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Blinova VG, Zhdanov DD. Many Faces of Regulatory T Cells: Heterogeneity or Plasticity? Cells 2024; 13:959. [PMID: 38891091 PMCID: PMC11171907 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for maintaining the immune balance in normal and pathological conditions. In autoimmune diseases and transplantation, they restrain the loss of self-tolerance and promote engraftment, whereas in cancer, an increase in Treg numbers is mostly associated with tumor growth and poor prognosis. Numerous markers and their combinations have been used to identify Treg subsets, demonstrating the phenotypic diversity of Tregs. The complexity of Treg identification can be hampered by the unstable expression of some markers, the decrease in the expression of a specific marker over time or the emergence of a new marker. It remains unclear whether such phenotypic shifts are due to new conditions or whether the observed changes are due to initially different populations. In the first case, cellular plasticity is observed, whereas in the second, cellular heterogeneity is observed. The difference between these terms in relation to Tregs is rather blurred. Considering the promising perspectives of Tregs in regenerative cell-based therapy, the existing confusing data on Treg phenotypes require further investigation and analysis. In our review, we introduce criteria that allow us to distinguish between the heterogeneity and plasticity of Tregs normally and pathologically, taking a closer look at their diversity and drawing the line between two terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara G. Blinova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Biochemistry, People’s Friendship University of Russia Named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya st. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
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Waheed W, Bacopulos A, Seyam M, Kooperkamp H, Moin M, Malik T, Tandan R. Physiological and pathological roles of the thymus and value of thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: a narrative review. MEDIASTINUM (HONG KONG, CHINA) 2024; 8:31. [PMID: 38881805 PMCID: PMC11177005 DOI: 10.21037/med-23-43] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a well-elucidated autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction. Given the relationship between MG and thymic pathologies, with T cell and antibody-mediated pathogenesis, surgical (i.e., thymectomy) and non-surgical approaches remain a mainstay of management of the disease. This review seeks to outline the involvement of the thymus in the development of lymphocytes leading to MG. Methods Different databases were searched exploring the role of thymectomy in treatment and outcomes in various MG patient subpopulations, including in ocular versus generalized disease, different age groups, and antibody status. Key Content and Findings Overall, the findings of multiple studies and reviews provide evidence to support the efficacy and long-term success of thymectomy in the management of MG; outcomes have included remission status, symptom severity, and need for adjunctive therapy. However, the heterogeneity in the MG population suggests that there are multiple factors that may confound the results of thymectomy and still need further examination. Separately, other autoimmune diseases develop following thymectomy, and further research is required to elucidate this susceptibility. Finally, our review will discuss the different surgical approaches for thymectomy, including their advantages, limitations, and perioperative complications. Conclusions Overall, in light of the known pathogenesis and association of the thymus with MG, thymectomy remains an extremely effective approach for long-term management and improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Waheed
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Robert D. Larner, MD College of Medicine and University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Agnes Bacopulos
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Robert D. Larner, MD College of Medicine and University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Muhannad Seyam
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Robert D. Larner, MD College of Medicine and University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Hannah Kooperkamp
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, University of Vermont Robert D. Larner, MD College of Medicine and University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Maryam Moin
- Department of Neurology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Tariq Malik
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rup Tandan
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Robert D. Larner, MD College of Medicine and University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
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Zhdanov DD, Gladilina YA, Blinova VG, Abramova AA, Shishparenok AN, Eliseeva DD. Induction of FoxP3 Pre-mRNA Alternative Splicing to Enhance the Suppressive Activity of Regulatory T Cells from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1022. [PMID: 38790984 PMCID: PMC11117958 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) is a key transcription factor responsible for the development, maturation, and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). The FoxP3 pre-mRNA is subject to alternative splicing, resulting in the translation of multiple splice variants. We have shown that Tregs from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have reduced expression of full-length (FL) FoxP3, while other truncated splice variants are expressed predominantly. A correlation was observed between the reduced number of Tregs in the peripheral blood of ALS patients, reduced total FoxP3 mRNA, and reduced mRNA of its FL splice variant. Induction of FL FoxP3 was achieved using splice-switching oligonucleotides capable of base pairing with FoxP3 pre-mRNA and selectively modulating the inclusion of exons 2 and 7 in the mature mRNA. Selective expression of FL FoxP3 resulted in the induction of CD127low, CD152, and Helios-positive cells, while the cell markers CD4 and CD25 were not altered. Such Tregs had an increased proliferative activity and a higher frequency of cell divisions per day. The increased suppressive activity of Tregs with the induced FL FoxP3 splice variant was associated with the increased synthesis of the pro-apoptotic granzymes A and B, and perforin, IL-10, and IL-35, which are responsible for contact-independent suppression, and with the increased ability to suppress telomerase in target cells. The upregulation of Treg suppressive and proliferative activity using splice-switching oligonucleotides to induce the predominant expression of the FoxP3 FL variant is a promising approach for regenerative cell therapy in Treg-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya St. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia A. Gladilina
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Varvara G. Blinova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Anna A. Abramova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, 125367 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anastasia N. Shishparenok
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Daria D. Eliseeva
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, 125367 Moscow, Russia;
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Uysal SP, Morren JA. Promising therapies for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:395-408. [PMID: 38523508 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2332610] [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: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune condition targeting the neuromuscular junction, which manifests with neuromuscular symptoms of varying severity and significant morbidity. The mainstay of treatment in MG is mitigation of the immune cascade with steroids and non-steroidal immunosuppressive therapies. The therapeutic strategies in MG are transitioning from broad and indiscriminate immunosuppression to novel agents targeting key steps in MG pathogenesis, including T cell activation, B cell proliferation, complement activation, maintenance of pathogenic antibody production, and proinflammatory cytokine production. AREAS COVERED In this review, an overview of the pathogenesis of MG and traditional MG therapies is presented, followed by a discussion of the novel MG drugs that have been evaluated in phase 3 clinical trials with an emphasis on those which have received regulatory approval. EXPERT OPINION Novel MG therapeutics belonging to the classes of complement inhibitors, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibitors and B cell depletors, as well as the other emerging MG drugs in the pipeline constitute promising treatment strategies with potentially better efficacy and safety compared to the conventional MG treatments. However, further long-term research is needed in order to optimize the implementation of these new treatment options for the appropriate patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanem Pinar Uysal
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John A Morren
- Neuromuscular Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Ipavec N, Rogić Vidaković M, Markotić A, Pavelin S, Buljubašić Šoda M, Šoda J, Dolić K, Režić Mužinić N. Treated and Untreated Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Walkthrough Immunological Changes of Monocytes and T Regulatory Cells. Biomedicines 2024; 12:464. [PMID: 38398067 PMCID: PMC10887021 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate regulatory T cells (Tregs) and monocytes; specifically, the expression of CTLA-4 (CD152) and FOXP3+ in CD4+CD25+ Tregs and the expression of CD40+ and CD192+ monocyte subpopulations in subjects with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Immunological analysis was conducted on peripheral blood samples collected from the 28 PPMS subjects (15 treated with ocrelizumab and 13 untreated PPMS subjects) and 10 healthy control subjects (HCs). The blood samples were incubated with antihuman CD14, CD16, CD40, and CD192 antibodies for monocytes and antihuman CD4, CD25, FOXP3, and CTLA-4 antibodies for lymphocytes. The study results showed that in comparison to HCs both ocrelizumab treated (N = 15) and untreated (N = 13) PPMS subjects had significantly increased percentages of CTLA-4+ and FOXP3+ in CD4+CD25+ Tregs. Further, ocrelizumab treated PPMS subjects, compared to the untreated ones, had significantly decreased percentages of CD192+ and CD40+ nonclassical monocytes. Increased percentages of CTLA-4+ and FOXP3+ in CD4+CD25+ Tregs in both ocrelizumab treated and untreated PPMS subjects indicates the suppressive (inhibitory) role of Tregs in abnormal immune responses in PPMS subjects. Decreased percentages of CD40+, CD192+, and CD14+CD16++ monocytes for treated compared to untreated PPMS subjects suggests a possible role for ocrelizumab in dampening CNS inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Ipavec
- Transfusion Medicine Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Maja Rogić Vidaković
- Laboratory for Human and Experimental Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Anita Markotić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Sanda Pavelin
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | | | - Joško Šoda
- Signal Processing, Analysis, Advanced Diagnostics Research and Education Laboratory (SPAADREL), Department for Marine Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies, Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Krešimir Dolić
- Department of Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Režić Mužinić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Wu C, Jiang ML, Pang T, Zhang CJ. T Cell Subsets and Immune Homeostasis. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2782:39-63. [PMID: 38622391 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3754-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
T cells are a heterogeneous group of cells that can be classified into different subtypes according to different classification methods. The body's immune system has a highly complex and effective regulatory network that allows for the relative stability of immune system function. Maintaining proper T cell homeostasis is essential for promoting protective immunity and limiting autoimmunity and tumor formation. Among the T cell family members, more and more T cell subsets have gradually been characterized. In this chapter, we summarize the functions of some key T cell subsets and their impact on immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuyu Wu
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei-Ling Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cun-Jin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Chang CC, Liu TC, Lu CJ, Chiu HC, Lin WN. Machine learning strategy for identifying altered gut microbiomes for diagnostic screening in myasthenia gravis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1227300. [PMID: 37829445 PMCID: PMC10565662 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1227300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular junction disease with a complex pathophysiology and clinical variation for which no clear biomarker has been discovered. We hypothesized that because changes in gut microbiome composition often occur in autoimmune diseases, the gut microbiome structures of patients with MG would differ from those without, and supervised machine learning (ML) analysis strategy could be trained using data from gut microbiota for diagnostic screening of MG. Genomic DNA from the stool samples of MG and those without were collected and established a sequencing library by constructing amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and completing taxonomic classification of each representative DNA sequence. Four ML methods, namely least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest, and classification and regression trees with nested leave-one-out cross-validation were trained using ASV taxon-based data and full ASV-based data to identify key ASVs in each data set. The results revealed XGBoost to have the best predicted performance. Overlapping key features extracted when XGBoost was trained using the full ASV-based and ASV taxon-based data were identified, and 31 high-importance ASVs (HIASVs) were obtained, assigned importance scores, and ranked. The most significant difference observed was in the abundance of bacteria in the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families. The 31 HIASVs were used to train the XGBoost algorithm to differentiate individuals with and without MG. The model had high diagnostic classification power and could accurately predict and identify patients with MG. In addition, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae was associated with limb weakness severity. In this study, we discovered that the composition of gut microbiomes differed between MG and non-MG subjects. In addition, the proposed XGBoost model trained using 31 HIASVs had the most favorable performance with respect to analyzing gut microbiomes. These HIASVs selected by the ML model may serve as biomarkers for clinical use and mechanistic study in the future. Our proposed ML model can identify several taxonomic markers and effectively discriminate patients with MG from those without with a high accuracy, the ML strategy can be applied as a benchmark to conduct noninvasive screening of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Cheng Chang
- PhD Program in Nutrition and Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chi Liu
- Graduate Institute of Business Administration, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jie Lu
- Graduate Institute of Business Administration, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Artificial Intelligence Development Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Information Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hou-Chang Chiu
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Medical University, Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ning Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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Bhandari V, Bril V. FcRN receptor antagonists in the management of myasthenia gravis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1229112. [PMID: 37602255 PMCID: PMC10439012 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1229112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by autoantibodies specifically directed against proteins located within the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. These pathogenic autoantibodies can be reduced by therapies such as plasma exchange, IVIG infusions and other immunosuppressive agents. However, there are significant side effects associated with most of these therapies. Since there is a better understanding of the molecular structure and the biological properties of the neonatal Fc receptors (FcRn), it possesses an attractive profile in treating myasthenia gravis. FcRn receptors prevent the catabolism of IgG by impeding their lysosomal degradation and facilitating their extracellular release at physiological pH, consequently extending the IgG half-life. Thus, the catabolism of IgG can be enhanced by blocking the FcRn, leading to outcomes similar to those achieved through plasma exchange with no significant safety concerns. The available studies suggest that FcRn holds promise as a versatile therapeutic intervention, capable of delivering beneficial outcomes in patients with distinct characteristics and varying degrees of MG severity. Efgartigimod is already approved for the treatment of generalized MG, rozanolixizumab is under review by health authorities, and phase 3 trials of nipocalimab and batoclimab are underway. Here, we will review the available data on FcRn therapeutic agents in the management of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vera Bril
- Ellen and Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Fan Y, Huang H, Chen X, Chen Y, Zeng X, Lin F, Chen X. Causal effect of vitamin D on myasthenia gravis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1171830. [PMID: 37538922 PMCID: PMC10394469 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1171830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Observational studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be effective in preventing myasthenia gravis (MG). However, the causal relationship between circulating vitamin D levels and MG remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the genetic causality of circulating vitamin D and MG using data from large population-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Methods SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) strongly associated with exposure were selected. Two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) was performed with inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger (Mendelian randomization-Egger), weight median and MR-PRESSO (Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier) methods. Heterogeneity was tested via IVW and MR-Egger. Pleiotropy was tested using MR-Egger intercept test and MR-PRESSO method. MR-PRESSO was also used to detect outliers. Leave-one-out analysis was used to identify SNPs with potential effect. Reverse MR analysis was also performed. Result In IVW, circulating vitamin D levels had no causal effect on MG [OR = 0.91 (0.67-1.22), p = 0.532] and MG had no causal effect on circulating vitamin D [OR = 1.01 (099-1.02), p = 0.663]. No heterogeneity or pleiotropy was observed (p > 0.05). Other MR methods also agreed with IVW results. Conclusion This study provides the causal relationship between genetically predicted circulating vitamin D levels and MG and provides new insights into the genetics of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Fan
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaiying Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangda Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuexuan Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiashi Zeng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fenwei Lin
- Guangdong East Hospital of Guangmei Development Zone Hospital of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Meizhou, China
| | - Xu Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Sun L, Su Y, Jiao A, Wang X, Zhang B. T cells in health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:235. [PMID: 37332039 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are crucial for immune functions to maintain health and prevent disease. T cell development occurs in a stepwise process in the thymus and mainly generates CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Upon antigen stimulation, naïve T cells differentiate into CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic effector and memory cells, mediating direct killing, diverse immune regulatory function, and long-term protection. In response to acute and chronic infections and tumors, T cells adopt distinct differentiation trajectories and develop into a range of heterogeneous populations with various phenotype, differentiation potential, and functionality under precise and elaborate regulations of transcriptional and epigenetic programs. Abnormal T-cell immunity can initiate and promote the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of T cell development, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell classification, and differentiation in physiological settings. We further elaborate the heterogeneity, differentiation, functionality, and regulation network of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in infectious disease, chronic infection and tumor, and autoimmune disease, highlighting the exhausted CD8+ T cell differentiation trajectory, CD4+ T cell helper function, T cell contributions to immunotherapy and autoimmune pathogenesis. We also discuss the development and function of γδ T cells in tissue surveillance, infection, and tumor immunity. Finally, we summarized current T-cell-based immunotherapies in both cancer and autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on their clinical applications. A better understanding of T cell immunity provides insight into developing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Yanhong Su
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Anjun Jiao
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China.
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Olson KE, Mosley RL, Gendelman HE. The potential for treg-enhancing therapies in nervous system pathologies. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 211:108-121. [PMID: 36041453 PMCID: PMC10019130 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While inflammation may not be the cause of disease, it is well known that it contributes to disease pathogenesis across a multitude of peripheral and central nervous system disorders. Chronic and overactive inflammation due to an effector T-cell-mediated aberrant immune response ultimately leads to tissue damage and neuronal cell death. To counteract peripheral and neuroinflammatory responses, research is being focused on regulatory T cell enhancement as a therapeutic target. Regulatory T cells are an immunosuppressive subpopulation of CD4+ T helper cells essential for maintaining immune homeostasis. The cells play pivotal roles in suppressing immune responses to maintain immune tolerance. In so doing, they control T cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production curtailing autoimmunity and inflammation. For nervous system pathologies, Treg are known to affect the onset and tempo of neural injuries. To this end, we review recent findings supporting Treg's role in disease, as well as serving as a therapeutic agent in multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. An ever-broader role for Treg in the control of neurologic disease has been shown for traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurotrophic pain, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders. To such ends, this review serves to examine the role played by Tregs in nervous system diseases with a focus on harnessing their functional therapeutic role(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
| | - R L Mosley
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
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12
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Sánchez-Tejerina D, Sotoca J, Llaurado A, López-Diego V, Juntas-Morales R, Salvado M. New Targeted Agents in Myasthenia Gravis and Future Therapeutic Strategies. J Clin Med 2022; 11:6394. [PMID: 36362622 PMCID: PMC9658349 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease for which multiple immunomodulatory therapies are available. Nevertheless, MG has a significant impact on patient quality of life. In recent years, experts' main efforts have focused on optimizing treatment strategies, since disease burden is considerably affected by their safety and tolerability profiles, especially in patients with refractory phenotypes. This article aims to offer neurologists caring for MG patients an overview of the most innovative targeted drugs specifically designed for this disease and summarizes the recent literature and more recent evidence on agents targeting B cells and plasmablasts, complement inhibitors, and neonatal fragment crystallizable receptor (FcRn) antagonists. Positive clinical trial results have been reported, and other studies are ongoing. Finally, we briefly discuss how the introduction of these novel targeted immunological therapies in a changing management paradigm would affect not only clinical outcomes, disease burden, safety, and tolerability, but also health spending in a condition that is increasingly managed based on a patient-centred model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Salvado
- Clinic of Neuromuscular Disorders and Rare Diseases, Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, European Reference Network for Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases EURO-NMD, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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13
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CD4+ Cytotoxic T Cells Involved in the Development of EBV-Associated Diseases. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080831. [PMID: 35894054 PMCID: PMC9330826 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080831] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated cytotoxic CD4 T cells (HLA-DR+) play an important role in the control of EBV infection, especially in cells with latency I (EBNA-1). One of the evasion mechanisms of these latency cells is generated by gp42, which, via peripherally binding to the β1 domain of the β chain of MHC class II (HLA-DQ, -DR, and -DP) of the infected B lymphocyte, can block/alter the HLA class II/T-cell receptor (TCR) interaction, and confer an increased level of susceptibility towards the development of EBV-associated autoimmune diseases or cancer in genetically predisposed individuals (HLA-DRB1* and DQB1* alleles). The main developments predisposing the factors of these diseases are: EBV infection; HLA class II risk alleles; sex; and tissue that is infiltrated with EBV-latent cells, forming ectopic lymphoid structures. Therefore, there is a need to identify treatments for eliminating cells with EBV latency, because the current treatments (e.g., antivirals and rituximab) are ineffective.
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14
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The effect of immunosuppression or thymectomy on the response to tetanus revaccination in myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 370:577930. [PMID: 35905614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of tetanus toxoid (TT) revaccination on circulating B-, T- and NK-cell compartments in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. METHODS Lymphocyte (sub)populations and differentiation stages were assessed by flow cytometry in 50 TT revaccinated MG patients. TT-specific proliferative responses were explored in PBMC cultures. RESULTS In patients treated with azathioprine B- and NK cell numbers were strongly decreased. Lymphocyte (sub)populations remained unaffected upon TT revaccination. t All patients showed a significant TT-induced proliferative response. CONCLUSION TT revaccination is effective in MG patients with stable disease irrespective of their thymectomy status and medication and does not alter the composition of the lymphocyte compartment.
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15
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Huan X, Zhao R, Song J, Zhong H, Su M, Yan C, Wang Y, Chen S, Zhou Z, Lu J, Xi J, Luo S, Zhao C. Increased serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-12p70 levels in AChR subtype generalized myasthenia gravis. BMC Immunol 2022; 23:26. [PMID: 35624411 PMCID: PMC9145157 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-022-00501-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions. Cytokines play important roles in facilitating the immune response and augmenting the pathogenic antibody production. The current study aims to sensitively characterize the serum levels of cytokines with very low concentration in generalized MG (gMG). Methods Using ultrasensitive single-molecule arrays (SIMOA), we measured serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-12p70 in 228 participants including 152 immunotherapy-naïve anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subtype gMG from Huashan MG registry and 76 age-matched healthy controls. Subgroup analysis was then performed by stratifying patients according to the onset ages, MGFA classification, disease duration at baseline. Results Serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-12p70 levels were significantly elevated in gMG compared to controls (0.179 pg/mL versus 0.011 pg/mL, P < 0.0001; 0.029 pg/mL versus 0.018 pg/mL, P = 0.0259; 0.215 pg/mL versus 0.143 pg/mL, P = 0.0007; 0.132 pg/mL versus 0.118 pg/mL, P = 0.0401). Subgroup analysis revealed that IL-2 levels were slightly elevated in gMG with MGFA II compared to MGFA III/IV (0.195 pg/mL versus 0.160 pg/mL, P = 0.022), as well as elevated levels of IL-2 (0.220 pg/mL versus 0.159 pg/mL, P = 0.0002) and IL-5 (0.251 pg/mL versus 0.181 pg/mL, P = 0.004) in late-onset gMG compared with the early-onset gMG. gMG patients with a long duration had a significant increased serum IL-12p70 than those with a short duration (0.163 pg/mL versus 0.120 pg/mL, P = 0.011). Conclusion Serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-12p70 levels were increased in AChR subtype gMG using ultrasensitive measurement. Serum cytokines with very low concentrations may provide as potential biomarkers in stratifying gMG patients in future prospective cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Huan
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Song
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Huahua Zhong
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Manqiqige Su
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Yan
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhirui Zhou
- Radiation Oncology Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahong Lu
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Sushan Luo
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China. .,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Huashan Rare Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China. .,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Song J, Zhao R, Yan C, Luo S, Xi J, Ding P, Li L, Hu W, Zhao C. A Targeted Complement Inhibitor CRIg/FH Protects Against Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in Rats via Immune Modulation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:746068. [PMID: 35154091 PMCID: PMC8825366 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.746068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-induced complement activation may cause injury of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and is thus considered as a primary pathogenic factor in human myasthenia gravis (MG) and animal models of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). In this study, we tested whether CRIg/FH, a targeted complement inhibitor, could attenuate NMJ injury in rat MG models. We first demonstrated that CRIg/FH could inhibit complement-dependent cytotoxicity on human rhabdomyosarcoma TE671 cells induced by MG patient-derived IgG in vitro. Furthermore, we investigated the therapeutic effect of CRIg/FH in a passive and an active EAMG rodent model. In both models, administration of CRIg/FH could significantly reduce the complement-mediated end-plate damage and suppress the development of EAMG. In the active EAMG model, we also found that CRIg/FH treatment remarkably reduced the serum concentration of autoantibodies and of the cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17, and upregulated the percentage of Treg cells in the spleen, which was further verified in vitro. Therefore, our findings indicate that CRIg/FH may hold the potential for the treatment of MG via immune modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Song
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Yan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Sushan Luo
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Peipei Ding
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Hu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
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17
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Song J, Yang J, Jing S, Yan C, Huan X, Chen S, Zhong H, Lu J, Xi J, Luo L, Chen X, Wang Z, Zhao C, Chu M, Luo S. Berberine attenuates experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis via rebalancing the T cell subsets. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 362:577787. [PMID: 34923373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a T cell-driven, autoantibody-mediated disease. Here we show that oral Berberine (BBR) ameliorated clinical symptoms of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis(EAMG) rat model via decreasing the frequencies of Th1, Th17, Th1/17 cell subsets. JAK-STAT pathway was highlighted by transcriptomic analysis with EAMG mononuclear cells (MNCs). Surface plasmon resonance identified ligand binding interaction between BBR and JAK2, and electrostatic interaction was proposed by molecular dynamic simulation. Reduced phosphorylated JAK1/2/3 and STAT1/3 in MNCs from BBR-fed EAMG rats were demonstrated. These results suggest that BBR might improve EAMG by rebalancing T cell subsets through targeting JAK-STAT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Song
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430020, China
| | - Sisi Jing
- Department of Neurology, Jing'an District Center Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Chong Yan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xiao Huan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Huahua Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lijun Luo
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430020, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Sushan Luo
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China.
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18
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Meng H, Zheng S, Zhou Q, Gao Y, Ni Y, Liang H, Chen S. FoxP3 - Tr1 Cell in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis and Its Relationship With the Anti-AChR Antibody and Immunomodulatory Cytokines. Front Neurol 2022; 12:755356. [PMID: 34975721 PMCID: PMC8718513 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.755356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The changes in the number and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are thought to play important roles in the pathogenesis of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). Previous studies have suggested the decrease of FoxP3+ Treg cells in the MG development. However, there is no study on the pathophysiological mechanism of FoxP3−Treg, especially Tr1 cells, in gMG patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to reveal the effect of Tr1 cells to the pathophysiology of gMG. Methods: Thirteen patients with gMG and twelve healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. The titer of anti-AChR Ab was measured by ELISA. The separated PBMCs were labeled for CD4, CD25, CD49b, LAG3 and FoxP3. The CD4+ T cell count, FoxP3+ Treg to CD4+ T cell ratio and Tr1 cell to CD4+ T cell ratio were measured by flow cytometry. Based on the FoxP3+ Treg and Tr1 cell to CD4+ T cell ratios, the patients' Tr1 cell to FoxP3+ Treg ratios were calculated. The IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, TGF-β and IFN-γ concentration in the serum of MG patients and normal controls (NCs) were measured via ELISA. Results: We found a significantly positive correlation between the Tr1 cell/CD4+ T cell ratio and the anti-AChR Ab (r = 0.6889 ± 0.4414, p = 0.0401). Although there were no significant differences in the relationship between FoxP3+ Treg cells and anti-AChR Ab, a positive correlation between the Tr1 cell/FoxP3+ Treg cell ratio and the anti-AChR Ab (r = 0.7110 ± 0.4227, p = 0.0318) was observed. In addition, the Tr1 cell/CD4+ T cell ratio but not the proportion of FoxP3+ Tregs was positively correlated with IL-10 (p = 0.048). These results suggested that in the process of the immunomodulatory effect of Tr1 cells in patients with gMG, IL-10 and other cytokines may be involved, but the specific mechanism needs further study. Conclusion: This is the first study of the immunoregulatory mechanism of Tr1 cells in gMG. We conducted this study to elucidate the significance of Tr1 cells in the pathogenesis of MG. We believe that in patients with gMG, Tr1 cells may play an immunomodulatory role in counteracting AChR-related autoimmune responses. In this process, IL-10 and other immunomodulatory cytokines may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanyu Meng
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyu Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Brain Injury Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinming Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yining Gao
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - You Ni
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huafeng Liang
- Department of Neurology, Xinrui Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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19
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Gomathy SB, Agarwal A, Vishnu VY. Molecular Therapy in Myasthenia Gravis. Neurology 2022. [DOI: 10.17925/usn.2022.18.1.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies that act against the myoneural junction. Conventional immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, azathioprine and mycophenolate are associated with long-term side effects and many patients do not achieve remission and may become refractory. Thus, there is an unmet need for target-specific therapies that act faster, have fewer side effects and lead to stable disease remission. However, many of the novel therapeutic agents being described are not meeting their primary endpoints. We reviewed the current status of novel immunotherapies for MG, their mechanisms of action, along with the side effect profiles. Fast onset of action, sustained disease remission and relatively low frequency of side effects of the new agents are attractive. However, the unknown long-term safety and high cost are precluding factors. Better preclinical studies and more randomized trials are needed before novel agents are routinely employed.
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20
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Ma X, Qin C, Chen M, Yu HH, Chu YH, Chen TJ, Bosco DB, Wu LJ, Bu BT, Wang W, Tian DS. Regulatory T cells protect against brain damage by alleviating inflammatory response in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:201. [PMID: 34526069 PMCID: PMC8444427 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02266-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is mainly an anti-aquaporin 4 (anti-AQP4) autoantibodies-mediated idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Systemic and local inflammatory responses play a key role in the pathophysiology of NMOSD. However, the role of the crucial immunomodulators CD4+CD25+ forkhead box P3+ (Foxp3) regulatory T cells (Tregs) has not been investigated in NMOSD. Methods Twenty-five patients with anti-AQP4-postive NMOSD undergoing an attack and 21 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Frequencies of T cell subsets and Tregs in the peripheral blood were assessed by flow cytometry. Additionally, a model of NMOSD using purified immunoglobulin G from anti-AQP4-antibodies-positive patients with NMOSD and human complement injected into brain of female adult C57BL/6J mice was established. Infiltrated Tregs into NMOSD mouse brain lesions were analyzed by flow cytometry, histological sections, and real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. Astrocyte loss, demyelination, and inflammatory response were also evaluated in our NMOSD mouse model. Finally, we examined the effects of both depletion and adoptive transfer of Tregs. Results The percentage of Tregs, especially naïve Tregs, among total T cells in peripheral blood was significantly decreased in NMOSD patients at acute stage when compared to HCs. Within our animal model, the number and proportion of Tregs among CD4+ T cells were increased in the lesion of mice with NMOSD. Depletion of Tregs profoundly enhanced astrocyte loss and demyelination in these mice, while adoptive transfer of Tregs attenuated brain damage. Mechanistically, the absence of Tregs induced more macrophage infiltration, microglial activation, and T cells invasion, and modulated macrophages/microglia toward a classical activation phenotype, releasing more chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, Tregs transfer ameliorated immune cell infiltration in NMOSD mice, including macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells, and skewed macrophages and microglia towards an alternative activation phenotype, thereby decreasing the level of chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion Tregs may be key immunomodulators ameliorating brain damage via dampening inflammatory response after NMOSD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02266-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Ma
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Qin
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Chen
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Han Yu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hui Chu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Dale B Bosco
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Bi-Tao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dai-Shi Tian
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Su M, Zhao C, Luo S. Therapeutic potential of chimeric antigen receptor based therapies in autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 21:102931. [PMID: 34481941 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based therapies have been adopted as an option for treating autoimmune diseases from the field of blood malignancies by targeting immune cells or rebalancing the pro-inflammatory milieu. Important questions still remained about the efficacy and safety regarding the dynamic and complex autoimmune pathological networks. We here reviewed the emerged developments in basic, translational, and clinical studies of the CAR based therapies in a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases. The primary goal of the study is to provide some future perspectives on how to optimize the performance of CAR based therapies. The fundamental strategy is to engineer the recognition domains in CAR products for precisely targeting the components in the pro-inflammatory milieu. The second strategy is to incorporate multiple CARs in one carrier, or use fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-CAR T cells for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. In addition, we reviewed the preclinical evidence in disease-specific context. Overall, we aim to attract more attention in the field of developing future precision CAR based therapies to tailor medial decisions in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manqiqige Su
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, 200040 Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, 200040 Shanghai, China
| | - Sushan Luo
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, 200040 Shanghai, China.
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22
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Abstract
Genetically engineered T cell immunotherapies have provided remarkable clinical success to treat B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by harnessing a patient's own T cells to kill cancer, and these approaches have the potential to provide therapeutic benefit for numerous other cancers, infectious diseases and autoimmunity. By introduction of either a transgenic T cell receptor or a chimeric antigen receptor, T cells can be programmed to target cancer cells. However, initial studies have made it clear that the field will need to implement more complex levels of genetic regulation of engineered T cells to ensure both safety and efficacy. Here, we review the principles by which our knowledge of genetics and genome engineering will drive the next generation of adoptive T cell therapies.
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Wu Y, Luo J, Garden OA. Immunoregulatory Cells in Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:593431. [PMID: 33384654 PMCID: PMC7769807 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.593431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a T cell-dependent, B-cell mediated autoimmune disease caused by antibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor or other components of the post-synaptic muscle endplate at the neuromuscular junction. These specific antibodies serve as excellent biomarkers for diagnosis, but do not adequately substitute for clinical evaluations to predict disease severity or treatment response. Several immunoregulatory cell populations are implicated in the pathogenesis of MG. The immunophenotype of these populations has been well-characterized in human peripheral blood. CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are functionally defective in MG, but there is a lack of consensus on whether they show numerical perturbations. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have also been explored in the context of MG. Adoptive transfer of CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs or MDSCs suppresses ongoing experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG), a rodent model of MG, suggesting a protective role of both populations in this disease. An imbalance between follicular Tregs and follicular T helper cells is found in untreated MG patients, correlating with disease manifestations. There is an inverse correlation between the frequency of circulating IL-10–producing B cells and clinical status in MG patients. Taken together, both functional and numerical defects in various populations of immunoregulatory cells in EAMG and human MG have been demonstrated, but how they relate to pathogenesis and whether these cells can serve as biomarkers of disease activity in humans deserve further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wu
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Oliver A Garden
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Chang T, Niu C, Sun C, Ma Y, Guo R, Ruan Z, Gao Y, Lu X, Li H, Lin Y, Lin J, Li Z. Melatonin exerts immunoregulatory effects by balancing peripheral effector and regulatory T helper cells in myasthenia gravis. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:21147-21160. [PMID: 33136553 PMCID: PMC7695404 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a prototypic organ-specific autoimmune disorder that, in most cases, is mainly mediated by antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor. Evidence implicates CD4+ T helper (Th) cells in the development of MG, whereas regulatory T cells (Tregs) are associated with disease resolution. Melatonin has important immunoregulatory effects in many T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. However, there are few studies on the role of melatonin in MG. In the present study, we investigated serum melatonin levels and melatonin receptor expression in MG patients and healthy controls (HCs). We also evaluated the impact of melatonin administration on peripheral CD4+ Th cells and related cytokine production. Serum melatonin levels were lower in MG patients than in HCs, and MT1 expression was lower in PBMCs from MG patients than in those from HCs. Administration of melatonin significantly decreased Th1 and Th17 cell responses and proinflammatory cytokine production. Further investigation in vitro revealed that melatonin administration increased FoxP3 and IL-10 expression in CD4+ T cells from MG patients and enhanced the suppressive function of Tregs. These findings indicate that melatonin exerts immunoregulatory activity in MG by balancing effector and regulatory Th cell populations as well as by suppressing proinflammatory cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Chunxiao Niu
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Immunology, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Rongjing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Yanwu Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodan Lu
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Ye Lin
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jiaji Lin
- Medical Corp in Unit 93246 of PLA, Changchun, Jilin Province, P.R. China
| | - Zhuyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
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Menon D, Barnett C, Bril V. Novel Treatments in Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:538. [PMID: 32714266 PMCID: PMC7344308 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the prototypical autoimmune disorder caused by specific autoantibodies at the neuromuscular junction. Broad-based immunotherapies, such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, and cyclosporine, have been effective in controlling symptoms of myasthenia. While being effective in a majority of MG patients many of these immunosuppressive agents are associated with long-term side effects, often intolerable for patients, and take several months to be effective. With advances in translational research and drug development capabilities, more directed therapeutic agents that can alter the future of MG treatment have been developed. This review focuses on the aberrant immunological processes in MG, the novel agents that target them along with the clinical evidence for efficacy and safety. These agents include terminal complement C5 inhibitors, Fc receptor inhibitors, B cell depleting agents (anti CD 19 and 20 and B cell activating factor [BAFF)]inhibitors), proteosome inhibitors, T cells and cytokine based therapies (chimeric antigen receptor T [CART-T] cell therapy), autologous stem cell transplantation, and subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG). Most of these new agents have advantages over conventional immunosuppressive treatment (IST) for MG therapy in terms of faster onset of action, favourable side effect profile and the potential for a sustained and long-term remission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vera Bril
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Clough JN, Omer OS, Tasker S, Lord GM, Irving PM. Regulatory T-cell therapy in Crohn's disease: challenges and advances. Gut 2020; 69:942-952. [PMID: 31980447 PMCID: PMC7229901 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-319850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of IBD is rising in the Western world. Despite an increasing repertoire of therapeutic targets, a significant proportion of patients suffer chronic morbidity. Studies in mice and humans have highlighted the critical role of regulatory T cells in immune homeostasis, with defects in number and suppressive function of regulatory T cells seen in patients with Crohn's disease. We review the function of regulatory T cells and the pathways by which they exert immune tolerance in the intestinal mucosa. We explore the principles and challenges of manufacturing a cell therapy, and discuss clinical trial evidence to date for their safety and efficacy in human disease, with particular focus on the development of a regulatory T-cell therapy for Crohn's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie N Clough
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and Saint Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College, London, UK
| | - Omer S Omer
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guy's and Saint Thomas' Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Scott Tasker
- Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Graham M Lord
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter M Irving
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guy's and Saint Thomas' Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
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27
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Zhang P, Liu RT, Du T, Yang CL, Liu YD, Ge MR, Zhang M, Li XL, Li H, Dou YC, Duan RS. Exosomes derived from statin-modified bone marrow dendritic cells increase thymus-derived natural regulatory T cells in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:202. [PMID: 31679515 PMCID: PMC6825716 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1587-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thymus plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG). In patients with MG, natural regulatory T cells (nTreg), a subpopulation of T cells that maintain tolerance to self-antigens, are severely impaired in the thymuses. In our previous study, upregulated nTreg cells were observed in the thymuses of rats in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis after treatment with exosomes derived from statin-modified dendritic cells (statin-Dex). METHODS We evaluated the effects of exosomes on surface co-stimulation markers and Aire expression of different kinds of thymic stromal cells, including cTEC, mTEC, and tDCs, in EAMG rats. The isolated exosomes were examined by western blot and DLS. Immunofluorescence was used to track the exosomes in the thymus. Flow cytometry and western blot were used to analyze the expression of co-stimulatory molecules and Aire in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS We confirmed the effects of statin-Dex in inducing Foxp3+ nTreg cells and found that both statin-Dex and DMSO-Dex could upregulate CD40 but only statin-Dex increased Aire expression in thymic stromal cells in vivo. Furthermore, we found that the role of statin-Dex and DMSO-Dex in the induction of Foxp3+ nTreg cells was dependent on epithelial cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that statin-Dex increased expression of Aire in the thymus, which may further promote the Foxp3 expression in the thymus. These findings may provide a new strategy for the treatment of myasthenia gravis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ru-Tao Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong Du
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Lin Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Dong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng-Ru Ge
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Li Li
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Chun Dou
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui-Sheng Duan
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China
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Souto EB, Lima B, Campos JR, Martins-Gomes C, Souto SB, Silva AM. Myasthenia gravis: State of the art and new therapeutic strategies. J Neuroimmunol 2019; 337:577080. [PMID: 31670062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) - an autoimmune neuromuscular disease - is known by the production of autoantibodies against components of the neuromuscular junction mainly to the acetylcholine receptor, which cause the destruction and compromises the synaptic transmission. This disease is characterized by fluctuating and fatigable muscle weakness, becoming more intensive with activity, but with an improvement under resting. There are many therapeutic strategies used to alleviate MG symptoms, either by improving the transmission of the nerve impulse or by ameliorating autoimmune reactions with e.g. steroids, immunosuppressant drugs, or monoclonal antibodies (rituximab and eculizumab). Many breakthroughs in the discovery of new therapeutic targets have been reported, but MG remains to be a chronic disease where the symptoms are kept in the majority of patients. In this review, we discuss the different therapeutic strategies that have been used over the years to alleviate MG symptoms, as well as innovative therapeutic approaches currently under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana B Souto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra (FFUC), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Bernardo Lima
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra (FFUC), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana R Campos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra (FFUC), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos Martins-Gomes
- Department of Biology and Environment, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Selma B Souto
- Department of Endocrinology of S. João Hospital, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Amélia M Silva
- Department of Biology and Environment, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.
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29
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Rajan A, Zhao C. Deciphering the biology of thymic epithelial tumors. MEDIASTINUM (HONG KONG, CHINA) 2019; 3:36. [PMID: 31608319 PMCID: PMC6788633 DOI: 10.21037/med.2019.08.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Thymic cancers arise from epithelial cells of the thymus and have a predilection for intrathoracic spread. Clinical behavior varies from relatively indolent to highly aggressive with a capacity to metastasize widely and adversely affect survival. Paraneoplastic autoimmune disorders are frequently observed in association with thymoma and have a significant impact on quality of life. Underlying immune deficits associated with thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) increase the risk for development of opportunistic infections and emergence of extrathymic malignancies. Advances in the molecular characterization of thymic tumors have revealed the lowest tumor mutation burden among all adult cancers and the occurrence of distinct molecular subtypes of these diseases. Mutations in general transcription factor IIi (GTF2I) are unique to TETs and are rarely observed in other malignancies. The infrequency of actionable mutations has created obstacles for the development of biologic therapies and has spurred research to uncover druggable genomic targets. Persistence of autoreactive T cells due to altered thymic function increases the risk for development of severe immune-related toxicity and limits opportunities for use of immune-based therapies, especially in patients with thymoma. In this paper we review emerging data on the molecular characterization and immunobiology of thymic tumors and highlight clinical implications of these discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Rajan
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chen Zhao
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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30
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Cooper DS, Meriggioli MN, Bonomi PD, Malik R. Severe Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis Associated with Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2019; 4:169-173. [PMID: 28505981 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-170219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies that target either PD-1 or PD-L1 have recently been approved for treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. These antibodies are immune checkpoint inhibitors which have been shown to exacerbate Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and other autoimmune diseases. While effective in preventing tumor cells from evading immune attack, immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab, an antibody directed against the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) receptor located on T-cells, may also cause immune dysregulation and could cause or potentiate pre-existing autoimmune conditions. We present a patient with latent ocular MG treated with nivolumab for her stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who developed generalized MG and severe myasthenic crisis. Providers must be aware of the risks inherent to these novel therapies since they can have life-threatening effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana S Cooper
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew N Meriggioli
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Philip D Bonomi
- Section of Medical Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rabia Malik
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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31
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Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a unique subset of T lymphocytes with the expression of T cell receptor (TCR) and NK cell lineage receptors. These cells can rapidly release large quantities of cytokines and function as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. To date, multiple reports have investigated the role of NKT cells under various pathological conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune disease, and infection. Knowledge about NKT cells in neurological diseases is increasing, albeit limited. Here, we review evidence for the involvement of NKT cells in neurological diseases, and discuss immunotherapeutic potential and future study goals. As the development and function of NKT cells become increasingly well understood, the next few years should yield many new insights into NKT cell function, and mechanistic regulation in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cui
- Institute of Neuroregeneration and Neurorehabilitation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qi Wan
- Institute of Neuroregeneration and Neurorehabilitation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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32
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Moorman CD, Curtis AD, Bastian AG, Elliott SE, Mannie MD. A GMCSF-Neuroantigen Tolerogenic Vaccine Elicits Systemic Lymphocytosis of CD4 + CD25 high FOXP3 + Regulatory T Cells in Myelin-Specific TCR Transgenic Mice Contingent Upon Low-Efficiency T Cell Antigen Receptor Recognition. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3119. [PMID: 30687323 PMCID: PMC6335336 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that single-chain fusion proteins comprised of GM-CSF and major encephalitogenic peptides of myelin, when injected subcutaneously in saline, were potent tolerogenic vaccines that suppressed experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in rats and mice. These tolerogenic vaccines exhibited dominant suppressive activity in inflammatory environments even when emulsified in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). The current study provides evidence that the mechanism of tolerance was dependent upon vaccine-induced regulatory CD25+ T cells (Tregs), because treatment of mice with the Treg-depleting anti-CD25 mAb PC61 reversed tolerance. To assess tolerogenic mechanisms, we focused on 2D2-FIG mice, which have a transgenic T cell repertoire that recognizes myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide MOG35-55 as a low-affinity ligand and the neurofilament medium peptide NFM13-37 as a high-affinity ligand. Notably, a single subcutaneous vaccination of GMCSF-MOG in saline elicited a major population of FOXP3+ Tregs that appeared within 3 days, was sustained over several weeks, expressed canonical Treg markers, and was present systemically at high frequencies in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes. Subcutaneous and intravenous injections of GMCSF-MOG were equally effective for induction of FOXP3+ Tregs. Repeated booster vaccinations with GMCSF-MOG elicited FOXP3 expression in over 40% of all circulating T cells. Covalent linkage of GM-CSF with MOG35-55 was required for Treg induction whereas vaccination with GM-CSF and MOG35-55 as separate molecules lacked Treg-inductive activity. GMCSF-MOG elicited high levels of Tregs even when administered in immunogenic adjuvants such as CFA or Alum. Conversely, incorporation of GM-CSF and MOG35-55 as separate molecules in CFA did not support Treg induction. The ability of the vaccine to induce Tregs was dependent upon the efficiency of T cell antigen recognition, because vaccination of 2D2-FIG or OTII-FIG mice with the high-affinity ligands GMCSF-NFM or GMCSF-OVA (Ovalbumin323-339), respectively, did not elicit Tregs. Comparison of 2D2-FIG and 2D2-FIG-Rag1 -/- strains revealed that GMCSF-MOG may predominantly drive Treg expansion because the kinetics of vaccine-induced Treg emergence was a function of pre-existing Treg levels. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the antigenic domain of the GMCSF-NAg tolerogenic vaccine is critical in setting the balance between regulatory and conventional T cell responses in both quiescent and inflammatory environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody D Moorman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Alan D Curtis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Alexander G Bastian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Sarah E Elliott
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Mark D Mannie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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Dominguez-Villar M, Hafler DA. Regulatory T cells in autoimmune disease. Nat Immunol 2018; 19:665-673. [PMID: 29925983 PMCID: PMC7882196 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-018-0120-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 447] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the understanding of regulatory T cell (Treg cell) biology has expanded considerably. Key observations have challenged the traditional definition of Treg cells and have provided insight into the underlying mechanisms responsible for the development of autoimmune diseases, with new therapeutic strategies that improve disease outcome. This Review summarizes the newer concepts of Treg cell instability, Treg cell plasticity and tissue-specific Treg cells, and their relationship to autoimmunity. Those three main concepts have changed the understanding of Treg cell biology: how they interact with other immune and non-immune cells; their functions in specific tissues; and the implications of this for the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David A Hafler
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CN, USA.
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CN, USA.
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34
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Alahgholi-Hajibehzad M, Durmuş H, Aysal F, Gülşen-Parman Y, Oflazer P, Deymeer F, Saruhan-Direskeneli G. The effect of interleukin (IL)-21 and CD4 + CD25 ++ T cells on cytokine production of CD4 + responder T cells in patients with myasthenia gravis. Clin Exp Immunol 2017; 190:201-207. [PMID: 28671717 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment of the suppressive function of regulatory T (Treg ) cells has been reported in myasthenia gravis (MG). In this study, cytokine-related mechanisms that may lead to the defect of Treg were investigated in patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG (AChR + MG). Proliferation and cytokine production of responder T (Tresp ) cells in response to polyclonal activation were measured in a suppression assay. The effect of interleukin (IL)-21 on suppression was evaluated in vitro in co-culture. IL-21 increased the proliferation of Tresp cells in Tresp /Treg co-cultures. Tresp cells from patients with MG secreted significantly lower levels of IL-2. In patients with MG, IL-2 levels did not change with the addition of Treg to cultures, whereas it decreased significantly in controls. In Tresp /Treg co-cultures, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 production increased in the presence of Treg in patients. Interferon (IFN)-γ was decreased, whereas IL-17A was increased in both patient and control groups. IL-21 inhibited the secretion of IL-4 in MG and healthy controls (HC), and IL-17A in HC only. The results demonstrated that IL-21 enhances the proliferation of Tresp cells in the presence of Treg . An effect of IL-21 mainly on Tresp cells through IL-2 is implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alahgholi-Hajibehzad
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - H Durmuş
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - F Aysal
- Department of Neurology, Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Y Gülşen-Parman
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - P Oflazer
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - F Deymeer
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - G Saruhan-Direskeneli
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Kohler S, Keil TOP, Hoffmann S, Swierzy M, Ismail M, Rückert JC, Alexander T, Meisel A. CD4 + FoxP3 + T regulatory cell subsets in myasthenia gravis patients. Clin Immunol 2017; 179:40-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Fukatsu M, Murakami T, Ohkawara H, Saito S, Ikeda K, Kadowaki S, Sasaki I, Segawa M, Soeda T, Hoshi A, Takahashi H, Shichishima-Nakamura A, Ogawa K, Sugiura Y, Ohto H, Takeishi Y, Ikezoe T, Ugawa Y. A possible role of low regulatory T cells in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody positive myasthenia gravis after bone marrow transplantation. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:93. [PMID: 28506261 PMCID: PMC5433011 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) appears several months following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and is clinically analogous to autoimmune disorder. Polymyositis is a common neuromuscular disorder in chronic GVHD, but myasthenia gravis (MG) is extremely rare. Hence, its pathophysiology and treatment have not been elucidated. CASE PRESENTATION A 63-year-old man with a history of chronic GVHD presented with ptosis, dropped head, and dyspnea on exertion, which had worsened over the previous several months. He showed progressive decrement of compound muscle action potential in the deltoid muscle evoked by 3-Hz repetitive nerve stimulation, a positive edrophonium test, and elevated levels of serum anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, which suggested a diagnosis of generalized MG. No thymoma was found. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a remarkable depletion of peripheral Tregs (CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ cells, 0.24% of the total lymphocytes). Administration of prednisolone and tacrolimus was insufficient to alleviate his symptoms; however, the use of rituximab successfully improved his condition. CONCLUSIONS Myasthenic symptoms appeared in the process of tapering prednisolone for the treatment of chronic GVHD, supporting the diagnosis of MG associated with chronic GVHD. The present case proposes a possibility that reduction of Tregs might contribute to the pathogenesis of MG underlying chronic GVHD. Immunotherapy with rituximab is beneficial for treatment of refractory MG and GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Fukatsu
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Takenobu Murakami
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Ohkawara
- Department of Hematology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shunichi Saito
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ikeda
- Department of Hematology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Suguru Kadowaki
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Itaru Sasaki
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Mari Segawa
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Tomoko Soeda
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Akihiko Hoshi
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takahashi
- Department of Hematology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Kazuei Ogawa
- Department of Hematology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sugiura
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ohto
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuchika Takeishi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ikezoe
- Department of Hematology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.,Fukushima Global Medical Science Center, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Zhang F, Liu G, Bu Y, Ma X, Hao J. Expression profile of long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from myasthenia gravis patients. J Neuroimmunol 2016; 299:124-129. [PMID: 27725110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
For the epigenetic characterization of myasthenia gravis (MG), we determined whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are expressed differentially in subjects with and without MG. Compared with healthy control subjects, the MG patients had 1561 upregulated lncRNAs, 1034 downregulated lncRNAs, 921 upregulated mRNAs, and 806 downregulated mRNAs (fold change>2.0). Several GO terms including nucleic acid transcription factor activity, inflammatory response, regulation of leukocyte activation, lymphocyte proliferation and regulation of B cell proliferation were enriched in gene lists, suggesting a potential correlation with MG. Pathway analysis then demonstrated that cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, intestinal immune network for lgA production, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappaB signaling pathway, cell adhesion molecules and TNF signaling pathway play important roles in MG. Co-expression network analysis indicated that 33 lncRNAs were predicted to have 31 cis-regulated target genes, and 65 lncRNAs appeared to regulate the patients' 45 trans target genes among differentially expressed lncRNAs. Our present study identified a subset of dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs in patients with MG, which may impact this disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Guiyou Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yali Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Xiaofeng Ma
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Junwei Hao
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
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Karni A, Asmail A, Drory VE, Kolb H, Kesler A. Thymus involvement in myasthenia gravis: Epidemiological and clinical impacts of different self-tolerance breakdown mechanisms. J Neuroimmunol 2016; 298:58-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- INSERM U974; Paris France
- CNRS FRE3617; Paris France
- Sorbonne University; UPMC Univ Paris 06; Paris France
- AIM; Institute of Myology; Paris France
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Hamdoon MNT, Fattouh M, El-Din AN, Elnady HM. The potential role of cell surface complement regulators and circulating CD4+ CD25+ T-cells in the development of autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Electron Physician 2016; 8:1718-26. [PMID: 26955441 PMCID: PMC4768919 DOI: 10.19082/1718] [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: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-lymphocytes (T-regs) and regulators of complement activity (RCA) involving CD55 and CD59 play an important role in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. However, their role in the pathogenesis of human autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the frequency of peripheral blood T-regs and CD4+ T-helper (T-helper) cells and the red blood cells (RBCs) level of expression of CD55 and CD59 in MG patients. METHODS Fourteen patients with MG in neurology outpatient clinics of Sohag University Hospital and Sohag General Hospital from March 2014 to December 2014, and 10 age-matched healthy controls participated in this case-control study. We did flowcytometric assessments of the percentage of peripheral T-regs and T-helper cells and the level of expression of CD55 and CD59 on RBCs in the peripheral blood of patients and controls. RESULTS There was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of peripheral blood T-regs and T-regs/T-helper cell ratio in the MG patients group. Moreover, the level of expression of CD55, CD59, and dual expression of CD55/CD59 on RBCs were statistically significantly lower in MG patients than those of healthy controls. However, regression analysis indicated that there was no significant correlation between all the measured parameters and disease duration or staging. CONCLUSION Functional defects in the T-regs and RCA may play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune MG and their functional modulation may represent an alternative therapeutic strategy for MG treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mona Fattouh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Nasr El-Din
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
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Guptill JT, Soni M, Meriggioli MN. Current Treatment, Emerging Translational Therapies, and New Therapeutic Targets for Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis. Neurotherapeutics 2016; 13:118-31. [PMID: 26510558 PMCID: PMC4720661 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-015-0398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease associated with the production of autoantibodies against 1) the skeletal muscle acetylcholine receptor; 2) muscle-specific kinase, a receptor tyrosine kinase critical for the maintenance of neuromuscular synapses; 3) low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4, an important molecular binding partner for muscle-specific kinase; and 4) other muscle endplate proteins. In addition to the profile of autoantibodies, MG may be classified according the location of the affected muscles (ocular vs generalized), the age of symptom onset, and the nature of thymic pathology. Immunopathologic events leading to the production of autoantibodies differ in the various disease subtypes. Advances in our knowledge of the immunopathogenesis of the subtypes of MG will allow for directed utilization of the ever-growing repertoire of therapeutic agents that target distinct nodes in the immune pathway relevant to the initiation and maintenance of autoimmune disease. In this review, we examine the pathogenesis of MG subtypes, current treatment options, and emerging new treatments and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T Guptill
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Madhu Soni
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew N Meriggioli
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Aricha R, Reuveni D, Fuchs S, Souroujon MC. Suppression of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by autologous T regulatory cells. J Autoimmun 2015; 67:57-64. [PMID: 26489998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of regulatory T (Treg) cells have been employed effectively for suppression of several animal models for autoimmune diseases. In order to employ Treg cell therapy in patients, it is necessary to generate Treg cells from the patient's own cells (autologous) that would be able to suppress effectively the disease in vivo, upon their reintroduction to the patient. Towards this objective, we report in the present study on a protocol for a successful immune-regulation of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) by ex vivo--generated autologous Treg cells. For this protocol bone marrow (BM) cells, are first cultured in the presence of GM-CSF, giving rise to a population of CD11c(+)MHCII(+)CD45RA(+)CD8(-) DCs (BMDCs). Splenic CD4(+) T cells are then co-cultured with the differentiated BM cells and expand to 90% of Foxp3(+) Treg cells. In vitro assay exhibits a similar dose dependent manner in the suppression of T effector cells proliferation between Treg cells obtained from either healthy or sick donors. In addition, both Treg cells inhibit similarly the secretion of IFN-γ from activated splenocytes. Administration of 1 × 10(6) ex-vivo generated Treg cells, I.V, to EAMG rats, modulates the disease following a single treatment, given 3 days or 3 weeks after disease induction. Similar disease inhibition was achieved when CD4 cells were taken from either healthy or sick donors. The disease suppression was accompanied by reduced levels of total AChR specific antibodies in the serum. Moreover, due to the polyclonality of the described Treg cell, we have examined whether this treatment approach could be also employed for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases involving Treg cells. Indeed, we demonstrated that the ex-vivo generated autologous Treg cells suppress Adjuvant Arthritis (AA) in rats. This study opens the way for the application of induced autologous Treg cell therapy for myasthenia gravis, as well as for other human autoimmune diseases involving Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revital Aricha
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Debby Reuveni
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Sara Fuchs
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - Miriam C Souroujon
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Department of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Israel, Raanana 43107, Israel
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Alahgholi-Hajibehzad M, Kasapoglu P, Jafari R, Rezaei N. The role of T regulatory cells in immunopathogenesis of myasthenia gravis: implications for therapeutics. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2015; 11:859-70. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2015.1047345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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44
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Bhattacharya P, Budnick I, Singh M, Thiruppathi M, Alharshawi K, Elshabrawy H, Holterman MJ, Prabhakar BS. Dual Role of GM-CSF as a Pro-Inflammatory and a Regulatory Cytokine: Implications for Immune Therapy. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2015; 35:585-99. [PMID: 25803788 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2014.0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is generally recognized as an inflammatory cytokine. Its inflammatory activity is primarily due its role as a growth and differentiation factor for granulocyte and macrophage populations. In this capacity, among other clinical applications, it has been used to bolster anti-tumor immune responses. GM-CSF-mediated inflammation has also been implicated in certain types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Thus, agents that can block GM-CSF or its receptor have been used as anti-inflammatory therapies. However, a review of literature reveals that in many situations GM-CSF can act as an anti-inflammatory/regulatory cytokine. We and others have shown that GM-CSF can modulate dendritic cell differentiation to render them "tolerogenic," which, in turn, can increase regulatory T-cell numbers and function. Therefore, the pro-inflammatory and regulatory effects of GM-CSF appear to depend on the dose and the presence of other relevant cytokines in the context of an immune response. A thorough understanding of the various immunomodulatory effects of GM-CSF will facilitate more appropriate use and thus further enhance its clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palash Bhattacharya
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois , Chicago, Illinois
| | - Isadore Budnick
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois , Chicago, Illinois
| | - Medha Singh
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois , Chicago, Illinois
| | - Muthusamy Thiruppathi
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois , Chicago, Illinois
| | - Khaled Alharshawi
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois , Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hatem Elshabrawy
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois , Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mark J Holterman
- 2 Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Illinois , Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bellur S Prabhakar
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois , Chicago, Illinois
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Systems biology of myasthenia gravis, integration of aberrant lncRNA and mRNA expression changes. BMC Med Genomics 2015; 8:13. [PMID: 25889429 PMCID: PMC4380247 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-015-0087-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A novel class of transcripts, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), has recently emerged as a key player in several biological processes, and important roles for these molecules have been reported in a number of complex human diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and various cancers. However, the aberrant lncRNAs implicated in myasthenia gravis (MG) remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the abnormal expression of lncRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and examine mRNA regulatory relationship networks among MG patients with or without thymoma. Methods Microarray assays were performed, and the outstanding differences between lncRNAs or mRNA expression were verified through RT-PCR. The lncRNAs functions were annotated for the target genes using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) biological pathway. The potential regulatory relationships between the lncRNAs and target genes were analyzed using the ‘cis’ and ‘trans’ model. Outstanding lncRNAs were organized to generate a TF-lncRNA-gene network using Cytoscape software. Results The lncRNA and mRNA expression profile analysis revealed subsets of differentially expressed genes in MG patients with or without thymoma. A total of 12 outstanding dysregulated expression lncRNAs, such as lncRNA oebiotech_11933, were verified through real-time PCR. Several GO terms including the cellular response to interferon-γ, platelet degranulation, chemokine receptor binding and cytokine interactions were very important in MG pathogenesis. The chromosome locations of some lncRNAs and associated co-expression genes were demonstrated using ‘cis’ analysis. The results of the ‘trans’ analysis revealed that some TFs (i.e., CTCF, TAF1and MYC) regulate lncRNA and gene expression. The outstanding lncRNAs in each group were implicated in the regulation of the TF-lncRNA-target gene network. Conclusion The results of the present study provide a perspective on lncRNA expression in MG. We identify a subset of aberrant lncRNAs and mRNAs as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of MG. The GO and KEGG pathway analysis provides an annotation to determine the functions of these lncRNAs. The results of the ‘cis’ and ‘trans’ analyses provide information concerning the modular regulation of lncRNAs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12920-015-0087-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Metenou S, Coulibaly YI, Sturdevant D, Dolo H, Diallo AA, Soumaoro L, Coulibaly ME, Kanakabandi K, Porcella SF, Klion AD, Nutman TB. Highly heterogeneous, activated, and short-lived regulatory T cells during chronic filarial infection. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:2036-47. [PMID: 24737144 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201444452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the increase in the numbers of regulatory T (Treg) cells in chronic infection settings remain unclear. Here we have delineated the phenotype and transcriptional profiles of Treg cells from 18 filarial-infected (Fil(+) ) and 19 filarial-uninfected (Fil(-) ) subjects. We found that the frequencies of Foxp3(+) Treg cells expressing CTLA-4, GITR, LAG-3, and IL-10 were significantly higher in Fil(+) subjects compared with that in Fil(-) subjects. Foxp3-expressing Treg-cell populations in Fil(+) subjects were also more heterogeneous and had higher expression of IL-10, CCL-4, IL-29, CTLA-4, and TGF-β than Fil(-) subjects, each of these cytokines having been implicated in immune suppression. Moreover, Foxp3-expressing Treg cells from Fil(+) subjects had markedly upregulated expression of activation-induced apoptotic genes with concomitant downregulation of those involved in cell survival. To determine whether the expression of apoptotic genes was due to Treg-cell activation, we found that the expression of CTLA-4, CDk8, RAD50, TNFRSF1A, FOXO3, and RHOA were significantly upregulated in stimulated cells compared with unstimulated cells. Taken together, our results suggest that in patent filarial infection, the expanded Treg-cell populations are heterogeneous, short-lived, activated, and express higher levels of molecules known to modulate immune responsiveness, suggesting that filarial infection is associated with high Treg-cell turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Metenou
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Sieb JP. Myasthenia gravis: an update for the clinician. Clin Exp Immunol 2014; 175:408-18. [PMID: 24117026 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper provides a thorough overview of the current advances in diagnosis and therapy of myasthenia gravis (MG). Nowadays the term 'myasthenia gravis' includes heterogeneous autoimmune diseases, with a postsynaptic defect of neuromuscular transmission as the common feature. Myasthenia gravis should be classified according to the antibody specificity [acetylcholine, muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), seronegative], thymus histology (thymitis, thymoma, atrophy), age at onset (in children; aged less than or more than 50 years) and type of course (ocular or generalized). With optimal treatment, the prognosis is good in terms of daily functions, quality of life and survival. Symptomatic treatment with acetylcholine esterase inhibition is usually combined with immunosuppression. Azathioprine still remains the first choice for long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Alternative immunosuppressive options to azathioprine include cyclosporin, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus. Rituximab is a promising new drug for severe generalized MG. Emerging therapy options include belimumab, eculizumab and the granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor. One pilot study on etanercept has given disappointing results. For decades, thymectomy has been performed in younger adults to improve non-paraneoplastic MG. However, controlled prospective studies on the suspected benefit of this surgical procedure are still lacking. In acute exacerbations, including myasthenic crisis, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis and immunoadsorption are similarly effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Sieb
- Department of Neurology, HELIOS Hanseklinikum Stralsund, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
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Berrih-Aknin S, Le Panse R. Myasthenia gravis: a comprehensive review of immune dysregulation and etiological mechanisms. J Autoimmun 2014; 52:90-100. [PMID: 24389034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2013.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by muscle weakness caused by antibodies directed against proteins of the neuromuscular junction. The main antigenic target is the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), but the muscle Specific Kinase (MuSK) and the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP4) are also targets. This review summarizes the clinical and biological data available for different subgroups of patients, who are classified according to antigenic target, age of onset, and observed thymic abnormalities, such as follicular hyperplasia or thymoma. Here, we analyze in detail the role of the thymus in the physiopathology of MG and propose an explanation for the development of the thymic follicular hyperplasia that is commonly observed in young female patients with anti-AChR antibodies. The influence of the pro-inflammatory environment is discussed, particularly the role of TNF-α and Th17-related cytokines, which could explain the escape of thymic T cells from regulation and the chronic inflammation in the MG thymus. Together with this immune dysregulation, active angiogenic processes and the upregulation of chemokines could promote thymic follicular hyperplasia. MG is a multifactorial disease, and we review the etiological mechanisms that could lead to its onset. Recent global genetic analyses have highlighted potential susceptibility genes. In addition, miRNAs, which play a crucial role in immune function, have been implicated in MG by recent studies. We also discuss the role of sex hormones and the influence of environmental factors, such as the viral hypothesis. This hypothesis is supported by reports that type I interferon and molecules mimicking viral infection can induce thymic changes similar to those observed in MG patients with anti-AChR antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- INSERM U974, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 7215, Paris, France; UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of myology, Paris, France.
| | - Rozen Le Panse
- INSERM U974, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 7215, Paris, France; UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of myology, Paris, France.
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Jethwa H, Adami AA, Maher J. Use of gene-modified regulatory T-cells to control autoimmune and alloimmune pathology: is now the right time? Clin Immunol 2013; 150:51-63. [PMID: 24333533 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy using genetically targeted T-cells has recently begun to achieve impressive clinical impact in selected tumor types. Furthermore, long-term follow-up studies indicate thus far that integrating viral vectors do not elicit clinically evident genotoxicity in T-cells, unlike hematopoietic stem cells. The optimism engendered by this clinical experience provides a platform for consideration of the extended use of this technology in other disease types. One area of particular interest entails the harnessing of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in order to down-regulate unwanted immune responses. Increasing evidence supports the efficacy of this approach in pre-clinical models of autoimmune disease and allograft rejection. Nonetheless, questions remain about optimal host cell, transgene cargo, phenotypic stability of engineered cells in vivo and potential for toxicity. Here, we review the evidence that genetically engineered Tregs can effectively dampen pathogenic immune responses and critically evaluate the prospects for clinical development of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Jethwa
- Department of Medicine, Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 3DJ, UK
| | - Antonella A Adami
- King's College London, King's Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre, Department of Research Oncology, Guy's Hospital Campus, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - John Maher
- King's College London, King's Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre, Department of Research Oncology, Guy's Hospital Campus, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK; Department of Immunology, Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 3DJ, UK; Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK.
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Zagoriti Z, Kambouris ME, Patrinos GP, Tzartos SJ, Poulas K. Recent advances in genetic predisposition of myasthenia gravis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:404053. [PMID: 24294607 PMCID: PMC3835684 DOI: 10.1155/2013/404053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by the presence of autoantibodies that bind to components of the neuromuscular junction, causing the symptoms of muscular weakness and fatigability. Like most autoimmune disorders, MG is a multifactorial, noninherited disease, though with an established genetic constituent. The heterogeneity observed in MG perplexes genetic analysis even more, as it occurs in various levels, including diverse autoantigens, thymus histopathology, and age at onset. In this context of distinct subgroups, a plethora of association studies, discussed in this review, have assessed the involvement of various HLA and non-HLA related loci in MG susceptibility, over the past five years. As expected, certain HLA alleles were strongly associated with MG. Many of the non-HLA genes, such as PTPN22 and CTLA-4, have been previously studied in MG and other autoimmune diseases and their association with MG has been reevaluated in more cohesive groups of patients. Moreover, novel risk or protective loci have been revealed, as in the case of TNIP1 and FOXP3. Although the majority of these results have been derived from candidate gene studies, the focal point of all recent genetic studies is the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted on early-onset MG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Zagoriti
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece
| | - Manousos E. Kambouris
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece
| | - George P. Patrinos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece
| | - Socrates J. Tzartos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece
- Department of Biochemistry, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Poulas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece
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