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Elahi M, Ebrahim Soltani Z, Afrooghe A, Ahmadi E, Dehpour AR. Sex Dimorphism in Pain Threshold and Neuroinflammatory Response: The Protective Effect of Female Sexual Hormones on Behavior and Seizures in an Allergic Rhinitis Model. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2024; 19:16. [PMID: 38652402 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10114-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Our previous research demonstrated that allergic rhinitis could impact behavior and seizure threshold in male mice. However, due to the complex hormonal cycles and hormonal influences on behavior in female mice, male mice are more commonly used for behavioral tests. In this study, we aimed to determine whether these findings were replicable in female mice and to explore the potential involvement of sexual hormones in regulating neuroinflammation in an allergic model. Our results indicate that pain threshold was decreased in female mice with allergic rhinitis and the levels of IL-23/IL-17A/IL-17R were increased in their Dorsal root ganglia. However, unlike males, female mice with AR did not display neuropsychological symptoms such as learning and memory deficits, depression, and anxiety-like behavior. This was along with decreased levels of DNA methyl transferase 1 (DNMT1) and inflammatory cytokines in their hippocampus. Ovariectomized mice were used to mitigate hormonal effects, and the results showed that they had behavioral changes and neuroinflammation in their hippocampus similar to male mice, as well as increased levels of DNMT1. These findings demonstrate sex differences in how allergic rhinitis affects behavior, pain sensitivity, and seizure thresholds. Furthermore, our data suggest that DNMT1 may be influenced by sexual hormones, which could play a role in modulating inflammation in allergic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Elahi
- Center for Orthopedic Trans-disciplinary Applied Research, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Ebrahim Soltani
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arya Afrooghe
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Ahmadi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Zeng J, Li M, Zhao Q, Chen M, Zhao L, Wei S, Yang H, Zhao Y, Wang A, Shen J, Du F, Chen Y, Deng S, Wang F, Zhang Z, Li Z, Wang T, Wang S, Xiao Z, Wu X. Small molecule inhibitors of RORγt for Th17 regulation in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:545-562. [PMID: 37440911 PMCID: PMC10334362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a ligand-dependent transcription factor, retinoid-associated orphan receptor γt (RORγt) that controls T helper (Th) 17 cell differentiation and interleukin (IL)-17 expression plays a critical role in the progression of several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. An emerging novel approach to the therapy of these diseases thus involves controlling the transcriptional capacity of RORγt to decrease Th17 cell development and IL-17 production. Several RORγt inhibitors including both antagonists and inverse agonists have been discovered to regulate the transcriptional activity of RORγt by binding to orthosteric- or allosteric-binding sites in the ligand-binding domain. Some of small-molecule inhibitors have entered clinical evaluations. Therefore, in current review, the role of RORγt in Th17 regulation and Th17-related inflammatory and autoimmune diseases was highlighted. Notably, the recently developed RORγt inhibitors were summarized, with an emphasis on their optimization from lead compounds, efficacy, toxicity, mechanisms of action, and clinical trials. The limitations of current development in this area were also discussed to facilitate future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuping Zeng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Qianyun Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Meijuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Shulin Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Anqi Wang
- School of Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Shuai Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Tiangang Wang
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China
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3
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Marvin CC, Greszler SN, Shelat BH, Voight EA. Synthesis of A-9758, an Inverse Agonist of Retinoic Acid-Related Orphan Receptor γt. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:44383-44389. [PMID: 36506123 PMCID: PMC9730458 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A-9758 is an inverse agonist of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt with well-characterized in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. A chromatography-free decagram-scale synthesis of this compound was developed to support pre-clinical research activities. This route was designed to enable late-stage structure-activity relationship studies of the amide moiety and convergently uses a reductive alkylation sequence between indole and benzaldehyde intermediates. A key advantage of this strategy is the fact that the indole precursor can be alkylated at C2, as required for A-9758, or at C3 to provide access to an isomeric chemical series. Access to the critical indole fragment was expedited via an underutilized SnAr/reductive cyclization cascade sequence, and the benzaldehyde fragment was prepared in two steps from inexpensive 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid.
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Brożyna AA, Slominski RM, Nedoszytko B, Zmijewski MA, Slominski AT. Vitamin D Signaling in Psoriasis: Pathogenesis and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158575. [PMID: 35955731 PMCID: PMC9369120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a systemic, chronic, immune-mediated disease that affects approximately 2–3% of the world’s population. The etiology and pathophysiology of psoriasis are still unknown, but the activation of the adaptive immune system with the main role of T-cells is key in psoriasis pathogenesis. The modulation of the local neuroendocrine system with the downregulation of pro-inflammatory and the upregulation of anti-inflammatory messengers represent a promising adjuvant treatment in psoriasis therapies. Vitamin D receptors and vitamin D-mediated signaling pathways function in the skin and are essential in maintaining the skin homeostasis. The active forms of vitamin D act as powerful immunomodulators of clinical response in psoriatic patients and represent the effective and safe adjuvant treatments for psoriasis, even when high doses of vitamin D are administered. The phototherapy of psoriasis, especially UVB-based, changes the serum level of 25(OH)D, but the correlation of 25(OH)D changes and psoriasis improvement need more clinical trials, since contradictory data have been published. Vitamin D derivatives can improve the efficacy of psoriasis phototherapy without inducing adverse side effects. The anti-psoriatic treatment could include non-calcemic CYP11A1-derived vitamin D hydroxyderivatives that would act on the VDR or as inverse agonists on RORs or activate alternative nuclear receptors including AhR and LXRs. In conclusion, vitamin D signaling can play an important role in the natural history of psoriasis. Selective targeting of proper nuclear receptors could represent potential treatment options in psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Brożyna
- Department of Human Biology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.A.B.); (A.T.S.)
| | - Radomir M. Slominski
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
- Informatics Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Bogusław Nedoszytko
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland;
- Cytogeneticr Laboratory, Invicta Fertility and Reproductive Centre, 80-850 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michal A. Zmijewski
- Department of Histology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Andrzej T. Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Laboratory Service, VA Medical Center at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Correspondence: (A.A.B.); (A.T.S.)
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5
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Li L, Liu X, Ge W, Chen C, Huang Y, Jin Z, Zhan M, Duan X, Liu X, Kong Y, Jiang J, Li X, Zeng X, Li F, Xu S, Li M, Chen H. CB2R Deficiency Exacerbates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasiform Dermatitis and Itch Through the Neuro-Immune Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:790712. [PMID: 35173615 PMCID: PMC8841964 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.790712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) is a potential target for anti-inflammatory and pain therapeutics given its significant immunomodulatory and analgesic effects. However, the role of CB2R in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasiform dermatitis (PsD) and itch is poorly understood. Objective: To investigate the function and mechanism of CB2R in PsD and itch in mice. Methods: Following daily treatment with topical IMQ cream for 5-7 consecutive days in C56BL/6 wild-type (WT) and CB2R gene knockout (KO) mice, we assessed the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and the scratch bouts every day, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, toluidine blue staining were used to observe the histological changes. mRNA levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein levels were detected by western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and cytometric bead array (CBA). Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to examine the proportion of Th17/Treg cells. Results: We found that CB2R expression levels were increased in mice with psoriasis. Compared with WT mice, CB2R deficiency exacerbated IMQ-induced PsD and scratching bouts and upregulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines by increasing the infiltration of CD4+ T cells and the Th17/Treg ratio. Obvious proliferation and prolongation of nerve fibers and high expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) were observed in PsD and CB2R KO mice. Pretreatment with the CB2R agonist, JWH-133 significantly reversed inflammation and scratching bouts. CB2R didn't participate in the induction of itch in psoriasis by regulating the expression of IL-31, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and mast cells in mouse skins. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that CB2R plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis, providing a new potential target for anti-inflammatory and antipruritic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenqiang Ge
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqiong Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zilin Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Muouyang Zhan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoru Duan
- Department of Rheumatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Kong
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Department of Dermatology, Union Shenzhen Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Union Shenzhen Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Dermatology, Union Shenzhen Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shibin Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Union Shenzhen Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongxiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Union Shenzhen Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Dermatology, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
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6
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Li Z, Liu T, He X, Bai C. The evolution paths of some reprehensive scaffolds of RORγt modulators, a perspective from medicinal chemistry. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 228:113962. [PMID: 34776280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113962] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ligand binding domain (LBD) of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor γt (RORγt) has been exploited as a promising target for the new small molecule therapeutics to cure autoimmune diseases via modulating the IL-17 and IL-22 production by Th17 cells. Diverse chemical scaffolds of these small molecules have been discovered by multiple groups with methods such as high throughput screening (HTS) and virtual screening. These different scaffolds are further developed by medicinal chemists to afford lead compounds the best of which enter clinical trials. In this review, we summarize these chemical scaffolds and their evolution paths according to the groups in which they have been discovered or studied. We combine the data of the chemistry, biological assays and structural biology of each chemical scaffold, in order to afford insight to develop new RORγt modulators with higher potency, less toxicity and elucidated working mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuohao Li
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Xixin He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuan Bai
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
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7
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Narjes F, Llinas A, von Berg S, Jirholt J, Lever S, Pehrson R, Collins M, Malmberg A, Svanberg P, Xue Y, Olsson RI, Malmberg J, Hughes G, Hossain N, Grindebacke H, Leffler A, Krutrök N, Bäck E, Ramnegård M, Lepistö M, Thunberg L, Aagaard A, McPheat J, Hansson EL, Chen R, Xiong Y, Hansson TG. AZD0284, a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable Inverse Agonist of Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor C2. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13807-13829. [PMID: 34464130 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Inverse agonists of the nuclear receptor RORC2 have been widely pursued as a potential treatment for a variety of autoimmune diseases. We have discovered a novel series of isoindoline-based inverse agonists of the nuclear receptor RORC2, derived from our recently disclosed RORC2 inverse agonist 2. Extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies resulted in AZD0284 (20), which combined potent inhibition of IL-17A secretion from primary human TH17 cells with excellent metabolic stability and good PK in preclinical species. In two preclinical in vivo studies, compound 20 reduced thymocyte numbers in mice and showed dose-dependent reduction of IL-17A containing γδ-T cells and of IL-17A and IL-22 RNA in the imiquimod induced inflammation model. Based on these data and a favorable safety profile, 20 was progressed to phase 1 clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yafeng Xue
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Linda Thunberg
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - Anna Aagaard
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - Jane McPheat
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - Eva L Hansson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - Rongfeng Chen
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Yao Xiong
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
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Liu JM, Jin QX, Fujimoto M, Li FF, Jin LB, Yu R, Yan GH, Zhu LH, Meng FP, Zhang QG, Jin GH. Dihydroartemisinin Alleviates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-like Skin Lesion in Mice Involving Modulation of IL-23/Th17 Axis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:704481. [PMID: 34483908 PMCID: PMC8415163 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.704481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a T help 17 (Th17) cell-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease. Recent studies have shown that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) can significantly reduce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and rheumatoid arthritis by regulating Th17 cells. Objective: To verify whether DHA can improve the symptoms of psoriasis and to further explore the possible mechanism. Methods: The efficiency of DHA was preliminary detected on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells in psoriatic condition. Then, imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like model in BALB/c mice was established to evaluate the effects of DHA in vivo. Results: Under the stimulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), DHA inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT cells and significantly affected the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, interleukin (IL), IL-17A and IL-23. DHA treatment reduced the severity of psoriasis-like skin and resulted in less infiltration of immune cells in skin lesions. DHA restored the expression of IFN-γ, IL-17A, and IL-23 in skins, as well as a decrease of cytokines and chemokines in skin supernatant. DHA also altered the cellular composition in the spleen, which is the makeup of the T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and macrophages. DHA recovered Th17-related profile with decreased frequency of IL-17+CD4+T cells from splenocyte of mice. Furthermore, DHA also inhibited the concentration of IL-17 from Th17 cells and the expression of Th17 cell-related transcription factors retinoid-related orphan receptor-gamma t (ROR-γt) in vitro. In addition, phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) was significantly reduced in DHA treatment mice, suggesting that the IL-23/Th17 axis plays a pivotal role. Conclusion: DHA inhibits the progression of psoriasis by regulating IL-23/Th17 axis and is expected to be an effective drug for the treatment of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Min Liu
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Quan-Xin Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Manabu Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University; Laboratory of Cutaneous Immunology, Osaka University Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fang-Fang Li
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Lin-Bo Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Ran Yu
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Guang-Hai Yan
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Lian-Hua Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Fan-Ping Meng
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Qing-Gao Zhang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Gui-Hua Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
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9
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Gege C. Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) inverse agonists/antagonists for the treatment of inflammatory diseases - where are we presently? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:1517-1535. [PMID: 34192992 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1948833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The transcription factor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) has been identified as the master regulator of TH17 cell differentiation and IL-17/22 production and is therefore an attractive target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Several orally or topically administered small molecule RORγt inverse agonists (RIAs) have progressed up to the end of clinical Phase 2.Areas covered: Based on publications and patent evaluations this review summarizes the evolution of the chemical matter for all 16 pharmaceutical companies, who develop(ed) a clinical-stage RIAs (until March 2021). Structure proposals for some clinical stage RIAs are presented and the outcome of the clinical trials is discussed.Expert opinion: So far, the clinical trials have been plagued with a high attrition rate. Main reasons were lack of efficacy (topical) or safety signals (oral) as well as, amongst other things, thymic lymphomas as seen with BMS-986251 in a preclinical study and liver enzyme elevations in humans with VTP-43742. Possibilities to mitigate these risks could be the use of RIAs with different chemical structures not interfering with thymocytes maturation and no livertox-inducing properties. With new frontrunners (e.g., ABBV-157 (cedirogant), BI 730357 or IMU-935) this is still an exciting time for this treatment approach.
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Ji Q, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Gamah M, Yuan Z, Liu J, Cao C, Gao X, Zhang H, Ren Y, Zhang W. Effects of hypoxic exposure on immune responses of intestinal mucosa to Citrobacter colitis in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110477. [PMID: 32768962 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pathogenesis and mechanism of colitis may be related to intestinal flora, genetic susceptibility, environmental and immune factors. Among these various factors, the importance of environmental factors in the pathogenesis of colitis has been increasingly recognized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hypoxia on intestinal mucosal immunity. METHODS Experimental colitis was induced by oral gavage of Citrobacter rodentium (C. rodentium) in mice, then divided into normoxia group and hypoxia group. Mice were sacrificed after 2 weeks. Physiological and blood biochemical indicators were monitored to verify the hypoxia model. The body weight, fecal bacterial output, colon length and colon histopathology were observed to evaluate severity of colitis. The concentration of cytokines in colonic tissues were detected by ELISA. The percentage of CD4+ IFN-γ+ (Th1) and CD4+ IL-17+ (Th17) cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were detected by flow cytometry. The levels of mucosal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), related inflammatory factors and transcription factors in colon tissues were detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS Mice in hypoxic C. rodentium infection (Hypoxia + C.r.) group exhibited significant decrease in body weight, increase in fecal bacterial pathogen output, and more severe histopathological damage in the colon compared with the C. rodentium infection (Nomoxia + C.r.) group. Meanwhile, the level of NF-κB, TLR4, COX-2, IL-6 and TNF-α of colonic tissue were increased, while IL17, IL-22, and Reg3γ were decreased. The percentage of CD4+ IFN-γ+ (Th1) and CD4+ IL-17+ (Th17) cells in MLN were significantly decreased in mice of Hypoxia + C.r. group, accompanied by the decreased of IFN-γ and IL-17. In addition, the level of the T-bet, RORγt, IL-12 and IL-23 were decreased in mice of Hypoxia + C.r. group. CONCLUSIONS Hypoxic exposure significantly exacerbates the symptoms and the pathological damage of mice with colitis and influences the immune function by down-regulating Th1 and Th17 responses in C. rodentium-induced colitis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaorong Ji
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China; The Key Laboratory of Science and Technology for High Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Yiling Zhou
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China; The Key Laboratory of Science and Technology for High Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
| | - Mohammed Gamah
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China; Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hodeidah University, Al Hudaydah, Yemen
| | - Zhouyang Yuan
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China; The Key Laboratory of Science and Technology for High Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China; The Key Laboratory of Science and Technology for High Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
| | - Chengzhu Cao
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China; The Key Laboratory of Science and Technology for High Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China; The Key Laboratory of Science and Technology for High Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Weinan Central Hospital, Weinan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanming Ren
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China; The Key Laboratory of Science and Technology for High Altitude Medicine, Xining, China.
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