Selected Aspects in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases

Interleukin-27 and Autoimmune Disorders: A Compressive Review of Immunological Functions

Autoimmune disorders (ADs) pose significant health and economic burdens globally, characterized by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues. While the precise mechanisms driving their development remain elusive, a combination of genetic predisposition(s) and environmental triggers is implicated. Interleukin-27 (IL-27), among numerous cytokines involved, has emerged as a key regulator, exhibiting dual roles in immune modulation. This review delves into the molecular structure and signaling mechanisms of IL-27, highlighting its diverse effects on various immune cells. Additionally, it explores the involvement of IL-27 in autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), offering insights into its potential therapeutic implications. Moreover, its involvement in autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes (T1D), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), myasthenia gravis (MG), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is multifaceted, with potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications across these conditions. Further research is essential to fully understand IL-27's mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases.

Imbalance of TH17/TREG cells in Tunisian patients with systemic sclerosis

Fibrosis is a pathological manifestation in which connective tissue replaces normal one. It can affect many tissues from the skin to internal organs such as the lungs. Manifestations of pulmonary involvement can be pulmonary arterial hypertension or pulmonary fibrosis. The latter one is currently the leading cause of death in various autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis. Our study group consists of 50 patients with systemic sclerosis: 24 with limited cutaneous form and 26 with diffuse cutaneous form. This cohort was compared to 50 healthy controls (age and sex matched); our aim is to explore the distribution of TH17 cells (TH17) as well as regulatory T cells (TREG) and study their correlation with the disease's progress. Our results show an increase for IL17A in patients compared to controls and that this increase is correlated with a specific clinical involvement: Pulmonary fibrosis. This correlation suggests a crucial role of IL17A in fibrosis especially in systemic sclerosis. In addition, we have shown that the percentages of TH17 cells are higher in patients; however, the percentages of TREG cells are similar between patients and controls. A study of TREG cell activity showed that TREG lost suppressive activity by inactivating the FOXP3 transcription factor. This proves that despite their presence, TREG does not adequately carry out their regulatory activity. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between TH17/TREG and clinical damage; the results show a positive correlation with pulmonary involvement proving the role of TH17/TREG balance in induced fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. No significative difference was observed, for all the parameters, between the two different forms of the disease. In conclusion, the results associated with the TH17/TREG scale and their correlations with fibrosis in systemic sclerosis open a way for new tools to manage this autoimmune disease, which up to today has neither treatment nor accurate diagnosis.

Extracellular vesicles as tools and targets in therapy for diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized, membranous structures secreted into the extracellular space. They exhibit diverse sizes, contents, and surface markers and are ubiquitously released from cells under normal and pathological conditions. Human serum is a rich source of these EVs, though their isolation from serum proteins and non-EV lipid particles poses challenges. These vesicles transport various cellular components such as proteins, mRNAs, miRNAs, DNA, and lipids across distances, influencing numerous physiological and pathological events, including those within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Their pivotal roles in cellular communication make EVs promising candidates for therapeutic agents, drug delivery systems, and disease biomarkers. Especially in cancer diagnostics, EV detection can pave the way for early identification and offers potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Moreover, various EV subtypes are emerging as targeted drug delivery tools, highlighting their potential clinical significance. The need for non-invasive biomarkers to monitor biological processes for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes remains unfulfilled. Tapping into the unique composition of EVs could unlock advanced diagnostic and therapeutic avenues in the future. In this review, we discuss in detail the roles of EVs across various conditions, including cancers (encompassing head and neck, lung, gastric, breast, and hepatocellular carcinoma), neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, viral infections, autoimmune and renal diseases, emphasizing the potential advancements in molecular diagnostics and drug delivery.

The pathogenic, therapeutic and diagnostic role of exosomal microRNA in the autoimmune diseases

Exosomes are a nano-vesicle surrounded by a bilipid layer that can release from almost all cells and could be detected in tissues and biological liquids. These vesicles contain lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids (including DNA, mRNA, and miRNA) inside and on the exosomes' surface constitute their content. Exosomes can transfer their cargo into the recipient cell, which can modify recipient cells' biological activities. Recently it has been deciphering that the miRNA pattern of exosomes reveals the cellular pathophysiological situation and modifies various biological processes. Increasing data regarding exosomes highlights that the exosomes and their cargo, especially miRNAs, are implicated in the pathophysiology of various disorders, such as autoimmune disease. The current evidence on the deciphering of mechanisms in which exosomal miRNAs contributed to autoimmunity was indicated that exosomal miRNA might hold information that can reprogram the function of many of the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases' pathogenesis. In the present study, we summarized the pathogenic role of exosomal miRNAs in several autoimmune diseases, including myasthenia gravis (MG), psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren's Syndrome (SS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), vitiligo, and autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). Moreover, in this work, we present evidence of the potential role of exosomal miRNAs as therapeutic and diagnostic agents in autoimmune diseases.

Association between FAS gene -670 A/G and -1377 G/A polymorphisms and the risk of autoimmune diseases: a meta-analysis

Objectives: FAS plays a critical role in the extrinsic apoptosis pathway in autoimmune diseases. Previous studies investigating the association between FAS gene −670 A/G and −1377 G/A polymorphisms and the risk of autoimmune diseases reported controversial results. We performed the meta-analysis to evaluate the possible association. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching the PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang databases up to December 2018. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the association. Results: A total of 43 articles including 67 studies (52 studies for FAS −670 A/G and 15 studies for −1377 G/A) were included in the meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that the FAS −670 A/G polymorphism was associated with the risk of autoimmune diseases (GG vs. GA: OR = 1.079, 95% CI = 1.004–1.160, P=0.038), especially in Caucasians (GG vs. GA: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.03–1.23, P=0.012), Asians (G vs. A: OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83–0.96, P=0.002), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (G vs. A: OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.77–0.94, P=0.001), multiple sclerosis (MS) (GG+GA vs. AA: OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.70–0.99, P=0.043), systemic sclerosis (SSc) (GG vs. GA: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.07–1.36, P=0.003) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) (G vs. A: OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.10–1.90, P=0.008); the FAS −1377 G/A polymorphism was associated with the risk of autoimmune diseases (A vs. G: OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03–1.20, P=0.008), especially in Asians (A vs. G: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.05–1.25, P=0.002) and high quality studies (A vs. G: OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.05–1.24, P=0.002). Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that the FAS –670A/G and –1377 G/A polymorphisms were associated with the risk of autoimmune diseases.

Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Autoimmune Pathogenesis

Autoimmune diseases are conditions that emerge from abnormal immune responses to natural parts of the body. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous structures found in almost all types of cells. Because EVs often transport “cargo” between cells, their ability to crosstalk may be an important communication pathway within the body. The pathophysiological role of EVs is increasingly recognized in autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, and autoimmune thyroid disease. EVs are considered as biomarkers of these diseases. This article outlines existing knowledge on the biogenesis of EVs, their role as messegers in cellular communication and the function in T/B cell differentiation and maturation, and focusing on their potential application in autoimmune diseases.

Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation alleviates experimental Sjögren's syndrome through IFN-β/IL-27 signaling axis

Rationale: Although mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has been proved to be an effective therapeutic approach to treat experimental Sjögren's syndrome (SS), the detailed underlying mechanisms remains unknown. IL-27 has diverse influences on the regulation of T cell differentiation and was involved in SS through modulating immune response. Here we aimed to explore whether IL-27-mediated regulation of immune cells was responsible for the beneficial effects of MSC transplantation on SS.

Methods: The SS-like symptoms were evaluated in IL-27 deficient and recombinant IL-27-treated NOD mice. The MSCs were infused into NOD mice via the tail vein. The histological features of submandibular glands, saliva flow rate and serum IL-27 were examined. The effects of MSCs on the IL-27 production and Th17/Treg cell in SS patients and mice in vitro and in vivo were determined for the mechanistic study.

Results: This study showed that SS patients had decreased IL-27 level and increased ratio of Th17/Treg cells. Consistently, exacerbated SS-like symptoms were observed in IL-27 deficient NOD mice, along with increased ratio of Th17/Treg cells. Importantly, MSC transplantation alleviated SS-like symptoms by elevating the level of IL-27 to restore Th17/Treg balance in NOD mice. Mechanistically, MSC-secreted interferon-β (IFN-β) promote dendritic cells to produce IL-27.

Conclusions: Thus, we have revealed a previously unrecognized function of MSC-mediated IL-27 production by DCs in suppressing SS-like syndrome, which provided evidences for clinical application of MSC in patients with SS.

Relationships between Cytokine Levels and Disease Parameters during the Development of a Collagen-induced Arthritis Model in Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

In rheumatoid arthritis research, NHP models of collagen-induced arthritis are important because these species share many immunologic and pathologic features with humans. In addition, serum levels of various cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been studied as immune markers for disease prediction, early diagnosis, and effective therapeutic management. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in cytokine levels that occur during the development of collagen-induced arthritis in female cynomolgus macaques (n = 8) and to assess the relationships between these changes and various disease parameters. Blood samples were collected weekly before (week 0) and after (weeks 1 through 7) immunization with type II collagen; clinicopathologic and cytokine data from those samples and other clinical parameters were used in correlation analysis. Serum levels of IFN γ, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and IL6 showed significant changes after generation of collagen-induced arthritis. IFNγ levels showed a strong negative correlation with body weight (an indicator of general body condition), and CCL2 and IL6 showed moderate negative correlation with body weight. Serum IL6 levels showed moderate positive correlation with the soft tissue swelling score and strong positive correlation with serum C-reactive protein levels in our NHP model of collagen-induced arthritis. In addition, serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 3 increased significantly after inoculation with type II collagen and showed a moderate positive correlation with serum levels of C-reactive protein, IL6, and IL15. These results suggest close correlations between various cytokines and disease parameters in NHP models of rheumatoid arthritis. These cytokines therefore potentially could be used as markers for monitoring the efficacy of novel treatments in NHP models of rheumatoid arthritis.

What's New in the Pathophysiology of Alopecia Areata? The Possible Contribution of Skin and Gut Microbiome in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia - Big Opportunities, Big Challenges, and Novel Perspectives

The term “microbiome” defines the collective genome of all commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microbes living in the human body. The composition of microbiota in the gut and skin is influenced by many factors such as the stage of life, nutrition, lifestyle, and gender. In the past few years, several scientific papers have demonstrated an implication of microbiota in many immune-mediated diseases, for example, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis. The alterations in the proportion of gut microbiota have emerged as potential immunomodulators with the capacity to induce physiologic as well as pathologic immune responses against the human body, causing inflammation and destruction of tissues or organs. The microbiota influences the differentiation of adaptive immune cells not only in the gut but also in the skin. Alopecia areata (AA) is a dermatologic disorder which causes hair loss in most cases resistant to treatment. There are some clinical and experimental evidences indicating that AA is the demonstration of autoimmune attack against hair follicles. The factors that may implicate such an autoimmunity in AA still remain unknown. Despite more and more evidences demonstrate that human microbiome plays a key role in human health and diseases, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted to analyze an implication of microbiome in the pathogenesis of AA. Undoubtedly, there is a need to performing a study which might explain the involvement of gut and skin microbiota in the unclear pathogenesis of AA and lead to alternative treatment options for numerous patients suffering from current treatment limitations.

Constitutive Changes in Circulating Follicular Helper T Cells and Their Subsets in Patients with Graves' Disease

Background

Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are critical for high-affinity antibody generation and B cell maturation and differentiation, which play important roles in autoimmune diseases. Graves' disease (GD) is one prototype of common organ-specific autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) characterized by autoreactive antibodies, suggesting a possible role for Tfh cells in the pathogenesis of GD. Our objective was to explore the role of circulating Tfh cell subsets and associated plasma cells (PCs) in patients with GD.

Methods

Thirty-six patients with GD and 20 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. The frequencies of circulating Tfh cell subsets and PCs were determined by flow cytometry, and plasma cytokines, including interleukin- (IL-) 21, IL-4, IL-17A, and interferon- (IFN-) γ, were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of transcription factors (Bcl-6, T-bet, GATA-3, and RORγt) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR. Results. Compared with HC, the frequencies of circulating CD4⁺CXCR5⁺CD45RA⁻Tfh (cTfh) cells with ICOS and PD-1 expression, the Tfh2 subset (CXCR3⁻CCR6⁻Tfh) cells, and PCs (CD19⁺CD27^highCD38^high) were significantly increased in the GD patients, but the frequencies of Tfh1 (CXCR3⁺CCR6⁻Tfh) and Tfh17 (CXCR3⁻CCR6⁺Tfh) subset cells among CD4⁺T cells were significantly decreased in GD patients. The plasma concentrations of IL-21, IL-4, and IL-17A were elevated in GD patients. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the frequency of PD-1⁺Tfh cells (Tfh2 or PCs) and plasma IL-21 concentration (or serum TPO-Ab levels). The mRNA levels of transcription factors (GATA-3 and RORγt) were significantly increased, but T-bet and Bcl-6 mRNA expression was not obviously varied in PBMCs from GD patients. Interestingly, Tfh cell subsets and PCs from GD patients were partly normalized by treatment.

Conclusion

Circulating Tfh cell subsets and PCs might play an important role in the pathogenesis of GD, which are potential clues for GD patients' interventions.

A DNA-Methylated Sight on Autoimmune Inflammation Network across RA, pSS, and SLE

Methylation variabilities of inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). With heightened focus on personalized and precise medicine, it is necessary to compare and contrast the difference and similarity of cytokine methylation status between the 3 most classic autoimmune diseases (AIDs). In this study, we integrated 5 Cytokine-Chips from genome-wide DNA methylation datasets of the 3 kind of AIDs, delta-beta value was calculated for intergroup difference, and comprehensive bioinformatics analyses of cytokine genes with aberrant methylations were performed. 125 shared differential methylation variabilities (DMVs) were identified. There were 102 shared DMVs with similar methylation status; 3 hypomethylated differential methylation regions (DMRs) across the AIDs were found, and all 3 DMRs were hypomethylated. DMRs (AZU1, LTBR, and RTEL1) were likely to serve as activator in the inflammatory process. Particularly, AZU1 and LTBR with hypomethylated TSS and first exon located in the promoter regions were able to trigger inflammation signaling cascades and play critical roles in autoimmune tautology. Moreover, functional epigenetic module (FEM) algorithm showed that different inflammatory networks are involved in different AIDs; 5 hotspots were identified as biologically plausible pathways in inducing or perpetuating of inflammation which are epigenetically deregulated in AIDs. We concluded methylation variabilities among the same cytokines can greatly impact the perpetuation of inflammatory process or signal pathway of AIDs. Differentiating the cytokine methylation status will serve as valuable resource for researchers alike to gain better understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms of the three AIDs. Even more importantly, better understanding of cytokine methylation variability existing between the three classic AIDs will aid in identification of potential epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-INR-16010290, a clinical trial for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with Warming yang and Smoothening Meridians.

Immune activation by nucleic acids: A role in pregnancy complications

Cell-free self-DNA or RNA may induce an immune response by activating specific sensing receptors. During pregnancy, placental nucleic acids present in the maternal circulation further activate these receptors due to the presence of unmethylated CpG islands. A higher concentration of cell-free foetal DNA is associated with pregnancy complications and a higher risk for foetal rejection. Cell-free foetal DNA originates from placental trophoblasts. It appears in different forms: free, bound to histones in nucleosomes, in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and in extracellular vesicles (EVs). In several pregnancy complications, cell-free foetal DNA triggers the production of proinflammatory cytokines, and this production results in a cellular and humoral immune response. This review discusses preeclampsia, systemic lupus erythematosus, foetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and obesity in pregnancy from an immunological point of view and closely examines the different pathways that result in maternal inflammation. Understanding the role of cell-free nucleic acids, as well as the biogenesis of NETs and EVs, will help us to specify their functions or targets, which seem to be important in pregnancy complications. It is still not clear whether higher concentrations of cell-free nucleic acids in the maternal circulation are the cause or consequence of various complications. Therefore, further clinical studies and, even more importantly, animal experiments that focus on the involved immunological pathways are needed.

Intestinal Microbiota Influences Non-intestinal Related Autoimmune Diseases

The human body is colonized by millions of microorganisms named microbiota that interact with our tissues in a cooperative and non-pathogenic manner. These microorganisms are present in the skin, gut, nasal, oral cavities, and genital tract. In fact, it has been described that the microbiota contributes to balancing the immune system to maintain host homeostasis. The gut is a vital organ where microbiota can influence and determine the function of cells of the immune system and contributes to preserve the wellbeing of the individual. Several articles have emphasized the connection between intestinal autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's disease with dysbiosis or an imbalance in the microbiota composition in the gut. However, little is known about the role of the microbiota in autoimmune pathologies affecting other tissues than the intestine. This article focuses on what is known about the role that gut microbiota can play in the pathogenesis of non-intestinal autoimmune diseases, such as Grave's diseases, multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders. Furthermore, we discuss as to how metabolites derived from bacteria could be used as potential therapies for non-intestinal autoimmune diseases.

Effect of induction therapy on circulating T-helper 17 and T-regulatory cells in active proliferative lupus nephritis

INTRODUCTION

T-helper 17 (Th17) cells and T-regulatory (Treg) cells have been suggested to play pathogenic roles in lupus nephritis. The in vivo effects of current therapies for lupus nephritis (LN) on these cells have not been adequately studied.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study among patients with active proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) who received Eurolupus induction therapy and assessed them as per the European League Against Rheumatism criteria for renal response. Peripheral circulatory Th17 and Treg cell numbers were enumerated at start of therapy, at 3 and 6 months follow-up periods using flow cytometry. Baseline values were compared with inactive lupus patients (iSLE) and healthy controls (HC).

RESULTS

Thirty patients with LN, 20 iSLE and 22 HC were enrolled into the study. In LN, Th17 frequency was significantly higher compared to HC, and Treg frequency significantly lower compared to both iSLE and HC. Nineteen patients fulfilled criteria for response (partial or complete) at 6 months. Responder group showed a significant decline in Th17 frequency and an increasing trend in Treg frequency compared to baseline after 6 months of therapy.

CONCLUSION

Circulating Th17 cells were significantly raised in patients with active proliferative LN and showed a significant reduction in responder patients following therapy.

Janus-Faced Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Exosomes for the Good and the Bad in Cancer and Autoimmune Disease

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells originally described to hamper immune responses in chronic infections. Meanwhile, they are known to be a major obstacle in cancer immunotherapy. On the other hand, MDSC can interfere with allogeneic transplant rejection and may dampen autoreactive T cell activity. Whether MDSC-Exosomes (Exo) can cope with the dangerous and potentially therapeutic activities of MDSC is not yet fully explored. After introducing MDSC and Exo, it will be discussed, whether a blockade of MDSC-Exo could foster the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer and mitigate tumor progression supporting activities of MDSC. It also will be outlined, whether application of native or tailored MDSC-Exo might prohibit autoimmune disease progression. These considerations are based on the steadily increasing knowledge on Exo composition, their capacity to distribute throughout the organism combined with selectivity of targeting, and the ease to tailor Exo and includes open questions that answers will facilitate optimizing protocols for a MDSC-Exo blockade in cancer as well as for strengthening their therapeutic efficacy in autoimmune disease.

The role of dietary sodium intake on the modulation of T helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

We aimed at investigating whether the frequency and function of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) are affected by a restriction of dietary sodium intake in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We enrolled RA and SLE patients not receiving drugs known to increase urinary sodium excretion. Patients underwent a dietary regimen starting with a restricted daily sodium intake followed by a normal-sodium daily intake. The timepoints were identified at baseline (T0), after 3 weeks of low-sodium dietary regimen (T3), after 2 weeks of normal-sodium dietary regimen (T5). On these visits, we measured the 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, the frequency and function of Th17 and Treg cells in the peripheral blood, the serum levels of cytokines. Analysis of urinary sodium excretion confirmed adherence to the dietary regimen. In RA patients, a trend toward a reduction in the frequencies of Th17 cells over the low-sodium dietary regimen followed by an increase at T5 was observed, while Treg cells exhibited the opposite trend. SLE patients showed a progressive reduction in the percentage of Th17 cells that reached a significance at T5 compared to T0 (p = 0.01) and an increase in the percentage of Treg cells following the low-sodium dietary regimen at both T1 and T3 compared to T0 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). No significant apoptosis or proliferation modulation was found. In RA patients, we found a reduction at T5 compared to T0 in serum levels of both TGFβ (p = 0.0016) and IL-9 (p = 0.0007); serum IL-9 levels were also reduced in SLE patients at T5 with respect to T0 (p = 0.03). This is the first study investigating the effects of dietary sodium intake on adaptive immunity. Based on the results, we hypothesize that a restricted sodium dietary intake may dampen the inflammatory response in RA and SLE patients.

DEPTOR-mTOR Signaling Is Critical for Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation Homeostasis of Lymphocytes in Human PBMC Culture

Abnormal immune response of the body against substances and tissues causes autoimmune diseases, such as polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Irregular lipid metabolism and inflammation may be a significant cause of autoimmune diseases. Although much progress has been made, mechanisms of initiation and proceeding of metabolic and inflammatory regulation in autoimmune disease have not been well-defined. And novel markers for the detection and therapy of autoimmune disease are urgent. mTOR signaling is a central regulator of extracellular metabolic and inflammatory processes, while DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR) is a natural inhibitor of mTOR. Here, we report that overexpression of DEPTOR reduces mTORC1 activity in lymphocytes of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Combination of DEPTOR overexpression and mTORC2/AKT inhibitors effectively inhibits lipogenesis and inflammation in lymphocytes of PBMC culture. Moreover, DEPTOR knockdown activates mTORC1 and increases lipogenesis and inflammations. Our findings provide a deep insight into the relationship between lipid metabolism and inflammations via DEPTOR-mTOR pathway and imply that DEPTOR-mTOR in lymphocytes of PBMC culture has the potential to be as biomarkers for the detection and therapies of autoimmune diseases.

Association of FAM167A-BLK rs2736340 Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Autoimmune Diseases: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between family with sequence similarity 167A-B lymphoid tyrosine kinase (FAM167A-BLK) rs2736340 polymorphism and autoimmune diseases.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature database (CBM) and Chinese database, Wan Fang database were used in searching eligible studies from January 1, 1966 to October 2, 2015. The odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to estimate the strength of the association.

RESULTS

A total of 25 studies with 30,217 patients and 44,754 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The overall results showed FAM167A-BLK rs2736340 T allele was a risk allele for autoimmune diseases (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.28-1.44, p < 0.001). In the subgroup by ethnicities, the results suggested T allele was an increased risk in North America, Europe, and Asia (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10-1.60, p = 0.004; OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.22-1.31, p < 0.001; and OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.40-1563, p < 0.001, respectively), but not in Africa. Subgroup analysis in different genetic models (recessive, dominant, and additive) revealed significant association between rs2736340 and autoimmune diseases in Asia and North America, but not the recessive model in Europe or Africa, or the additive model in Africa. Stratification analysis by diseases suggested FAM167A-BLK rs2736340 had a positive association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Kawasaki disease, primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), primary antiphosholipid syndrome (APS), and myositis.

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis suggested that FAM167A-BLK rs2736340 polymorphism is associated with several autoimmune diseases.

Diverse roles of the nucleic acid-binding protein KHSRP in cell differentiation and disease

The single-stranded nucleic acid-binding protein KHSRP (KH-type splicing regulatory protein) modulates RNA life and gene expression at various levels. KHSRP controls important cellular functions as different as proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and response to infectious agents. We summarize and discuss experimental evidence providing a potential link between changes in KHSRP expression/function and human diseases including neuromuscular disorders, obesity, type II diabetes, and cancer.

Vaccines and Kawasaki disease

The distinctive immune system characteristics of children with Kawasaki disease (KD) could suggest that they respond in a particular way to all antigenic stimulations, including those due to vaccines. Moreover, treatment of KD is mainly based on immunomodulatory therapy. These factors suggest that vaccines and KD may interact in several ways. These interactions could be of clinical relevance because KD is a disease of younger children who receive most of the vaccines recommended for infectious disease prevention. This paper shows that available evidence does not support an association between KD development and vaccine administration. Moreover, it highlights that administration of routine vaccines is mandatory even in children with KD and all efforts must be made to ensure the highest degree of protection against vaccine-preventable diseases for these patients. However, studies are needed to clarify currently unsolved issues, especially issues related to immunologic interference induced by intravenous immunoglobulin and biological drugs.