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Damiani A, Orlandi M, Bruni C, Bandini G, Lepri G, Scaletti C, Ravaglia C, Frassanito F, Guiducci S, Moggi-Pignone A, Matucci-Cerinic M, Poletti V, Tofani L, Colby TV, Randone SB, Tomassetti S. The role of lung biopsy for diagnosis and prognosis of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis: a systematic literature review. Respir Res 2024; 25:138. [PMID: 38521926 PMCID: PMC10960984 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02725-1] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic and theragnostic role of histopathological subsets in systemic sclerosis interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) have been largely neglected due to the paucity of treatment options and the risks associated with surgical lung biopsy. The novel drugs for the treatment of ILDs and the availability of transbronchial cryobiopsy provide a new clinical scenario making lung biopsy more feasible and a pivotal guide for treatment. The aim of our study was to investigate the usefulness of lung biopsy in SSc ILD with a systematic literature review (SLR). METHODS PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched up to June 30, 2023. Search terms included both database-specific controlled vocabulary terms and free-text terms relating to lung biopsy and SSc-ILD diagnostic and prognosis. The SLR was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). Studies were selected according to the PEO (population, exposure, and outcomes) framework and Quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) were reported. RESULTS We selected 14 articles (comprising 364 SSc-ILD patients). The paucity and heterogeneity of the studies prevented a systematic analysis. Diffuse cutaneous SSc was present in 30-100% of cases. Female predominance was observed in all studies (ranging from 64 to 100%). Mean age ranged from 42 to 64 years. Mean FVC was 73.98 (+/-17.3), mean DLCO was 59.49 (+/-16.1). Anti-Scl70 antibodies positivity was detected in 33% of cases (range: 0-69.6). All patients underwent surgical lung biopsies, and multiple lobes were biopsied in a minority of studies (4/14). Poor HRCT-pathologic correlation was reported with HRCT-NSIP showing histopathologic UIP in up to 1/3 of cases. Limited data suggest that SSc-UIP patients may have a worse prognosis and response to immunosuppressive treatment compared to other histopathologic patterns. CONCLUSIONS The data from this SLR clearly show the paucity and heterogeneity of the studies reporting lung biopsy in SSc ILD. Moreover, they highlight the need for further research to address whether the lung biopsy can be helpful to refine prognostic prediction and guide therapeutic choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Damiani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - M Orlandi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical for Children and Adults, Modena, Italy
| | - C Bruni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - G Bandini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - G Lepri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - C Scaletti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - C Ravaglia
- Pulmonary Unit, Department of Thoracic Diseases, Azienda USL Romagna, GB Morgagni-L-Pierantoni Hospital, Bologna University, Forlì, Italy
| | - F Frassanito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - S Guiducci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - A Moggi-Pignone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - M Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - V Poletti
- Pulmonary Unit, Department of Thoracic Diseases, Azienda USL Romagna, GB Morgagni-L-Pierantoni Hospital, Bologna University, Forlì, Italy
| | - L Tofani
- Department of Statistics, Informatics and Applications, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - T V Colby
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Emeritus), Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, 13400, USA
| | - S Bellando Randone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Tomassetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence and Interventional Pulmonology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence, 50134, Italy.
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Farina N, Campochiaro C, Lescoat A, Benanti G, De Luca G, Khanna D, Dagna L, Matucci-Cerinic M. Drug development and novel therapeutics to ensure a personalized approach in the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:1131-1142. [PMID: 37366065 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2230370] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic disease encompassing autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. SSc is still burdened by high mortality and morbidity rates. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of SSc have identified novel potential therapeutic targets. Several clinical trials have been subsequently designed to evaluate the efficacy of a number of new drugs. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with useful information about these novel molecules. AREA COVERED In this narrative review, we summarize the available evidence regarding the most promising targeted therapies currently under investigation for the treatment of SSc. These medications include kinase inhibitors, B-cell depleting agents, and interleukin inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Over the next five years, several new, targeted drugs will be introduced in clinical practice for the treatment of SSc. Such pharmacological agents will expand the existing pharmacopoeia and enable a more personalized and effective approach to patients with SSc. Thus, it will not only possible to target a specific disease domain, but also different stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Farina
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - C Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - A Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - G Benanti
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - G De Luca
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - D Khanna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - L Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - M Matucci-Cerinic
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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3
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Feng Z, Zhu S, Li W, Yao M, Song H, Wang RB. Current approaches and strategies to identify Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114867. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Su Y, Xing H, Kang J, Bai L, Zhang L. Role of the hedgehog signaling pathway in rheumatic diseases: An overview. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940455. [PMID: 36105801 PMCID: PMC9466598 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signal transduction pathway that plays an important regulatory role during embryonic development, cell proliferation, and differentiation of vertebrates, and it is often inhibited in adult tissues. Recent evidence has shown that Hh signaling also plays a key role in rheumatic diseases, as alterations in their number or function have been identified in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic sclerosis, and Sjogren’s Syndrome. As a result, emerging studies have focused on the blockade of this pathogenic axis as a promising therapeutic target in several autoimmune disorders; nevertheless, a greater understanding of its contribution still requires further investigation. This review aims to elucidate the most recent studies and literature data on the pathogenetic role of Hh signaling in rheumatic diseases.
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Gao Q, Chang X, Yang M, Zheng J, Gong X, Liu H, Li K, Wang X, Zhan H, Li S, Feng S, Sun X, Sun Y. LncRNA MEG3 restrained pulmonary fibrosis induced by NiO NPs via regulating hedgehog signaling pathway-mediated autophagy. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:79-91. [PMID: 34608745 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (lncRNA MEG3) was down-regulated in pulmonary fibrosis of rats induced by Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs), while the downstream regulatory mechanisms of MEG3 remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among MEG3, Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and autophagy in pulmonary fibrosis caused by NiO NPs. The pulmonary fibrosis model in rats was constructed by intratracheal instillation of 0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg/kg NiO NPs twice a week for 9 weeks. Collagen deposition model was established by treating A549 cells with 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL NiO NPs for 24 h. Our results indicated that NiO NPs activated Hh pathway, down-regulated the expression of MEG3, and reduced autophagy activity in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, the autophagy process was promoted by Hh pathway inhibitor (CDG-0449), while the collagen formation in A549 cells was reduced by autophagy activator (Rapamycin). Furthermore, the overexpressed MEG3 inhibited the activation of Hh pathway, resulting in autophagy activity enhancement along with collagen formation reduction. In summary, lncRNA MEG3 can restrain pulmonary fibrosis induced by NiO NPs via regulating hedgehog signaling pathway-mediated autophagy, which may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuhong Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinfa Zheng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Gong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haibing Zhan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Public Health, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou city, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sanwei Feng
- Institute of Occupational Diseases, Gansu Baoshihua Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xingchang Sun
- Institute of Occupational Diseases, Gansu Baoshihua Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingbiao Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Resurrection Time. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010171. [PMID: 35008597 PMCID: PMC8745434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a sophisticated conserved cell signaling pathway that plays an essential role in controlling cell specification and proliferation, survival factors, and tissue patterning formation during embryonic development. Hh signal activity does not entirely disappear after development and may be reactivated in adulthood within tissue-injury-associated diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The dysregulation of Hh-associated activating transcription factors, genomic abnormalities, and microenvironments is a co-factor that induces the initiation and progression of IPF.
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Advances in glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) inhibitors for cancer therapy. Invest New Drugs 2021; 40:370-388. [PMID: 34837604 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01187-2] [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: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog (HH/GLI) signaling pathway regulates self-renewal of rare and highly malignant cancer stem cells, which have been shown to account for the initiation and maintenance of tumor growth as well as for drug resistance, metastatic spread and relapse. As an important component of the Hh signaling pathway, glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) acts as a key signal transmission hub for various signaling pathways in many tumors. Here, we review direct and indirect inhibitors of GLI; summarize the abundant active structurally diverse natural GLI inhibitors; and discuss how to better develop and utilize GLI inhibitors to solve the problem of drug resistance in tumors of interest. In summary, GLI inhibitors will be promising candidates for various cancer treatments.
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Pirfenidone is a renal protective drug: Mechanisms, signalling pathways, and preclinical evidence. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 911:174503. [PMID: 34547247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis, a characteristic of all chronic kidney diseases, lacks effective therapeutic drugs currently. Pirfenidone (PFD), a small molecule drug with good oral bioavailability, is widely used in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and exerts anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. These effects have been attributed to the suppression of cell growth factors (in particular, but not exclusively, transforming growth factor-β) and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, as well as the possible down-regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators (such as tumour necrosis factor-α), the protection of mitochondrial function, and the regulation of inflammatory cells. Considering the activation of similar anti-fibrotic pathways in lung and kidney disease and the broad activity of PFD, this drug has improved the treatment of the renal fibrotic disease. In this review, we briefly summarize the pharmacokinetics and safety of PFD as well as the mechanisms of PFD focusing on kidney disease. We summarize the effects of PFD on renal function and pathological alterations based on animal experiments, as well as changes in growth factors based on both animal and renal cell experiments. Moreover, given the activation of similar profibrotic pathways in pulmonary diseases and other disorders, we reviewed in-depth the possible signalling pathways targeted by PFD to attenuate renal fibrosis and protect renal function. Finally, we provide an overview of the current clinical trials of PFD for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Molecular Mechanisms and Cellular Contribution from Lung Fibrosis to Lung Cancer Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212179. [PMID: 34830058 PMCID: PMC8624248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown aetiology, with a median survival of 2–4 years from the time of diagnosis. Although IPF has unknown aetiology by definition, there have been identified several risks factors increasing the probability of the onset and progression of the disease in IPF patients such as cigarette smoking and environmental risk factors associated with domestic and occupational exposure. Among them, cigarette smoking together with concomitant emphysema might predispose IPF patients to lung cancer (LC), mostly to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), increasing the risk of lung cancer development. To this purpose, IPF and LC share several cellular and molecular processes driving the progression of both pathologies such as fibroblast transition proliferation and activation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and many genetic and epigenetic markers that predispose IPF patients to LC development. Nintedanib, a tyrosine–kinase inhibitor, was firstly developed as an anticancer drug and then recognized as an anti-fibrotic agent based on the common target molecular pathway. In this review our aim is to describe the updated studies on common cellular and molecular mechanisms between IPF and lung cancer, knowledge of which might help to find novel therapeutic targets for this disease combination.
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Wu SB, Hou TY, Kau HC, Tsai CC. Effect of Pirfenidone on TGF-β1-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis of Human Orbital Fibroblasts in Graves' Ophthalmopathy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11101424. [PMID: 34680057 PMCID: PMC8533421 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pirfenidone is a pyridinone derivative that has been shown to inhibit fibrosis in animal models and in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Its effect on orbital fibroblasts remains poorly understood. We investigated the in vitro effect of pirfenidone in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis in primary cultured orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). The expression of fibrotic proteins, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin, and collagen type I, was determined by Western blots. The activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) responsible for the ECM homeostasis were examined. After pretreating the GO orbital fibroblasts with pirfenidone (250, 500, and 750 μg/mL, respectively) for one hour followed by TGF-β1 for another 24 h, the expression of α-SMA, CTGF, fibronectin, and collagen type I decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreating the GO orbital fibroblasts with pirfenidone not only abolished TGF-β1-induced TIMP-1 expression but recovered the MMP-2/-9 activities. Notably, pirfenidone inhibited TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the critical mediators in the TGF-β1 pathways. These findings suggest that pirfenidone modulates TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and ECM homeostasis by attenuating downstream signaling of TGF-β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Bei Wu
- Biomedical Commercialization Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Tzu-Yu Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813414, Taiwan;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chuan Kau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei 11259, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Chih Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-28757325; Fax: +886-2-28213984
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Matucci-Cerinic M, Manetti M. New Insights into Profibrotic Myofibroblast Formation in Systemic Sclerosis: When the Vascular Wall Becomes the Enemy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:610. [PMID: 34202703 PMCID: PMC8307837 DOI: 10.3390/life11070610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In systemic sclerosis (SSc), abnormalities in microvessel morphology occur early and evolve into a distinctive vasculopathy that relentlessly advances in parallel with the development of tissue fibrosis orchestrated by myofibroblasts in nearly all affected organs. Our knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying such a unique relationship between SSc-related vasculopathy and fibrosis has profoundly changed over the last few years. Indeed, increasing evidence has suggested that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a process in which profibrotic myofibroblasts originate from endothelial cells, may take center stage in SSc pathogenesis. While in arterioles and small arteries EndoMT may lead to the accumulation of myofibroblasts within the vessel wall and development of fibroproliferative vascular lesions, in capillary vessels it may instead result in vascular destruction and formation of myofibroblasts that migrate into the perivascular space with consequent tissue fibrosis and microvessel rarefaction, which are hallmarks of SSc. Besides endothelial cells, other vascular wall-resident cells, such as pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, may acquire a myofibroblast-like synthetic phenotype contributing to both SSc-related vascular dysfunction and fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the differentiation of myofibroblasts inside the vessel wall provides the rationale for novel targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
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Campochiaro C, Allanore Y. An update on targeted therapies in systemic sclerosis based on a systematic review from the last 3 years. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:155. [PMID: 34074331 PMCID: PMC8168022 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02536-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
New molecular mechanisms that can be targeted with specific drugs have recently emerged for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Over the past 3 years, the achievement of one large phase 3 trial has led to the approval by drug agencies of the first drug licenced for SSc-related interstitial lung disease. Given this exciting time in the SSc field, we aimed to perform a systemic literature review of phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials and large observational studies about targeted therapies in SSc. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical studies from 2016 with targeted therapies as the primary treatment in patients with SSc for skin or lung involvement as the primary clinical outcome measure. Details on the study characteristics, the trial drug used, the molecular target engaged by the trial drug, the inclusion criteria of the study, the treatment dose, the possibility of concomitant immunosuppression, the endpoints of the study, the duration of the study and the results obtained were reviewed. Of the 973 references identified, 21 (4 conference abstracts and 17 articles) were included in the systematic review. A total of 15 phase 1/phase 2 clinical trials, 2 phase 3 clinical trials and 2 observation studies were analysed. The drugs studied in phase 1/phase 2 studies included the following: inebilizumab, dabigatran, C-82, pomalidomide, rilonacept, romilkimab, tocilizumab, tofacitinib, pirfenidone, lenabasum, abatacept, belimumab, riociguat, SAR100842 and lanifibranor. All but 3 studies were performed in early diffuse SSc patients with different inclusion criteria, while 3 studies were performed in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Phase 3 clinical trials investigated nintedanib and tocilizumab. Nintedanib was investigated in SSc-ILD patients whereas tocilizumab focused on early diffuse SSc patients with inflammatory features. Two observational studies including > 50 patients with rituximab as the targeted drug were also evaluated. All these studies offer a real hope for SSc patients. The future challenges will be to customize patient-specific therapeutics with the goal to develop precision medicine for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR) IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France.
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Cerinic MM, Manetti M. The Role of Pro-fibrotic Myofibroblasts in Systemic Sclerosis: from Origin to Therapeutic Targeting. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:209-239. [PMID: 33823766 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210325102749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by multisystem clinical manifestations resulting from immune dysregulation/autoimmunity, vasculopathy and, most notably, progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. In recent years, it has emerged that the main drivers of SSc-related tissue fibrosis are myofibroblasts, a type of mesenchymal cells with both the extracellular matrix-synthesizing features of fibroblasts and the cytoskeletal characteristics of contractile smooth muscle cells. The accumulation and persistent activation of pro-fibrotic myofibroblasts during SSc development and progression result into elevated mechanical stress and reduced matrix plasticity within the affected tissues and may be ascribed to a reduced susceptibility of these cells to pro-apoptotic stimuli, as well as their increased formation from tissue-resident fibroblasts or transition from different cell types. Given the crucial role of myofibroblasts in SSc pathogenesis, finding the way to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation and accumulation by targeting their formation, function and survival may represent an effective approach to hamper the fibrotic process or even halt or reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the role of myofibroblasts in SSc-related fibrosis, with a special focus on their cellular origin and the signaling pathways implicated in their formation and persistent activation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of potential therapeutic strategies targeting myofibroblasts that may be able to counteract fibrosis in this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
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Li S, Shao L, Fang J, Zhang J, Chen Y, Yeo AJ, Lavin MF, Yu G, Shao H. Hesperetin attenuates silica-induced lung injury by reducing oxidative damage and inflammatory response. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:297. [PMID: 33717240 PMCID: PMC7885076 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and the inflammatory response are two important mechanisms of silica-induced lung injury. Hesperetin (HSP) is a natural flavonoid compound that is found in citrus fruits and has been indicated to exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current study evaluated the protective effect of HSP on lung injury in rats exposed to silica. The results indicated that the degree of alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis in the HSP-treated group was significantly decreased compared with the silica model group. The content of hydroxyproline (HYP) was also revealed to decrease overall in the HSP treated group compared with the silica model group, indicating that the degree of pulmonary fibrosis was decreased compared with the silica model group. The present study also demonstrated that HSP reduced oxidation levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX). Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was also increased following HSP treatment, indicating that HSP can alleviate oxidative stress in the lung tissue of silica-exposed rats. In addition, HSP was revealed to inhibit the synthesis and secretion of fibrogenic factor TGF-β1, reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-4, TNF-α and increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors IFN-γ and IL-10. The current study demonstrated that HSP can effectively attenuate silica-induced lung injury by reducing oxidative damage and the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxian Li
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250062, P.R. China
| | - Linlin Shao
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Jinguo Fang
- Primary Health Department, Linqing Health Bureau, Linqing, Shandong 252600, P.R. China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250062, P.R. China
| | - Yanqin Chen
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250062, P.R. China
| | - Abrey J Yeo
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Martin F Lavin
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Gongchang Yu
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250062, P.R. China
| | - Hua Shao
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250062, P.R. China
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15
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Shah PV, Balani P, Lopez AR, Nobleza CMN, Siddiqui M, Khan S. A Review of Pirfenidone as an Anti-Fibrotic in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Its Probable Role in Other Diseases. Cureus 2021; 13:e12482. [PMID: 33564498 PMCID: PMC7861090 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the result of chronic inflammation and is known to pathologically occur in many organs and systems. Pirfenidone (PFD) is an anti-fibrotic known for its use in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In addition to being an anti-fibrotic, it acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant as well. There have been studies on PFD in other diseases, some clinical and others preclinical. We have compiled and reviewed them to highlight just how widespread PFD use could be. Among many benefits of PFD in IPF, PFD has effectively improved patients' survival in those who had an acute exacerbation of IPF and has reduced respiratory-related hospitalization, among few others. PFD also has shown an improvement in vital capacity in patients with chronic hypersensitive pneumonitis. Also, it has demonstrated anti-fibrotic effects in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. In other diseases outside the lungs, PFD has reversed insulin resistance and proven to be effective in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It has prevented blindness post-alkali injury to the eye and has proven to decrease the proliferation of mesothelioma cells, just to name a few. This review encourages further research in connection with PFD and its use in other diseases and PFD pros in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth V Shah
- Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Prachi Balani
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Angel R Lopez
- Psychiatry, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Chelsea Mae N Nobleza
- Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Mariah Siddiqui
- Neurology, St. George's University, True Blue, GRD.,Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Safeera Khan
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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16
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Zheng H, Yang Z, Xin Z, Yang Y, Yu Y, Cui J, Liu H, Chen F. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β: a promising candidate in the fight against fibrosis. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:11737-11753. [PMID: 33052244 PMCID: PMC7545984 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis exists in almost all organs/tissues of the human body, plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diseases and is also a hallmark of the aging process. However, there is no effective prevention or therapeutic method for fibrogenesis. As a serine/threonine (Ser/Thr)-protein kinase, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a vital signaling mediator that participates in a variety of biological events and can inhibit extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, thereby exerting its protective role against the fibrosis of various organs/tissues, including the heart, lung, liver, and kidney. Moreover, we further present the upstream regulators and downstream effectors of the GSK-3β pathway during fibrosis and comprehensively summarize the roles of GSK-3β in the regulation of fibrosis and provide several potential targets for research. Collectively, the information reviewed here highlights recent advances vital for experimental research and clinical development, illuminating the possibility of GSK-3β as a novel therapeutic target for the management of tissue fibrosis in the future.
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17
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Understanding Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis: Novel and Emerging Treatment Approaches. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22:77. [DOI: 10.1007/s11926-020-00953-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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18
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Lv Q, Wang J, Xu C, Huang X, Ruan Z, Dai Y. Pirfenidone alleviates pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo through regulating Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways. Mol Med 2020; 26:49. [PMID: 32448163 PMCID: PMC7245944 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-020-00173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pirfenidone (PFD) is effective for pulmonary fibrosis (PF), but its action mechanism has not been fully explained. This study explored the signaling pathways involved in anti-fibrosis role of PFD, thus laying a foundation for clinical application. Methods Pulmonary fibrosis mice models were constructed by bleomycin (BLM), and TGF-β1 was used to treat human fetal lung fibroblasts (HLFs). Then, PFD was added into treated mice and cells alone or in combination with β-catenin vector. The pathological changes, inflammatory factors levels, and Collagen I levels in mice lung tissues were assessed, as well as the activity of HLFs was measured. Levels of indices related to extracellular matrix, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways were determined in tissues or cells. Results After treatment with BLM, the inflammatory reaction and extracellular matrix deposition in mice lung tissues were serious, which were alleviated by PFD and aggravated by the addition of β-catenin. In HLFs, PFD reduced the activity of HLFs induced by TGF-β1, inhibited levels of vimentin and N-cadherin and promoted levels of E-cadherin, whereas β-catenin produced the opposite effects to PFD. In both tissues and cells, Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways were activated, which could be suppressed by PFD. Conclusions PFD alleviated pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo through regulating Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways, which might further improve the action mechanism of anti-fibrosis effect of PFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Lv
- Department of Pneumology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 126, Wenzhou Road, Hangzhou, 31000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Department of Pneumology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 126, Wenzhou Road, Hangzhou, 31000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Changqing Xu
- Department of Pneumology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 126, Wenzhou Road, Hangzhou, 31000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuqing Huang
- Department of Pneumology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 126, Wenzhou Road, Hangzhou, 31000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaoyang Ruan
- Department of Pneumology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 126, Wenzhou Road, Hangzhou, 31000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifan Dai
- Department of Pneumology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, No. 126, Wenzhou Road, Hangzhou, 31000, Zhejiang, China
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19
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has the highest cause-specific mortality of all the connective tissue diseases, and the aetiology of this complex and heterogeneous condition remains an enigma. Current disease-modifying therapies for SSc predominantly target inflammatory and vascular pathways but have variable and unpredictable clinical efficacy, and none is curative. Moreover, many of these therapies possess undesirable safety profiles and have no appreciable effect on long-term mortality. This Review describes the most promising of the existing therapeutic targets for SSc and places them in the context of our evolving understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. As well as taking an in-depth look at the immune, inflammatory, vascular and fibrotic pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc, this Review discusses emerging treatment targets and therapeutic strategies. The article concludes with an overview of important unanswered questions in SSc research that might inform the design of future studies of treatments aimed at modifying the course of this disease.
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20
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Zhang Y, Distler JHW. Therapeutic molecular targets of SSc-ILD. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2020; 5:17-30. [DOI: 10.1177/2397198319899013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a fibrosing chronic connective tissue disease of unknown etiology. A major hallmark of systemic sclerosis is the uncontrolled and persistent activation of fibroblasts, which release excessive amounts of extracellular matrix, lead to organ dysfunction, and cause high mobility and motility of patients. Systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease is one of the most common fibrotic organ manifestations in systemic sclerosis and a major cause of death. Treatment options for systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease and other fibrotic manifestations, however, remain very limited. Thus, there is a huge medical need for effective therapies that target tissue fibrosis, vascular alterations, inflammation, and autoimmune disease in systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease. In this review, we discuss data suggesting therapeutic ways to target different genes in distinct tissues/organs that contribute to the development of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg HW Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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21
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Asano Y, Varga J. Rationally-based therapeutic disease modification in systemic sclerosis: Novel strategies. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 101:146-160. [PMID: 31859147 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a highly challenging chronic condition that is dominated by the pathogenetic triad of vascular damage, immune dysregulation/autoimmunity and fibrosis in multiple organs. A hallmark of SSc is the remarkable degree of molecular and phenotypic disease heterogeneity, which surpasses that of other complex rheumatic diseases. Disease trajectories in SSc are unpredictable and variable from patient to patient. Disease-modifying therapies for SSc are lacking, long-term morbidity is considerable and mortality remains unacceptably high. Currently-used empirical approaches to disease modification have modest and variable clinical efficacy and impact on survival, are expensive and frequently associated with unfavorable side effects, and none can be considered curative. However, research during the past several years is yielding significant advances with therapeutic potential. In particular, the application of unbiased omics-based discovery technologies to large and well-characterized SSc patient cohorts, coupled with hypothesis-testing experimental research using a variety of model systems is revealing new insights into SSc that allow formulation of a more nuanced appreciation of disease heterogeneity, and a deepening understanding of pathogenesis. Indeed, we are now presented with numerous novel and rationally-based strategies for targeted SSc therapy, several of which are currently, or expected to be shortly, undergoing clinical evaluation. In this review, we discuss promising novel therapeutic targets and rationally-based approaches to disease modification that have the potential to improve long-term outcomes in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Varga
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States.
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22
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Fernandez DM, Rahman AH, Fernandez NF, Chudnovskiy A, Amir EAD, Amadori L, Khan NS, Wong CK, Shamailova R, Hill CA, Wang Z, Remark R, Li JR, Pina C, Faries C, Awad AJ, Moss N, Bjorkegren JLM, Kim-Schulze S, Gnjatic S, Ma'ayan A, Mocco J, Faries P, Merad M, Giannarelli C. Single-cell immune landscape of human atherosclerotic plaques. Nat Med 2019; 25:1576-1588. [PMID: 31591603 PMCID: PMC7318784 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 488] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is driven by multifaceted contributions of the immune system within the circulation and at vascular focal sites. However, specific characteristics of dysregulated immune cells within atherosclerotic lesions that lead to clinical events such as ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction are poorly understood. Here, using single-cell proteomic and transcriptomic analyses, we uncovered distinct features of both T cells and macrophages in carotid artery plaques of patients with clinically symptomatic disease (recent stroke or transient ischemic attack) compared to asymptomatic disease (no recent stroke). Plaques from symptomatic patients were characterized by a distinct subset of CD4+ T cells and by T cells that were activated and differentiated. Moreover, some T cell subsets in these plaques presented markers of T cell exhaustion. Additionally, macrophages from these plaques contained alternatively activated phenotypes, including subsets associated with plaque vulnerability. In plaques from asymptomatic patients, T cells and macrophages were activated and displayed evidence of interleukin-1β signaling. The identification of specific features of innate and adaptive immune cells in plaques that are associated with cerebrovascular events may enable the design of more precisely tailored cardiovascular immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M Fernandez
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adeeb H Rahman
- The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicolas F Fernandez
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aleksey Chudnovskiy
- The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - El-Ad David Amir
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Letizia Amadori
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nayaab S Khan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine K Wong
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roza Shamailova
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher A Hill
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zichen Wang
- Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Romain Remark
- The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Jennifer R Li
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Division, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Pina
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Division, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher Faries
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Division, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ahmed J Awad
- Cerebrovascular Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Noah Moss
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johan L M Bjorkegren
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Integrated Cardio MetabolicCentre, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Seunghee Kim-Schulze
- The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Division, The Tish Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sacha Gnjatic
- The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Avi Ma'ayan
- Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Mocco
- Cerebrovascular Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Faries
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Division, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miriam Merad
- The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chiara Giannarelli
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Distler O, Volkmann ER, Hoffmann-Vold AM, Maher TM. Current and future perspectives on management of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:1009-1017. [PMID: 31566449 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1668269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and complex connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of SSc and the leading cause of SSc-related death. No drugs are licensed for the treatment of SSc-ILD. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the current treatment of SSc-ILD and a perspective on investigational therapies, focusing on those studied in randomized controlled trials. Expert opinion: There is substantial room for improvement in the treatment of SSc-ILD. Current treatment focuses on immunosuppressant therapies, particularly cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been shown to improve long-term outcomes, but the risk of treatment-related mortality restricts its use to select patients at specialized centers. Modifying the course of disease to improve outcomes remains the goal for new therapies. Several drugs are under investigation as potential therapies for SSc-ILD, providing hope that the limited treatment armamentarium for SSc-ILD will be expanded and improved in the near future. Expert consensus is needed on how to screen for and monitor SSc-ILD and on when to initiate and escalate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | | | - Toby M Maher
- National Institute for Health Research Respiratory Clinical Research Facility, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, and Fibrosis Research Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College , London , UK
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24
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Chung A, English J, Volkmann ER. Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis: Lessons Learned from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN RHEUMATOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40674-019-00121-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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25
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Macrophages play key roles in tissue homeostasis and immune surveillance, mobilizing immune activation in response to microbial invasion and promoting wound healing to repair damaged tissue. However, failure to resolve macrophage activation can lead to chronic inflammation and fibrosis, and ultimately to pathology. Activated macrophages have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc), although the triggers that induce immune activation in SSc and the signaling pathways that underlie aberrant macrophage activation remain unknown. RECENT FINDINGS Macrophages are implicated in fibrotic activation in SSc. Targeted therapeutic interventions directed against SSc macrophages may ameliorate inflammation and fibrosis. While current studies have begun to elucidate the role of macrophages in disease initiation and progression, further work is needed to address macrophage subset heterogeneity within and among SSc end-target tissues to determine the disparate functions mediated by these subsets and to identify additional targets for therapeutic intervention.
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26
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Ballester B, Milara J, Cortijo J. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Lung Cancer: Mechanisms and Molecular Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030593. [PMID: 30704051 PMCID: PMC6387034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common idiopathic interstitial pulmonary disease with a median survival of 2–4 years after diagnosis. A significant number of IPF patients have risk factors, such as a history of smoking or concomitant emphysema, both of which can predispose the patient to lung cancer (LC) (mostly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)). In fact, IPF itself increases the risk of LC development by 7% to 20%. In this regard, there are multiple common genetic, molecular, and cellular processes that connect lung fibrosis with LC, such as myofibroblast/mesenchymal transition, myofibroblast activation and uncontrolled proliferation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, alterations of growth factors expression, oxidative stress, and large genetic and epigenetic variations that can predispose the patient to develop IPF and LC. The current approved IPF therapies, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are also active in LC. In fact, nintedanib is approved as a second line treatment in NSCLC, and pirfenidone has shown anti-neoplastic effects in preclinical studies. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge on the mechanisms implicated in the development of LC in patients with IPF as well as in current IPF and LC-IPF candidate therapies based on novel molecular advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ballester
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Javier Milara
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Valencia, Spain.
- Pharmacy Unit, University Clinic Hospital of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- Institute of Health Research-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Julio Cortijo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Valencia, Spain.
- Research and teaching Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, 46014 Valencia, Spain.
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27
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Systemic Sclerosis Pathogenesis and Emerging Therapies, beyond the Fibroblast. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:4569826. [PMID: 30809542 PMCID: PMC6364098 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4569826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex rheumatologic autoimmune disease in which inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy share several pathogenic pathways that lead to skin and internal organ damage. Recent findings regarding the participation and interaction of the innate and acquired immune system have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and to the identification of new therapeutic targets, many of which have been tested in preclinical and clinical trials with varying results. In this manuscript, we review the state of the art of the pathogenesis of this disease and discuss the main therapeutic targets related to each pathogenic mechanism that have been discovered so far.
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28
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Luo M, Peng H, Chen P, Zhou Y. The immunomodulatory role of interleukin-35 in fibrotic diseases. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:431-439. [PMID: 30590954 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2019.1564041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibrosis makes numerous diseases in all organs more complicated and leads to severe consequences in the lung, liver, heart, kidney, and skin. In essence, fibrosis results from excessive, persistent and oftentimes nonreversible aggregation of extracellular matrix (ECM) or simply as collagen during the process of tissue injury and repair. Recent studies suggest the pathology of fibrosis, especially in pulmonary and liver fibrosis, involves various types of immune cells and soluble mediators including interleukin (IL)-35, a recently identified heterodimeric cytokine that belongs to the IL-12 cytokine family. Furthermore, IL-35 may inhibit fibrotic diseases. However, the side effects of inhibiting IL-35 also need attention and we have a long way to go to make better use of it in fibrotic diseases. Areas covered: This review focuses on recent evidence regarding the role of IL-35 in the pathogenesis of pulmonary, hepatic, cardiac, renal and skin fibrosis. It also discusses targeting of IL-35 as a promising novel strategy for treatment of fibrotic diseases. Expert commentary: Understanding as fully as possible the relationship between IL-35 and fibrotic diseases is important for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Luo
- a Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital , Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Research Unit of Respiratory Disease , Central South University , Changsha , China.,c Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease , Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Hong Peng
- a Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital , Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Research Unit of Respiratory Disease , Central South University , Changsha , China.,c Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease , Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Ping Chen
- a Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital , Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Research Unit of Respiratory Disease , Central South University , Changsha , China.,c Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease , Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Yong Zhou
- d Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine , University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham , AL , USA
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van Caam A, Vonk M, van den Hoogen F, van Lent P, van der Kraan P. Unraveling SSc Pathophysiology; The Myofibroblast. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2452. [PMID: 30483246 PMCID: PMC6242950 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe auto-immune disease, characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis of connective tissues. SSc has a high morbidity and mortality and unfortunately no disease modifying therapy is currently available. A key cell in the pathophysiology of SSc is the myofibroblast. Myofibroblasts are fibroblasts with contractile properties that produce a large amount of pro-fibrotic extracellular matrix molecules such as collagen type I. In this narrative review we will discuss the presence, formation, and role of myofibroblasts in SSc, and how these processes are stimulated and mediated by cells of the (innate) immune system such as mast cells and T helper 2 lymphocytes. Furthermore, current novel therapeutic approaches to target myofibroblasts will be highlighted for future perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan van Caam
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Madelon Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Peter van Lent
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Giroux-Leprieur E, Costantini A, Ding VW, He B. Hedgehog Signaling in Lung Cancer: From Oncogenesis to Cancer Treatment Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2835. [PMID: 30235830 PMCID: PMC6165231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling pathway is physiologically activated during embryogenesis, especially in lung development. It is also reactivated in many solid tumors. In lung cancer, Hedgehog pathway is closely associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recent works have shown that CSCs produced a full-length Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) protein, with paracrine activity and induction of tumor development. Hedgehog pathway is also involved in tumor drug resistance in lung cancer, as cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies. This review proposes to describe the activation mechanisms of Hedgehog pathway in lung cancer, the clinical implications for overcoming drug resistance, and the perspectives for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Giroux-Leprieur
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Oncology, APHP-Hopital Ambroise Pare, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
- EA 4340, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
| | - Adrien Costantini
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Oncology, APHP-Hopital Ambroise Pare, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
- EA 4340, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
| | - Vivianne W Ding
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Biao He
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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