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Barde F, Lorenzon R, Vicaut E, Rivière S, Cacoub P, Cacciatore C, Rosenzwajg M, Daguenel-Nguyen A, Fain O, Klatzmann D, Mekinian A. Induction of regulatory T cells and efficacy of low-dose interleukin-2 in systemic sclerosis: interventional open-label phase 1-phase 2a study. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003500. [PMID: 38580347 PMCID: PMC11002342 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003500] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease, with impaired immune response, increased fibrosis and endothelial dysfunction. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are essential to control inflammation, tissue repair and autoimmunity, have a decreased frequency and impaired function in SSc patients. Low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2LD) can expand and activate Tregs and has, therefore, a therapeutic potential in SSc. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the safety and biological efficacy of IL-2LD in patients with SSc. METHODS As part of the TRANSREG open-label phase IIa basket trial in multiple autoimmune diseases, we studied nine patients with SSc without severe organ involvement. Patients received 1 million international units (MIU)/day of IL-2 for 5 days, followed by fortnightly injections for 6 months. Laboratory and clinical evaluations were performed between baseline and month 6. RESULTS At day 8, the primary endpoint (Treg frequency) was reached with a 1.8±0.5-fold increase of Treg levels among CD4+ T lymphocytes (p=0.0015). There were no significant changes in effector T cells nor in B cells. IL-2LD was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events related to treatment occurred. There was a globally stable measurement in the modified Rodnan skin score and Valentini score at month 6. Disease activity and severity measures, the quality of life evaluated by EuroQL-5D-5L and pulmonary function test parameters remained stable during the study period. CONCLUSION IL-2LD at a dosage of 1 MIU/day safely and selectively activates and expands Tregs. Clinical signs remain stable during the study period. This opens the door to properly powered phase II efficacy trials investigating IL-2LD therapeutic efficacy in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Barde
- Service de médecine interne, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
| | - Roberta Lorenzon
- Clinical Investigation Center for Biotherapies and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (i2B), AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
| | - Eric Vicaut
- Unité de recherche clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Rivière
- Service de médecine interne, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
| | - Patrice Cacoub
- Service de médecine interne et immunologie clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
| | - Carlotta Cacciatore
- Service de médecine interne, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
| | - Michelle Rosenzwajg
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique intégré en Biothérapies et immunologie (i2B), Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
| | - Anne Daguenel-Nguyen
- Service de pharmacie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Fain
- Service de médecine interne, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
| | - David Klatzmann
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique intégré en Biothérapies et immunologie (i2B), Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
| | - Arsène Mekinian
- Service de médecine interne, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
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Lorenzon R, Ribet C, Pitoiset F, Aractingi S, Banneville B, Beaugerie L, Berenbaum F, Cacoub P, Champey J, Chazouilleres O, Corpechot C, Fautrel B, Mekinian A, Regnier E, Saadoun D, Salem JE, Sellam J, Seksik P, Vicaut E, Rosenzwajg M, Klatzmann D. The universal effects of low-dose interleukin-2 across 13 autoimmune diseases in a basket clinical trial. J Autoimmun 2024; 144:103172. [PMID: 38330545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A Tregs insufficiency is central to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases pathophysiology and low dose interleukin-2 (IL-2LD) can specifically activate Tregs. OBJECTIVE To assess IL-2LD therapeutic potential and select diseases for further clinical development, we performed an open-label, phase 2a, disease-finding, "basket trial" involving patients with one of 13 different autoimmune diseases. METHODS 81 patients treated with IL-2LD (1 million IU/day) for 5 days, followed by fortnightly injections. The first 48 patients received diluted Proleukin®, while the subsequent 33 received ready-to-use ILT-101®. The primary endpoint was the change in Tregs at day-8 compared to baseline. Key secondary endpoints included clinical efficacy assessments using the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, disease-specific scores, and EuroQL-5D-5L. RESULTS Our study unveiled a universal and significant expansion and activation of Tregs, without concomitant Teffs activation, across all 13 autoimmune diseases. Both Proleukin® and ready-to-use ILT-101® demonstrated identical effects on Tregs. CGI scores reflecting activity, severity, and efficacy were significantly reduced in the overall patient population. Disease-specific clinical scores improved in five of the six disease cohorts with at least six patients, namely ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Behçet's disease, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic sclerosis. Urticaria was the only severe adverse event related to treatment. CONCLUSION IL-2LD was well-tolerated, exhibiting specific Treg activation and clinical improvements across the 13 autoimmune diseases. CLINICAL IMPLICATION Tregs stimulation by IL-2LD is a promising therapeutic strategy and IL-2LD holds considerable promise for integration into combinatorial therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lorenzon
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Biotherapies Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Sorbonne Universite, INSERM, UMR_S 959, Immunology-Immunopathology- Immunotherapy (i3) Laboratory, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Claire Ribet
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Biotherapies Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Sorbonne Universite, INSERM, UMR_S 959, Immunology-Immunopathology- Immunotherapy (i3) Laboratory, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Fabien Pitoiset
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Biotherapies Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Sorbonne Universite, INSERM, UMR_S 959, Immunology-Immunopathology- Immunotherapy (i3) Laboratory, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Selim Aractingi
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Dermatology Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Beatrice Banneville
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Rheumatology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Laurent Beaugerie
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Gastroenterology Department, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Sorbonne Universite, GRC-UPMC 03, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Francis Berenbaum
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Rheumatology Department, Saint-Antoine Hospital Paris, Île-de-France, France; Sorbonne Universite, INSERM UMR_S938, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Patrice Cacoub
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Julien Champey
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Rheumatology Department, Saint-Antoine Hospital Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Olivier Chazouilleres
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Hepatology Department, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Christophe Corpechot
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Hepatology Department, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Bruno Fautrel
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Rheumatology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Sorbonne Universite, GRC08 - IPLESP, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Arsène Mekinian
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Internal Medicine Department, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Elodie Regnier
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Dermatology Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - David Saadoun
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Joe-Elie Salem
- INSERM, CIC-1901, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Pharmacology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Jérémie Sellam
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Rheumatology Department, Saint-Antoine Hospital Paris, Île-de-France, France; Sorbonne Universite, INSERM UMR_S938, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Philippe Seksik
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Gastroenterology Department, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Sorbonne Universite, GRC-UPMC 03, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Eric Vicaut
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Clinical Research Unit, Lariboisiere Fernand-Widal Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Michelle Rosenzwajg
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Biotherapies Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Sorbonne Universite, INSERM, UMR_S 959, Immunology-Immunopathology- Immunotherapy (i3) Laboratory, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - David Klatzmann
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Biotherapies Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, Île-de-France, France; Sorbonne Universite, INSERM, UMR_S 959, Immunology-Immunopathology- Immunotherapy (i3) Laboratory, Paris, Île-de-France, France.
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Yang C, Lu C, Pan J, Zhao C, Chen Z, Qin F, Wen J, Wei W, Lei L. The role of iTr35 cells in the inflammatory response and fibrosis progression of systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:3439-3447. [PMID: 36734529 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of induced immunosuppressive T regulatory (iTr) 35 cells in SSc-related inflammation and fibrosis. METHODS Sixty-eight SSc patients were enrolled in this study. Subsets of iTr35 and Tr1 were measured by flow cytometry. IL-35 and IL-10 levels were measured using ELISA. Expressions of iTr35, Tr1, fibrosis-related genes and proteins associated with signalling pathways were determined using immunofluorescence, western blot and immunohistochemistry assays. RESULTS In peripheral blood, the proportions of the iTr35 cells were higher and Tr1 cells were lower than the control group. Similarly, IL-35 expression was increased, while IL-10 levels were decreased. In fibroblasts from skin tissue, the expression levels of EBI3, IL-12Ap35, Foxp3 and IL-10 were decreased, but collagen I, TGF-β, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin levels were increased. Phosphorylated STAT3/6 were increased, but iTr35 and Tr1 cell levels were significantly decreased. When CD4+ cells were incubated with both recombinant human (rh)IL-35 and rhIL-10, the cell numbers of iTr35 and Tr1 were greater than the same type of cells treated with rhIL-35 or rhIL-10 alone. However, the viability of conventional CD4+ T cells was decreased by gradually increasing iTr35 cells. Moreover, iTr35 cells affected α-SMA expression through the STAT3/6 signalling pathway. CONCLUSION Both iTr35 and Tr1 cells are involved in SSc-related inflammation and fibrosis. IL-35 can induce iTr35 cells, showing a synergistic effect with IL-10. We also found that iTr35 cells can inhibit T cell proliferation and differentiation via the STAT3/6 signalling pathway, thereby causing fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Yang
- The Department of Rheumatology, Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Chunxiu Lu
- The Department of Rheumatology, Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Jie Pan
- The Department of Rheumatology, Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- The Department of Rheumatology, Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Zhanrui Chen
- The Department of Rheumatology, Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Fang Qin
- The Department of Rheumatology, Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Jing Wen
- The Department of Rheumatology, Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Wanling Wei
- The Department of Rheumatology, Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Ling Lei
- The Department of Rheumatology, Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
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Oparaugo NC, Ouyang K, Nguyen NPN, Nelson AM, Agak GW. Human Regulatory T Cells: Understanding the Role of Tregs in Select Autoimmune Skin Diseases and Post-Transplant Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1527. [PMID: 36675037 PMCID: PMC9864298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in maintaining immune tolerance and homeostasis by modulating how the immune system is activated. Several studies have documented the critical role of Tregs in suppressing the functions of effector T cells and antigen-presenting cells. Under certain conditions, Tregs can lose their suppressive capability, leading to a compromised immune system. For example, mutations in the Treg transcription factor, Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), can drive the development of autoimmune diseases in multiple organs within the body. Furthermore, mutations leading to a reduction in the numbers of Tregs or a change in their function facilitate autoimmunity, whereas an overabundance can inhibit anti-tumor and anti-pathogen immunity. This review discusses the characteristics of Tregs and their mechanism of action in select autoimmune skin diseases, transplantation, and skin cancer. We also examine the potential of Tregs-based cellular therapies in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Chizara Oparaugo
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kelsey Ouyang
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | | | - Amanda M. Nelson
- Department of Dermatology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - George W. Agak
- Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Goswami TK, Singh M, Dhawan M, Mitra S, Emran TB, Rabaan AA, Mutair AA, Alawi ZA, Alhumaid S, Dhama K. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their therapeutic potential against autoimmune disorders - Advances and challenges. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2035117. [PMID: 35240914 PMCID: PMC9009914 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2035117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are caused when immune cells act against self-protein. This biological self-non-self-discrimination phenomenon is controlled by a distinct group of lymphocytes known as regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are key inflammatory response regulators and play a pivotal role in immune tolerance and homeostasis. Treg-mediated robust immunosuppression provides self-tolerance and protection against autoimmune diseases. However, once this system fails to operate or poorly operate, it leads to an extreme situation where immune system reacts against self-antigens and destroys host organs, thus causing autoimmune diseases. Tregs can target both innate and adaptive immunity via modulating multiple immune cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, antigen-presenting cells, B cells, and T cells. This review highlights the Treg-mediated immunosuppression, role of several markers and their interplay during Treg development and differentiation, and advances in therapeutic aspects of Treg cells to reduce severity of autoimmunity-related conditions along with emphasizing limitations and challenges of their usages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapas Kumar Goswami
- Immunology Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Mithilesh Singh
- Immunology Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Manish Dhawan
- Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
- The Trafford Group of Colleges, Manchester, UK
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Ali A. Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Al Mutair
- Research Center, Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- College of Nursing, Princess Norah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- School of Nursing, Wollongong University, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Zainab Al Alawi
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alhumaid
- Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Al-Ahsa Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
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Tafuri WL, Tomokane TY, Silva AMG, Kanashiro‐Galo L, Mosser DM, Quaresma JAS, Pagliari C, Sotto MN. Skin fibrosis associated with keloid, scleroderma and Jorge Lobo's disease (lacaziosis): An immuno-histochemical study. Int J Exp Pathol 2022; 103:234-244. [PMID: 36183172 PMCID: PMC9664412 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12456] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common pathophysiological response of many tissues and organs subjected to chronic injury. Despite the diverse aetiology of keloid, lacaziosis and localized scleroderma, the process of fibrosis is present in the pathogenesis of all of these three entities beyond other individual clinical and histological distinct characteristics. Fibrosis was studied in 20 samples each of these three chronic cutaneous inflammatory diseases. An immunohistochemical study was carried out to explore the presence of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin cytoskeleton antigens, CD31, CD34, Ki67, p16; CD105, CD163, CD206 and FOXP3 antigens; and the central fibrotic cytokine TGF-β. Higher expression of vimentin in comparison to α-SMA in all three lesion types was found. CD31- and CD34-positive blood vessel endothelial cells were observed throughout the reticular dermis. Ki67 expression was low and almost absent in scleroderma. p16-positive levels were higher than ki67 and observed in reticular dermis of keloidal collagen in keloids, in collagen bundles in scleroderma and in the external layers of the granulomas in lacaziosis. The presence of α-actin positive cells and rarely CD34 positive cells, observed primarily in keloids, may be related to higher p16 antigen expression, a measure of cell senescence. Low FOXP3 expression was observed in all lesion types. CD105-positive cells were mainly found in perivascular tissue in close contact with the adventitia in keloids and scleroderma, while, in lacaziosis, these cells were chiefly observed in conjunction with collagen deposition in the external granuloma layer. We did not find high involvement of CD163 or CD206-positive cells in the fibrotic process. TGF-β was notable only in keloid and lacaziosis lesions. In conclusion, we have suggested vimentin to be the main myofibroblast general marker of the fibrotic process in all three studied diseases, while endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and M2 macrophages may not play an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wagner Luiz Tafuri
- Departamento de Patologia GeralInstituto de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de PatologiaUniversidade de São PauloSao PauloBrazil
| | - Thaise Yumie Tomokane
- Laboratório de Patologia das Moléstias Infecciosas – LIM50, Departamento de PatologiaFaculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | | | - Luciane Kanashiro‐Galo
- Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de PatologiaUniversidade de São PauloSao PauloBrazil
| | | | | | - Carla Pagliari
- Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de PatologiaUniversidade de São PauloSao PauloBrazil
- Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual e Programa de pós‐graduação em Ciências da SaúdeSão PauloBrazil
| | - Mirian N. Sotto
- Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de PatologiaUniversidade de São PauloSao PauloBrazil
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Guo RH, Cheng H, Zhang XY, Yu Z, Wang GH, Hao SY, Gao XP, Wen HY. Changes in peripheral T-lymphocyte subsets and serum cytokines in patients with systemic sclerosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:986199. [PMID: 36408259 PMCID: PMC9669295 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.986199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: T cells represent a predominant cell type in autoimmune disease. However, their exact roles are not fully clear in systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study aimed to mainly investigate the alteration in the absolute numbers of T-lymphocyte subsets and the serum levels of cytokines in SSc patients. Methods: A total of 76 patients with SSc and 76 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. The levels of circulating T cell subsets and serum cytokines were measured by flow cytometry. T cell subsets or serum cytokines correlations with disease activity and organ involvement were analyzed. Results: The absolute numbers of Th2 and Treg cells in SSc patients were lower than those in HCs (p < 0.05), resulting in the ratios of Th1/Th2 [25.01 (12.24, 38.61) vs. 11.64 (6.38, 20.34)] and Th17/Treg [0.42 (0.17, 0.66) vs. 0.17 (0.13, 0.29)] were increased significantly (p < 0.001). The absolute numbers of total T, Th, and Treg cells were negatively correlated with CRP (r = -0.406, p = 0.002; r = -0.263, p < 0.05; r = -0.367 p < 0.01). The serum levels of IL-2, SIL-2R, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, and TNF-α were significantly higher than those in HCs (p < 0.001). Increasing IL-2 in the wake of the augment of ESR (r = 0.671, p = 0.004), so did IL-6 (r = 0.378, p < 0.05). The ratio of Th17/Treg in SSc-ILD patients had lower levels than that in other patients [0.35 (0.14, 0.53) vs. 0.64 (0.26, 0.93) p = 0.028]; Treg cells were lessened in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon relative to controls [3.00 (2.41, 4.28) vs. 3.55 (2.86, 4.53) p < 0.05]. The levels of IL-2, IL-10 and INF-γ [3.32 (1.05,11.73) vs. 2.32 (0.44,6.45), p = 0.045], [8.08 (3.63, 355,77) vs. 4.89 (0.78, 21.44), p = 0.02], [6.31 (2.66, 44.03) vs. 4.03 (0.22, 16.96), p = 0.009] were elevated in patients with arthralgia, while the level of Th17 was decreased [0.62 (0.20,2.16) vs. 1.26 (0.22,10.93), p = 0.026]. ROC curve analysis yielded an optimal cut-off IL-2, IL-10, and INF-γ levels of 2.67, 5.93, and 5.32 pg/ml for the presence of arthralgia. Conclusion: We exhibited abnormalities in T subsets and the production of their cytokines in SSc, as compared with those in HCs. This may allow the pathogenesis of SSc and the development of novel therapeutic interventions aimed at targeting these cells and the cytokines they produce.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong-Yan Wen
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanxi Medical University, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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Tognetti L, Marrocco C, Carraro A, Guerrini G, Mariotti GI, Cinotti E, Rubegni P. Clinical and laboratory characterization of patients with localized scleroderma and response to UVA-1 phototherapy: In vivo and in vitro skin models. PHOTODERMATOLOGY, PHOTOIMMUNOLOGY & PHOTOMEDICINE 2022; 38:531-540. [PMID: 35324032 PMCID: PMC9790552 DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Localized scleroderma (LS) is a rare disease leading to progressive hardening and induration of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. LS is responsive to UVA-1 phototherapy, though its exact mechanism of action dermal fibrosis is yet to be fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the molecular changes induced by UVA-1 rays in human primary fibroblasts cultures. METHODS A total of 16 LS patients were treated with medium-dose UVA-1 phototherapy. At baseline, during and after therapy, Localized Scleroderma Assessment Tool, Dermatology Life Quality Index and lesions' staging and mapping were performed along with high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) examination for dermal thickness assessment. Gene expression analysis for 23 mRNA transcripts, in vitro UVA-1 irradiation and viability tests were realized on lesional fibroblasts' primary cultures, before and 3 months after therapy. RESULTS The dermal thickness, the LoSCAT and the DLQI progressively decreased starting from the last phototherapy session up to the 6 and 9 month follow-ups (-57% and -60%, respectively). Molecular gene analysis (rt-PCR) revealed that UVA-1 phototherapy exerts multiple effects: the activation of specific anti-fibrotic pathways (e.g., overexpression of CTHRC1 and metalloproteases 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 12, suppression of TIMP-1), the downregulation of peculiar pro-fibrotic pathways (e.g., downregulation of TGF-ß, TGF-ßrII, Grb2, SMAD 2/3, TNRSF12A, CTGF) through a significant overexpression of IL-1ß; the stabilization of collagen synthesis acting on genes COL1A1, COL3A1, COL8A1, COL10A1, COL12A1. CONCLUSION UVA-1 phototherapy adds significant benefits in local tissue remodeling, rebalancing the alteration between pro-fibrotic and anti-fibrotic pathways; these changes can be well monitored by HFUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Tognetti
- Dermatology Unit and Skin Bank Unit, Department of Clinical Surgical and Neuro‐sciencesUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
| | - Camilla Marrocco
- Dermatology Unit and Skin Bank Unit, Department of Clinical Surgical and Neuro‐sciencesUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
| | - Andrea Carraro
- Dermatology Unit and Skin Bank Unit, Department of Clinical Surgical and Neuro‐sciencesUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
| | - Giuditta Guerrini
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical BiotechnologiesUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
| | - GIancarlo Mariotti
- Dermatology Unit and Skin Bank Unit, Department of Clinical Surgical and Neuro‐sciencesUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
| | - Elisa Cinotti
- Dermatology Unit and Skin Bank Unit, Department of Clinical Surgical and Neuro‐sciencesUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
| | - Pietro Rubegni
- Dermatology Unit and Skin Bank Unit, Department of Clinical Surgical and Neuro‐sciencesUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
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9
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Cheon SY, Park JH, Ameri AH, Lee RT, Nazarian RM, Demehri S. IL-33/Regulatory T-Cell Axis Suppresses Skin Fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:2668-2676.e4. [PMID: 35341735 PMCID: PMC9511765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.03.009] [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: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological hallmark of systemic sclerosis, a deadly autoimmune disease affecting the connective tissues of multiple organs. However, the immune mechanisms underlying fibrosis and systemic sclerosis remain unclear. To determine the initiating immune pathway in fibrosis, we investigated the role of type 2 alarmin cytokines in the mouse model of skin fibrosis. Wild-type mice that received subcutaneous bleomycin injections developed skin fibrosis accompanied by elevated IL-33 expression in the dermis. Likewise, we found IL-33 upregulation in human skin fibrosis. Mice with germline deletion of IL-33 receptor (ST2 knockout) showed markedly exacerbated skin fibrosis in association with significantly increased T helper 2 cell to regulatory T-cell ratio in the skin. Mice that lacked ST2 specifically on regulatory T cells (Foxp3Cre,ST2flox/flox) showed significantly worse skin fibrosis, increased T helper 2 to regulatory T cell ratio and IL-13 expression in the skin compared with wild-type mice. Our findings show that IL-33 cytokine signaling to regulatory T cells suppresses skin fibrosis and highlight a potential therapeutic axis to alleviate the debilitating manifestations of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Yun Cheon
- Center for Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jong Ho Park
- Center for Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amir H Ameri
- Center for Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard T Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rosalynn M Nazarian
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shadmehr Demehri
- Center for Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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10
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Hajam EY, Panikulam P, Chu CC, Jayaprakash H, Majumdar A, Jamora C. The expanding impact of T-regs in the skin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:983700. [PMID: 36189219 PMCID: PMC9521603 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.983700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As the interface between the body and the environment, the skin functions as the physical barrier against external pathogens and toxic agents. In addition, the skin is an immunologically active organ with a plethora of resident adaptive and innate immune cells, as well as effector molecules that provide another layer of protection in the form of an immune barrier. A major subpopulation of these immune cells are the Foxp3 expressing CD4 T cells or regulatory T cells (T-regs). The canonical function of T-regs is to keep other immune cells in check during homeostasis or to dissipate a robust inflammatory response following pathogen clearance or wound healing. Interestingly, recent data has uncovered unconventional roles that vary between different tissues and we will highlight the emerging non-lymphoid functions of cutaneous T-regs. In light of the novel functions of other immune cells that are routinely being discovered in the skin, their regulation by T-regs implies that T-regs have executive control over a broad swath of biological activities in both homeostasis and disease. The blossoming list of non-inflammatory functions, whether direct or indirect, suggests that the role of T-regs in a regenerative organ such as the skin will be a field ripe for discovery for decades to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edries Yousaf Hajam
- IFOM ETS- The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Patricia Panikulam
- IFOM ETS- The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Haarshadri Jayaprakash
- IFOM ETS- The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Colin Jamora
- IFOM ETS- The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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11
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Kawashima-Vasconcelos MY, Santana-Gonçalves M, Zanin-Silva DC, Malmegrim KCR, Oliveira MC. Reconstitution of the immune system and clinical correlates after stem cell transplantation for systemic sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:941011. [PMID: 36032076 PMCID: PMC9403547 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.941011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease that includes fibrosis, diffuse vasculopathy, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) is considered for patients with severe and progressive SSc. In recent decades, knowledge about patient management and clinical outcomes after auto-HSCT has significantly improved. Mechanistic studies have contributed to increasing the comprehension of how profound and long-lasting are the modifications to the immune system induced by transplantation. This review revisits the immune monitoring studies after auto-HSCT for SSc patients and how they relate to clinical outcomes. This understanding is essential to further improve clinical applications of auto-HSCT and enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Y. Kawashima-Vasconcelos
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Internal Medicine Graduate Program, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maynara Santana-Gonçalves
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Oncology, Stem Cell and Cell-Therapy Graduate Program, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Djúlio C. Zanin-Silva
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Basic and Applied Immunology Graduate Program, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Kelen C. R. Malmegrim
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Clinical, Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina Oliveira
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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12
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Kobayashi S, Nagafuchi Y, Shoda H, Fujio K. The Pathophysiological Roles of Regulatory T Cells in the Early Phase of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:900638. [PMID: 35686127 PMCID: PMC9172592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.900638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis. Both clinical manifestations and immunological disturbances are diverse according to the disease duration. Particularly, changes in immunological processes are prominent in the early phase of SSc. The orchestration of several subsets of immune cells promotes autoimmune responses and inflammation, and eventually stimulates pro-fibrotic processes. Many reports have indicated that CD4+ T cells play pivotal roles in pathogenesis in the early phase of SSc. In particular, the pathogenic roles of regulatory T (Treg) cells have been investigated. Although the results were controversial, recent reports suggested an increase of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc patients. Treg cells secrete transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which promotes myofibroblast activation and fibrosis. In addition, the dysfunction of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc was reported, which results in the development of autoimmunity and inflammation. Notably, Treg cells have the plasticity to convert to T-helper17 (Th17) cells under pro-inflammatory conditions. Th17 cells secrete IL-17A, which could also promote myofibroblast transformation and fibrosis and contributes to vasculopathy, although the issue is still controversial. Our recent transcriptomic comparison between the early and late phases of SSc revealed a clear difference of gene expression patterns only in Treg cells. The gene signature of an activated Treg cell subpopulation was expanded in the early phase of SSc and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was enhanced, which can promote Th17 differentiation. And this result was accompanied by the increase in Th17 cells frequency. Therefore, an imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells could also have an important role in the pathogenesis of the early phase of SSc. In this review, we outlined the roles of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc, summarizing the data of both human and mouse models. The contributions of Treg cells to autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis were revealed, based on the dysfunction and imbalance of Treg cells. We also referred to the potential development in treatment strategies in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Kobayashi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Itabashi-ku, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nagafuchi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
- Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shoda
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
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13
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Lee J, Kim D, Min B. Tissue Resident Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells: Sentinels and Saboteurs in Health and Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:865593. [PMID: 35359918 PMCID: PMC8963273 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.865593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are a CD4 T cell subset with unique immune regulatory function that are indispensable in immunity and tolerance. Their indisputable importance has been investigated in numerous disease settings and experimental models. Despite the extensive efforts in determining the cellular and molecular mechanisms operating their functions, our understanding their biology especially in vivo remains limited. There is emerging evidence that Treg cells resident in the non-lymphoid tissues play a central role in regulating tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and repair. Furthermore, tissue-specific properties of those Treg cells that allow them to express tissue specific functions have been explored. In this review, we will discuss the potential mechanisms and key cellular/molecular factors responsible for the homeostasis and functions of tissue resident Treg cells under steady-state and inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyeun Lee
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Dongkyun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Booki Min
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Booki Min,
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14
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Dai B, Ding L, Zhao L, Zhu H, Luo H. Contributions of Immune Cells and Stromal Cells to the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: Recent Insights. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:826839. [PMID: 35185577 PMCID: PMC8852243 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.826839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem rheumatic disease characterized by vascular dysfunction, autoimmune abnormalities, and progressive organ fibrosis. A series of studies in SSc patients and fibrotic models suggest that immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells participate in inflammation and aberrant tissue repair. Furthermore, the growing number of studies on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in SSc elaborate on the transcriptomics and heterogeneities of these cell subsets significantly. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding immune cells and stromal cells in SSc patients and discuss their potential roles in SSc pathogenesis, focusing on recent advances in the new subtypes by scRNA-seq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingying Dai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liqing Ding
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijuan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Honglin Zhu, ; Hui Luo,
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Honglin Zhu, ; Hui Luo,
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15
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Dubin C, Glickman JW, Del Duca E, Chennareddy S, Han J, Dahabreh D, Estrada YD, Zhang N, Kimmel GW, Singer G, Chowdhury M, Zheng AY, Angelov M, Gay-Mimbrera J, Ruano Ruiz J, Krueger JG, Pavel AB, Guttman-Yassky E. Scalp and serum profiling of frontal fibrosing alopecia reveals scalp immune and fibrosis dysregulation with no systemic involvement. J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; 86:551-562. [PMID: 34044102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a progressive, scarring alopecia of the frontotemporal scalp that poses a substantial burden on quality of life. Large-scale global profiling of FFA is lacking, preventing the development of effective therapeutics. OBJECTIVE To characterize FFA compared to normal and alopecia areata using broad molecular profiling and to identify biomarkers linked to disease severity. METHODS This cross-sectional study assessed 33,118 genes in scalp using RNA sequencing and 350 proteins in serum using OLINK high-throughput proteomics. Disease biomarkers were also correlated with clinical severity and a fibrosis gene set. RESULTS Genes differentially expressed in lesional FFA included markers related to Th1 (IFNγ/CXCL9/CXCL10), T-cell activation (CD2/CD3/CCL19/ICOS), fibrosis (CXCR3/FGF14/FGF22/VIM/FN1), T-regulatory (FOXP3/TGFB1/TGFB3), and Janus kinase/JAK (JAK3/STAT1/STAT4) (Fold changes [FCH]>1.5, FDR<.05 for all). Only one protein, ADM, was differentially expressed in FFA serum compared to normal (FCH>1.3, FDR<.05). Significant correlations were found between scalp biomarkers (IL-36RN/IL-25) and FFA severity, as well as between JAK/STAT and fibrosis gene-sets (r>.6; P <.05). LIMITATIONS This study was limited by a small sample size and predominantly female FFA patients. CONCLUSION Our data characterize FFA as an inflammatory condition limited to scalp, involving Th1/JAK skewing, with associated fibrosis and elevated T-regulatory markers, suggesting the potential for disease reversibility with JAK/STAT inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina Dubin
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jacob W Glickman
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ester Del Duca
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Dermatology, University of Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sumanth Chennareddy
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Joseph Han
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Dante Dahabreh
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Yeriel D Estrada
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Grace W Kimmel
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Giselle Singer
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Mashkura Chowdhury
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Andrew Y Zheng
- Macaulay Honors College at City University of New York (CUNY) Hunter College, New York, New York
| | - Michael Angelov
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jesús Gay-Mimbrera
- Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases Research Group, IMIBIC/Reina Sofia University Hospital/University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Juan Ruano Ruiz
- Department of Dermatology, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - James G Krueger
- Laboratory of Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Ana B Pavel
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi.
| | - Emma Guttman-Yassky
- Department of Dermatology and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Laboratory of Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
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16
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Yang C, Lei L, Pan J, Zhao C, Wen J, Qin F, Dong F, Wei W. Altered CD4+ T cell and cytokine levels in peripheral blood and skin samples from systemic sclerosis patients and IL35 in CD4+ T cell growth. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:794-805. [PMID: 33878182 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the role of IL-35 in CD4+ T lymphocyte and skin fibroblast (HSF) activity and cytokine levels in systemic sclerosis. METHODS Blood and skin biopsies were collected from 41 patients and 39 healthy controls to assess CD4+ T lymphocytes and IL-35-related factors. CD4+ T lymphocytes were co-cultured with HSFs, rhIL-35, and IL-35 mAb to evaluate the cell viability, activation of CD4+T lymphocytes, and HSF cells. RESULTS The proportion of blood Th1/Th2 was lower and Th17/regulatory T cells (Treg) were higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.05). IL-35 and IL-17A levels were higher and IFN-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β levels were lower in patients than in controls. IL-17A, FoxP3, TGF-β1, and COL-1 mRNA and p-STAT1 and p-STAT4 were higher in skin tissues from patients than in those from controls (p < 0.05). IL-6 levels were higher, whereas IL-10 levels were lower in cell culture supernatants. α-SMA and COL-1 proteins and Ki67 positivity were higher in CD4+ T + HSF cells from patients than in those from controls. rhIL-35 treatment inhibited proliferation (p < 0.001), but increased IL-10 and decreased IL-17A, α-SMA, and COL-1 secretion into the conditioned medium of CD4+ T lymphocytes + HSFs from patients compared with those from controls. IL-35 mAb blocked the effects of IL-35 in CD4+ T + HSF cells (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS IL-35 plays an inhibitory role in CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation but induces Treg cell differentiation by STAT1 signalling activation, HSF proliferation, and collagen expression in systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Ling Lei
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Fang Qin
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Fei Dong
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Wanling Wei
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
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17
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Helmin KA, Morales-Nebreda L, Torres Acosta MA, Anekalla KR, Chen SY, Abdala-Valencia H, Politanska Y, Cheresh P, Akbarpour M, Steinert EM, Weinberg SE, Singer BD. Maintenance DNA methylation is essential for regulatory T cell development and stability of suppressive function. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:6571-6587. [PMID: 32897881 DOI: 10.1172/jci137712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tregs require Foxp3 expression and induction of a specific DNA hypomethylation signature during development, after which Tregs persist as a self-renewing population that regulates immune system activation. Whether maintenance DNA methylation is required for Treg lineage development and stability and how methylation patterns are maintained during lineage self-renewal remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the epigenetic regulator ubiquitin-like with plant homeodomain and RING finger domains 1 (Uhrf1) is essential for maintenance of methyl-DNA marks that stabilize Treg cellular identity by repressing effector T cell transcriptional programs. Constitutive and induced deficiency of Uhrf1 within Foxp3+ cells resulted in global yet nonuniform loss of DNA methylation, derepression of inflammatory transcriptional programs, destabilization of the Treg lineage, and spontaneous inflammation. These findings support a paradigm in which maintenance DNA methylation is required in distinct regions of the Treg genome for both lineage establishment and stability of identity and suppressive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Helmin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | | | | | - Kishore R Anekalla
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Shang-Yang Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Yuliya Politanska
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Paul Cheresh
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | | | | | - Samuel E Weinberg
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine.,Department of Pathology
| | - Benjamin D Singer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics.,Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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18
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Mukhatayev Z, Ostapchuk YO, Fang D, Le Poole IC. Engineered antigen-specific regulatory T cells for autoimmune skin conditions. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102761. [PMID: 33476816 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of T cells responsible for the regulation of immune responses, thereby maintaining immune homeostasis and providing immune tolerance to both self and non-self-antigens. An increasing number of studies revealed Treg numbers and functions in a variety of autoimmune diseases. Treg deficiency can cause the development of several autoimmune skin diseases including vitiligo, alopecia areata, pemphigoid and pemphigus, psoriasis, and systemic sclerosis. Many clinical trials have been performed for autoimmune conditions using polyclonal Tregs, but efficiency can be significantly improved using antigen-specific Tregs engineered using T cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs. In this review, we systematically reviewed altered frequencies, impaired functions, and phenotypic features of Tregs in autoimmune skin conditions. We also summarized new advances in TCR and CAR based antigen-specific Tregs tested both in animal models and in clinics. The advantages and limitations of each approach were carefully discussed emphasizing possible clinical relevance to patients with autoimmune skin diseases. Moreover, we have reviewed potential approaches for engineering antigen-specific Tregs, and strategies for overcoming possible hurdles in clinical applications. Thereby, antigen-specific Tregs can be infused using autologous adoptive cell transfer to restore Treg numbers and to provide local immune tolerance for autoimmune skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhussipbek Mukhatayev
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - I Caroline Le Poole
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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19
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Mesenchymal stromal cells for systemic sclerosis treatment. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102755. [PMID: 33476823 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, and progressive fibrosis. SSc remains an orphan disease, with high morbity and mortality in SSc patients. The mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) demonstrate in vitro and in vivo pro-angiogenic, immuno-suppressive, and anti-fibrotic properties and appear as a promising stem cell therapy type, that may target the key pathological features of SSc disease. This review aims to summarize acquired knowledge in the field of :1) MSC definition and in vitro and in vivo functional properties, which vary according to the donor type (allogeneic or autologous), the tissue sources (bone marrow, adipose tissue or umbilical cord) or inflammatory micro-environment in the recipient; 2) preclinical studies in various SSc animal models , which showed reduction in skin and lung fibrosis after MSC infusion; 3) first clinical trials in human, with safety and early efficacy results reported in SSc patients or currently tested in several ongoing clinical trials.
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20
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Chatzileontiadou DSM, Sloane H, Nguyen AT, Gras S, Grant EJ. The Many Faces of CD4 + T Cells: Immunological and Structural Characteristics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E73. [PMID: 33374787 PMCID: PMC7796221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a major arm of the cellular immune response, CD4+ T cells are important in the control and clearance of infections. Primarily described as helpers, CD4+ T cells play an integral role in the development and activation of B cells and CD8+ T cells. CD4+ T cells are incredibly heterogeneous, and can be divided into six main lineages based on distinct profiles, namely T helper 1, 2, 17 and 22 (Th1, Th2, Th17, Th22), regulatory T cells (Treg) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh). Recent advances in structural biology have allowed for a detailed characterisation of the molecular mechanisms that drive CD4+ T cell recognition. In this review, we discuss the defining features of the main human CD4+ T cell lineages and their role in immunity, as well as their structural characteristics underlying their detection of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetra S. M. Chatzileontiadou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (D.S.M.C.); (H.S.); (A.T.N.); (S.G.)
| | - Hannah Sloane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (D.S.M.C.); (H.S.); (A.T.N.); (S.G.)
| | - Andrea T. Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (D.S.M.C.); (H.S.); (A.T.N.); (S.G.)
| | - Stephanie Gras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (D.S.M.C.); (H.S.); (A.T.N.); (S.G.)
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Emma J. Grant
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (D.S.M.C.); (H.S.); (A.T.N.); (S.G.)
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21
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Ramahi A, Altorok N, Kahaleh B. Epigenetics and systemic sclerosis: An answer to disease onset and evolution? Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7:S147-S156. [PMID: 32697935 PMCID: PMC7647676 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.19112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that implicates epigenetic modification in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The complexity of epigenetic regulation and its dynamic nature complicate the investigation of its role in the disease. We will review the current literature for factors that link epigenetics to SSc by discussing DNA methylation, histone acetylation and methylation, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNA changes in endothelial cells, fibroblasts (FBs), and lymphocytes. These three cell types are significantly involved in the early stages and throughout the course of the disease and are particularly vulnerable to epigenetic regulation. The pathogenesis of SSc is likely related to modifications of the epigenome by environmental signals in individuals with a specific genetic makeup. The epigenome is an attractive therapeutic target; however, successful epigenetics-based treatments require a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the epigenome and its alteration in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ramahi
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Nezam Altorok
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Bashar Kahaleh
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
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22
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Wang D, Lei L. Interleukin-35 regulates the balance of Th17 and Treg responses during the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases. Int J Rheum Dis 2020; 24:21-27. [PMID: 32918357 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-35 belongs to the IL-12 cytokine family and is a heterodimer of the p35 and Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) subunits. Functionally, IL-35 can promote the proliferation and activation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and suppress the function of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and other inflammatory cells to inhibit immune responses. In recent years, an abnormal IL-35 expression causing a Th17/Treg imbalance has been associated with the development and progression of several connective tissue diseases (CTDs), such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermatomyositis (DM)/polymyositis (PM), and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Here, we review the role of IL-35 in regulating the balance of Th17/Treg responses in different types of CTDs and provide new insights into the role of IL-35 in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ling Lei
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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23
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Worrell JC, O'Reilly S. Bi-directional communication: Conversations between fibroblasts and immune cells in systemic sclerosis. J Autoimmun 2020; 113:102526. [PMID: 32713676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune idiopathic connective tissue disease, characterized by aberrant fibro-proliferative and inflammatory responses, causing fibrosis of multiple organs. In recent years the interactions between innate and adaptive immune cells with resident fibroblasts have been uncovered. Cross-talk between immune and stromal cells mediates activation of stromal cells to myofibroblasts; key cells in the pathophysiology of fibrosis. These cells and their cytokines appear to mediate their effects in both a paracrine and autocrine fashion. This review examines the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in SSc, focusing on recent advances that have illuminated our understanding of ongoing bi-directional communication between immune and stromal cells. Finally, we appraise current and future therapies and how these may be useful in a disease that currently has no specific disease modifying treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Worrell
- Insititute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Durham University, Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Durham, UK. steven.o'
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24
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Fung TH, Yang KY, Lui KO. An emerging role of regulatory T-cells in cardiovascular repair and regeneration. Theranostics 2020; 10:8924-8938. [PMID: 32802172 PMCID: PMC7415793 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that immune cells play an important role in the regulation of tissue repair and regeneration. After injury, danger signals released by the damaged tissue trigger the initial pro-inflammatory phase essential for removing pathogens or cellular debris that is later replaced by the anti-inflammatory phase responsible for tissue healing. On the other hand, impaired immune regulation can lead to excessive scarring and fibrosis that could be detrimental for the restoration of organ function. Regulatory T-cells (Treg) have been revealed as the master regulator of the immune system that have both the immune and regenerative functions. In this review, we will summarize their immune role in the induction and maintenance of self-tolerance; as well as their regenerative role in directing tissue specific response for repair and regeneration. The latter is clearly demonstrated when Treg enhance the differentiation of stem or progenitor cells such as satellite cells to replace the damaged skeletal muscle, as well as the proliferation of parenchymal cells including neonatal cardiomyocytes for functional regeneration. Moreover, we will also discuss the reparative and regenerative role of Treg with a particular focus on blood vessels and cardiac tissues. Last but not least, we will describe the ongoing clinical trials with Treg in the treatment of autoimmune diseases that could give clinically relevant insights into the development of Treg therapy targeting tissue repair and regeneration.
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25
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Kalekar LA, Cohen JN, Prevel N, Sandoval PM, Mathur AN, Moreau JM, Lowe MM, Nosbaum A, Wolters PJ, Haemel A, Boin F, Rosenblum MD. Regulatory T cells in skin are uniquely poised to suppress profibrotic immune responses. Sci Immunol 2020; 4:4/39/eaaw2910. [PMID: 31492709 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aaw2910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
At the center of fibrosing diseases is the aberrant activation of tissue fibroblasts. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of how the immune system augments fibroblast activation have been described; however, little is known about how the immune system controls fibroblast function in tissues. Here, we identify regulatory T cells (Tregs) as important regulators of fibroblast activation in skin. Bulk cell and single-cell analysis of Tregs in murine skin and lungs revealed that Tregs in skin are transcriptionally distinct and skewed toward T helper 2 (TH2) differentiation. When compared with Tregs in lung, skin Tregs preferentially expressed high levels of GATA3, the master TH2 transcription factor. Genes regulated by GATA3 were highly enriched in skin "TH2 Treg" subsets. In functional experiments, Treg depletion resulted in a preferential increase in TH2 cytokine production in skin. Both acute depletion and chronic reduction of Tregs resulted in spontaneous skin fibroblast activation, profibrotic gene expression, and dermal fibrosis, all of which were exacerbated in a bleomycin-induced murine model of skin sclerosis. Lineage-specific deletion of Gata3 in Tregs resulted in an exacerbation of TH2 cytokine secretion that was preferential to skin, resulting in enhanced fibroblast activation and dermal fibrosis. Together, we demonstrate that Tregs play a critical role in regulating fibroblast activation in skin and do so by expressing a unique tissue-restricted transcriptional program that is mediated, at least in part, by GATA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh A Kalekar
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jarish N Cohen
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Prevel
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Anubhav N Mathur
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joshua M Moreau
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Margaret M Lowe
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Audrey Nosbaum
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Paul J Wolters
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anna Haemel
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Francesco Boin
- Department of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael D Rosenblum
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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26
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Kubo S, Nakayamada S, Miyazaki Y, Yoshikawa M, Yoshinari H, Satoh Y, Todoroki Y, Nakano K, Satoh M, Smith V, Cutolo M, Tanaka Y. Distinctive association of peripheral immune cell phenotypes with capillaroscopic microvascular patterns in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 58:2273-2283. [PMID: 31230071 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pathological changes in SSc include immune system dysregulation and microvascular damage. However, the association of immune cell phenotype heterogeneity and microvascular abnormalities is unclear. The aim of this study is to elucidate this association in SSc. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from 150 SSc patients were used for comprehensive flow cytometric analysis based on the Human Immunology Project. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify SSc patients into subgroups and their association with microvascular abnormalities, as assessed by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (i.e. 'early', 'active' and 'late' patterns), was analysed. RESULTS The proportions of activated CD4+ T cells, T cells re-expressing CD45RA, activated Th1 and Th17 cells and IgD-CD27- B cells were higher in SSc patients than in healthy individuals. Hierarchical cluster analysis stratified SSc patients into three groups: patients with few immune abnormalities (fewer abnormalities group), patients with high proportions of activated T and Treg cells (Treg-dominant group) and patients with high proportions of Tfh and plasmablasts (Tfh-dominant group). Age and disease duration were comparable among the groups. On the other hand, microvascular abnormalities, especially the 'late' nailfold videocapillaroscopy pattern, correlated with internal organ involvement. Among the groups stratified according to immune cell phenotype, the progression to the 'late' nailfold videocapillaroscopy pattern was more frequent in the Tfh-dominant group. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the presence of immunophenotypic abnormalities in SSc. Immunological abnormalities were not uniform but rather limited to subpopulations, particularly the Tfh-dominant group, where they were highly associated with microvascular abnormalities and organ involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Kubo
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | - Yusuke Miyazaki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Maiko Yoshikawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | - Yurie Satoh
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | - Kazuhisa Nakano
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Minoru Satoh
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratories and Academic Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
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27
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Morales-Nebreda L, Helmin KA, Singer BD. CoRESTed development of regulatory T cells. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1618-1621. [PMID: 32125289 PMCID: PMC7108887 DOI: 10.1172/jci135713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tregs require specific epigenetic signatures to induce and maintain their suppressive function in the context of inflammation and cancer surveillance. In this issue of the JCI, Xiong and colleagues identify a critical role for the epigenetic repressor REST corepressor 1 (CoREST) in promoting Treg suppressive transcriptional and functional programs. Pharmacologic inhibition and genetic loss of CoREST in Tregs impaired organ allograft tolerance and unleashed antitumor immunity via epigenetic activation of effector T cell programs. We propose that exploiting epigenetic control mechanisms will further the translation of Treg-based therapeutics to target inflammatory and malignant disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Benjamin D. Singer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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28
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Kalekar LA, Rosenblum MD. Regulatory T cells in inflammatory skin disease: from mice to humans. Int Immunol 2020; 31:457-463. [PMID: 30865268 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ in the body and one of the primary barriers to the environment. In order to optimally protect the host, the skin is home to numerous immune cell subsets that interact with each other and other non-immune cells to maintain organ integrity and function. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are one of the largest immune cell subsets in skin. They play a critical role in regulating inflammation and facilitating organ repair. In doing so, they adopt unique and specialized tissue-specific functions. In this review, we compare and contrast the role of Tregs in cutaneous immune disorders from mice and humans, with a specific focus on scleroderma, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus and psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh A Kalekar
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Sciences Building, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael D Rosenblum
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Sciences Building, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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29
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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: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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30
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Distler JHW, Györfi AH, Ramanujam M, Whitfield ML, Königshoff M, Lafyatis R. Shared and distinct mechanisms of fibrosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2019; 15:705-730. [DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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31
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Hendrawan K, Visweswaran M, Ma DDF, Moore JJ. Tolerance regeneration by T regulatory cells in autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases. Bone Marrow Transplant 2019; 55:857-866. [PMID: 31619766 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-019-0710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation shows increasing promise as a therapeutic option for patients with treatment-refractory autoimmune disease, particularly systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. However, this intensive chemotherapy-based procedure is not always possible due to potential treatment toxicities and comorbidities. The biological mechanisms of how this procedure induces long-term remission in autoimmune disease are increasingly understood. The focus of this review is on recent research findings on the role of CD4+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) in resetting the immune system leading to the eradication of the autoimmune disease after transplantation. Discovery of the precise mechanisms of this process will allow development of novel Treg-based therapies and thus avoid the need for intensive chemotherapy-based treatment for these autoimmune diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Hendrawan
- Blood, Stem Cells and Cancer Research Programme, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2011, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.,Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Malini Visweswaran
- Blood, Stem Cells and Cancer Research Programme, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2011, Australia.,Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - David D F Ma
- Blood, Stem Cells and Cancer Research Programme, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2011, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.,Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - John J Moore
- Blood, Stem Cells and Cancer Research Programme, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2011, Australia. .,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia. .,Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
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32
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Göschl L, Scheinecker C, Bonelli M. Treg cells in autoimmunity: from identification to Treg-based therapies. Semin Immunopathol 2019; 41:301-314. [PMID: 30953162 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-019-00741-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory (Treg) cells are key regulators of inflammation and important for immune tolerance and homeostasis. A major progress has been made in the identification and classification of Treg cells. Due to technological advances, we have gained deep insights in the epigenetic regulation of Treg cells. The use of fate reporter mice allowed addressing the functional consequences of loss of Foxp3 expression. Depending on the environment Treg cells gain effector functions upon loss of Foxp3 expression. However, the traditional view that Treg cells become necessarily pathogenic by gaining effector functions was challenged by recent findings and supports the notion of Treg cell lineage plasticity. Treg cell stability is also a major issue for Treg cell therapies. Clinical trials are designed to use polyclonal Treg cells as therapeutic tools. Here, we summarize the role of Treg cells in selected autoimmune diseases and recent advances in the field of Treg targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Göschl
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Scheinecker
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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33
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Morales-Nebreda L, McLafferty FS, Singer BD. DNA methylation as a transcriptional regulator of the immune system. Transl Res 2019; 204:1-18. [PMID: 30170004 PMCID: PMC6331288 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a dynamic epigenetic modification with a prominent role in determining mammalian cell development, lineage identity, and transcriptional regulation. Primarily linked to gene silencing, novel technologies have expanded the ability to measure DNA methylation on a genome-wide scale and uncover context-dependent regulatory roles. The immune system is a prototypic model for studying how DNA methylation patterning modulates cell type- and stimulus-specific transcriptional programs. Preservation of host defense and organ homeostasis depends on fine-tuned epigenetic mechanisms controlling myeloid and lymphoid cell differentiation and function, which shape innate and adaptive immune responses. Dysregulation of these processes can lead to human immune system pathology as seen in blood malignancies, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Identification of distinct epigenotypes linked to pathogenesis carries the potential to validate therapeutic targets in disease prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Morales-Nebreda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Fred S McLafferty
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Benjamin D Singer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
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Identifying the Signature Immune Phenotypes Present in Pediatric Localized Scleroderma. J Invest Dermatol 2018; 139:715-718. [PMID: 30616925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Frantz C, Auffray C, Avouac J, Allanore Y. Regulatory T Cells in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2356. [PMID: 30374354 PMCID: PMC6196252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, accumulating evidence suggest that regulatory T cells (Tregs) are of paramount importance for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and immune homeostasis, even though they represent only about 5-10% of the peripheral CD4+ T cells in humans. Their key role is indeed supported by the spontaneous development of autoimmune diseases after Tregs depletion in mice. Moreover, there is also a growing literature that investigates possible contribution of Tregs numbers and activity in various autoimmune diseases. The contribution of Tregs in autoimmune disease has opened up a new therapeutic avenue based on restoring a healthy balance between Tregs and effector T-cells, such as Treg-based cellular transfer or low-dose IL-2 modulation. These therapies hold the promise of modulating the immune system without immunosuppression, while several issues regarding efficacy and safety need to be addressed. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an orphan connective tissue disease characterized by extensive immune abnormalities but also microvascular injury and fibrosis. Recently, data about the presence and function of Tregs in the pathogenesis of SSc have emerged although they remain scarce so far. First, there is a general agreement in the medical literature with regard to the decreased functional ability of circulating Tregs in SSc. Second the quantification of Tregs in patients have led to contradictory results; although the majority of the studies report reduced frequencies, there are conversely some indications suggesting that in case of disease activity circulating Tregs may increase. This paradoxical situation could be the result of a compensatory, but inefficient, amplification of Tregs in the context of inflammation. Nevertheless, these results must be tempered with regards to the heterogeneity of the studies for the phenotyping of the patients and of the most importance for Tregs definition and activity markers. Therefore, taking into account the appealing developments of Tregs roles in autoimmune diseases, together with preliminary data published in SSc, there is growing interest in deciphering Tregs in SSc, both in humans and mice models, to clarify whether the promises obtained in other autoimmune diseases may also apply to SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Frantz
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Cedric Auffray
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Jerome Avouac
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
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Kumar P, Saini S, Khan S, Surendra Lele S, Prabhakar BS. Restoring self-tolerance in autoimmune diseases by enhancing regulatory T-cells. Cell Immunol 2018; 339:41-49. [PMID: 30482489 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Self-tolerance, the state of unresponsiveness to self-tissues/antigens, is maintained through central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms, and a breach of these mechanisms leads to autoimmune diseases. Foxp3 + T-regulatory cells (Tregs) play an essential role in suppressing autoimmune response directed against self-antigens and thereby regulate self-tolerance. Natural Tregs are differentiated in the thymus on the basis of their higher TCR-affinity to self-antigens and migrate to the periphery where they maintain peripheral tolerance. In addition, extra-thymic differentiation of induced Tregs can occur in the periphery which can control abrupt immune responses under inflammatory conditions. A defect in Treg cell numbers and/or function is found to be associated with the development of autoimmune disease in several experimental models and human autoimmune diseases. Moreover, augmentation of Tregs has been shown to be beneficial in treating autoimmunity in preclinical models, and Treg based cellular therapy has shown initial promise in clinical trials. However, emerging studies have identified an unstable subpopulation of Tregs which expresses pro-inflammatory cytokines under both homeostatic and autoimmune conditions, as well as in ex vivo cultures. In addition, clinical translation of Treg cellular therapy is impeded by limitations such as lack of easier methods for selective expansion of Tregs and higher cost associated with GMP-facilities required for cell sorting, ex vivo expansion and infusion of ex vivo expanded Tregs. Here, we discuss the recent advances in molecular mechanisms regulating Treg differentiation, Foxp3 expression and lineage stability, the role of Tregs in the prevention of various autoimmune diseases, and critically review their clinical utility for treating human autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhakaran Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shikha Saini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Saad Khan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Swarali Surendra Lele
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bellur S Prabhakar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Mo C, Zeng Z, Deng Q, Ding Y, Xiao R. Imbalance between T helper 17 and regulatory T cell subsets plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:177-183. [PMID: 30219674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease that is characterized by fibrosis, inflammation, and vasculopathy of the skin and internal organs. The etiopathogenesis of SSc remains unclear. However, the pivotal role of T lymphocytes with an aberrant immune response in SSc is well established. Among T cells, IL-17-producing helper T (Th17) cell and regulatory T (Treg) cell subsets have recently been found to play crucial roles in SSc pathogenesis. Generally speaking, Th17 cell subsets up-regulate inflammation, fibrosis, and autoimmunity, which are present in SSc, while Treg cell subsets have an immunosuppressive function and resist the immunological performance of Th17 cells. Up-to-date evidence has pointed out that the imbalance and abnormal functions of Th17/Treg cells may contribute to SSc. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current understanding of the vital cytokines and signaling pathways that are involved in Th17/Treg differentiation and functions, and their roles in the pathogenesis of SSc, thus providing novel insights about targeting the Th17/Treg balance as a potential therapy for SSc treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiling Mo
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Qiancheng Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Dermatology, Hainan Provincial Dermatology Disease Hospital, 15 LongKun-Nan Road, Haikou 570206, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
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Cho A, Jantschitsch C, Knobler R. Extracorporeal Photopheresis-An Overview. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:236. [PMID: 30211164 PMCID: PMC6119964 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been in clinical use for over three decades after receiving FDA approval for the palliative treatment of the Sézary Syndrome variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in 1988. After the first positive experiences with CTCL, additional indications have been successfully explored including areas such as graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD), scleroderma, and solid organ transplantation. The mechanism of action is still not fully resolved, but important steps in understanding ECP in recent years have been very informative. Originally, the primary hypothesis stated that psoralen and ultraviolet A (UVA) in combination induce apoptosis in the treated immune cells. This view shifted in favor of dendritic cell initiation, modification of the cytokine profile and stimulation of several T-cell lineages, in particular regulatory T-cells. A number of ECP guidelines have been produced to optimize treatment regimens in the clinical context. In CTCL, enough evidence is available for the use of ECP as a first line treatment for Sézary Syndrome (SS), but also as a second line or rescue treatment in therapy-refractory forms of mycosis fungoides (MF). ECP in the treatment of acute and chronic GVHD has shown promising results as second line therapy in steroid-refractory presentations. In solid organ transplantation, ECP has been used to increase tissue tolerance and decrease infections with opportunistic pathogens, attributed to the use of high doses of immunosuppressive medication. Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a limiting factor affecting survival in solid organ transplantation and the role of ECP will be discussed in this review. A trend toward prophylactic use of ECP can be observed and may further contribute to improve the outcome in many patients. To further deepen our knowledge of ECP and thus facilitate its use in patients that potentially benefit most from it, future prospective randomized trials are urgently needed in this rapidly growing field. The aim of this review is to (1) introduce the method, (2) give an overview where ECP has shown promising effects and has become an essential part of treatment protocols, and (3) to give recommendations on how to proceed in numerous indications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert Knobler
- Department of Dermatology, Medizinische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
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All-Trans Retinoic Acid Induces CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells by Increasing FOXP3 Demethylation in Systemic Sclerosis CD4+ T Cells. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:8658156. [PMID: 29854846 PMCID: PMC5952589 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8658156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinoic acid (RA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and has been reported to improve the clinical symptoms of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the mechanism of RA in the prevention of SSc remains unclear. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subpopulation of T cells with immunosuppressive activity. The quantitative and functional defects of Tregs may mediate the immune dysfunction in SSc. The addition of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to human naïve CD4+ cells could promote the maturation of Tregs and increase the stable expression of Foxp3. In this study, we explored the role of RA on Tregs in SSc CD4+ T cells and its possible epigenetic mechanisms, so as to further understand the mechanisms of RA on SSc. Methods CD4+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood of SSc and treated with or without ATRA and/or transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The percentage of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs was counted by flow cytometry. FOXP3 mRNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Bisulfite sequencing was performed to determine the methylation status of the FOXP3 proximal promoter sequences. Results The expression of Tregs and FOXP3 in CD4+ T cells from patients with SSc increased in response to ATRA. Moreover, combined stimulation with ATRA and TGF-β resulted in the enhancement of these effects. Further studies revealed that stimulation with ATRA increased the expression of FOXP3 in SSc CD4+ T cells by downregulating FOXP3 promoter methylation levels. Conclusions ATRA acts as an inducer of Treg response in SSc CD4+ T cells via demethylation of the FOXP3 promoter and activation of FOXP3 expression. This may be one of the molecular mechanisms for ATRA, and therefore, RA can be used for the treatment of SSc.
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Abstract
CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are suppressors of immune activation and play a crucial role in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Mutations of Foxp3 result in fatal autoimmunity in multiple organs, including the skin, in both humans and mice. Many studies have demonstrated the altered frequency and functions of Tregs, changes in cytokine and chemokine levels related to Tregs and the differences in genetic background regarding Tregs in autoimmune skin disorders. Recent studies have extended our knowledge of certain properties of Tregs, especially skin-resident Tregs. In addition, some novel therapies have been performed by modulating the number and the function of Tregs. This review focuses on the role of Tregs in some autoimmune skin disorders, including alopecia areata, vitiligo, pemphigoid and pemphigus, and systemic sclerosis, and discusses questions that remain to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Ujiie
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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Bosello S, Angelucci C, Lama G, Alivernini S, Proietti G, Tolusso B, Sica G, Gremese E, Ferraccioli G. Characterization of inflammatory cell infiltrate of scleroderma skin: B cells and skin score progression. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:75. [PMID: 29669578 PMCID: PMC5907298 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1569-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and the distribution of inflammatory cell infiltrate in two sets of cutaneous biopsies derived from clinically affected and unaffected skin in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to test correlation between the cell infiltrate and the progression of skin involvement. METHODS Skin was immunohistochemically assessed to identify CD68, CD3, CD20 and CD138-positive (+) cells in clinically affected and unaffected skin in 28 patients with SSc. Patients were followed for 6 months and the characteristics of the infiltrate were analyzed according to disease duration, clinical features and skin involvement progression. RESULTS In all SSc cutaneous specimens, cellular infiltrates were found in a perivascular location predominantly in the mid and deeper portions of the dermis. All the analyzed biopsies showed a CD3+ and CD68+ cell infiltrate and the mean number of CD3+ and of CD68+ cells was higher in clinically involved skin (CD3+, 71.7 ± 34.6 and CD68+, 26.3 ± 8.4, respectively) than in clinically uninvolved skin (CD3+, 45.7 ± 36.0 and CD68+, 13.6 ± 6.1, respectively) (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). CD20+ cells were found in 17 (60.7%) patients and in these patients the mean number of CD20+ cells was higher in clinically involved (4.7 ± 5.9) than in uninvolved skin (1.9 ± 2.9), (p = 0.04). There was a greater number of CD20+ cells in patients with early SSc compared with patients with long-standing disease. CD138+ cells were found in 100% of biopsies of clinically involved skin and in 89.3% of biopsies of uninvolved skin. The mean number of CD138+ cells was higher in clinically involved skin (3.6 ± 2.3) than in clinically uninvolved skin (1.9 ± 1.7), (p < 0.001). Seven patients experienced more than 20% worsening in the skin score after 6 months of follow up; all of them had a CD20+ skin infiltrate on biopsy of clinically involved skin. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm that mononuclear cells are present in the skin of all patients with SSc, underlining the role of inflammatory cell infiltrates in skin involvement in SSc. B cells in the skin seem to characterize patients with early diffuse skin disease and to correlate with skin progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bosello
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Reumatologia, Istituto di Reumatologia e Scienze Affini, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Via G. Moscati, 31-00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Angelucci
- Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gina Lama
- Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Alivernini
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Reumatologia, Istituto di Reumatologia e Scienze Affini, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Via G. Moscati, 31-00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Proietti
- Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tolusso
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Reumatologia, Istituto di Reumatologia e Scienze Affini, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Via G. Moscati, 31-00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Gigliola Sica
- Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Reumatologia, Istituto di Reumatologia e Scienze Affini, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Via G. Moscati, 31-00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Ferraccioli
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Reumatologia, Istituto di Reumatologia e Scienze Affini, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. .,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Via G. Moscati, 31-00168, Rome, Italy.
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Fleury M, Belkina AC, Proctor EA, Zammitti C, Simms RW, Lauffenburger DA, Snyder-Cappione JE, Lafyatis R, Dooms H. Increased Expression and Modulated Regulatory Activity of Coinhibitory Receptors PD-1, TIGIT, and TIM-3 in Lymphocytes From Patients With Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 70:566-577. [PMID: 29245183 PMCID: PMC5876093 DOI: 10.1002/art.40399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immune dysfunction is an important component of the disease process underlying systemic sclerosis (SSc), but the mechanisms contributing to altered immune cell function in SSc remain poorly defined. This study was undertaken to measure the expression and function of the coinhibitory receptors (co-IRs) programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) in lymphocyte subsets from the peripheral blood of patients with SSc. METHODS Co-IR expression levels on subsets of immune cells were analyzed using a 16-color flow cytometry panel. The functional role of co-IRs was determined by measuring cytokine production after in vitro stimulation of SSc and healthy control peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the presence of co-IR-blocking antibodies. Supernatants from cultures of stimulated PBMCs were added to SSc fibroblasts, and their impact on fibroblast gene expression was measured. Mathematical modeling was used to reveal differences between co-IR functions in SSc patients and healthy controls. RESULTS Levels of the co-IRs PD-1 and TIGIT were increased, and each was coexpressed, in distinct T cell subsets from SSc patients compared to healthy controls. Levels of TIM-3 were increased in SSc natural killer cells. PD-1, TIGIT, and TIM-3 antibody blockade revealed patient-specific roles of each of these co-IRs in modulating activation-induced T cell cytokine production. In contrast to healthy subjects, blockade of TIGIT and TIM-3, but not PD-1, failed to reverse inhibited cytokine production in SSc patients, indicating that enhanced T cell exhaustion is present in SSc. Finally, cytokines secreted in anti-TIM-3-treated PBMC cultures distinctly changed the gene expression profile in SSc fibroblasts. CONCLUSION The altered expression and regulatory capacity of co-IRs in SSc lymphocytes may contribute to disease pathophysiology by modulating the cytokine-mediated cross-talk of immune cells and fibroblasts at sites of inflammation and/or fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna C Belkina
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Robert W Simms
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Robert Lafyatis
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hans Dooms
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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McFarlane IM, Bhamra MS, Kreps A, Iqbal S, Al-Ani F, Saladini-Aponte C, Grant C, Singh S, Awwal K, Koci K, Saperstein Y, Arroyo-Mercado FM, Laskar DB, Atluri P. Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 8. [PMID: 30057856 PMCID: PMC6059963 DOI: 10.4172/2161-1149.1000235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by fibroproliferative alterations of the microvasculature leading to fibrosis and loss of function of the skin and internal organs. Gastrointestinal manifestations of SSc are the most commonly encountered complications of the disease affecting nearly 90% of the SSc population. Among these complications, the esophagus and the anorectum are the most commonly affected. However, this devastating disorder does not spare any part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and includes the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small and large bowels as well as the liver and pancreas. In this review, we present the current understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of SSc including vasculopathy, endothelial to mesenchymal transformation as well as the autoimmune pathogenetic pathways. We also discuss the clinical presentation and diagnosis of each part of the GIT affected by SSc. Finally, we highlight the latest developments in the management of this disease, addressing the severe malnutrition that affects this vulnerable patient population and ways to assess and improve the nutritional status of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M McFarlane
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Manjeet S Bhamra
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Alexandra Kreps
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Sadat Iqbal
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Firas Al-Ani
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Carla Saladini-Aponte
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Christon Grant
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Soberjot Singh
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Khalid Awwal
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Kristaq Koci
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Yair Saperstein
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Fray M Arroyo-Mercado
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Derek B Laskar
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
| | - Purna Atluri
- Division of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospitals Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, State University of New York, USA
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Osmola-Mańkowska AJ, Teresiak-Mikołajczak E, Kowalczyk MJ, Żaba RW, Adamski Z, Dańczak-Pazdrowska A. Expression of selected genes of dendritic and Treg cells in blood and skin of morphea patients treated with UVA1 phototherapy. Arch Med Sci 2018; 14:361-369. [PMID: 29593811 PMCID: PMC5868677 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2018.73469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Morphea is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin. Dendritic cells (DC) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a significant role in development of autoimmune and tolerance mechanisms. The aim of the study was to establish the expression of selected genes of plasmacytoid and myeloid DC, Treg cells, and the microenvironment of cytokines (interleukin-17A (IL-17A), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)) in blood and skin of morphea patients. In addition, the effect of UVA1 phototherapy on expression of the aforementioned genes was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was performed on 15 blood and 10 skin samples from patients with morphea. The evaluation included expression of CLEC4C (C-type lectin domain family 4, member C receptor), Lymphocyte antigen 75 (LY75), Forkhead box p3 (foxp3) transcription factor, IL-17A and TGF-β genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in skin samples both before and after UVA1 phototherapy using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The study revealed lower expression of CLEC4C before (p = 0.010) and after (p = 0.009) phototherapy and lower expression of IL-17A before (p = 0.038) phototherapy in PBMC of patients with morphea vs. the control group. Expression of CLEC4C in PBMC correlated negatively (rho = -0.90; p = 0.001) with activity of disease after phototherapy. No significant differences were found between expression of analysed genes before and after UVA1 therapy in PBMC and skin of morphea patients. CONCLUSIONS The results do not confirm the involvement of analysed subsets of DC and Tregs in UVA1 phototherapy in morphea, but point to CLEC4C as a possible biomarker associated with the disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka J. Osmola-Mańkowska
- Psoriasis and Novel Therapies Unit, Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Teresiak-Mikołajczak
- Psoriasis and Novel Therapies Unit, Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michał J. Kowalczyk
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard W. Żaba
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Zygmunt Adamski
- Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Fli1-haploinsufficient dermal fibroblasts promote skin-localized transdifferentiation of Th2-like regulatory T cells. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:23. [PMID: 29415756 PMCID: PMC5803841 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli1) deficiency, a predisposing factor of systemic sclerosis (SSc), induces SSc-like phenotypes in various cell types. A recent study demonstrated the transdifferentiation of T helper type 2 cell (Th2)-like regulatory T cells (Tregs) in SSc lesional skin through interleukin (IL)-33 produced by fibroblasts. Therefore, we investigated the role of Fli1 deficiency in dermal fibroblast-mediated transdifferentiation of Tregs. Methods Cytokine expression was assessed in Tregs by flow cytometry and in skin samples and cultivated cells by immunostaining, immunoblotting, and/or qRT-PCR. Fli1 binding to the target gene promoters was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Murine dermal fibroblasts and Tregs were cocultured with or without blocking antibodies against target cytokines. Results Th2- and Th17-like cell proportions in skin-homing Tregs were increased in bleomycin-treated Fli1+/− mice compared with bleomycin-treated wild-type mice, whereas Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-like cell proportions in splenic Tregs were comparable. Fli1+/− fibroblasts overproduced IL-33 and IL-6, in particular IL-33, and Fli1 occupied the IL33 and IL6 promoters in dermal fibroblasts. Importantly, the IL-4-producing cell proportion was significantly higher in wild-type Tregs cocultured with Fli1+/− fibroblasts than in those cocultured with wild-type fibroblasts, which were canceled by neutralizing anti-IL-33 antibody. Under the same coculture condition, an increased tendency of IL-17A-producing cell proportion, which was possibly mediated by IL-6, was evident. Conclusions Fli1 haploinsufficiency increases the proportions of Th2- and Th17-like Tregs in bleomycin-induced profibrotic skin conditions, in which IL-33-producing dermal fibroblasts contribute to Th2-like Treg transdifferentiation, suggesting a critical role of Fli1 deficiency in the interaction of dermal fibroblasts with immune cells in pathological skin fibrosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1521-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
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Ugor E, Simon D, Almanzar G, Pap R, Najbauer J, Németh P, Balogh P, Prelog M, Czirják L, Berki T. Increased proportions of functionally impaired regulatory T cell subsets in systemic sclerosis. Clin Immunol 2017; 184:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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D'Amico F, Fiorito G, Skarmoutsou E, Granata M, Rossi GA, Trovato C, Bellocchi C, Marchini M, Beretta L, Mazzarino MC. FOXP3, ICOS and ICOSL gene polymorphisms in systemic sclerosis: FOXP3 rs2294020 is associated with disease progression in a female Italian population. Immunobiology 2017; 223:112-117. [PMID: 29030005 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disorder, is characterized by vasculopathy, inflammation, progressive perivascular and interstitial fibrosis. Its pathogenesis is largely unknown, however strong evidences suggest that genetic predisposition may contribute to SSc development. Several gene polymorphisms involved in regulatory T cell function have been identified in many autoimmune diseases, including SSc. Moreover, dysregulation of co-stimulatory and/or co-inhibitory signals, including ICOS signalling, can lead to autoimmunity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of the FOXP3 rs2294020, ICOS rs6726035 and ICOSL rs378299 SNPs with both the susceptibility and the progression to SSc in an Italian case-series of patients. SNP genotyping results were successfully obtained from a total of 350 subjects including 166 individuals with SSc and 184 healthy controls. Although analysis tests did not show any significant associations between the SNPs under study and susceptibility to SSc, the occurrence of FOXP3 rs2294020 in female patients was associated with decreased time to progression from early to definite SSc (allelic model: HR=1.43; CI=1.03-1.99; p=0.03; dominant model: HR=1.54; CI=1.04-2.28; p=0.03). The inclusion of presence of ACA autoantibodies in the model did not significantly change the estimates. No conclusions can be drawn for the susceptibility to the disease or the time to progression in men due to the low statistical power. This study provides evidence of the association of rs2294020 with SSc evolution in female patients, modulating the time of progression from the diagnosis of early SSc to the diagnosis of definite SSc, while no effect on SSc susceptibility per se was found. rs2294020 may be considered a disease-modifying gene-variant rather than a disease-susceptibility SNP in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio D'Amico
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Fiorito
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, Italy; Italian Istitute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Evangelia Skarmoutsou
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Granata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giulio A Rossi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Trovato
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bellocchi
- Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, University of Milan and Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, via Pace 9, I-20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Marchini
- Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, University of Milan and Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, via Pace 9, I-20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Beretta
- Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, University of Milan and Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, via Pace 9, I-20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Clorinda Mazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Krasimirova E, Velikova T, Ivanova-Todorova E, Tumangelova-Yuzeir K, Kalinova D, Boyadzhieva V, Stoilov N, Yoneva T, Rashkov R, Kyurkchiev D. Treg/Th17 cell balance and phytohaemagglutinin activation of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of systemic sclerosis patients. World J Exp Med 2017; 7:84-96. [PMID: 28890870 PMCID: PMC5571452 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v7.i3.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate T-cell activation, the percentage of peripheral T regulatory cells (Tregs), Th17 cells and the circulating cytokine profile in systemic sclerosis (SSc).
METHODS We enrolled a total of 24 SSc patients and 16 healthy controls in the study and divided the patients as having diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc, n = 13) or limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc, n = 11). We performed a further subdivision of the patients regarding the stage of the disease - early, intermediate or late. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from all subjects. We performed flow cytometric analysis of the activation capacity of T-lymphocytes upon stimulation with PHA-M and of the percentage of peripheral Tregs and Th17 cells in both patients and healthy controls. We used ELISA to quantitate serum levels of human interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tissue growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and IL-17A.
RESULTS We identified a decreased percentage of CD3+CD69+ cells in PHA-stimulated samples from SSc patients in comparison with healthy controls (13.35% ± 2.90% vs 37.03% ± 2.33%, P < 0.001). However, we did not establish a correlation between the down-regulated CD3+CD69+ cells and the clinical subset, nor regarding the stage of the disease. The activated CD4+CD25+ peripheral lymphocytes were represented in decreased percentage in patients when compared to controls (6.30% ± 0.68% vs 9.36% ± 1.08%, P = 0.016). Regarding the forms of the disease, dcSSc patients demonstrated lower frequency of CD4+CD25+ T cells against healthy subjects (5.95% ± 0.89% vs 9.36% ± 1.08%, P = 0.025). With regard to Th17 cells, our patients demonstrated increased percentage in comparison with controls (18.13% ± 1.55% vs 13.73% ± 1.21%, P = 0.031). We detected up-regulated Th17 cells within the lcSSc subset against controls (20.46% ± 2.41% vs 13.73% ± 1.21%, P = 0.025), nevertheless no difference was found between dcSSc and lcSSc patients. Flow cytometric analysis revealed an increased percentage of CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ in dcSSc patients compared to controls (10.94% ± 1.65% vs 6.88% ± 0.91, P = 0.032). Regarding the peripheral cytokine profile, we detected raised levels of IL-6 [2.10 (1.05-4.60) pg/mL vs 0.00 pg/mL, P < 0.001], TGF-β1 (19.94 ± 3.35 ng/mL vs 10.03 ± 2.25 ng/mL, P = 0.02), IL-10 (2.83 ± 0.44 pg/mL vs 0.68 ± 0.51 pg/mL, P = 0.008), and IL-17A [6.30 (2.50-15.60) pg/mL vs 0 (0.00-0.05) pg/mL, P < 0.001] in patients when compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, we found increased circulating IL-10, TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-17A in the lcSSc subset vs control subjects, as it follows: IL-10 (3.32 ± 0.59 pg/mL vs 0.68 ± 0.51 pg/mL, P = 0.003), TGF-β1 (22.82 ± 4.99 ng/mL vs 10.03 ± 2.25 ng/mL, P = 0.031), IL-6 [2.08 (1.51-4.69) pg/mL vs 0.00 pg/mL, P < 0.001], and IL-17A [14.50 (8.55-41.65) pg/mL vs 0.00 (0.00-0.05) pg/mL, P < 0.001]. Furthermore, circulating IL-17A was higher in lcSSc as opposed to dcSSc subset (31.99 ± 13.29 pg/mL vs 7.14 ± 3.01 pg/mL, P = 0.008). Within the dcSSc subset, raised levels of IL-17A and IL-6 were detected vs healthy controls: IL-17A [2.60 (0.45-9.80) pg/mL vs 0.00 (0.00-0.05) pg/mL, P < 0.001], IL-6 [2.80 (1.03-7.23) pg/mL vs 0.00 pg/mL, P < 0.001]. Regarding the stages of the disease, TGF-β1 serum levels were increased in early stage against late stage, independently from the SSc phenotype (30.03 ± 4.59 ng/mL vs 13.08 ± 4.50 ng/mL, P = 0.017).
CONCLUSION It is likely that the altered percentage of Th17 and CD4+CD25-FoxP3+ cells along with the peripheral cytokine profile in patients with SSc may play a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Qiao YC, Pan YH, Ling W, Tian F, Chen YL, Zhang XX, Zhao HL. The Yin and Yang of regulatory T cell and therapy progress in autoimmune disease. Autoimmun Rev 2017; 16:1058-1070. [PMID: 28778708 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are primarily mediated by the failure of immunological self-tolerance. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in the maintenance of induced tolerance to peripheral self-antigens, suppressing immoderate immune responses deleterious to the host and preventing the AD development. Tregs and suppressive cytokines are homeostatic with effective cells plus pro-inflammatory cytokines in healthy hosts which is defined as "Yang", and ADs are usually induced in case of disturbed homeostasis, which is defined as "Yin". Indeed, the Yin-Yang balance could explain the pathogenic mechanism of ADs. Tregs not only suppress CD4+ and CD8+ T cells but also can suppress other immune cells such as B cell, natural killer cell, DC and other antigen-presenting cell through cell-cell contact or secreting suppressive cytokines. In Tregs, Foxp3 as an intracellular protein displays a more specific marker than currently used other cell-surface markers (such as CD25, CD40L, CTLA-4, ICOS and GITR) in defining the naturally occurring CD4+ Tregs. Though the precise mechanism for the opposite effects of Tregs has not been fully elucidated, the importance of Tregs in ADs has been proved to be associated with kinds of immunocytes. At present, the surface marker, frequency and function of Tregs existed conflicts and hence the Tregs therapy in ADs faces challenges. Though some success has been achieved with Tregs therapy in few ADs both in murine models and humans, more effort should paid to meet the future challenges. This review summarizes the progress and discusses the phenotypic, numeric and functional abnormalities of Tregs and is the first time to systematically review the progress of Tregs therapy in kinds of ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Chao Qiao
- Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China; Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Yan-Hong Pan
- Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Wei Ling
- Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Fang Tian
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Yin-Ling Chen
- Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Zhang
- Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Hai-Lu Zhao
- Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Excellence, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China; Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China.
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