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Vordenbäumen S, Rosenbaum A, Gebhard C, Raithel J, Sokolowski A, Düsing C, Chehab G, Richter JG, Brinks R, Rehli M, Schneider M. Associations of site-specific CD4 +-T-cell hypomethylation within CD40-ligand promotor and enhancer regions with disease activity of women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2020; 30:45-51. [PMID: 33081589 DOI: 10.1177/0961203320965690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To comprehensively assess associations of site-specific CD4+-T-cell hypomethylation of the CD40-Ligand gene (CD40L) with disease activity of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS CpG-sites within the DNA of the promotor and two enhancer regions (n = 22) of CD40L were identified and numbered consecutively. The rate of methylated DNA in isolated CD4+-T-cells of women with SLE were quantified for each methylation site by MALDI-TOF. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Associations of site-specific methylation rates with the SLEDAI scores were assessed by linear regression modelling. P values were adjusted according to Bonferroni-Holm as indicated. RESULTS 60 female SLE patients participated in the study (age 45.7 ± 11.1 years, disease duration 17.0 ± 8.3 years). Significant associations to the SLEDAI were noted for CpG22 hypomethylation of the promotor (β = -40.1, p = 0.017, adjusted p = 0.027), trends were noted for CpG17 hypomethylation of the promotor (β = -30.5, p = 0.032, adjusted p = 0.6), and for CpG11 hypermethylation of the second enhancer (β = 15.0, p = 0.046, adjusted p = 0.8). CONCLUSION Site-specific hypomethylation of the CD40L promotor in CD4+-T-cells show associations with disease activity in female SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Vordenbäumen
- Medical Faculty, Department & Hiller Research Unit for Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Rheinisches Rheuma-Zentrum St. Elisabeth-Hospital, Meerbusch-Lank, Germany
| | - Anna Rosenbaum
- Medical Faculty, Department & Hiller Research Unit for Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claudia Gebhard
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Raithel
- Rheinisches Rheuma-Zentrum St. Elisabeth-Hospital, Meerbusch-Lank, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Sokolowski
- Medical Faculty, Department & Hiller Research Unit for Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Düsing
- Medical Faculty, Department & Hiller Research Unit for Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gamal Chehab
- Medical Faculty, Department & Hiller Research Unit for Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jutta G Richter
- Medical Faculty, Department & Hiller Research Unit for Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ralph Brinks
- Medical Faculty, Department & Hiller Research Unit for Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Rehli
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schneider
- Medical Faculty, Department & Hiller Research Unit for Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Kasakovski D, Zeng X, Lai J, Yu Z, Yao D, Chen S, Zha X, Li Y, Xu L. Characterization of
KIR
+
NKG2A
+ Eomes−
NK
‐like
CD8
+ T cells and their decline with age in healthy individuals. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2020; 100:467-475. [PMID: 32830898 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Kasakovski
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Department of HematologyFirst Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Xiangbo Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Department of HematologyFirst Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Jing Lai
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Department of HematologyFirst Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Zhi Yu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Department of HematologyFirst Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Danlin Yao
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Department of HematologyFirst Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Department of HematologyFirst Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Xianfeng Zha
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated HospitalJinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Department of HematologyFirst Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Department of HematologyFirst Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University Guangzhou China
- The Clinical Medicine Postdoctoral Research StationJinan University Guangzhou China
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3
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Mendonca P, Soliman KFA. Flavonoids Activation of the Transcription Factor Nrf2 as a Hypothesis Approach for the Prevention and Modulation of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Severity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E659. [PMID: 32722164 PMCID: PMC7463602 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nrf2-Keap1-ARE pathway is the principal regulator of antioxidant and phase II detoxification genes. Its activation increases the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective proteins, protecting cells against infections. Nrf2 modulates virus-induced oxidative stress, ROS generation, and disease pathogenesis, which are vital in the viral life cycle. During respiratory viral infections, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an inflammatory process, and oxidative stress of the epithelium lining cells activate the transcription factor Nrf2, which protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Nrf2 reduces angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors expression in respiratory epithelial cells. SARS-CoV2 has a high affinity for ACE2 that works as receptors for coronavirus surface spike glycoprotein, facilitating viral entry. Disease severity may also be modulated by pre-existing conditions, such as impaired immune response, obesity, and age, where decreased level of Nrf2 is a common feature. Consequently, Nrf2 activators may increase Nrf2 levels and enhance antiviral mediators' expression, which could initiate an "antiviral state", priming cells against viral infection. Therefore, this hypothesis paper describes the use of flavonoid supplements combined with vitamin D3 to activate Nrf2, which may be a potential target to prevent and/or decrease SARS-CoV-2 infection severity, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, enhancing innate immunity, and downregulating ACE2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karam F. A. Soliman
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA;
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4
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Sawalha AH, Zhao M, Coit P, Lu Q. Epigenetic dysregulation of ACE2 and interferon-regulated genes might suggest increased COVID-19 susceptibility and severity in lupus patients. Clin Immunol 2020; 215:108410. [PMID: 32276140 PMCID: PMC7139239 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 can result in severe respiratory complications and death. Patients with a compromised immune system are expected to be more susceptible to a severe disease course. In this report we suggest that patients with systemic lupus erythematous might be especially prone to severe COVID-19 independent of their immunosuppressed state from lupus treatment. Specifically, we provide evidence in lupus to suggest hypomethylation and overexpression of ACE2, which is located on the X chromosome and encodes a functional receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Oxidative stress induced by viral infections exacerbates the DNA methylation defect in lupus, possibly resulting in further ACE2 hypomethylation and enhanced viremia. In addition, demethylation of interferon-regulated genes, NFκB, and key cytokine genes in lupus patients might exacerbate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and increase the likelihood of cytokine storm. These arguments suggest that inherent epigenetic dysregulation in lupus might facilitate viral entry, viremia, and an excessive immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Further, maintaining disease remission in lupus patients is critical to prevent a vicious cycle of demethylation and increased oxidative stress, which will exacerbate susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the current pandemic. Epigenetic control of the ACE2 gene might be a target for prevention and therapy in COVID-19.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
- Betacoronavirus/immunology
- Betacoronavirus/pathogenicity
- CD11a Antigen/genetics
- CD11a Antigen/immunology
- COVID-19
- Coronavirus Infections/complications
- Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology
- Coronavirus Infections/genetics
- Coronavirus Infections/immunology
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/immunology
- DNA Methylation
- Disease Progression
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics
- Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology
- Humans
- Interferon Regulatory Factors/genetics
- Interferon Regulatory Factors/immunology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/epidemiology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/genetics
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology
- NF-kappa B/genetics
- NF-kappa B/immunology
- Oxidative Stress/genetics
- Oxidative Stress/immunology
- Pandemics
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/genetics
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/immunology
- Pneumonia, Viral/complications
- Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology
- Pneumonia, Viral/genetics
- Pneumonia, Viral/immunology
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, KIR/genetics
- Receptors, KIR/immunology
- SARS-CoV-2
- Signal Transduction
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Viremia/complications
- Viremia/epidemiology
- Viremia/genetics
- Viremia/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Patrick Coit
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Graduate Immunology Program, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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5
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Sawalha AH, Zhao M, Coit P, Lu Q. Epigenetic dysregulation of ACE2 and interferon-regulated genes might suggest increased COVID-19 susceptibility and severity in lupus patients. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020:2020.03.30.20047852. [PMID: 32511654 PMCID: PMC7277010 DOI: 10.1101/2020.03.30.20047852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 can result in severe respiratory complications and death. Patients with a compromised immune system are expected to be more susceptible to a severe disease course. In this report we suggest that patients with systemic lupus erythematous might be especially prone to severe COVID-19 independent of their immunosuppressed state from lupus treatment. Specially, we provide evidence in lupus to suggest hypomethylation and overexpression of ACE2, which is located on the X chromosome and encodes a functional receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Oxidative stress induced by viral infections exacerbates the DNA methylation defect in lupus, possibly resulting in further ACE2 hypomethylation and enhanced viremia. In addition, demethylation of interferon-regulated genes, NFκB, and key cytokine genes in lupus patients might exacerbate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and increase the likelihood of cytokine storm. These arguments suggest that inherent epigenetic dysregulation in lupus might facilitate viral entry, viremia, and an excessive immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Further, maintaining disease remission in lupus patients is critical to prevent a vicious cycle of demethylation and increased oxidative stress, which will exacerbate susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the current pandemic. Epigenetic control of the ACE2 gene might be a target for prevention and therapy in COVID-19.
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6
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Graciano-Machuca O, Alvarado-Navarro A, Ramírez-Dueñas MG, Villanueva-Quintero DG, Velarde-de la Cruz EE, Machado-Sulbarán AC, Montoya-Buelna M, Sánchez-Hernández PE. Diversity of KIR/HLA Genotypes and Their Association with Psoriasis Vulgaris in the Western Mexican Population. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E338. [PMID: 32235781 PMCID: PMC7141133 DOI: 10.3390/genes11030338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NK and some T cell functions are regulated by the interaction between KIR and HLA molecules. Several studies have shown an association between activating KIR genes and the development of autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis vulgaris (PsV). Our objective was to determine the association between KIR/HLA genes and genotypes with PsV in the Western mestizo Mexican population. One hundred subjects diagnosed with PsV (SP) and 108 healthy subjects (HS) were genotyped for 14 KIR genes, HLA-Bw4, HLA-C1, and HLA-C2 by PCR-single specific primer (SSP). Positive associations of the KIR3DS1 gene (odds ratio (OR) 1.959, p = 0.021), G11 genotype (OR 19.940, p = 0.008), and KIR3DS1/HLA-ABw4 (OR 2.265, p = 0.009) were found with susceptibility to PsV. In contrast, the G1 genotype (OR 0.448, p = 0.031) and KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4Ile80 (OR 0.522, p = 0.022) were negatively associated with susceptibility to this disease. These results suggest an implication of the KIR3DS1/HLA-ABw4 genotype in PsV pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Graciano-Machuca
- Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology, University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Jal. 44340, Mexico
- Laboratory of Biological Systems, Department of Health Sciences, University Center of the Valleys (CUVALLES), UDG, Ameca, Jal. 4660, Mexico
| | - Anabell Alvarado-Navarro
- Research Center in Immunology and Dermatology, Department of Physiology, CUCS, UDG, Guadalajara, Jal. 44340, Mexico
| | | | - Delfina Guadalupe Villanueva-Quintero
- Jalisco Dermatology Institute "Dr. José Barba Rubio", Ministry of Health; Zapopan, Jal. 45190, Mexico
- Inflammatory Diseases Care Center, Guadalajara, Jal. 44630, Mexico
| | - Erandi Enif Velarde-de la Cruz
- Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology, University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Jal. 44340, Mexico
| | - Andrea Carolina Machado-Sulbarán
- Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology, University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara (UDG), Guadalajara, Jal. 44340, Mexico
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7
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease that is characterized by vascular abnormalities, immunological alterations and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The results of genetic studies in patients with SSc have revealed statistically significant genetic associations with disease manifestations and progression. Nevertheless, genetic susceptibility to SSc is moderate, and the functional consequences of genetic associations remain only partially characterized. A current hypothesis is that, in genetically susceptible individuals, epigenetic modifications constitute the driving force for disease initiation. As epigenetic alterations can occur years before fibrosis appears, these changes could represent a potential link between inflammation and tissue fibrosis. Epigenetics is a fast-growing discipline, and a considerable number of important epigenetic studies in SSc have been published in the past few years that span histone post-translational modifications, DNA methylation, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. This Review describes the latest insights into genetic and epigenetic contributions to the pathogenesis of SSc and aims to provide an improved understanding of the molecular pathways that link inflammation and fibrosis. This knowledge will be of paramount importance for the development of medicines that are effective in treating or even reversing tissue fibrosis.
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8
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Richardson B. Epigenetically Altered T Cells Contribute to Lupus Flares. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020127. [PMID: 30764520 PMCID: PMC6406295 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus flares when genetically predisposed people encounter exogenous agents such as infections and sun exposure and drugs such as procainamide and hydralazine, but the mechanisms by which these agents trigger the flares has been unclear. Current evidence indicates that procainamide and hydralazine, as well as inflammation caused by the environmental agents, can cause overexpression of genes normally silenced by DNA methylation in CD4⁺ T cells, converting them into autoreactive, proinflammatory cytotoxic cells that are sufficient to cause lupus in mice, and similar cells are found in patients with active lupus. More recent studies demonstrate that these cells comprise a distinct CD4⁺ T cell subset, making it a therapeutic target for the treatment of lupus flares. Transcriptional analyses of this subset reveal proteins uniquely expressed by this subset, which may serve as therapeutic to deplete these cells, treating lupus flares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Richardson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48103-2200, USA.
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9
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Lanata CM, Chung SA, Criswell LA. DNA methylation 101: what is important to know about DNA methylation and its role in SLE risk and disease heterogeneity. Lupus Sci Med 2018; 5:e000285. [PMID: 30094041 PMCID: PMC6069928 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2018-000285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
SLE is a complex autoimmune disease that results from the interplay of genetics, epigenetics and environmental exposures. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression and tissue differentiation. Among all the epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation perturbations have been the most widely studied in SLE. It mediates processes relevant to SLE, including lymphocyte development, X-chromosome inactivation and the suppression of endogenous retroviruses. The establishment of most DNA methylation marks occurs in utero; however, a small percentage of epigenetic marks are dynamic and can change throughout a person’s lifetime and in relation to exposures. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the biology of DNA methylation and its regulators, the measurement and interpretation of methylation marks, the effects of genetics on DNA methylation and the role of environmental exposures with relevance to SLE. We also summarise research findings associated with SLE disease risk and heterogeneity. The robust finding of hypomethylation of interferon-responsive genes in patients with SLE and new associations beyond interferon-responsive genes such as cell-specific methylation abnormalities are described. We also discuss methylation changes associated with lupus nephritis, autoantibody status and disease activity. Lastly, we explore future research directions, emphasising the need for longitudinal studies, cell tissue and context-specific profiling, as well as integrative approaches. With new technologies, DNA methylation perturbations could be targeted and edited, offering novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M Lanata
- Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sharon A Chung
- Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lindsey A Criswell
- Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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10
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Weeding E, Sawalha AH. Deoxyribonucleic Acid Methylation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Implications for Future Clinical Practice. Front Immunol 2018; 9:875. [PMID: 29740453 PMCID: PMC5928134 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation has emerged as a critical feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Genome-wide DNA methylation studies have revealed methylation patterns characteristic of SLE—in particular, robust hypomethylation of interferon-regulated genes is a prominent finding in all cells of the immune system studied to date. These patterns reliably distinguish individuals with SLE from healthy controls and from individuals with other autoimmune diseases. For example, hypomethylation within IFI44L is both highly sensitive and highly specific for SLE, superior to currently available biomarkers. Furthermore, methylation status of other genetic loci has been associated with clinically relevant features of SLE including disease severity and organ-specific manifestations. Finally, DNA methylation studies have provided important insights into the pathophysiology of SLE. Most recently, there is a growing body of evidence that the transcription factor enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) plays an important role in triggering SLE disease activity via epigenetic mechanisms, and that EZH2 blockade may be a future treatment option in SLE. In this short review, we discuss the DNA methylation patterns associated with SLE, their relationship to clinically significant features of SLE, and their implications in the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Weeding
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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11
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CD4+CD28+KIR+CD11a hi T cells correlate with disease activity and are characterized by a pro-inflammatory epigenetic and transcriptional profile in lupus patients. J Autoimmun 2017; 86:19-28. [PMID: 29066026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to comprehensively characterize CD4+CD28+ T cells overexpressing CD11a and KIR genes, and examine the relationship between this T cell subset, genetic risk, and disease activity in lupus. METHODS The size of the CD4+CD28+KIR+CD11ahi T cell subset was determined by flow cytometry, and total genetic risk for lupus was calculated in 105 female patients using 43 confirmed genetic susceptibility loci. Primary CD4+CD28+KIR+CD11ahi T cells were isolated from lupus patients or were induced from healthy individuals using 5-azacytidine. Genome-wide DNA methylation was analyzed using an array-based approach, and the transcriptome was assessed by RNA sequencing. Transcripts in the CDR3 region were used to assess the TCR repertoire. Chromatin accessibility was determined using ATAC-seq. RESULTS A total of 31,019 differentially methylated sites were identified in induced KIR+CD11ahi T cells with >99% being hypomethylated. RNA sequencing revealed a clear pro-inflammatory transcriptional profile. TCR repertoire analysis suggests less clonotype diversity in KIR+CD11ahi compared to autologous KIR-CD11alow T cells. Similarly, primary KIR+CD11ahi T cells isolated from lupus patients were hypomethylated and characterized by a pro-inflammatory chromatin structure. We show that the genetic risk for lupus was significantly higher in African-American compared to European-American lupus patients. The demethylated CD4+CD28+KIR+CD11ahi T cell subset size was a better predictor of disease activity in young (age ≤ 40) European-American patients independent of genetic risk. CONCLUSION CD4+CD28+KIR+CD11ahi T cells are demethylated and characterized by pro-inflammatory epigenetic and transcriptional profiles in lupus. Eliminating these cells or blocking their pro-inflammatory characteristics might present a novel therapeutic approach for lupus.
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12
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Oxidative T Cell Modifications in Lupus and Sjogren's Syndrome. LUPUS (LOS ANGELES) 2017; 2:121. [PMID: 28620656 PMCID: PMC5469415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lupus flares are triggered by environmental agents that cause oxidative stress, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. The flares are characterized by oxidative modifications of proteins by 4-hydroxynonenals, malondialdehydes, carbonyls and nitration. These modifications have been proposed to induce and perpetuate lupus flares by "altered self" mechanisms. An epigenetically altered CD4+CD28+ T cell subset, caused at least in part by nitration of T cell signaling molecules, is found in patients with active lupus, and nitrated T cells are sufficient to cause lupus-like autoimmunity in animal models. The relation of protein 4-hydroxynonenals, malondialdehydes, carbonyls and nitration to lupus flares though, is unknown. We tested if the size of the epigenetically altered subset is related to disease activity and one or more of these oxidative modifications in lupus patients. We also tested the relationship between subset size, disease activity and the same oxidative modifications in Sjogren's syndrome, another autoimmune disease also associated with oxidative stress and characterized by anti-nuclear antibodies and the presence of the subset. METHODS Lupus flare severity was quantitated using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, and Sjogren's flare severity using the European Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index. Subset size was determined by flow cytometry. Protein modifications were determined by ELISA. RESULTS Only protein nitration correlated with the size of the subset in lupus and Sjogren's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS These results support a role for protein nitration in subset size and lupus flare severity. Protein nitration may also contribute to autoantibody formation in Sjogren's syndrome.
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13
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Patel D, Gorelik G, Richardson B. Protein Phosphatase 5 Contributes to the Overexpression of Epigenetically Regulated T-Lymphocyte Genes in Patients with Lupus. LUPUS (LOS ANGELES) 2016; 1:120. [PMID: 28239687 PMCID: PMC5323243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lupus develops when genetically predisposed people encounter certain drugs or environmental agents causing oxidative stress such as infections and sun exposure, and then typically follows a chronic relapsing course with flares triggered by the exogenous stressors. Current evidence indicates that these environmental agents can trigger lupus flares by inhibiting the replication of DNA methylation patterns during mitosis in CD4+ T cells, altering the expression of genes suppressed by this mechanism that convert normal "helper" cells into auto reactive cells which promote lupus flares. How environmental stressors inhibit T cell DNA methylation though is incompletely understood. Protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) is a stress induced inhibitor of T cell ERK and JNK signaling in "senescent" CD4+CD28- T cells, also characterized by DNA demethylation and altered expression of genes that promote atherosclerosis. We tested if PP5 is increased in CD4+CD28+ T cells by oxidative stress, if PP5 transfection causes overexpression of methylation sensitive genes in T cells, and if PP5 is overexpressed in lupus T cells. RESULTS PP5 was found to be overexpressed in CD4+CD28+ T cells treated with H2O2 and ONOO- and in T cells from lupus patients. CONCLUSION The results indicate that PP5 increases expression of methylation sensitive T cell genes, and may contribute to the aberrant gene expression in CD4+CD28+ T cells that characterize lupus flares as well as the aberrant gene expression in CD4+CD28- T cells that promote atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Patel
- Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, USA
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI, USA
| | - G Gorelik
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI, USA
| | - B Richardson
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI, USA
- Department of Medicine, Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor MI, USA
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Michel JJ, Griffin P, Vallejo AN. Functionally Diverse NK-Like T Cells Are Effectors and Predictors of Successful Aging. Front Immunol 2016; 7:530. [PMID: 27933066 PMCID: PMC5121286 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The fundamental challenge of aging and long-term survivorship is maintenance of functional independence and compression of morbidity despite a life history of disease. Inasmuch as immunity is a determinant of individual health and fitness, unraveling novel mechanisms of immune homeostasis in late life is of paramount interest. Comparative studies of young and old persons have documented age-related atrophy of the thymus, the contraction of diversity of the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, and the intrinsic inefficiency of classical TCR signaling in aged T cells. However, the elderly have highly heterogeneous health phenotypes. Studies of defined populations of persons aged 75 and older have led to the recognition of successful aging, a distinct physiologic construct characterized by high physical and cognitive functioning without measurable disability. Significantly, successful agers have a unique T cell repertoire; namely, the dominance of highly oligoclonal αβT cells expressing a diverse array of receptors normally expressed by NK cells. Despite their properties of cell senescence, these unusual NK-like T cells are functionally active effectors that do not require engagement of their clonotypic TCR. Thus, NK-like T cells represent a beneficial remodeling of the immune repertoire with advancing age, consistent with the concept of immune plasticity. Significantly, certain subsets are predictors of physical/cognitive performance among older adults. Further understanding of the roles of these NK-like T cells to host defense, and how they integrate with other physiologic domains of function are new frontiers for investigation in Aging Biology. Such pursuits will require a research paradigm shift from the usual young-versus-old comparison to the analysis of defined elderly populations. These endeavors may also pave way to age-appropriate, group-targeted immune interventions for the growing elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Michel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patricia Griffin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Abbe N Vallejo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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15
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Long H, Yin H, Wang L, Gershwin ME, Lu Q. The critical role of epigenetics in systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmunity. J Autoimmun 2016; 74:118-138. [PMID: 27396525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
One of the major disappointments in human autoimmunity has been the relative failure on genome-wide association studies to provide "smoking genetic guns" that would explain the critical role of genetic susceptibility to loss of tolerance. It is well known that autoimmunity refers to the abnormal state that the dysregulated immune system attacks the healthy cells and tissues due to the loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigens. Its clinical outcomes are generally characterized by the presence of autoreactive immune cells and (or) the development of autoantibodies, leading to various types of autoimmune disorders. The etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases are highly complex. Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as nutrition, infection, and chemicals are implicated in the pathogenic process of autoimmunity, however, how much and by what mechanisms each of these factors contribute to the development of autoimmunity remain unclear. Epigenetics, which refers to potentially heritable changes in gene expression and function that do not involve alterations of the DNA sequence, has provided us with a brand new key to answer these questions. In the recent decades, increasing evidence have demonstrated the roles of epigenetic dysregulation, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA, in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which have shed light on a new era for autoimmunity research. Notably, DNA hypomethylation and reactivation of the inactive X chromosome are two epigenetic hallmarks of SLE. We will herein discuss briefly how genetic studies fail to completely elucidate the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and present a comprehensive review on landmark epigenetic findings in autoimmune diseases, taking SLE as an extensively studied example. The epigenetics of other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatic arthritis, systemic sclerosis and primary biliary cirrhosis will also be summarized. Importantly we emphasize that the stochastic processes that lead to DNA modification may be the lynch pins that drive the initial break in tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Long
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China
| | - Heng Yin
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China.
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