1
|
Akin C, Siebenhaar F, Wechsler JB, Youngblood BA, Maurer M. Detecting Changes in Mast Cell Numbers Versus Activation in Human Disease: A Roadblock for Current Biomarkers? THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:1727-1737. [PMID: 38467332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of mast cell (MC)-driven disorders is diverse, ranging from localized reactions to systemic disorders caused by abnormal accumulation and activation in multiorgan systems. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is critically important, both for informing treatment and objective assessment of treatment outcomes. As new therapeutics are being developed to deplete MCs or silence them (eg, by engaging inhibitory receptors that block activation), new biomarkers are needed that can distinguish between MC activation versus burden. Serum tryptase is the gold standard for assessing both MC burden and activation; however, commercial tryptase assays have limitations related to timing of release, lack of discernment between inactive (α) and active (β) forms of tryptase, and interpatient variability of baseline levels. Alternative approaches to measuring MC activation include urinary MC mediators, flow cytometry-based assays or gene expression profiling. Additional markers of MC activation are needed for use in clinical diagnostics, to help selection of treatment of MC diseases, and for assessing outcomes of therapy. We review the spectrum of disorders with known or suspected MC contribution, describe the utility and limitations of current MC markers and assays, and discuss the need for new markers that can differentiate between MC activation and burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cem Akin
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Frank Siebenhaar
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology and Allergology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joshua B Wechsler
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Ill
| | | | - Marcus Maurer
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology and Allergology, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Metz M, Kolkhir P, Altrichter S, Siebenhaar F, Levi-Schaffer F, Youngblood BA, Church MK, Maurer M. Mast cell silencing: A novel therapeutic approach for urticaria and other mast cell-mediated diseases. Allergy 2024; 79:37-51. [PMID: 37605867 DOI: 10.1111/all.15850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic urticaria (CU) is a mast cell (MC)-dependent disease with limited therapeutic options. Current management strategies are directed at inhibiting IgE-mediated activation of MCs and antagonizing effects of released mediators. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of CU and other MC diseases and mechanisms of MC activation-including multiple activating receptors and ligands, diverse signaling pathways, and a menagerie of mediators-strategies of MC depletion or MC silencing (i.e., inhibition of MC activation via binding of inhibitory receptors) have been developed to overcome limitations of singularly targeted agents. MC silencers, such as agonist monoclonal antibodies that engage inhibitory receptors (e.g., sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin8 -[Siglec-8] [lirentelimab/AK002], Siglec-6 [AK006], and CD200R [LY3454738]), have reached preclinical and clinical stages of development. In this review, we (1) describe the role of MCs in the pathogenesis of CU, highlighting similarities with other MC diseases in disease mechanisms and response to treatment; (2) explore current therapeutic strategies, categorized by nonspecific immunosuppression, targeted inhibition of MC activation or mediators, and targeted modulation of MC activity; and (3) introduce the concept of MC silencing as an emerging strategy that could selectively block activation of MCs without eliciting or exacerbating on- or off-target, immunosuppressive adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Metz
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology and Allergology IA, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pavel Kolkhir
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology and Allergology IA, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Altrichter
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology and Allergology IA, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Frank Siebenhaar
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology and Allergology IA, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesca Levi-Schaffer
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Martin K Church
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology and Allergology IA, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology and Allergology IA, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dahlin JS, Maurer M, Metcalfe DD, Pejler G, Sagi‐Eisenberg R, Nilsson G. The ingenious mast cell: Contemporary insights into mast cell behavior and function. Allergy 2022; 77:83-99. [PMID: 33955017 DOI: 10.1111/all.14881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mast cells are (in)famous for their role in allergic diseases, but the physiological and pathophysiological roles of this ingenious cell are still not fully understood. Mast cells are important for homeostasis and surveillance of the human system, recognizing both endogenous and exogenous agents, which induce release of a variety of mediators acting on both immune and non-immune cells, including nerve cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and epithelial cells. During recent years, clinical and experimental studies on human mast cells, as well as experiments using animal models, have resulted in many discoveries that help decipher the function of mast cells in health and disease. In this review, we focus particularly on new insights into mast cell biology, with a focus on mast cell development, recruitment, heterogeneity, and reactivity. We also highlight the development in our understanding of mast cell-driven diseases and discuss the development of novel strategies to treat such conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joakim S. Dahlin
- Division of Immunology and Allergy Department of Medicine Karolinska Institutet Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm Sweden
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Dermatological Allergology Allergie‐Centrum‐Charité Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
| | - Dean D. Metcalfe
- Mast Cell Biology Section Laboratory of Allergic Diseases NIAID, NIH Bethesda MD USA
| | - Gunnar Pejler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala Sweden
| | - Ronit Sagi‐Eisenberg
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Gunnar Nilsson
- Division of Immunology and Allergy Department of Medicine Karolinska Institutet Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maurer M, Magerl M. Differences and Similarities in the Mechanisms and Clinical Expression of Bradykinin-Mediated vs. Mast Cell-Mediated Angioedema. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2021; 61:40-49. [PMID: 33534062 PMCID: PMC8282544 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-021-08841-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Angioedema (AE), transient localized swelling due to extravasated fluid, is commonly classified as mast cell mediator-induced, bradykinin-mediated or of unknown cause. AE often occurs more than once, and it is these recurrent forms of AE that are challenging for patients and physicians, and they are the ones we focus on and refer to as AE in this review. Since effective treatment depends on the causative mediator, reliable and early diagnosis is essential. Although their clinical presentations bear similarities, many forms of angioedema exhibit specific patterns of clinical appearance or disease history that may aid in diagnosis. Here, we describe the most common differences and similarities in the mechanisms and clinical features of bradykinin-mediated and mast cell mediator-induced types of angioedema. We first provide an overview of the diseases that manifest with mast cell mediator-induced versus bradykinin-mediated angioedema as well as their respective underlying pathogenesis. We then compare these diseases for key clinical features, including angioedema location, course and duration of swelling, attack frequency, prevalence and relevance of prodromal signs and symptoms, triggers of angioedema attacks, and other signs and symptoms including wheals, age of onset, and duration. Our review and comparison of the clinical profiles of different types of angioedema incorporate our own clinical experience as well as published information. Our aim is to highlight that mast cell mediator-induced and bradykinin-mediated angioedema types share common features but are different in many aspects. Knowledge of the differences in underlying pathomechanisms and clinical profiles between different types of angioedema can help with the diagnostic approach in affected patients and facilitate targeted and effective treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Maurer
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Markus Magerl
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shah H, Eisenbarth S, Tormey CA, Siddon AJ. Behind the scenes with basophils: an emerging therapeutic target. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2021; 1:ltab008. [PMID: 35919744 PMCID: PMC9327101 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
Though basophils were originally viewed as redundant blood ‘mast cells’, the implementation of flow cytometry has established basophils as unique leukocytes with critical immunomodulatory functions. Basophils play an active role in allergic inflammation, autoimmunity, and hematological malignancies. They are distinguishable from other leukocytes by their characteristic metachromatic deep-purple cytoplasmic, round granules. Mature basophils are phenotypically characterized by surface expression of IL-3Rα (CD123); IL-3 drives basophil differentiation, degranulation, and synthesis of inflammatory mediators including type 2 cytokines. Basophil degranulation is the predominant source of histamine in peripheral blood, promoting allergic responses. Basophils serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity by secreting IL-4 which supports eosinophil migration, monocyte differentiation into macrophages, B-cell activation, and CD4 T-cell differentiation into Th2 cells. Further, basophilia is a key phenomenon in myeloid neoplasms, especially chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) for which it is a diagnostic criterion. Increased circulating basophils, often with aberrant immunophenotype, have been detected in patients with CML and other myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The significance of basophils’ immunoregulatory functions in malignant and non-malignant diseases is an active area of research. Ongoing and future research can inform the development of immunotherapies that target basophils to impact allergic, autoimmune, and malignant disease states. This review article aims to provide an overview of basophil biology, identification strategies, and roles and dysregulation in diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hemali Shah
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephanie Eisenbarth
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Alexa J Siddon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|