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Corano Scheri K, Liang X, Dalal V, Le Poole IC, Varga J, Hayashida T. SARA suppresses myofibroblast precursor transdifferentiation in fibrogenesis in a mouse model of scleroderma. JCI Insight 2022; 7:160977. [PMID: 36136606 PMCID: PMC9675568 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that Smad anchor for receptor activation (SARA) plays a critical role in maintaining epithelial cell phenotype. Here, we show that SARA suppressed myofibroblast precursor transdifferentiation in a mouse model of scleroderma. Mice overexpressing SARA specifically in PDGFR-β+ pericytes and pan-leukocytes (SARATg) developed significantly less skin fibrosis in response to bleomycin injection compared with wild-type littermates (SARAWT). Single-cell RNA-Seq analysis of skin PDGFR-β+ cells implicated pericyte subsets assuming myofibroblast characteristics under fibrotic stimuli, and SARA overexpression blocked the transition. In addition, a cluster that expresses molecules associated with Th2 cells and macrophage activation was enriched in SARAWT mice, but not in SARATg mice, after bleomycin treatment. Th2-specific Il-31 expression was increased in skin of the bleomycin-treated SARAWT mice and patients with scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis, SSc). Receptor-ligand analyses indicated that lymphocytes mediated pericyte transdifferentiation in SARAWT mice, while with SARA overexpression the myofibroblast activity of pericytes was suppressed. Together, these data suggest a potentially novel crosstalk between myofibroblast precursors and immune cells in the pathogenesis of SSc, in which SARA plays a critical role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Corano Scheri
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Pediatric Nephrology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Vidhi Dalal
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Pediatric Nephrology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - I. Caroline Le Poole
- Departments of Dermatology and Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tomoko Hayashida
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Pediatric Nephrology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Impact of Human Cytomegalovirus and Human Herpesvirus 6 Infection on the Expression of Factors Associated with Cell Fibrosis and Apoptosis: Clues for Implication in Systemic Sclerosis Development. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176397. [PMID: 32899126 PMCID: PMC7504027 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disorder characterized by vasculopathy and multi-organ fibrosis; its etiology and pathogenesis are still largely unknown. Herpesvirus infections, particularly by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), have been suggested among triggers of the disease based on virological and immunological observations. However, the direct impact of HCMV and/or HHV-6 infection on cell fibrosis and apoptosis at the cell microenvironment level has not yet been clarified. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of HCMV and HHV-6 infection on the induction of pro-fibrosis or pro-apoptosis conditions in primary human dermal fibroblasts, one of the relevant SSc target cells. The analysis, performed by microarray in in vitro HCMV- or HHV-6-infected vs. uninfected cells, using specific panels for the detection of the main cellular factors associated with fibrosis or apoptosis, showed that both viruses significantly modified the expression of at least 30 pro-fibrotic and 20 pro-apoptotic factors. Notably, several recognized pro-fibrotic factors were highly induced, and most of them were reported to be involved in vivo in the multifactorial and multistep pathogenic process of SSc, thus suggesting a potential role of both HCMV and HHV-6.
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Worrell JC, O'Reilly S. Bi-directional communication: Conversations between fibroblasts and immune cells in systemic sclerosis. J Autoimmun 2020; 113:102526. [PMID: 32713676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune idiopathic connective tissue disease, characterized by aberrant fibro-proliferative and inflammatory responses, causing fibrosis of multiple organs. In recent years the interactions between innate and adaptive immune cells with resident fibroblasts have been uncovered. Cross-talk between immune and stromal cells mediates activation of stromal cells to myofibroblasts; key cells in the pathophysiology of fibrosis. These cells and their cytokines appear to mediate their effects in both a paracrine and autocrine fashion. This review examines the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in SSc, focusing on recent advances that have illuminated our understanding of ongoing bi-directional communication between immune and stromal cells. Finally, we appraise current and future therapies and how these may be useful in a disease that currently has no specific disease modifying treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Worrell
- Insititute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Durham University, Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Durham, UK. steven.o'
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Mao YM, Zhao CN, Leng J, Leng RX, Ye DQ, Zheng SG, Pan HF. Interleukin-13: A promising therapeutic target for autoimmune disease. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2018; 45:9-23. [PMID: 30581068 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-13 (IL-13) was previously thought to be a redundant presence of IL-4, but in recent years its role in immunity, inflammation, fibrosis, and allergic diseases has become increasingly prominent. IL-13 can regulate several subtypes of T helper (Th) cells and affect their transformation, including Th1, Th2, T17, etc., thus it may play an important role in immune system. Previous studies have revealed that IL-13 is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc), ulcerative colitis (UC), type 1 diabetes (T1D), sjogren's syndrome (SS), etc. In this review, we will briefly discuss the biological features of IL-13 and summarize recent advances in the role of IL-13 in the development and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This information may provide new perspectives and suggestions for the selection of therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Mei Mao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Chan-Na Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Jing Leng
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, 15 Yonghong Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui-Xue Leng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Dong-Qing Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Division of Rheumatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
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Early-Life Antibiotic Exposure Causes Intestinal Dysbiosis and Exacerbates Skin and Lung Pathology in Experimental Systemic Sclerosis. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 137:2316-2325. [PMID: 28757138 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) display altered intestinal microbiota. However, the influence of intestinal dysbiosis on the development of experimental SSc remains unknown. Topoisomerase I peptide-loaded dendritic cell immunization induces SSc-like disease, with progressive skin and lung fibrosis. Breeders were given streptomycin and pups continued to receive antibiotic (ATB) until endpoint (lifelongATB). Alternately, ATB was withdrawn (earlyATB) or initiated (adultATB) during adulthood. Topoisomerase I peptide-loaded dendritic cell (no ATB) immunization induced pronounced skin fibrosis, with increased matrix (Col1a1), profibrotic (Il13, Tweakr), and vascular function (Serpine1) gene expression. Remarkably, earlyATB exposure was sufficient to augment skin Col5a1 and Il13 expression, and inflammatory cell infiltration, which included IL-13+ cells, mononuclear phagocytes, and mast cells. Moreover, skin pathology exacerbation was also observed in lifelongATB and adultATB groups. Oral streptomycin administration induced intestinal dysbiosis, with exposure limited to early life (earlyATB) being sufficient to cause long-term modification of the microbiota and a shift toward increased Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio. Finally, aggravated lung fibrosis and dysregulated pulmonary T-cell responses were observed in earlyATB and lifelongATB but not adultATB-exposed mice. Collectively, intestinal microbiota manipulation with streptomycin exacerbated pathology in two distinct sites, skin and lungs, with early life being a critical window to affect the course of SSc-like disease.
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Sargent JL, Li Z, Aliprantis AO, Greenblatt M, Lemaire R, Wu MH, Wei J, Taroni J, Harris A, Long KB, Burgwin C, Artlett CM, Blankenhorn EP, Lafyatis R, Varga J, Clark SH, Whitfield ML. Identification of Optimal Mouse Models of Systemic Sclerosis by Interspecies Comparative Genomics. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 68:2003-15. [PMID: 26945694 DOI: 10.1002/art.39658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is confounded by considerable disease heterogeneity. Animal models of SSc that recapitulate distinct subsets of disease at the molecular level have not been delineated. We applied interspecies comparative analysis of genomic data from multiple mouse models of SSc and patients with SSc to determine which animal models best reflect the SSc intrinsic molecular subsets. METHODS Gene expression measured in skin from mice with sclerodermatous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), bleomycin-induced fibrosis, Tsk1/+ or Tsk2/+ mice was mapped to human orthologs and compared to SSc skin biopsy-derived gene expression. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) activation was assessed using a responsive signature in mice, and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12A (TNFRSF12A) expression was measured in SSc patient and mouse skin. RESULTS Gene expression in skin from mice with sclerodermatous GVHD and bleomycin-induced fibrosis corresponded to that in SSc patients in the inflammatory molecular subset. In contrast, Tsk2/+ mice showed gene expression corresponding to the fibroproliferative SSc subset. Enrichment of a TGFβ-responsive signature was observed in both Tsk2/+ mice and mice with bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis. Expression of TNFRSF12A (the TWEAK receptor/fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14) was elevated in skin from patients with fibroproliferative SSc and the skin of Tsk2/+ mice. CONCLUSION This study reveals similarities in cutaneous gene expression between distinct mouse models of SSc and specific molecular subsets of the disease. Different pathways underlie the intrinsic subsets including TGFβ, interleukin-13 (IL-13), and IL-4. We identify a novel target, Tnfrsf12a, with elevated expression in skin from patients with fibroproliferative SSc and Tsk2/+ mice. These findings will inform mechanistic and translational preclinical studies in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhenghui Li
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | | | | | | | - Ming-Hua Wu
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jun Wei
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jaclyn Taroni
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Adam Harris
- University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington
| | - Kristen B Long
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chelsea Burgwin
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Carol M Artlett
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - John Varga
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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Abstract
Hypertrophic scar (HTS) is a common outcome of deep dermal wound healing mainly followed mechanical, chemical, and thermal injuries in the skin. Because of the lack of the most effective prevention and treatment, it is particularly important to establish an ideal dermal animal model for improving the understanding of the pathogenesis and exploring therapeutic approaches of HTS. Compared to other dermal fibrotic animal models in rabbits, red Duroc pigs, guinea pigs, rats, and mice, the approach that uses normal human split-thickness skin grafted onto nude or other immunodeficient mice which develop scars that resemble human HTS offers the advantages of lower cost, easier manipulation, and shorter research period. In this chapter, we will introduce the detailed procedures to create the ideal dermal fibrotic mouse model.
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Kato A, Yutani M, Terao M, Kimura A, Itoi S, Murota H, Miyoshi E, Katayama I. Oligosaccharide modification byN-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-V in macrophages are involved in pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced scleroderma. Exp Dermatol 2015; 24:585-90. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arisa Kato
- Department of Dermatology; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Mizuki Yutani
- Department of Dermatology; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Mika Terao
- Department of Dermatology; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Akihiro Kimura
- Department of Dermatology; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Saori Itoi
- Department of Dermatology; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Murota
- Department of Dermatology; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Eiji Miyoshi
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Ichiro Katayama
- Department of Dermatology; Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
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10
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Gaspar K, Kukova G, Bunemann E, Buhren BA, Sonkoly E, Szollosi AG, Muller A, Savinko T, Lauerma AI, Alenius H, Kemeny L, Dieu-Nosjean MC, Stander S, Fischer JW, Ruzicka T, Zlotnik A, Szegedi A, Homey B. The chemokine receptor CCR3 participates in tissue remodeling during atopic skin inflammation. J Dermatol Sci 2013; 71:12-21. [PMID: 23702389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies provided insights into the recruitment and activation pathways of leukocytes in atopic dermatitis, however, the underlying mechanisms of tissue remodeling in atopic skin inflammation remain elusive. OBJECTIVE To identify chemokine-mediated communication pathways regulating tissue remodeling during atopic skin inflammation. METHODS Analysis of the chemokine receptor repertoire of human dermal fibroblasts using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analyses of chemokine expression in atopic vs. non-atopic skin inflammation. Investigation of the function of chemokine receptor CCR3 on human dermal fibroblasts through determining intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, cell proliferation, migration, and repair capacity. RESULTS Analyses on human dermal fibroblasts showed abundant expression of the chemokine receptor CCR3 in vitro and in vivo. Among its corresponding ligands (CCL5, CCL8, CCL11, CCL24 and CCL26) CCL26 demonstrated a significant and specific up-regulation in atopic when compared to psoriatic skin inflammation. In vivo, epidermal keratinocytes showed most abundant CCL26 protein expression in lesional atopic skin. In structural cells of the skin, TH2-cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 were dominant inducers of CCL26 expression. In dermal fibroblasts, CCL26 induced CCR3 signaling resulting in intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, as well as enhanced fibroblast migration and repair capacity, but no proliferation. CONCLUSION Taken together, findings of the present study suggest that chemokine-driven communication pathways from the epidermis to the dermis may modulate tissue remodeling in atopic skin inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztian Gaspar
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Duesseldorf, Germany
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11
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Usategui A, Criado G, Izquierdo E, Del Rey MJ, Carreira PE, Ortiz P, Leonard WJ, Pablos JL. A profibrotic role for thymic stromal lymphopoietin in systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2013; 72:2018-23. [PMID: 23413283 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-202279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE [corrected] Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterised by progressive fibrosis. Although SSc shares pathogenetic features with other autoimmune diseases, the participation of profibrotic Th2 cytokines is unique to SSc, but the mechanisms of Th2 skewing are unknown. We have analysed the expression and function of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a central regulator of Th2-mediated allergic inflammation, in human SSc, primary lung fibrosis and in a mouse model of scleroderma. METHODS TSLP expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry in human SSc skin, primary lung fibrosis and mouse bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis, and by quantitative RT-PCR in mouse skin and cultured fibroblasts. The regulation of TSLP expression by specific toll-like receptors (TLR)-2, -3 and -4 agonists was analysed in human dermal fibroblast cultures. The role of TSLP in skin fibrosis and local cytokine expression was analysed in TSLP receptor (TSLPR)-deficient mice. RESULTS TSLP was overexpressed by epithelial cells, mast cells and fibroblasts in human SSc skin and lung fibrosis, and in the bleomycin model of scleroderma. In cultured human and mouse skin fibroblasts, TSLP expression was inducible by activation of TLR, particularly TLR3. In TSLPR-deficient mice, bleomycin-induced fibrosis was significantly reduced in parallel with significantly reduced local expression of IL-13. CONCLUSIONS These data provide the first evidence of TSLP overexpression in SSc and other non-allergic fibrotic conditions, and demonstrate a profibrotic role that is potentially meditated by specific changes in the local cytokine milieu. Thus, modulating TSLP may have antifibrotic therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Usategui
- Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), , Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
The fundamental mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) remain elusive, despite over 50 years of investigation. Here, we review recent progress in the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of SSc. In particular, we consider interleukin-13 (IL13), and its upstream and downstream pathways, as an example of an immune system-derived mediator involved in fibrotic and vascular pathology. Emerging results linking pattern-recognition receptors and interferon pathways to SSc are also stressed. We discuss genetic data linking the immune system to SSc risk and efforts to apply animal models to subsets of patients recently resolved by gene expression profiling. These developments will help build a context for better understanding of previous observations and design of the next generation of studies that may eventually lead to effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B. Greenblatt
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antonios O. Aliprantis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Lee CG, Herzog EL, Ahangari F, Zhou Y, Gulati M, Lee CM, Peng X, Feghali-Bostwick C, Jimenez SA, Varga J, Elias JA. Chitinase 1 is a biomarker for and therapeutic target in scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease that augments TGF-β1 signaling. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:2635-44. [PMID: 22826322 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) with pulmonary fibrosis is an important manifestation in systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) where it portends a poor prognosis. However, biomarkers that predict the development and or severity of SSc-ILD have not been validated, and the pathogenetic mechanisms that engender this pulmonary response are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate in two different patient cohorts that the levels of chitotriosidase (Chit1) bioactivity and protein are significantly increased in the circulation and lungs of SSc patients compared with demographically matched controls. We also demonstrate that, compared with patients without lung involvement, patients with ILD show high levels of circulating Chit1 activity that correlate with disease severity. Murine modeling shows that in comparison with wild-type mice, bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis was significantly reduced in Chit1⁻/⁻ mice and significantly enhanced in lungs from Chit1 overexpressing transgenic animals. In vitro studies also demonstrated that Chit1 interacts with TGF-β1 to augment fibroblast TGF-β receptors 1 and 2 expression and TGF-β-induced Smad and MAPK/ERK activation. These studies indicate that Chit1 is potential biomarker for ILD in SSc and a therapeutic target in SSc-associated lung fibrosis and demonstrate that Chit1 augments TGF-β1 effects by increasing receptor expression and canonical and noncanonical TGF-β1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Geun Lee
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
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14
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Liu Y, Munker S, Müllenbach R, Weng HL. IL-13 Signaling in Liver Fibrogenesis. Front Immunol 2012; 3:116. [PMID: 22593760 PMCID: PMC3349963 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the final common pathway of chronic liver diseases irrespective of etiology. However, etiology deeply impacts progression and characteristics of liver fibrogenesis. IL-13 is the dominant pro-fibrotic cytokine in Schistosomiasis associated liver fibrogenesis. In vitro, IL-13 directly induces expression of fibrosis-associated genes, e.g., collagens or connective tissue growth factor, in hepatic stellate cells. Recently, potential effects of IL-13 in non-Schistosomiasis associated liver fibrosis have been uncovered. This review summarizes the potential roles of IL-13 in chronic liver disease of different etiologies, and the downstream events mediating IL-13 signaling in liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Molecular Hepatology - Alcohol Associated Diseases, II. Medical Clinic Faculty of Medicine at Mannheim, University of Heidelberg Mannheim, Germany
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15
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16
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Homer RJ, Elias JA, Lee CG, Herzog E. Modern concepts on the role of inflammation in pulmonary fibrosis. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2011; 135:780-8. [PMID: 21631273 DOI: 10.5858/2010-0296-ra.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a uniformly lethal disease with limited biomarkers and no proven therapeutic intervention short of lung transplantation. Pulmonary fibrosis at one time was thought to be a result of inflammation in the lung. Although some forms of pulmonary fibrosis may result from inflammation, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is currently thought to result from cell death primarily and inflammation secondarily. OBJECTIVE To determine the role of inflammation in pulmonary fibrosis in light of our laboratory's published and unpublished research and published literature. DATA SOURCES Review based on our laboratory's published and unpublished experimental data with relevant background and clinical context provided. CONCLUSIONS Although cell death is central to pulmonary fibrosis, the proper cytokine environment leading to macrophage polarization is also critical. Evaluation of this environment is promising both for the development of disease biomarkers and for targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Homer
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8070, USA.
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17
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Abu El-Asrar AM, Missotten L, Geboes K. Expression of myofibroblast activation molecules in proliferative vitreoretinopathy epiretinal membranes. Acta Ophthalmol 2011; 89:e115-21. [PMID: 20528783 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2010.01916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fibrotic disorders are associated with activation of fibroblasts into extracellular matrix-secreting myofibroblasts expressing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Myofibroblasts are the predominant cellular component of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) epiretinal membranes. We investigated the expression of molecules involved in myofibroblast activation, migration and proliferation in PVR epiretinal membranes. METHODS Fifteen membranes were studied by immunohistochemical techniques using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies directed against snail, fibroblast activation protein (FAP), CD44, hydrogen peroxide-inducible clone-5 (Hic-5), galectin-3, interleukin-13 receptor α2 (IL-13Rα2) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). RESULTS Myofibroblasts expressing α-SMA were present in all membranes. Myofibroblasts expressed nuclear immunoreactivity for Snail and Hic-5, cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for FAP, IL-13Rα2 and RAGE and membranous immunoreactivity for CD44. There was no immunoreactivity for galectin-3. The number of cells expressing α-SMA correlated significantly with the number of cells expressing Snail (r = 0.56; p = 0.03), Hic-5 (r = 0.526; p = 0.044), IL-13Rα2 (r = 0.773; p = 0.001) and RAGE (r = 0.734; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Snail, FAP, CD44, Hic-5, IL13Rα2 and RAGE may be involved in proliferative events occurring in PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abu El-Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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18
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[Cytokines and T cell differentiation in systemic sclerosis]. Rev Med Interne 2010; 32:472-85. [PMID: 20850209 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2010.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2010] [Revised: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The physiopathology of systemic sclerosis remains unclear within a complex interaction between vasculopathy, perivascular inflammatory infiltrate, extensive tissue fibrosis and auto-immune manifestations. Chronology between vascular disease and adjacent inflammatory cell infiltration is still not yet clarified. There is growing evidence that T cell activation and its cytokine expression play a key role in vascular impairment occurrence and collagen dysregulation. Nevertheless, cytokine descriptions are mainly limited to blood and tissue measurement and the T cells differentiation analysis restricted to the Th1/Th2 balance. The purpose of this review is to establish an exhaustive cartography of cytokines involved in T cell differentiation, regarding the recent advance in T lymphocyte differentiation, including Th9, Th17, Th22 and regulatory T cells (Treg) pathways. This review will focus on Th17, Th22 and Treg differentiation, corresponding to the equilibrium between inflammation and tolerance. Finally, regarding published results in systemic sclerosis, T cells participation appears to be more a Th1/Th2 co-expression than an exclusive Th1 or Th2 polarization. Also, a possible Th22/Treg imbalance is suggested, leading to a Th22 overexpression and likely to tissue inflammation genesis.
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BMP-7 does not protect against bleomycin-induced lung or skin fibrosis. PLoS One 2008; 3:e4039. [PMID: 19112509 PMCID: PMC2603595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2008] [Accepted: 11/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-7 is a member of the BMP family which are structurally and functionally related, and part of the TGFβ super family of growth factors. BMP-7 has been reported to inhibit renal fibrosis and TGFβ1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in part through negative interactions with TGFβ1 induced Smad 2/3 activation. We utilized in vivo bleomycin-induced fibrosis models in the skin and lung to determine the potential therapeutic effect of BMP-7. We then determined the effect of BMP-7 on TGFβ1-induced EMT in lung epithelial cells and collagen production by human lung fibroblasts. We show that BMP-7 did not affect bleomycin-induced fibrosis in either the lung or skin in vivo; had no effect on expression of pro-fibrotic genes by human lung fibroblasts, either at rest or following exposure to TGFβ1; and did not modulate TGFβ1 -induced EMT in human lung epithelial cells. Taken together our data indicates that BMP-7 has no anti-fibrotic effect in lung or skin fibrosis either in vivo or in vitro. This suggests that the therapeutic options for BMP-7 may be confined to the renal compartment.
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Smith-Bouvier DL, Divekar AA, Sasidhar M, Du S, Tiwari-Woodruff SK, King JK, Arnold AP, Singh RR, Voskuhl RR. A role for sex chromosome complement in the female bias in autoimmune disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 205:1099-108. [PMID: 18443225 PMCID: PMC2373842 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20070850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Most autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men. This may be caused by differences in sex hormones, sex chromosomes, or both. In this study, we determined if there was a contribution of sex chromosomes to sex differences in susceptibility to two immunologically distinct disease models, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and pristane-induced lupus. Transgenic SJL mice were created to permit a comparison between XX and XY within a common gonadal type. Mice of the XX sex chromosome complement, as compared with XY, demonstrated greater susceptibility to both EAE and lupus. This is the first evidence that the XX sex chromosome complement, as compared with XY, confers greater susceptibility to autoimmune disease.
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O'Toole M, Legault H, Ramsey R, Wynn TA, Kasaian MT. A novel and sensitive ELISA reveals that the soluble form of IL-13R-alpha2 is not expressed in plasma of healthy or asthmatic subjects. Clin Exp Allergy 2008; 38:594-601. [PMID: 18307523 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02921.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND IL-13 plays a key regulatory role in asthmatic responses and immunity to parasitic infection. In vivo, IL-13R-alpha2 is a critical modulator of IL-13 bioactivity. When inducibly expressed on the surface of fibroblasts and other cell types under inflammatory conditions, IL-13R-alpha2 contributes to resolution of IL-13 responses. A soluble form of IL-13R-alpha2 (sIL-13R-alpha2) can be detected in murine circulation, and functions as a regulator of IL-13 bioactivity. In humans, sIL-13R-alpha2 has been more difficult to detect. Recently, novel assay systems have been described to quantitate sIL-13R-alpha2 in human circulation, and revealed unexpectedly high levels of sIL-13R-alpha2 in healthy subjects. OBJECTIVE To verify sIL-13R-alpha2 quantitation in human plasma samples under stringent conditions of signal verification and false-positive detection. METHODS A standard ELISA protocol was evaluated for specificity using false-positive detection reagents. A more stringent ELISA protocol was developed by optimizing the composition of blocking and dilution buffers. RESULTS Using the stringent assay protocol, endogenous sIL-13R-alpha2 was undetectable in plasma samples from a total of 120 asthmatics and 20 healthy subjects, and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 10 asthmatics and eight healthy subjects undergoing allergen challenge. CONCLUSION These results underscore the necessity to perform rigorous assay controls in the biological matrix to be tested. Because the soluble form could not be demonstrated, our findings question a role for sIL-13R-alpha2 in the regulation of IL-13 bioactivity, and highlight the potentially important contribution of the membrane-bound form of IL-13R-alpha2 in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O'Toole
- Department of Biological Technologies, Wyeth Research, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
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Tabata Y, Khurana Hershey GK. IL-13 receptor isoforms: breaking through the complexity. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2007; 7:338-45. [PMID: 17697639 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-007-0051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-13 is an immunoregulatory cytokine secreted predominantly by activated T-helper type 2 (Th2) cells, and it has been identified as crucial in developing allergic inflammatory responses. Its diverse functions are mediated by a complex receptor system including IL-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Ralpha; CD124) and two other cognate cell surface proteins, IL-13Ralpha1 (CD213a1) and IL-13Ralpha2 (CD213a2). IL-13Ralpha1 forms a heterodimer with IL-4Ralpha that is a signaling IL-13 receptor. In contrast, IL-13Ralpha2 has been thought to be a decoy receptor due to its short cytoplasmic tail. IL-13Ralpha2 exists on the cell membrane, intracellularly, and in soluble form. Recent reports revealed that membrane IL-13Ralpha2 may have some signaling capabilities, and soluble IL-13Ralpha2 is a critical endogenous modulator for IL-13 responses. The receptor has more complicated functions than a simple decoy receptor. In this review, we describe the isoforms of IL-13Ralpha2 and discuss newly revealed functions of IL-13Ralpha2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Tabata
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Institute for Personalized and Predictive Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Wollina U, Abdel-Naser MB, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis CC. Receptors of Eccrine, Apocrine, and Holocrine Skin Glands. Dermatol Clin 2007; 25:577-88, ix. [PMID: 17903616 DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2007.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Skin glands are highly active miniorgans of skin that fulfill a diversity of functions. To coordinate metabolic and secretory activity, they express specific receptors. Recent investigations reveal expression of nuclear hormone receptors, neuropeptide receptors, cytokine receptors, and receptors for peptides of the transforming growth factor superfamily. There is evidence of not only central control, but also autocrine mechanisms of skin glands activity. The knowledge of ligand receptor interactions in these specialized skin structures might offer not only a better understanding of their pathology, but also new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Wollina
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Friedrichstrasse 41, 01067 Dresden, Germany.
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Granel B, Chevillard C, Dessein A. Implication de l'interleukine 13 et de son récepteur dans la sclérodermie systémique. Rev Med Interne 2007; 28:613-22. [PMID: 17543424 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2007.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2006] [Accepted: 04/17/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Interleukin 13 is an immunoregulatory cytokine predominantly secreted by activated Th2 cells. It has similar functions with interleukin 4 and they share a common receptor. However, unlike interleukin 4, l'interleukin 13 does not appear to be important in the initial differentiation of CD4 T into Th2-type cells, but rather appears to be necessary in the effector phase of inflammation and fibrosis. This cytokine has been involved in recent works in allergic inflammation and in some fibrotic diseases leading to a scientific interest to analysis the role of interleukin 13 in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). MAIN POINTS Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular alteration and skin and visceral fibrosis. A genetic background associated with susceptibility is supposed. Knowing the profibrogenic properties of interleukin 13, we asked if polymorphisms located in interleukin 13 and interleukin 13 receptor genes could be associated with systemic sclerosis. We observed significant associations between IL13 and IL13RA2 gene polymorphisms and the disease, particularly the cutaneous diffuse form of the disease. PERSPECTIVES AND PROJECTS Results concerning the involvement of interleukin 13 pathway in systemic sclerosis need to be confirmed on another larger population. Functional studies will be done to explain the effect of these associations. We feel that IL13/IL13R pathway is interesting as immunomodulation with the interleukin 13 receptor inhibitor is possible in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Granel
- Inserm, U399, laboratoire d'immunologie et de génétique des maladies parasitaires, faculté de médecine de La Timone, 27, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France.
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Lakos G, Melichian D, Wu M, Varga J. Increased bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis in mice lacking the Th1-specific transcription factor T-bet. Pathobiology 2007; 73:224-37. [PMID: 17314493 DOI: 10.1159/000098208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2006] [Accepted: 09/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, the pathological hallmark of scleroderma and related conditions, is due to sustained activation of tissue fibroblasts. Accumulating evidence implicates cytokine networks in initiating, and propagating or terminating fibroblast activation, and the specific cytokine phenotype dictates evolution of the fibrotic response toward either resolution or scarring. In particular, cytokines that promote fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation functionally define a type 2 (Th2) immune response, whereas interferon-gamma, which suppresses diverse fibroblast activities, defines a type 1 (Th1) immune response. It remains unclear what role the balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines plays in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Here we used bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis as a murine model for human scleroderma in order to study the fibrotic response in mice lacking T-bet, a transcription factor that is essential for initiating Th1 lineage development of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Spleen cells from T-bet null (T-bet(-/-)) mice exhibited a typical Th2 cytokine profile ex vivo, with elevated production of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13, and diminished production of interferon-gamma. Bleomycin-induced early mast cells and eosinophil accumulation, and eosinophil degranulation, in the lesional tissue were greater in T-bet(-/-) mice than in wild-type control mice. At a later time point, T-bet(-/-) mice developed significantly more extensive dermal and especially hypodermal fibrosis. Elevated TGF-beta expression and intracellular Smad activation were prominent in lesional skin. Infiltrating eosinophils appeared to be an important cellular source of TGF-beta. These results demonstrate that in mice lacking T-bet bleomycin induced exaggerated skin fibrosis, suggesting that T-bet has an important physiologic role in regulation of tissue repair by promoting Th1 immune responses that prevent excessive ECM accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Lakos
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611-2909, USA
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Brown JM, Swindle EJ, Kushnir-Sukhov NM, Holian A, Metcalfe DD. Silica-directed mast cell activation is enhanced by scavenger receptors. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2006; 36:43-52. [PMID: 16902192 PMCID: PMC1899302 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2006-0197oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhalation of crystalline silica results in pulmonary fibrosis and silicosis. It has been suggested that mast cells play a role in these conditions. How mast cells would influence pathology is unknown. We thus explored mast cell interactions with silica in vitro and in B6.Cg-kit(W-sh) mast cell-deficient mice. B6.Cg-kit(W-sh) mice did not develop inflammation or significant collagen deposition after instillation of silica, while C57Bl/6 wild-type mice did have these findings. Given this supporting evidence of a role for mast cells in the development of silicosis, we examined the ability of silica to activate mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC), including degranulation (beta-hexosaminidase release); production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory mediators; and the effects of silica on Fc epsilon RI-dependent activation. Silica did not induce mast cell degranulation. However, TNF-alpha, IL-13, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, protease activity, and production of ROS were dose-dependently increased after silica exposure, and production was enhanced after Fc epsilon RI stimulation. This mast cell activation was inhibited by anti-inflammatory compounds. As silica mediates some effects in macrophages through scavenger receptors (SRs), we first determined that mast cells express scavenger receptors; then explored the involvement of SR-A and macrophage receptor with colleagenous structure (MARCO). Silica-induced ROS formation, apoptosis, and TNF-alpha production were reduced in BMMC obtained from SR-A, MARCO, and SR-A/MARCO knockout mice. These findings demonstrate that silica directs mast cell production of inflammatory mediators, in part through SRs, providing insight into critical events in the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets in silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared M Brown
- Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1881, USA.
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Granel B, Chevillard C, Allanore Y, Arnaud V, Cabantous S, Marquet S, Weiller PJ, Durand JM, Harlé JR, Grange C, Frances Y, Berbis P, Gaudart J, de Micco P, Kahan A, Dessein A. Evaluation of interleukin 13 polymorphisms in systemic sclerosis. Immunogenetics 2006; 58:693-9. [PMID: 16832637 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-006-0135-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2006] [Accepted: 05/23/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by excessive cutaneous and visceral fibrosis, damage to small blood vessels, and production of autoantibodies. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) has been shown to be involved in abnormal fibrosis in other diseases. Therefore, we have evaluated its possible involvement in SSc. We analyzed four IL13 gene polymorphisms, rs1800925 (IL13-1055), rs20541 (Arg130Gln), rs847, and rs2243204 in 107 unrelated SSc patients (40 patients having diffuse cutaneous form and 67 patients having limited cutaneous form) and in 170 controls. All subjects were Caucasians. In the total patient population and in the diffuse cutaneous subset, we observed an association between two IL13 polymorphisms, IL13 rs1800925 (IL13-1055), and IL13 rs2243204, and disease (p=0.03-0.04). The IL13 rs2243204T allele was more common in SSc patients (p=0.01, OR=2.3 CI 1.21-4.38) and in the diffuse cutaneous form (p=0.01, OR=2.95, CI 1.35-6.49) than in control subjects. Our result supports the suggestion that polymorphisms in IL13 are associated to SSc and skin fibrosis process. However, further studies on larger and independent population and functional analyses are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Granel
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie et de Génétique des Maladies Parasitaires, UMR 399 INSERM, Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine, 13005, Marseille, France.
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Del Galdo F, Artlett CM. T cells and B cells in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis: recent insights and therapeutic opportunities. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2006; 8:123-30. [PMID: 16569371 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-006-0052-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Among the earliest pathologic events in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the infiltration of mononuclear cells into the skin lesion. This inflammatory cell infiltration precedes the development of fibrosis, suggesting an integral role for the presence of these cells in the fibrotic events observed in the lesion. However, immunosuppressive therapies that are effective in other autoimmune disease have not been successful in the treatment of SSc, making the clinical management of this disease very difficult. The aim of this paper is to review the latest findings regarding the activation and the functional polarization of T cells and their role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Furthermore, the potential role of B cells, a hitherto scantily investigated inflammatory cell in SSc, is discussed. Understanding the interplay between T and B cells, and the processes that promote the fibrotic cytokine pattern seen in these patients is of utmost importance for the development of effective therapies to treat the clinical complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Del Galdo
- Division of Rheumatology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Yamamoto T. The bleomycin-induced scleroderma model: what have we learned for scleroderma pathogenesis? Arch Dermatol Res 2006; 297:333-44. [PMID: 16402183 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-005-0635-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2005] [Revised: 12/09/2005] [Accepted: 12/13/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Scleroderma is a fibrotic condition characterized by immunologic abnormalities, vascular injury and increased accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the skin. Although the etiology of scleroderma has not yet been fully elucidated, a growing body of evidence suggests that ECM overproduction by activated fibroblasts results from complex interactions among endothelial cells, lymphocytes, macrophages and fibroblasts, via a number of mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. For a better understanding of the pathophysiology of scleroderma, animal models are important tools. We established a murine model of cutaneous sclerosis by local treatment of bleomycin. This model reproduces several histological as well as biochemical aspects of human scleroderma. However, it must be emphasized that studying animal models cannot answer all the problems of human scleroderma. In this review, we introduce current insights into the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced scleroderma, and discuss its contribution to our understanding of the pathogenesis of, and treatments for, human scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Yamamoto
- Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, 160-0023 Tokyo, Japan.
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