+ T cells from the MRL/lpr model (p < 0.01 vs. B6), and even more impaired in the heavily female-biased NZM2328 model (p < 0.001 vs. B6; p < 0.05 vs. MRL/lpr). RNAseq of activated T cells from NZM2328 mice revealed the female-biased upregulation of 32 X-linked genes distributed broadly across the X chromosome, many of which have roles in immune function. Many genes encoding Xist RNA-interacting proteins were also differentially expressed and predominantly downregulated, which may account for the observed mislocalization of Xist RNA to the inactive X chromosome. CONCLUSIONS Although evident in T cells from both the MRL/lpr and NZM2328 models of spontaneous SLE, impaired dXCIm is more severe in the heavily female-biased NZM2328 model. The aberrant X-linked gene dosage in female NZM2328 mice may contribute towards the development of female-biased immune responses in SLE-prone hosts. These findings provide important insights into the epigenetic mechanisms contributing to female-biased autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Jiwrajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Natalie E Toothacre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zachary T Beethem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Sting
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine S Forsyth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aimee H Dubin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amanda Driscoll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William Stohl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Montserrat C Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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14
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Lahita RG. Sex and gender influence on immunity and autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1142723. [PMID: 37304263 PMCID: PMC10250588 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1142723] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are skewed toward one biological sex or another. This is the obvious observation of many decades, and it remains unexplained. Females predominate with most autoimmune diseases. The reasons for this predilection are an interplay of genetic, epigenetic and hormonal factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Lahita
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, NJ, United States
- Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease, St. Joseph Health, Wayne, NJ, United States
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15
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Young KZ, Dimitrion P, Zhou L, Adrianto I, Mi QS. Sex-biased immunological processes drive hidradenitis suppurativa. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1167021. [PMID: 37215102 PMCID: PMC10192729 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1167021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can manifest with abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring in the intertriginous areas of the body. HS is characterized by immune dysregulation, featuring elevated levels of myeloid cells, T helper (Th) cells, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly those involved in Th1- and Th17-mediated immunity. In most epidemiological studies, HS shows a strong female sex bias, with reported female-to-male ratios estimated at roughly 3:1, suggesting that sex-related factors contribute to HS pathophysiology. In this article, we review the role of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to immunological differences between the sexes and postulate their role in the female sex bias observed in HS. We discuss the effects of hormones, X chromosome dosage, genetics, the microbiome, and smoking on sex-related differences in immunity to postulate potential immunological mechanisms in HS pathophysiology. Future studies are required to better characterize sex-biased factors that contribute to HS disease presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Z. Young
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Peter Dimitrion
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Li Zhou
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Indra Adrianto
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Center for Bioinformatics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Qing-Sheng Mi
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Center for Bioinformatics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States
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16
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Miller RAJ, Williams AP, Kovats S. Sex chromosome complement and sex steroid signaling underlie sex differences in immunity to respiratory virus infection. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1150282. [PMID: 37063266 PMCID: PMC10097973 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1150282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have revealed sex differences in the incidence and morbidity of respiratory virus infection in the human population, and often these observations are correlated with sex differences in the quality or magnitude of the immune response. Sex differences in immunity and morbidity also are observed in animal models of respiratory virus infection, suggesting differential dominance of specific immune mechanisms. Emerging research shows intrinsic sex differences in immune cell transcriptomes, epigenomes, and proteomes that may regulate human immunity when challenged by viral infection. Here, we highlight recent research into the role(s) of sex steroids and X chromosome complement in immune cells and describe how these findings provide insight into immunity during respiratory virus infection. We focus on the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells by receptors for androgen and estrogens, as well as genes with a propensity to escape X chromosome inactivation. A deeper mechanistic knowledge of these pathways will help us to understand the often significant sex differences in immunity to endemic or pandemic respiratory pathogens such as influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses and pathogenic coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reegan A. J. Miller
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Abigael P. Williams
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Susan Kovats
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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17
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Suarez LM, Diaz-Del Cerro E, Felix J, Gonzalez-Sanchez M, Ceprian N, Guerra-Perez N, G Novelle M, Martinez de Toda I, De la Fuente M. Sex differences in neuroimmunoendocrine communication. Involvement on longevity. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 211:111798. [PMID: 36907251 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine, nervous, and immune systems work coordinately to maintain the global homeostasis of the organism. They show sex differences in their functions that, in turn, contribute to sex differences beyond reproductive function. Females display a better control of the energetic metabolism and improved neuroprotection and have more antioxidant defenses and a better inflammatory status than males, which is associated with a more robust immune response than that of males. These differences are present from the early stages of life, being more relevant in adulthood and influencing the aging trajectory in each sex and may contribute to the different life lifespan between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz M Suarez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology (Unit of Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Estefania Diaz-Del Cerro
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology (Unit of Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Investigation Hospital 12 Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Judith Felix
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology (Unit of Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Investigation Hospital 12 Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Monica Gonzalez-Sanchez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology (Unit of Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Investigation Hospital 12 Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Noemi Ceprian
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology (Unit of Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Investigation Hospital 12 Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Guerra-Perez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology (Unit of Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Investigation Hospital 12 Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta G Novelle
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology (Unit of Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Martinez de Toda
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology (Unit of Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Investigation Hospital 12 Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Monica De la Fuente
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology (Unit of Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Investigation Hospital 12 Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Anesi N, Miquel CH, Laffont S, Guéry JC. The Influence of Sex Hormones and X Chromosome in Immune Responses. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:21-59. [PMID: 37695424 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_2] [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: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Males and females differ in their susceptibility to develop autoimmunity and allergy but also in their capacity to cope with infections and cancers. Cellular targets and molecular pathways underlying sexual dimorphism in immunity have started to emerge and appeared multifactorial. It became increasingly clear that sex-linked biological factors have important impact on the development, tissue maintenance and effector function acquisition of distinct immune cell populations, thereby regulating multiple layers of innate or adaptive immunity through distinct mechanisms. This review discusses the recent development in our understanding of the cell-intrinsic actions of biological factors linked to sex, sex hormones and sex chromosome complement, on immune cells, which may account for the sex differences in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and allergies, and the sex-biased responses in natural immunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Anesi
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Charles-Henry Miquel
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Laffont
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France.
- INSERM UMR1291, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Purpan, Place du Dr. Baylac, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France.
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19
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Voskuhl R, Itoh Y. The X factor in neurodegeneration. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20211488. [PMID: 36331399 PMCID: PMC9641640 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the aging population, it is important to better understand neurodegeneration in aging healthy people and to address the increasing incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. It is imperative to apply novel strategies to identify neuroprotective therapeutics. The study of sex differences in neurodegeneration can reveal new candidate treatment targets tailored for women and men. Sex chromosome effects on neurodegeneration remain understudied and represent a promising frontier for discovery. Here, we will review sex differences in neurodegeneration, focusing on the study of sex chromosome effects in the context of declining levels of sex hormones during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda Voskuhl
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yuichiro Itoh
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
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20
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Dodd KC, Menon M. Sex bias in lymphocytes: Implications for autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:945762. [PMID: 36505451 PMCID: PMC9730535 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.945762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a significant sex dimorphism, with women showing increased susceptibility to disease. This is, at least in part, due to sex-dependent differences in the immune system that are influenced by the complex interplay between sex hormones and sex chromosomes, with contribution from sociological factors, diet and gut microbiota. Sex differences are evident in the number and function of lymphocyte populations. Women mount a stronger pro-inflammatory response than males, with increased lymphocyte proliferation, activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, whereas men display expanded regulatory cell subsets. Ageing alters the immune landscape of men and women in differing ways, resulting in changes in autoimmune disease susceptibility. Here we review the current literature on sex differences in lymphocyte function, the factors that influence this, and the implications for autoimmune disease. We propose that improved understanding of sex bias in lymphocyte function can provide sex-specific tailoring of treatment strategies for better management of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C. Dodd
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom,Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Madhvi Menon
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Madhvi Menon,
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21
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Leffler J, Trend S, Hart PH, French MA. Epstein-Barr virus infection, B-cell dysfunction and other risk factors converge in gut-associated lymphoid tissue to drive the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis: a hypothesis. Clin Transl Immunology 2022; 11:e1418. [PMID: 36325491 PMCID: PMC9621333 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1418] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, B-cell dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, and environmental and genetic risk factors, including female sex. A disease model incorporating all these factors remains elusive. Here, we hypothesise that EBV-infected memory B cells (MBCs) migrate to gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) through EBV-induced expression of LPAM-1, where they are subsequently activated by gut microbes and/or their products resulting in EBV reactivation and compartmentalised anti-EBV immune responses. These responses involve marginal zone (MZ) B cells that activate CD4+ T-cell responses, via HLA-DRB1, which promote downstream B-cell differentiation towards CD11c+/T-bet+ MBCs, as well as conventional MBCs. Intrinsic expression of low-affinity B-cell receptors (BCRs) by MZ B cells and CD11c+/T-bet+ MBCs promotes polyreactive BCR/antibody responses against EBV proteins (e.g. EBNA-1) that cross-react with central nervous system (CNS) autoantigens (e.g. GlialCAM). EBV protein/autoantigen-specific CD11c+/T-bet+ MBCs migrate to the meningeal immune system and CNS, facilitated by their expression of CXCR3, and induce cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell responses against CNS autoantigens amplified by BAFF, released from EBV-infected MBCs. An increased abundance of circulating IgA+ MBCs, observed in MS patients, might also reflect GALT-derived immune responses, including disease-enhancing IgA antibody responses against EBV and gut microbiota-specific regulatory IgA+ plasma cells. Female sex increases MZ B-cell and CD11c+/T-bet+ MBC activity while environmental risk factors affect gut dysbiosis. Thus, EBV infection, B-cell dysfunction and other risk factors converge in GALT to generate aberrant B-cell responses that drive pathogenic T-cell responses in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan Leffler
- Telethon Kids InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWAAustralia
| | - Stephanie Trend
- Telethon Kids InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWAAustralia,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWAAustralia
| | - Prue H Hart
- Telethon Kids InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWAAustralia
| | - Martyn A French
- School of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWAAustralia,Immunology DivisionPathWest Laboratory MedicinePerthWAAustralia
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22
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Östling H, Lodefalk M, Backman H, Kruse R. Global microRNA and protein expression in human term placenta. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:952827. [PMID: 36330066 PMCID: PMC9622934 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.952827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Description of the global expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins in healthy human term placentas may increase our knowledge of molecular biological pathways that are important for normal fetal growth and development in term pregnancy. The aim of this study was to explore the global expression of miRNAs and proteins, and to point out functions of importance in healthy term placentas. Materials and methods Placental samples (n = 19) were identified in a local biobank. All samples were from uncomplicated term pregnancies with vaginal births and healthy, normal weight newborns. Next-generation sequencing and nano-scale liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry were used to analyse miRNA and protein expression, respectively. Results A total of 895 mature miRNAs and 6,523 proteins were detected in the placentas, of which 123 miRNAs and 346 proteins were highly abundant. The miRNAs were in high degree mapped to chromosomes 19, 14, and X. Analysis of the highly abundant miRNAs and proteins showed several significantly predicted functions in common, including immune and inflammatory response, lipid metabolism and development of the nervous system. Discussion The predicted function inflammatory response may reflect normal vaginal delivery, while lipid metabolism and neurodevelopment may be important processes for the term fetus. The data presented in this study, with complete miRNA and protein findings, will enhance the knowledge base for future research in the field of placental function and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Östling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Hanna Östling,
| | - Maria Lodefalk
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Helena Backman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Robert Kruse
- iRiSC - Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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