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Janho dit Hreich S, Juhel T, Leroy S, Ghinet A, Brau F, Hofman V, Hofman P, Vouret-Craviari V. Activation of the P2RX7/IL-18 pathway in immune cells attenuates lung fibrosis. eLife 2024; 12:RP88138. [PMID: 38300690 PMCID: PMC10945561 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88138] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an aggressive interstitial lung disease associated with progressive and irreversible deterioration of respiratory functions that lacks curative therapies. Despite IPF being associated with a dysregulated immune response, current antifibrotics aim only at limiting fibroproliferation. Transcriptomic analyses show that the P2RX7/IL18/IFNG axis is downregulated in IPF patients and that P2RX7 has immunoregulatory functions. Using our positive modulator of P2RX7, we show that activation of the P2RX7/IL-18 axis in immune cells limits lung fibrosis progression in a mouse model by favoring an antifibrotic immune environment, with notably an enhanced IL-18-dependent IFN-γ production by lung T cells leading to a decreased production of IL-17 and TGFβ. Overall, we show the ability of the immune system to limit lung fibrosis progression by targeting the immunomodulator P2RX7. Hence, treatment with a small activator of P2RX7 may represent a promising strategy to help patients with lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thierry Juhel
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IRCANNiceFrance
| | - Sylvie Leroy
- FHU OncoAgeNiceFrance
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut Pharmacologie Moléculaire et CellulaireSophia-AntipolisFrance
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Pneumology DepartmentNiceFrance
| | - Alina Ghinet
- Inserm U995, LIRIC, Université de Lille, CHRU de Lille, Faculté de médecine – Pôle recherche, Place VerdunLilleFrance
- Hautes Etudes d’Ingénieur (HEI), JUNIA Hauts-de-France, UCLille, Laboratoire de chimie durable et santéLilleFrance
- ‘Al. I. Cuza’ University of Iasi, Faculty of ChemistryIasiRomania
| | - Frederic Brau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut Pharmacologie Moléculaire et CellulaireSophia-AntipolisFrance
| | - Veronique Hofman
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IRCANNiceFrance
- FHU OncoAgeNiceFrance
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology and Biobank, Pasteur HospitalNiceFrance
- Hospital-Related Biobank (BB-0033-00025), Pasteur HospitalNiceFrance
| | - Paul Hofman
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IRCANNiceFrance
- FHU OncoAgeNiceFrance
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology and Biobank, Pasteur HospitalNiceFrance
- Hospital-Related Biobank (BB-0033-00025), Pasteur HospitalNiceFrance
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Khazdair MR, Boskabady MH. Possible Treatment Approaches of Sulfur Mustard-Induced Lung Disorders, Experimental and Clinical Evidence, an Updated Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:791914. [PMID: 35572987 PMCID: PMC9106304 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.791914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is one of the major potent chemical warfare that caused the death of victims in World War I and the Iraq-Iran conflict (1980-1988). The respiratory system is the main target of SM exposure and there are no definitive therapeutic modalities for SM-induced lung injury. The effects of the new pharmaceutical drugs on lung injury induced by SM exposure were summarized in this review. Literature review on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases was performed to find papers that reported new treatment approach on SM-exposure-induced injury in the respiratory system until October 2019. The search was restricted to sulfur mustard AND induced injury (in vitro studies, animal experiments, and clinical trials) AND respiratory system OR lung, AND treatment in all fields. Two hundred and eighty-three relevant articles were identified that 97 retrieved articles were eligible and were included in the review. Some new pharmaceutical drugs have shown therapeutic potential in controlling various characteristics of lung injury due to SM exposure. Recent studies showed therapeutic effects of mucolytic drugs, non-steroidal drugs, and antibiotics on reducing lung inflammation, oxidative stress responses, and modulating of the immune system as well as improving of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests. Studies on the therapeutic effects of new agents with amelioration or treatment of SM-induced lung injury were reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Khazdair
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Asano Y. What can we learn from Fli1-deficient mice, new animal models of systemic sclerosis? JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2018; 3:6-13. [PMID: 35382130 DOI: 10.1177/2397198318758221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a complex multifactorial disease characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and selective organ fibrosis. A series of genetic and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that environmental influences play a central role in the onset of systemic sclerosis, while genetic factors determine the susceptibility to and the severity of this disease. Therefore, the identification of predisposing factors related to environmental influences would provide us with an informative clue to better understand the pathological process of this disease. Based on this concept, the deficiency of transcription factor Friend leukemia virus integration 1, which is epigenetically suppressed in systemic sclerosis, seems to be a potential candidate acting as the predisposing factor of this disease. Indeed, Fli1-mutated mice serve as a set of useful disease models to disclose the complex pathology of systemic sclerosis. This article overviews the recent advancement in systemic sclerosis animal models associated with Friend leukemia virus integration 1 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo - Japan
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Abstract
Cytokines and growth factors play an integral role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis, the generation of protective immunity, and lung reparative processes. However, the dysregulated expression of cytokines and growth factors in response to infectious or noxious insults can initiate and perpetuate deleterious lung inflammation and fibroproliferation. In this article, we will comprehensively review the contribution of individual cytokines and growth factors and cytokine networks to key pathophysiological events in human and experimental acute lung injury (ALI), including inflammatory cell recruitment and activation, alveolar epithelial injury and repair, angiogenesis, and matrix deposition and remodeling. The application of cytokines/growth factors as prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets in human ALI is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane C Deng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Fang F, Ooka K, Sun X, Shah R, Bhattacharyya S, Wei J, Varga J. A synthetic TLR3 ligand mitigates profibrotic fibroblast responses by inducing autocrine IFN signaling. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2013; 191:2956-66. [PMID: 23956427 PMCID: PMC3924580 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Activation of TLR3 by exogenous microbial ligands or endogenous injury-associated ligands leads to production of type I IFN. Scleroderma patients with progressive skin fibrosis display an IFN-regulated gene signature, implicating TLR3 signaling in the disease. In this study, we show that TLR3 expression was detected on foreskin, adult skin, and lung fibroblasts, and TLR3 levels were significantly elevated in a subset of scleroderma skin biopsies. In explanted skin and lung fibroblasts, the synthetic TLR3 ligand polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), a dsRNA analog, caused dose- and time-dependent stimulation of IFN-β production and generation of an IFN-response gene signature that was accompanied by substantial downregulation of collagen and α-smooth muscle actin gene expression. Furthermore, poly(I:C) abrogated TGF-β-induced fibrotic responses and blocked canonical Smad signaling via upregulation of inhibitory Smad7. Surprisingly, the inhibitory effects of poly(I:C) in fibroblasts were independent of TLR3 and were mediated by the cytosolic receptors retinoic acid-inducible gene 1 and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5, and involved signaling via the IFN receptor. Taken together, these results demonstrate that induction of a fibroblast IFN response gene signature triggered by dsRNA is associated with potent TLR3-independent anti-fibrotic effects. The characteristic IFN response gene signature seen in scleroderma lesions might therefore signify a tissue-autonomous protective attempt to restrict fibroblast activation during injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Fang
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Kohtaro Ooka
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Xiaoyong Sun
- McDermott Center for Human Growth & Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | | | - Jun Wei
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - John Varga
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
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6
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Chrobak I, Lenna S, Stawski L, Trojanowska M. Interferon-γ promotes vascular remodeling in human microvascular endothelial cells by upregulating endothelin (ET)-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF) β2. J Cell Physiol 2013; 228:1774-83. [PMID: 23359533 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disease characterized by vascular alterations, activation of the immune system and tissue fibrosis. Previous studies have implicated activation of the interferon pathways in the pathogenesis of SSc. The goal of this study was to determine whether interferon type I and/or type II could play a pathogenic role in SSc vasculopathy. Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMVECs) and fibroblasts were obtained from foreskins of healthy newborns. The RT Profiler PCR Array System was utilized to screen for EndoMT genes. Treatment with IFN-α or IFN-γ downregulated Fli1 and VE-cadherin. In contrast, IFN-α and IFN-γ exerted opposite effects on the expression of α-SMA, CTGF, ET-1, and TGFβ2, with IFN-α downregulating and IFN-γ upregulating this set of genes. Blockade of TGFβ signaling normalized IFN-γ-mediated changes in Fli1, VE-cadherin, CTGF, and ET-1 levels, whereas upregulation of α-SMA and TGFβ2 was not affected. Bosentan treatment was more effective than TGFβ blockade in reversing the actions of IFN-γ, including downregulation of α-SMA and TGFβ2, suggesting that activation of the ET-1 pathway plays a main role in the IFN-γ responses in HDMECs. IFN-γ induced expression of selected genes related to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), including Snail1, FN1, PAI1, TWIST1, STAT3, RGS2, and components of the WNT pathway. The effect of IFN-γ on EndoMT was mediated via TGFβ2 and ET-1 signaling pathways. This study demonstrates distinct effects of IFN-α and IFN-γ on the biology of vascular endothelial cells. IFN-γ may contribute to abnormal vascular remodeling and fibrogenesis in SSc, partially via induction of EndoMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Chrobak
- Boston University School of Medicine, Arthritis Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
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7
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Topal AA, Dhurat RS. Scleroderma therapy: clinical overview of current trends and future perspective. Rheumatol Int 2012; 33:1-18. [PMID: 23011088 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-012-2486-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune condition with a complex pathogenesis and a high rate of mortality and morbidity. Internal organ involvement requires interdisciplinary approach in individual patient management. New discoveries in the pathogenesis of scleroderma herald a drastic change in the traditional outlook to therapy and have led to the development of the target-based approach in management. The challenge at present is to translate these advances in molecular mechanisms into well-designed clinical trials that will recognize potential disease-modifying therapies. This article is an evidence-based review of prevailing treatment options and future therapeutic targets in systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsha A Topal
- T.N.M.C & BYL Nair Hospital, OPD 16, OPD building, Mumbai Central, Mumbai 400 008, India.
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8
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Farina G, Lafyatis D, Lemaire R, Lafyatis R. A four-gene biomarker predicts skin disease in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 62:580-8. [PMID: 20112379 DOI: 10.1002/art.27220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Improved outcome measures in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are critical to finding active therapeutics for this disease. The modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) is the current standard for evaluating skin disease in SSc, but it is not commonly used in the clinical setting, in part because it requires specialized training to perform accurately and consistently. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether skin gene expression might serve as a more objective surrogate outcome measure to supplement skin score evaluations. METHODS Skin RNAs from a group of patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc were studied for expression levels of genes known to be regulated by transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and interferon (IFN). These levels were correlated with the MRSS, using multiple regression analyses to obtain best-fit models. RESULTS Skin expression of the TGFbeta-regulated genes cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) correlated moderately well with the MRSS, but the addition of other TGFbeta-regulated genes failed to significantly improve best-fit models. IFN-regulated genes were also found to correlate with the MRSS, and the addition of interferon-inducible 44 (IFI44) and sialoadhesin (Siglec-1) to COMP and TSP-1 in multiple regression analyses significantly improved best-fit models, achieving an R(2) value of 0.89. These results were validated using an independent group of skin biopsy samples. Longitudinal scores using this 4-gene biomarker indicated that it detects change over time that corresponds to changes in the MRSS. CONCLUSION We describe a 4-gene predictor of the MRSS and validate its performance. This objective measure of skin disease could provide a strong surrogate outcome measure for patient care and for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Farina
- Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Wermuth PJ, Del Galdo F, Jiménez SA. Induction of the expression of profibrotic cytokines and growth factors in normal human peripheral blood monocytes by gadolinium contrast agents. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 60:1508-18. [PMID: 19404939 DOI: 10.1002/art.24471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a severe fibrosing disorder occurring in patients with renal insufficiency. The majority of patients with this disorder have documented exposure to magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents containing Gd. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid bismethylamide (Gd[DTPA-BMA]; Omniscan) as compared with Gd-DTPA and GdCl3 on the expression and production of cytokines and growth factors by normal human peripheral blood monocytes in vitro and to examine whether conditioned media from Gd-exposed peripheral blood monocytes could induce a profibrotic phenotype in dermal fibroblasts. METHODS Normal human peripheral blood monocytes isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque gradient centrifugation and plastic adherence were incubated with various concentrations of Gd[DTPA-BMA], Gd-DTPA, or GdCl3. Gene expression of interleukins 4, 6, and 13, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, transforming growth factor beta, connective tissue growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Production and secretion of cytokines and growth factors by Gd compound-exposed monocytes was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay proteome multiplex arrays. The effects of conditioned media from the Gd compound-exposed monocytes on the phenotype of normal human dermal fibroblasts were examined by real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS The 3 Gd-containing compounds stimulated the expression and production of numerous cytokines and growth factors by normal human peripheral blood monocytes. Conditioned media from these cells induced a profibrotic phenotype in normal human dermal fibroblasts. CONCLUSION The 3 Gd-containing compounds studied induce potent cellular responses in normal human peripheral blood monocytes, which may participate in the development of tissue fibrosis in NSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Wermuth
- Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
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10
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Carbone LD, Warrington KJ, Barrow KD, Pugazhenthi M, Watsky MA, Somes G, Ingels J, Postlethwaite AE. Pamidronate infusion in patients with systemic sclerosis results in changes in blood mononuclear cell cytokine profiles. Clin Exp Immunol 2007; 146:371-80. [PMID: 17100755 PMCID: PMC1810407 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03216.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A single infusion of pamidronate was given to patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) to assess effects on cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and lymphocyte subsets. Eighteen patients with SSc received a single intravenous dose of 60 mg of pamidronate and were followed for 6 months. Assessment of cytokine production [interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-4] by PBMC and lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry was carried out before and after the pamidronate infusion. Unstimulated PBMC produced increased amounts of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and reduced levels of TGF-beta1 for up to 24 weeks after the infusion. gammadelta T cells from patients with SSc were activated in vitro and produced increased IFN-gamma. The effects of pamidronate on modulation of cytokine profiles in patients with SSc may merit future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Carbone
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Divisions of Connective Tissue Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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11
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Zhu XS, Ting JP. A 36-amino-acid region of CIITA is an effective inhibitor of CBP: novel mechanism of gamma interferon-mediated suppression of collagen alpha(2)(I) and other promoters. Mol Cell Biol 2001; 21:7078-88. [PMID: 11564890 PMCID: PMC99883 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.21.20.7078-7088.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2000] [Accepted: 07/19/2001] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The class II transactivator (CIITA) is induced by gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and activates major histocompatibility complex class II; however, this report shows it suppresses other genes. An N-terminal 36 amino acids of CIITA mediates suppression of the collagen alpha(2)(I) promoter via binding to CREB-binding protein (CBP). Reconstitution of cells with CBP reverts this suppression. IFN-gamma is known to inhibit collagen gene expression; to test if CIITA mediates this gene suppression, a mutant cell line defective in CIITA induction but not in the activation of STAT1/JAK/IRF-1 is studied. IFN-gamma suppression of the collagen promoter and the endogenous gene is observed in the wild-type control but not in the mutant line. Suppression is restored when CIITA is introduced. Other targets of CIITA-mediated promoter suppression include interleukin 4, thymidine kinase, and cyclin D1.
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Affiliation(s)
- X S Zhu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7295, USA
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12
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Furuta GT, Ackerman SJ, Varga J, Spiess AM, Wang MY, Wershil BK. Eosinophil granule-derived major basic protein induces IL-8 expression in human intestinal myofibroblasts. Clin Exp Immunol 2000; 122:35-40. [PMID: 11012615 PMCID: PMC1905758 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2000.01337.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Eosinophil infiltration occurs in a variety of allergic and inflammatory diseases. The release of preformed mediators from eosinophils may contribute to inflammatory responses. We investigated the ability of eosinophil-derived major basic protein and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin to stimulate production of IL-8 from intestinal myofibroblasts. Intestinal myofibroblasts (18-Co cells) were incubated with major basic protein, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, or a synthetic analogue of major basic protein, poly-L-arginine. Immunoreactive IL-8 was measured by ELISA and IL-8 mRNA levels were analysed by Northern blot or reverse transcription-polymerase chain assay. Major basic protein induced IL-8 mRNA production and release of significant levels of IL-8 immunoreactive protein. By contrast, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin stimulated little IL-8 release. The induction of IL-8 mRNA by poly-L-arginine was significantly inhibited by actinomycin D. These findings demonstrate a novel interaction between eosinophils and intestinal fibroblasts that may be involved in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with tissue eosinophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G T Furuta
- Combined Program in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Division of Experimental Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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13
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Molteni M, Della Bella S, Mascagni B, Bazzi S, Zulian C, Compasso S, Lessi M, Scorza R. Increased interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels produced in vitro by alloactivated T lymphocytes in systemic sclerosis and Raynaud's phenomenon. Clin Exp Immunol 1999; 116:164-8. [PMID: 10209521 PMCID: PMC1905213 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.1999.00842.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/1998] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyse the in vitro proliferation and cytokine production by alloantigen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from patients affected by systemic sclerosis (SSc) and patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). In SSc patients the proliferation of PBMC stimulated in vitro with alloantigens was significantly increased compared with healthy subjects, while no differences were observed for RP patients. Lymphocytes from SSc patients also produced larger amounts of IFN-gamma compared with healthy controls. However, patients with clinically active disease had lower IFN-gamma levels than those found in clinically stable patients. Patients affected by RP showed significantly higher levels of IFN-gamma than healthy subjects. Analysis at the clonal level of the lymphocyte subsets involved in alloantigen stimulation in one patient affected by active SSc, and one subject with RP confirmed the results obtained using PBMC. In particular, in the RP patient but not in the SSc patient, we observed a population of CD4+ T cells which proliferated to alloantigens in vitro and produced high levels of IFN-gamma. We suggest that T lymphocytes producing high levels of IFN-gamma might play a protective role in RP patients and in established scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Molteni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore di Milano, Italy
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14
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Varga J, Yufit T, Brown RR. Inhibition of collagenase and stromelysin gene expression by interferon-gamma in human dermal fibroblasts is mediated in part via induction of tryptophan degradation. J Clin Invest 1995; 96:475-81. [PMID: 7615820 PMCID: PMC185221 DOI: 10.1172/jci118058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of the matrix-degrading enzymes collagenase and stromelysin is modulated by a variety of biologic and pharmacologic agents. IFN-gamma has potent effects on metalloproteinase production and therefore may play an important role in preventing excessive connective tissue degradation during inflammation and repair. We investigated the mechanisms of collagenase and stromelysin regulation by IFN-gamma in human dermal fibroblasts. IFN-gamma (300 U/ml) prevented the stimulation of metalloproteinase gene expression by IL-1 beta. In addition, incubation of fibroblasts with IFN-gamma resulted in a marked increase in cellular indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) mRNA, a > 90% depletion of tryptophan, and a corresponding > 30-fold increase in the tryptophan metabolite kynurenine in the culture media. Reducing the concentration of tryptophan from 25 microM to 0 markedly diminished the ability of fibroblasts to increase collagenase and stromelysin mRNA and collagenase production in response to IL-1 beta. Addition of exogenous tryptophan (25-50 micrograms/ml) to cultures that had been tryptophan depleted by pretreatment with IFN-gamma for 48 h restored the fibroblast response to IL-1 beta or PMA, but had no effect on IFN-gamma-induced HLA-DR alpha chain mRNA expression. These results indicate that inhibition of collagenase and stromelysin gene expression by IFN-gamma in fibroblasts is associated with activation of IDO and enhanced cellular tryptophan metabolism. Tryptophan degradation and ensuing tryptophan depletion may account, at least in part, for the inhibitory effect of IFN-gamma on metalloproteinase production in dermal fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Varga
- Department of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
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15
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Rudnicka L, Varga J, Christiano AM, Iozzo RV, Jimenez SA, Uitto J. Elevated expression of type VII collagen in the skin of patients with systemic sclerosis. Regulation by transforming growth factor-beta. J Clin Invest 1994; 93:1709-15. [PMID: 7512991 PMCID: PMC294224 DOI: 10.1172/jci117154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the development of tissue fibrosis. Excessive production of several connective tissue components normally present in the dermis, including type I, III, V, and VI collagens as well as fibronectin and proteoglycans, is a consistent finding in the skin of SSc patients. Type VII collagen is a major constituent of anchoring fibrils, present in the skin at the dermal-epidermal basement membrane zone. TGF-beta has been shown to upregulate the expression of the type VII collagen gene. In this study, we assessed the expression of type VII collagen and TGF-beta in the skin of patients with SSc. Indirect immunofluorescence showed an abundance of type VII collagen in the patients' skin, including the dermis. Ultrastructural analysis of SSc skin revealed an abundance of fibrillar material, possibly representing type VII collagen. The increased expression of type VII collagen epitopes was accompanied by the elevated expression of immunodetectable TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2. Dermal fibroblasts cultured from the affected individuals showed a statistically significant (P < 0.02) increase in the expression of type VII collagen at the mRNA level, as detected by reverse transcription-PCR with a mutated cDNA as an internal standard, and increased deposition of the protein as assessed by indirect immunofluorescence. Thus, type VII collagen is abundantly present in SSc patients' dermis, a location not characteristic of its normal distribution, and its aberrant expression may relate to the presence of TGF-beta in the same topographic distribution. The presence of type VII collagen in the dermis may contribute to the tightly bound and indurated appearance of the affected skin in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rudnicka
- Department of Dermatology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
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