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Li C, Wu F, Mao J, Wang Y, Zhu J, Hong K, Xie H, Zhou X, Tian J, Wen C. Mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate lupus nephritis by regulating T and B cell responses. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:216. [PMID: 39020448 PMCID: PMC11256400 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03834-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles (hUCMSC-EVs) have potent immunomodulatory properties similar to parent cells. This study investigated the therapeutic effects and immunomodulatory mechanisms of hUCMSC-EVs in an experimental lupus nephritis model. METHODS The hUCMSC-EVs were isolated by using differential ultracentrifugation. In vivo, the therapeutic effects of hUCMSC-EVs in lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice were investigated, and the mechanisms of treatment were explored according to the abnormal T and B cell responses among both the spleen and kidney. RESULTS MRL/lpr mice treated with hUCMSC-EVs reduced proteinuria extent, serum creatinine and renal pathological damage; decreased splenic index and serum anti-dsDNA IgG level; and improved survival rate. hUCMSC-EVs lowered the percentage of T helper (Th)1 cells, double-negative T (DNT) cells, and plasma cells among splenocytes; inhibited the infiltration of Th17 cells but promoted regulatory T (Treg) cells in the kidney, followed by a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels(IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17 A). In addition, hUCMSC-EVs inhibited the activation of STAT3 and down-regulated IL-17 A protein levels in the kidney. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrated that hUCMSC-EVs had therapeutic effects on experimental lupus nephritis (LN) by regulating Th1/Th17/Treg imbalance and inhibiting DNT and plasma cells. Additionally, hUCMSC-EVs inhibited Th17 cell differentiation in kidney by regulating the IL-6/STAT3/IL-17 signal pathway, which might be an important mechanism for alleviating renal injury. Taken together, we demonstrated that hUCMSC-EVs regulating T and B cell immune responses might represent a novel mechanism of hUCMSCs in treating LN, thus providing a new strategy for treating LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuifang Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Feifeng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jueyi Mao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Kimsor Hong
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Haotian Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jidong Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Chuan Wen
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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Wang T, Song D, Li X, Luo Y, Yang D, Liu X, Kong X, Xing Y, Bi S, Zhang Y, Hu T, Zhang Y, Dai S, Shao Z, Chen D, Hou J, Ballestar E, Cai J, Zheng F, Yang JY. MiR-574-5p activates human TLR8 to promote autoimmune signaling and lupus. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:220. [PMID: 38589923 PMCID: PMC11000404 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Endosomal single-stranded RNA-sensing Toll-like receptor-7/8 (TLR7/8) plays a pivotal role in inflammation and immune responses and autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the initiation of the TLR7/8-mediated autoimmune signaling remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that miR-574-5p is aberrantly upregulated in tissues of lupus prone mice and in the plasma of lupus patients, with its expression levels correlating with the disease activity. miR-574-5p binds to and activates human hTLR8 or its murine ortholog mTlr7 to elicit a series of MyD88-dependent immune and inflammatory responses. These responses include the overproduction of cytokines and interferons, the activation of STAT1 signaling and B lymphocytes, and the production of autoantigens. In a transgenic mouse model, the induction of miR-574-5p overexpression is associated with increased secretion of antinuclear and anti-dsDNA antibodies, increased IgG and C3 deposit in the kidney, elevated expression of inflammatory genes in the spleen. In lupus-prone mice, lentivirus-mediated silencing of miR-574-5p significantly ameliorates major symptoms associated with lupus and lupus nephritis. Collectively, these results suggest that the miR-574-5p-hTLR8/mTlr7 signaling is an important axis of immune and inflammatory responses, contributing significantly to the development of lupus and lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Dan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xuejuan Li
- Wuhu Hospital of East China Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, China
- Kidney Health Institute, Health Science Center, East China Normal University, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116144, China
| | - Yu Luo
- School of Nursing, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Dianqiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116144, China
| | - Xiaodan Kong
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yida Xing
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Shulin Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Tao Hu
- College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yunyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Shuang Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zhiqiang Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Dahan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jinpao Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Wuhu Hospital of East China Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, China
- Kidney Health Institute, Health Science Center, East China Normal University, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, 08916, Spain
| | - Jianchun Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China.
| | - Feng Zheng
- Wuhu Hospital of East China Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, China.
- Kidney Health Institute, Health Science Center, East China Normal University, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China.
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116144, China.
- The Advanced Institute for Molecular Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116144, China.
| | - James Y Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, 361102, China.
- Wuhu Hospital of East China Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, China.
- Kidney Health Institute, Health Science Center, East China Normal University, Minhang, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Xie T, Rui H, Liu H, Liu X, Liu X, Li P. Celastrol ameliorates lupus by promoting apoptosis of autoimmune T cells and preventing autoimmune response in MRL/lpr mice. Lupus Sci Med 2024; 11:e001057. [PMID: 38471722 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Celastrol is a bioactive constituent extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii (thunder god vine). It has been demonstrated to have a therapeutic effect on experimental disease models for chronic inflammatory and immune disorders. In the present study, we investigated whether and how celastrol exerts a regulatory effect on the autoimmune response in MRL/lpr mice. METHODS We performed an in vivo study to determine the therapeutic effects of celastrol in MRL/lpr mice and then further investigated the underlying mechanism of celastrol in the regulation of the autoimmune response in MRL/lpr mice. RESULTS Celastrol showed a therapeutic effect in MRL/lpr mice by preventing the enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes, alleviating renal injury, and reducing the levels of ANA and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. Furthermore, celastrol suppressed the in vivo inflammatory response in MRL/lpr mice by reducing the serum levels of multiple cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon (IFN)-γ, and the production of multiple antibody subsets, including total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b. In vitro, celastrol reduced anti-CD3 antibody stimulation-induced T helper 1 and TNF-producing cells in CD4+ T cells of MRL/lpr mice. In addition, celastrol significantly affected B cell differentiation and prevented the generation of plasma cells from B cells in MRL/lpr mice by reducing the frequency of activated and germinal centre B cells. Celastrol treatment also affected T cell differentiation and significantly reduced central memory T cell frequencies in MRL/lpr mice. Importantly, celastrol treatment specifically promoted apoptosis of CD138+ but not CD138- T cells to suppress autoimmune T cell accumulation in MRL/lpr mice. CONCLUSIONS Celastrol exerted therapeutic effects on lupus by specifically promoting apoptosis of autoimmune T cells and preventing the progression of autoimmune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhong Xie
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Dermatology, Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Hongliang Rui
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huiqiang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Alajoleen RM, Oakland DN, Estaleen R, Shakeri A, Lu R, Appiah M, Sun S, Neumann J, Kawauchi S, Cecere TE, McMillan RP, Reilly CM, Luo XM. Tlr5 deficiency exacerbates lupus-like disease in the MRL/ lpr mouse model. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1359534. [PMID: 38352866 PMCID: PMC10862078 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leaky gut has been linked to autoimmune disorders including lupus. We previously reported upregulation of anti-flagellin antibodies in the blood of lupus patients and lupus-prone mice, which led to our hypothesis that a leaky gut drives lupus through bacterial flagellin-mediated activation of toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). Methods We created MRL/lpr mice with global Tlr5 deletion through CRISPR/Cas9 and investigated lupus-like disease in these mice. Result Contrary to our hypothesis that the deletion of Tlr5 would attenuate lupus, our results showed exacerbation of lupus with Tlr5 deficiency in female MRL/lpr mice. Remarkably higher levels of proteinuria were observed in Tlr5 -/- MRL/lpr mice suggesting aggravated glomerulonephritis. Histopathological analysis confirmed this result, and Tlr5 deletion significantly increased the deposition of IgG and complement C3 in the glomeruli. In addition, Tlr5 deficiency significantly increased renal infiltration of Th17 and activated cDC1 cells. Splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy were also aggravated in Tlr5-/- MRL/lpr mice suggesting impact on lymphoproliferation. In the spleen, significant decreased frequencies of regulatory lymphocytes and increased germinal centers were observed with Tlr5 deletion. Notably, Tlr5 deficiency did not change host metabolism or the existing leaky gut; however, it significantly reshaped the fecal microbiota. Conclusion Global deletion of Tlr5 exacerbates lupus-like disease in MRL/lpr mice. Future studies will elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which Tlr5 deficiency modulates host-microbiota interactions to exacerbate lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan M. Alajoleen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - David N. Oakland
- Graduate Program of Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Rana Estaleen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Aida Shakeri
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Ran Lu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Michael Appiah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Sha Sun
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan Neumann
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shimako Kawauchi
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Thomas E. Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Ryan P. McMillan
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Christopher M. Reilly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Xin M. Luo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Paul K, Hernández-Armengol R, Lee JY, Chang CY, Shibata T, Yamashita M, Jefferies C, Gibb DR. Distinct RBC alloantibody responses in type 1 interferon-dependent and -independent lupus mouse models. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1304086. [PMID: 38288124 PMCID: PMC10822987 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1304086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
During transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs), recipients are exposed to both ABO and non-ABO 'minor' antigens. RBC donor units and recipient RBCs are not routinely matched for non-ABO antigens. Thus, recipients are exposed to many RBC alloantigens that can lead to RBC alloantibody production and subsequent clinically significant hemolysis. RBC alloantibodies also significantly limit the provision of compatible RBC units for recipients. Prior studies indicate that the frequency of RBC alloimmunization is increased during inflammatory responses and in patients with autoimmune diseases. Still, mechanisms contributing to alloimmune responses in patients with autoimmunity are not well understood. More than half of adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) produce type 1 interferons (IFNα/β) and express IFNα/β stimulated genes (ISGs). Previously, we reported that IFNα/β promote RBC alloimmune responses in the pristane mouse model, which develops a lupus-like phenotype that is dependent on IFNα/β signaling. However, it is unclear whether IFNα/β or the lupus-like phenotype induces alloimmunization in lupus models. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that IFNα/β promotes RBC alloimmune responses in lupus by examining alloimmune responses in IFNα/β-independent (MRL-lpr) and IFNα/β-dependent (pristane) lupus models. Whereas pristane treatment significantly induced interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), MRL-lpr mice produced significantly lower levels that were comparable to levels in untreated WT mice. Transfusion of murine RBCs that express the KEL antigen led to anti-KEL IgG production by pristane-treated WT mice. However, MRL-lpr mice produced minimal levels of anti-KEL IgG. Treatment of MRL-lpr mice with recombinant IFNα significantly enhanced alloimmunization. Collectively, results indicate that a lupus-like phenotype in pre-clinical models is not sufficient to induce RBC alloantibody production, and IFNα/β gene signatures may be responsible for RBC alloimmune responses in lupus mouse models. If these findings are extended to alternate pre-clinical models and clinical studies, patients with SLE who express an IFNα/β gene signature may have an increased risk of developing RBC alloantibodies and may benefit from more personalized transfusion protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kausik Paul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rosario Hernández-Armengol
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - June Young Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Che-Yu Chang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tomohiro Shibata
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michifumi Yamashita
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Caroline Jefferies
- Kao Autoimmunity Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David R. Gibb
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Huang T, Pi C, Xu X, Feng Y, Zhang J, Gu H, Fang J. Effect of BAFF blockade on the B cell receptor repertoire and transcriptome in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1307392. [PMID: 38264661 PMCID: PMC10803406 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1307392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease. Anti-B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) therapy effectively depletes B cells and reduces SLE disease activity. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of BAFF blockade on B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire and gene expression. Methods Through next-generation sequencing, we analyzed gene expression and BCR repertoire in MRL/lpr mice that received long-term anti-BAFF therapy. Based on gene expression profiles, we predicted the relative proportion of immune cells using ImmuCellAI-mouse, validating our predictions via flow cytometry and FluoroSpot. Results The loss of BCR repertoire diversity and richness, along with increased clonality and differential frequency distribution of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) segment gene usage, were observed in BAFF-blockade mice. Meanwhile, the distribution of complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) length and CDR3 amino acid usage remained unaffected. BAFF blockade resulted in extensive changes in gene expression, particularly that of genes related to B cells and immunoglobulins. Besides, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α responses and interferon (IFN)-α/γ were downregulated, consistent with the decrease in IFN-γ and TNF-α serum levels following anti-BAFF therapy. In addition, BAFF blockade significantly reduced B cell subpopulations and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and caused the depletion of antibody-secreting cells. Discussion Our comparative BCR repertoire and transcriptome analyses of MRL/lpr mice subjected to BAFF blockade provide innovative insights into the molecular pathophysiology of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyu Pi
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Feng
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingming Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Gu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Fang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Biomedical Research Center, Tongji University Suzhou Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Zhang Y, Maskan Bermudez N, Sa B, Maderal AD, Jimenez JJ. Epigenetic mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e14986. [PMID: 38059632 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune connective tissue disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis (SSc) and dermatomyositis (DM), often manifest with debilitating cutaneous lesions and can result in systemic organ damage that may be life-threatening. Despite recent therapeutic advancements, many patients still experience low rates of sustained remission and significant treatment toxicity. While genetic predisposition plays a role in these connective tissue disorders, the relatively low concordance rates among monozygotic twins (ranging from approximately 4% for SSc to about 11%-50% for SLE) have prompted increased scrutiny of the epigenetic factors contributing to these diseases. In this review, we explore some seminal studies and key findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of how dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms can contribute to the development of SLE, SSc and DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Zhang
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Narges Maskan Bermudez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Brianna Sa
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea D Maderal
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Joaquin J Jimenez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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8
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Sarangi S, Nahak SK, Padhi S, Pradhan B, Nayak N, Pati A, Panda AK. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) intronic variant (rs2430561) is a risk factor for systemic lupus erythematosus: Observation from a meta-analysis. Lupus 2023; 32:284-294. [PMID: 36537753 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221146700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in autoimmune disorders has been well documented. Elevated levels of IFN-γ are observed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are linked with disease severity. Single nucleotide polymorphism in the intronic region of the IFN-γ gene (+874 T>A rs2430561) has been associated with susceptibility to the development of RA and SLE; however, the reports remained contradictories. We conducted a meta-analysis using earlier published articles to reach a valid conclusion on the role of IFN-γ polymorphism (+874 T>A) in autoimmune diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Various online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus were searched to find eligible reports for inclusion in the present analysis. Two independent authors extracted eligible studies and data. The meta-analysis was performed by comprehensive meta-analysis software (CMA) v.3.1. Trial sequential analysis was performed to test whether enough case-control studies have already been conducted worldwide to reach a valid observation. RESULTS Six published reports on the role of IFN-γ +874 T>A in SLE and four in RA were found after searching various databases. However, out of those six studies in SLE, in one study, the distribution of genotypes was not following the hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In RA, three studies were deviated out of four reports. Thus, a total of five studies comprising 1440 SLE patients and 1748 controls were considered for the present meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed a significant association between IFN-γ +874 T>A variants with susceptibility to SLE (homozygous comparison: p = 0.036, OR = 1.592, heterozygous model: p = 0.042, OR = 1.507, dominant model: p = 0.002, OR = 1.309). CONCLUSIONS IFN-γ +874 T>A variant is associated with predisposition to SLE development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suraj K Nahak
- Department of Biotechnology, 74974Berhampur University, Berhampur, India
| | - Sunali Padhi
- Department of Biotechnology, 74974Berhampur University, Berhampur, India
| | | | - Nisha Nayak
- Department of Biotechnology, 74974Berhampur University, Berhampur, India
| | - Abhijit Pati
- Department of Biotechnology, 74974Berhampur University, Berhampur, India
| | - Aditya K Panda
- Department of Biotechnology, 74974Berhampur University, Berhampur, India
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Gauthier T, Chen W. IFN-γ and TGF-β, Crucial Players in Immune Responses: A Tribute to Howard Young. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2022; 42:643-654. [PMID: 36516375 PMCID: PMC9917322 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), both pleiotropic cytokines, have been long studied and described as critical mediators of the immune response, notably in T cells. One of the investigators who made seminal and critical discoveries in the field of IFN-γ biology is Dr. Howard Young. In this review, we provide an overview of the biology of IFN-γ as well as its role in cancer and autoimmunity with an emphasis on Dr. Young's critical work in the field. We also describe how Dr. Young's work influenced our own research studying the role of TGF-β in the modulation of immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Gauthier
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - WanJun Chen
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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10
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Nikolova-Ganeva K, Bradyanova S, Manoylov I, Boneva G, Tchorbanov A. Methyl- rich diet ameliorates lupus-like disease in MRL/lpr mice. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152282. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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11
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical autoimmune disease with a complex pathogenesis and genetic predisposition. With continued understanding of this disease, it was found that SLE is related to the interferon gene signature. Most studies have emphasized the important role of IFN-α in SLE, but our previous study suggested a nonnegligible role of IFN-γ in SLE. Some scholars previously found that IFN-γ is abnormally elevated as early as before the classification of SLE and before the emergence of autoantibodies and IFN-α. Due to the large overlap between IFN-α and IFN-γ, SLE is mostly characterized by expression of the IFN-α gene after onset. Therefore, the role of IFN-γ in SLE may be underestimated. This article mainly reviews the role of IFN-γ in SLE and focuses on the nonnegligible role of IFN-γ in SLE to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the disease.
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12
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Li H, Boulougoura A, Endo Y, Tsokos GC. Abnormalities of T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: new insights in pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies. J Autoimmun 2022; 132:102870. [PMID: 35872102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by loss of immune tolerance and sustained production of autoantibodies. Multiple and profound T cell abnormalities in SLE are intertwined with disease expression. Both numerical and functional disturbances have been reported in main CD4+ T helper cell subsets including Th1, Th2, Th17, regulatory, and follicular helper cells. SLE CD4+ T cells are known to provide help to B cells, produce excessive IL-17 but insufficient IL-2, and infiltrate tissues. In the absence of sufficient amounts of IL-2, regulatory T cells, do not function properly to constrain inflammation. A complicated series of early signaling defects and aberrant activation of kinases and phosphatases result in complex cell phenotypes by altering the metabolic profile and the epigenetic landscape. All main metabolic pathways including glycolysis, glutaminolysis and oxidative phosphorylation are altered in T cells from lupus prone mice and patients with SLE. SLE CD8+ cytotoxic T cells display reduced cytolytic activity which accounts for higher rates of infection and the sustenance of autoimmunity. Further, CD8+ T cells in the context of rheumatic diseases lose the expression of CD8, acquire IL-17+CD4-CD8- double negative T (DNT) cell phenotype and infiltrate tissues. Herein we present an update on these T cell abnormalities along with underlying mechanisms and discuss how these advances can be exploited therapeutically. Novel strategies to correct these aberrations in T cells show promise for SLE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Afroditi Boulougoura
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yushiro Endo
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George C Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Haddadi NS, Mande P, Brodeur TY, Hao K, Ryan GE, Moses S, Subramanian S, Picari X, Afshari K, Marshak-Rothstein A, Richmond JM. Th2 to Th1 Transition Is Required for Induction of Skin Lesions in an Inducible and Recurrent Murine Model of Cutaneous Lupus-Like Inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883375. [PMID: 35833127 PMCID: PMC9271959 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by a strong IFN signature, normally associated with type I IFNs. However, increasing evidence points to an additional role for IFNγ, or at least a pathogenic T effector subset dependent on IFNγ, for disease progression. Nevertheless, Th2 effector subsets have also been implicated in CLE. We have now assessed the role of specific T cell subsets in the initiation and persistence of skin disease using a T cell-inducible murine model of CLE, dependent on KJ1-26 T cell recognition of an ovalbumin fusion protein. We found that only Th2-skewed cells, and not Th1-skewed cells, induced the development of skin lesions. However, we provide strong evidence that the Th2 disease-initiating cells convert to a more Th1-like functional phenotype in vivo by the time the skin lesions are apparent. This phenotype is maintained and potentiates over time, as T cells isolated from the skin, following a second induction of self-antigen, expressed more IFN-γ than T cells isolated at the time of the initial response. Transcriptional analysis identified additional changes in the KJ1-26 T cells at four weeks post injection, with higher expression levels of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) including CXCL9, IRF5, IFIH1, and MX1. Further, injection of IFN-γ-/- T cells faied to induce skin disease in mice. We concluded that Th2 cells trigger skin lesion formation in CLE, and these cells switch to a Th1-like phenotype in the context of a TLR7-driven immune environment that is stable within the T cell memory compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazgol-Sadat Haddadi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Purvi Mande
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Tia Y. Brodeur
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Kaiyuan Hao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Grace E. Ryan
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie Moses
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Sharon Subramanian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Xhuliana Picari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Khashayar Afshari
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Ann Marshak-Rothstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Jillian M. Richmond, ; Ann Marshak-Rothstein,
| | - Jillian M. Richmond
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Jillian M. Richmond, ; Ann Marshak-Rothstein,
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14
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Li J, Luo M, Li B, Lou Y, Zhu Y, Bai X, Sun B, Lu X, Luo P. Immunomodulatory Activity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Lupus Nephritis: Advances and Applications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:843192. [PMID: 35359961 PMCID: PMC8960601 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a significant cause of various acute and chronic renal diseases, which can eventually lead to end-stage renal disease. The pathogenic mechanisms of LN are characterized by abnormal activation of the immune responses, increased cytokine production, and dysregulation of inflammatory signaling pathways. LN treatment is an important issue in the prevention and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the advantages of immunomodulation, anti-inflammation, and anti-proliferation. These unique properties make MSCs a strong candidate for cell therapy of autoimmune diseases. MSCs can suppress the proliferation of innate and adaptive immune cells, such as natural killer cells (NKs), dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, and B cells. Furthermore, MSCs suppress the functions of various immune cells, such as the cytotoxicity of T cells and NKs, maturation and antibody secretion of B cells, maturation and antigen presentation of DCs, and inhibition of cytokine secretion, such as interleukins (ILs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interferons (IFNs) by a variety of immune cells. MSCs can exert immunomodulatory effects in LN through these immune functions to suppress autoimmunity, improve renal pathology, and restore kidney function in lupus mice and LN patients. Herein, we review the role of immune cells and cytokines in the pathogenesis of LN and the mechanisms involved, as well as the progress of research on the immunomodulatory role of MSCs in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicui Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Manyu Luo
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Lou
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuexin Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Baichao Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuehong Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ping Luo
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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15
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Yiu G, Rasmussen TK, Tsai BL, Diep VK, Haddon DJ, Tsoi J, Miller GD, Comin-Anduix B, Deleuran B, Crooks GM, Utz PJ. High Interferon Signature Leads to Increased STAT1/3/5 Phosphorylation in PBMCs From SLE Patients by Single Cell Mass Cytometry. Front Immunol 2022; 13:833636. [PMID: 35185925 PMCID: PMC8851522 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.833636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of an “interferon (IFN) signature” to subset SLE patients on disease severity has led to therapeutics targeting IFNα. Here, we investigate IFN signaling in SLE using multiplexed protein arrays and single cell cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF). First, the IFN signature for SLE patients (n=81) from the Stanford Lupus Registry is determined using fluidigm qPCR measuring 44 previously determined IFN-inducible transcripts. IFN-high (IFN-H) patients have increased SLE criteria and renal/CNS/immunologic involvement, and increased autoantibody reactivity against spliceosome-associated antigens. CyTOF analysis is performed on non-stimulated and stimulated (IFNα, IFNγ, IL-21) PBMCs from SLE patients (n=25) and HCs (n=9) in a panel identifying changes in phosphorylation of intracellular signaling proteins (pTOF). Another panel is utilized to detect changes in intracellular cytokine (ICTOF) production in non-stimulated and stimulated (PMA/ionomycin) PBMCs from SLE patients (n=31) and HCs (n=17). Bioinformatic analysis by MetaCyto and OMIQ reveal phenotypic changes in immune cell subsets between IFN-H and IFN-low (IFN-L) patients. Most notably, IFN-H patients exhibit increased STAT1/3/5 phosphorylation downstream of cytokine stimulation and increased phosphorylation of non-canonical STAT proteins. These results suggest that IFN signaling in SLE modulates STAT phosphorylation, potentially uncovering possible targets for future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Yiu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tue Kruse Rasmussen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Brandon L Tsai
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Vivian K Diep
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - David J Haddon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer Tsoi
- Department of Surgery David Geffen School of Medicine, Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Gopika D Miller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Begoña Comin-Anduix
- Department of Surgery David Geffen School of Medicine, Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Bent Deleuran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Eli and Edythe Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Paul J Utz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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16
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Xie T, Liu X, Liu H, Han X, Zhao J, Zhou D, Wang Y, Zhang H, Wang P, Li P. LangChuangHeJi decoction ameliorates lupus via preventing accumulation of CD138+ T cells in MRL/lpr mice. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:12440-12460. [PMID: 34956465 PMCID: PMC8661245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
LangChuangHeJi (LCHJ) decoction has been used as a supplementary therapy to reduce the dose of prednisone and improve the therapeutic effects in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) maintenance. We aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of LCHJ. Spleen and lymph node weight, renal tissue histology, anti-dsDNA and anti-nuclear antibody levels in serum, and urinary protein levels were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effects. We further measured serum levels of multiple cytokines and antibody subsets, and performed flow cytometry analysis to observe effects of LCHJ on the frequency and activation of T cells and T cell subsets, as well as accumulation of plasma cells in splenocytes of MRL/lpr mice. LCHJ exhibited significant therapeutic effects on MRL/lpr mice. LCHJ significantly controlled the in vivo inflammation and dramatically prevented the accumulation of DN T and plasma cells in MRL/lpr mice. Moreover, LCHJ significantly suppressed the accumulation of CD138+ T cells in MRL/lpr mice, which led to the decreased production of the anti-dsDNA antibody in vivo. LCHJ significantly decreased CD4+CD138+ T cells originated from CD4+CD138- T cells, which subsequently prevented the accumulation of CD138+ T cells in MRL/lpr mice. Our results indicated that LCHJ alleviated renal injuries and prevented the enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes by suppressing DN T cell accumulation, and reduced anti-dsDNA antibody secretion by preventing the accumulation of CD138+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhong Xie
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Huiqiang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
| | - Xuyang Han
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Jingxia Zhao
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Hongkai Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
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17
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Stojan G, Li J, Wittmaack A, Petri M. Cachexia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Risk Factors and Relation to Disease Activity and Damage. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2021; 73:1577-1582. [PMID: 32741060 PMCID: PMC7855238 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cachexia is a disorder characterized by involuntary weight loss in addition to loss of homeostatic control of both energy and protein balance. Despite an abundance of data from other inflammatory diseases, cachexia in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains a largely undescribed syndrome. The present study was undertaken to define the prevalence of cachexia in SLE and to identify the main factors that place patients at risk of developing cachexia. METHODS A total of 2,452 patients in a prospective SLE cohort had their weight assessed at each visit. Patients were categorized into 5 predetermined groups based on weight. Cachexia was defined based on modified Fearon criteria (5% stable weight loss in 6 months without starvation relative to the average weight in all prior visits and/or a weight loss of >2% without starvation relative to the average weight in all prior cohort visits and a body mass index [BMI] of <20 kg/m2 ). Risk of cachexia within 5 years of cohort entry was based on Kaplan-Meier estimates. The association of prior disease manifestations with risk of cachexia adjusted by current steroid use was determined using Cox regression. An analysis of variance test was used to determine whether Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) scores varied based on cachexia status. RESULTS Within 5 years of cohort entry, 56% of patients developed cachexia, 18% of which never recovered their weight during follow-up. The risk factors for cachexia development were a BMI of <20 kg/m2 , current steroid use, vasculitis, lupus nephritis, serositis, hematologic lupus manifestations, positive anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-Sm, and anti-RNP. Patients with intermittent cachexia had significantly higher SDI scores compared to those with continuous cachexia or without cachexia. CONCLUSION Cachexia is an underrecognized syndrome in patients with SLE. SLE patients with intermittent cachexia have the highest risk of future organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Stojan
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessica Li
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Amaya Wittmaack
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Michelle Petri
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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18
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Targeting interferon-γ in hyperinflammation: opportunities and challenges. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:678-691. [PMID: 34611329 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00694-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-γ (IFNγ) is a pleiotropic cytokine with multiple effects on the inflammatory response and on innate and adaptive immunity. Overproduction of IFNγ underlies several, potentially fatal, hyperinflammatory or immune-mediated diseases. Several data from animal models and/or from translational research in patients point to a role of IFNγ in hyperinflammatory diseases, such as primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, various forms of secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, including macrophage activation syndrome, and cytokine release syndrome, all of which are often managed by rheumatologists or in consultation with rheumatologists. Given the effects of IFNγ on B cells and T follicular helper cells, a role for IFNγ in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis is emerging. To improve our understanding of the role of IFNγ in human disease, IFNγ-related biomarkers that are relevant for the management of hyperinflammatory diseases are progressively being identified and studied, especially because circulating levels of IFNγ do not always reflect its overproduction in tissue. These biomarkers include STAT1 (specifically the phosphorylated form), neopterin and the chemokine CXCL9. IFNγ-neutralizing agents have shown efficacy in the treatment of primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in clinical trials and initial promising results have been obtained in various forms of secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, including macrophage activation syndrome. In clinical practice, there is a growing body of evidence supporting the usefulness of circulating CXCL9 levels as a biomarker reflecting IFNγ production.
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Sumantri S, Hatta M, Natzir R, Rasyid H, Rengganis I, Massi MN, Islam AA, Lawrence G, Patellongi I, Benyamin AF. Metformin improves FOXP3 mRNA expression through suppression of interferon gamma levels in pristane-induced murine models of lupus. F1000Res 2021; 9:342. [PMID: 34386197 PMCID: PMC8327221 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.23471.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A recent study has indicated the potential of metformin therapy for lupus in animal models, but there has been no study evaluating the effect on pristane-induced lupus. This study aims to evaluate the effect of intraperitoneal versus oral metformin on interferon (IFN)-γ levels and FOXP3 mRNA expression on pristane-induced female BALB/c mice. Methods: In total, 31 female BALB/c mice, aged 6 weeks, were intraperitoneally induced with 0.5 ml of pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane). After 120 days, the mice were grouped and treated with various treatments: normal saline 100 MCL, oral metformin 100mg/kg-BW, or intraperitoneal metformin 100mg/kg-BW. After 60 days of treatment, all treatment groups were sacrificed, and kidney specimens prepared and stained using hematoxylin and eosin. Results: IFNγ levels of saline controls vs. oral metformin group was 309.39 vs. 292.83 pg/mL (mean difference 16.56 pg/mL; 95% CI 0.74-32.37; p=0.042), and saline control vs. intraperitoneal metformin group was 309.39 vs. 266.90 pg/mL (mean difference 42.49 pg/mL; 95% CI 29.24-55.73 pg/mL; p<0.001). FOXP3 mRNA expression changes in saline controls vs. oral metformin group was 6.90 vs. 7.79-fold change (mean difference -0.89-fold change; 95% CI -1.68-(-0.11); p=0.03) and in saline controls vs. intraperitoneal metformin group was 6.90 vs. 9.02-fold change (mean difference -2.12-fold change; 95% CI -2.99-(-1.25); p=<0.001). Correlation analysis of FOXP3 mRNA expression and IFNγ level changes revealed a Pearson correlation of -0.785 (p=0.001) and R2 value of 0.616 (p=0.001). Conclusion: Metformin is a potential new therapy to reduce the levels of IFNγ and increase FOXP3 mRNA expression in mice models of systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevent Sumantri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Banten, 15811, Indonesia
| | - Mochammad Hatta
- Department of Microbiology, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Rosdiana Natzir
- Department of Biochemistry, Universitas Hasnuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Haerani Rasyid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Iris Rengganis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Nasrum Massi
- Department of Microbiology, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Andi Asadul Islam
- Department of Surgery, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Gatot Lawrence
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Ilhamjaya Patellongi
- Department of Physiology, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
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20
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Katsuyama T, Li H, Krishfield SM, Kyttaris VC, Moulton VR. Splicing factor SRSF1 limits IFN-γ production via RhoH and ameliorates experimental nephritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:420-429. [PMID: 32810232 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE CD4 T helper 1 (Th1) cells producing IFN-γ contribute to inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of SLE and lupus nephritis. Moreover, elevated serum type II IFN levels precede the appearance of type I IFNs and autoantibodies in patient years before clinical diagnosis. However, the molecules and mechanisms that control this inflammatory response in SLE remain unclear. Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) is decreased in T cells from SLE patients, and restrains T cell hyperactivity and systemic autoimmunity. Our objective here was to evaluate the role of SRSF1 in IFN-γ production, Th1 differentiation and experimental nephritis. METHODS T cell-conditional Srsf1-knockout mice were used to study nephrotoxic serum-induced nephritis and evaluate IFN-γ production and Th1 differentiation by flow cytometry. RNA sequencing was used to assess transcriptomics profiles. RhoH was silenced by siRNA transfections in human T cells by electroporation. RhoH and SRSF1 protein levels were assessed by immunoblots. RESULTS Deletion of Srsf1 in T cells led to increased Th1 differentiation and exacerbated nephrotoxic serum nephritis. The expression levels of RhoH are decreased in Srsf1-deficient T cells, and silencing RhoH in human T cells leads to increased production of IFN-γ. Furthermore, RhoH expression was decreased and directly correlated with SRSF1 in T cells from SLE patients. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers a previously unrecognized role of SRSF1 in restraining IFN-γ production and Th1 differentiation through the control of RhoH. Reduced expression of SRSF1 may contribute to pathogenesis of autoimmune-related nephritis through these molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Katsuyama
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne M Krishfield
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vasileios C Kyttaris
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vaishali R Moulton
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Kim CS, Mathew AP, Vasukutty A, Uthaman S, Joo SY, Bae EH, Ma SK, Park IK, Kim SW. Glycol chitosan-based tacrolimus-loaded nanomicelle therapy ameliorates lupus nephritis. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:109. [PMID: 33865397 PMCID: PMC8052756 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00857-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, we developed hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan (HGC) nanomicelles loaded with tacrolimus (TAC) (HGC-TAC) for the targeted renal delivery of TAC. Herein, we determined whether the administration of the HGC-TAC nanomicelles decreases kidney injury in a model of lupus nephritis. Lupus-prone female MRL/lpr mice were randomly assigned into three groups that received intravenous administration of either vehicle control, an equivalent dose of TAC, or HGC-TAC (0.5 mg/kg TAC) weekly for 8 weeks. Age-matched MRL/MpJ mice without Faslpr mutation were also treated with HGC vehicle and used as healthy controls. Results Weekly intravenous treatment with HGC-TAC significantly reduced genetically attributable lupus activity in lupus nephritis-positive mice. In addition, HGC-TAC treatment mitigated renal dysfunction, proteinuria, and histological injury, including glomerular proliferative lesions and tubulointerstitial infiltration. Furthermore, HGC-TAC treatment reduced renal inflammation and inflammatory gene expression and ameliorated increased apoptosis and glomerular fibrosis. Moreover, HGC-TAC administration regulated renal injury via the TGF-β1/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. These renoprotective effects of HGC-TAC treatment were more potent in lupus mice compared to those of TAC treatment alone. Conclusion Our study indicates that weekly treatment with the HGC-TAC nanomicelles reduces kidney injury resulting from lupus nephritis by preventing inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. This advantage of a new therapeutic modality using kidney-targeted HGC-TAC nanocarriers may improve drug adherence and provide treatment efficacy in lupus nephritis mice. ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-00857-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Seong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, 160, Baekseo-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61496, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ansuja Pulickal Mathew
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, BioMedical Sciences Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Hwasun, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Arathy Vasukutty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, BioMedical Sciences Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Hwasun, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Saji Uthaman
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Yeon Joo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, 160, Baekseo-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61496, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hui Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, 160, Baekseo-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61496, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Kwon Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, 160, Baekseo-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61496, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Kyu Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, BioMedical Sciences Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Hwasun, 58128, Republic of Korea.
| | - Soo Wan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, 160, Baekseo-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61496, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Datta SK. Harnessing Tolerogenic Histone Peptide Epitopes From Nucleosomes for Selective Down-Regulation of Pathogenic Autoimmune Response in Lupus (Past, Present, and Future). Front Immunol 2021; 12:629807. [PMID: 33936042 PMCID: PMC8080879 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.629807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoantigen-directed tolerance can be induced by certain nucleosomal histone peptide epitope/s in nanomolar dosage leading to sustained remission of disease in mice with spontaneous SLE. By contrast, lupus is accelerated by administration of intact (whole) histones, or whole nucleosomes in microparticles from apoptotic cells, or by post-translationally acetylated histone-peptides. Low-dose therapy with the histone-peptide epitopes simultaneously induces TGFβ and inhibits IL-6 production by DC in vivo, especially pDC, which then induce CD4+CD25+ Treg and CD8+ Treg cells that suppress pathogenic autoimmune response. Both types of induced Treg cells are FoxP3+ and act by producing TGFβ at close cell-to-cell range. No anaphylactic adverse reactions, or generalized immunosuppression have been detected in mice injected with the peptides, because the epitopes are derived from evolutionarily conserved histones in the chromatin; and the peptides are expressed in the thymus during ontogeny, and their native sequences have not been altered. The peptide-induced Treg cells can block severe lupus on adoptive transfer reducing inflammatory cell reaction and infiltration in the kidney. In Humans, similar potent Treg cells are generated by the histone peptide epitopes in vitro in lupus patients’ PBMC, inhibiting anti-dsDNA autoantibody and interferon production. Furthermore, the same types of Treg cells are generated in lupus patients who are in very long-term remission (2-8 years) after undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These Treg cells are not found in lupus patients treated conventionally into clinical remission (SLEDAI of 0); and consequently they still harbor pathogenic autoimmune cells, causing subclinical damage. Although antigen-specific therapy with pinpoint accuracy is suitable for straight-forward organ-specific autoimmune diseases, Systemic Lupus is much more complex. The histone peptide epitopes have unique tolerogenic properties for inhibiting Innate immune cells (DC), T cells and B cell populations that are both antigen-specifically and cross-reactively involved in the pathogenic autoimmune response in lupus. The histone peptide tolerance is a natural and non-toxic therapy suitable for treating early lupus, and also maintaining lupus patients after toxic drug therapy. The experimental steps, challenges and possible solutions for successful therapy with these peptide epitopes are discussed in this highly focused review on Systemic Lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syamal K Datta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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23
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Freeborn RA, Rockwell CE. The role of Nrf2 in autoimmunity and infectious disease: Therapeutic possibilities. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 91:61-110. [PMID: 34099113 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Nrf2 is a cytoprotective transcription factor which is involved in ameliorating oxidative stress and toxic insults. Recently, an immunomodulatory role for Nrf2 has gained appreciation as it has been shown to protect cells and hosts alike in a variety of immune and inflammatory disorders. However, Nrf2 utilizes numerous distinct pathways to elicit its immunomodulatory effects. In this review, we summarize the literature discussing the roles of Nrf2 in autoimmunity and infectious diseases with a goal of understanding the potential to therapeutically target Nrf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Freeborn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Cheryl E Rockwell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.
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24
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Sharma J, Collins TD, Roach T, Mishra S, Lam BK, Mohamed ZS, Veal AE, Polk TB, Jones A, Cornaby C, Haider MI, Zeumer-Spataro L, Johnson HM, Morel LM, Larkin J. Suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 mimetic peptides attenuate lymphocyte activation in the MRL/lpr mouse autoimmune model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6354. [PMID: 33737712 PMCID: PMC7973732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are driven largely by a pathogenic cytokine milieu produced by aberrantly activated lymphocytes. Many cytokines, including interferon gamma (IFN-γ), utilize the JAK/STAT pathway for signal propagation. Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-1 (SOCS1) is an inducible, intracellular protein that regulates IFN-γ signaling by dampening JAK/STAT signaling. Using Fas deficient, MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/J (MRL/lpr) mice, which develop lupus-like disease spontaneously, we tested the hypothesis that a peptide mimic of the SOCS1 kinase inhibitory region (SOCS1-KIR) would inhibit lymphocyte activation and modulate lupus-associated pathologies. Consistent with in vitro studies, SOCS1-KIR intraperitoneal administration reduced the frequency, activation, and cytokine production of memory CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes within the peripheral blood, spleen, and lymph nodes. In addition, SOCS1-KIR administration reduced lymphadenopathy, severity of skin lesions, autoantibody production, and modestly reduced kidney pathology. On a cellular level, peritoneal SOCS1-KIR administration enhanced Foxp3 expression in total splenic and follicular regulatory T cells, reduced the effector memory/naïve T lymphocyte ratio for both CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and reduced the frequency of GL7+ germinal center enriched B cells. Together, these data show that SOCS1-KIR treatment reduced auto-reactive lymphocyte effector functions and suggest that therapeutic targeting of the SOCS1 pathway through peptide administration may have efficacy in mitigating autoimmune pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatin Sharma
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Teresa D Collins
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Tracoyia Roach
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Shiwangi Mishra
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Brandon K Lam
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Zaynab Sidi Mohamed
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Antia E Veal
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Timothy B Polk
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Amari Jones
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Caleb Cornaby
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Mohammed I Haider
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Leilani Zeumer-Spataro
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Howard M Johnson
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Laurence M Morel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Joseph Larkin
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road Building 981, PO Box 110700, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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25
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Gupta S, Kaplan MJ. Bite of the wolf: innate immune responses propagate autoimmunity in lupus. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:144918. [PMID: 33529160 PMCID: PMC7843222 DOI: 10.1172/jci144918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a clinically heterogeneous multisystemic syndrome that derives its name from the initial characterization of facial lesions that resemble the bite of a wolf, is considered a complex, multifactorial interplay between underlying genetic susceptibility factors and the environment. Prominent pathogenic factors include the induction of aberrant cell death pathways coupled with defective cell death clearance mechanisms that promote excessive externalization of modified cellular and nuclear debris with subsequent loss of tolerance to a wide variety of autoantigens and innate and adaptive immune dysregulation. While abnormalities in adaptive immunity are well recognized and are key to the pathogenesis of SLE, recent findings have emphasized fundamental roles of the innate immune system in the initiation and propagation of autoimmunity and the development of organ damage in this disease. This Review focuses on recent discoveries regarding the role of components of the innate immune system, specifically neutrophils and interferons, in promoting various aspects of lupus pathogenesis, with potential implications for novel therapeutic strategies.
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26
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Thomason JL, Obih UM, Koelle DM, Lood C, Hughes AG. An interferon-gamma release assay as a novel biomarker in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 59:3479-3487. [PMID: 32375180 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) IFN-γ release assay (TB-IGRA) assesses peripheral blood cell release of IFN-γ upon ex vivo exposure to mitogen (IGRA-MT), TB antigen or a negative/nil control (IGRA-NL); IGRA-NL is a measure of spontaneous IFN-γ release (SIR). Here, we investigate the diagnostic associations of elevated SIR and the potential use of IGRA-NL as a novel biomarker in SLE. METHODS We analysed diagnostic code frequencies among 11 823 individuals undergoing TB-IGRA testing between 2010 and 2015 in a large urban US health-care system. To study the relationship between IGRA-NL and SLE, we identified 99 individuals with SLE and TB-IGRA test results then assessed correlations between IGRA-NL, normalized IGRA-NL (the quotient of IGRA-NL/IGRA-MT), disease manifestations and disease activity. RESULTS We identified a discovery cohort of 108 individuals with elevated SIR (>5 S.d. above median) that was significantly enriched for a limited set of diagnoses, including SLE, TB infection, haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and HIV infection. In SLE patients undergoing TB-IGRA testing, normalized IGRA-NL correlated better with disease activity than did anti-dsDNA or complement levels. This relationship appeared to reflect interactions between normalized IGRA-NL and the presence of acute skin disease, hypocomplementemia, fever and thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION Elevated SIR appears to be associated with a limited number of disease processes, including SLE. The diagnostic utility of SIR remains to be determined. IFN-γ activation, as measured by the TB-IGRA test, may offer a readily available tool for assessing disease activity in patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Thomason
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington
| | - Uchechukwu M Obih
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington.,Department of Rheumatology, Swedish Medical Center
| | - David M Koelle
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington.,Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.,Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christian Lood
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington
| | - And Grant Hughes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington
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27
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Intermittent Fasting Aggravates Lupus Nephritis through Increasing Survival and Autophagy of Antibody Secreting Cells in MRL/lpr Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228477. [PMID: 33187196 PMCID: PMC7696283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the main contributors to organ damage are antibodies against autoantigens, such as double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Calorie restriction and intermittent fasting (IF) have been shown to improve autoimmune disease symptoms in patients and animal models. Here, we tested the hypothesis that IF might improve symptoms in MRL/lpr mice, which spontaneously develop an SLE-like disease. Groups of mice were fed every other day (IF) or provided food ad libitum (controls), and various lupus-associated clinicopathological parameters were analyzed for up to 28 weeks. Contrary to expectations, anti-dsDNA antibody levels, immune complex deposition in the kidney, and glomerular injury were higher in the IF group than the control group, although there were no differences in spleen and lymph node weights between groups. Proteinuria was also worsened in the IF group. IF also increased the abundance of B cells, plasmablasts, and plasma cells and elevated autophagy in plasma cells in the spleen and lymph nodes. Secretion of anti-dsDNA antibody by splenocytes in vitro was reduced by chloroquine-induced inhibition of autophagy. These results suggest that IF exacerbates lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice by increasing autoantibody immune complex formation.
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28
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Elyasi A, Voloshyna I, Ahmed S, Kasselman LJ, Behbodikhah J, De Leon J, Reiss AB. The role of interferon-γ in cardiovascular disease: an update. Inflamm Res 2020; 69:975-988. [PMID: 32699989 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-020-01382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, globally, and its prevalence is only expected to rise due to the increasing incidence of co-morbidities such as obesity and diabetes. Medical treatment of CVD is directed primarily at slowing or reversing the underlying atherosclerotic process by managing circulating lipids with an emphasis on control of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. However, over the past several decades, there has been increasing recognition that chronic inflammation and immune system activation are important contributors to atherosclerosis. This shift in focus has led to the elucidation of the complex interplay between cholesterol and cellular secretion of cytokines involved in CVD pathogenesis. Of the vast array of cytokine promoting atherosclerosis, interferon (IFN)-γ is highly implicated and, therefore, of great interest. METHODS Literature review was performed to further understand the effect of IFN-γ on the development of atherosclerotic CVD. RESULTS IFN-γ, the sole member of the type II IFN family, is produced by T cells and macrophages, and has been found to induce production of other cytokines and to have multiple effects on all stages of atherogenesis. IFN-γ activates a variety of signaling pathways, most commonly the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, to induce oxidative stress, promote foam cell accumulation, stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration into the arterial intima, enhance platelet-derived growth factor expression, and destabilize plaque. These are just a few of the contributions of IFN-γ to the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic CVD. CONCLUSION Given the pivotal role of IFN-γ in the advancement of CVD, activation of its signaling pathways is being explored as a driver of atherosclerosis. Manipulation of this key cytokine may lead to novel therapeutic avenues for CVD prevention and treatment. A number of therapies are being explored with IFN-γ as the potential target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Elyasi
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Suite 4-004, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Iryna Voloshyna
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Suite 4-004, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Saba Ahmed
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Suite 4-004, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Lora J Kasselman
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Suite 4-004, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Jennifer Behbodikhah
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Suite 4-004, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Joshua De Leon
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Suite 4-004, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Allison B Reiss
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Suite 4-004, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA.
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29
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Dai R, Heid B, Xu X, Xie H, Reilly CM, Ahmed SA. EGR2 is elevated and positively regulates inflammatory IFNγ production in lupus CD4 + T cells. BMC Immunol 2020; 21:41. [PMID: 32646370 PMCID: PMC7346656 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-020-00370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have shown that early growth response 2 (EGR2) is highly induced in activated T cells and regulates T cell functions. In normal C57BL/6 (B6) mice, deletion of EGR2 in lymphocytes results in the development of lupus-like systemic autoimmune disease, which implies indirectly an autoimmune protective role of EGR2. Conversely, increased EGR2 gene expression is suggested to link with high risk of human lupus. In the present studies we sought to clarify the expression and inflammation regulatory role of EGR2 in murine lupus T cells directly. Results We performed RT-qPCR analysis and found a significant increase of EGR2 mRNA expression in human lupus PBMCs and in CD4+ T cells from three different murine lupus models including MRL-lpr, B6-lpr, and B6.sle123 mice at diseased stage when compared to age-matched control MRL or B6 mice. By performing intracellular flow cytometry analysis, we found that EGR2 protein expression was significantly increased in resting lupus (either MRL-lpr or B6.sle123) CD4+ T cells when compared to CD4+ T cells from their respective non-autoimmune controls. However, there was no difference of EGR2 protein expression in anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulated control and lupus CD4+ T cells since there was a stronger induction of EGR2 in activated control CD4+ T cells. EGR2 expression was significantly increased in MRL-lpr mice at an age when lupus is manifested. To understand further the function of elevated EGR2 in lupus CD4+ T cells, we inhibited EGR2 with a specific siRNA in vitro in splenocytes from MRL-lpr and control MRL mice at 15 weeks-of-age. We found that EGR2 inhibition significantly reduced IFNγ production in PMA and ionomycin activated MRL-lpr lupus CD4+ T cells, but not control MRL CD4+ T cells. We also found that inhibition of EGR2 in vitro suppressed the Th1 differentiation in both MRL and MRL-lpr naïve CD4+ T cells. Conclusions EGR2 is highly upregulated in human and murine lupus cells. Our in vitro data suggest a positive role of EGR2 in the regulation of Th1 differentiation and IFNγ production in lupus effector CD4+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujuan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Bettina Heid
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Xiguang Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Fralin Life Sciences Institute at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Hehuang Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Fralin Life Sciences Institute at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Christopher M Reilly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - S Ansar Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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30
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Abrego-Peredo A, Romero-Ramírez H, Espinosa E, López-Herrera G, García-García F, Flores-Muñoz M, Sandoval-Montes C, Rodríguez-Alba JC. Naringenin mitigates autoimmune features in lupus-prone mice by modulation of T-cell subsets and cytokines profile. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233138. [PMID: 32421738 PMCID: PMC7233587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Naringenin is flavonoid mainly found in citrus fruits which has shown several biological properties. In this work, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of the flavonoid Naringenin. Five-month-old B6.MRL-Faslpr/J lupus-prone mice were administered daily orally with Naringenin for seven months. We showed that Naringenin treatment at 50 or 100 mg/kg inhibited the splenomegaly and decreased the levels of anti-nuclear and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. Furthermore, a reduction in serum concentration of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 was observed in the mice provided with Naringenin. Interestingly, serum levels of IL-10 increased. Naringenin decreased the frequency and absolute numbers of splenic effector memory T cells. Additionally, in order to be able to evaluate whether Naringenin prevented kidney damage, twelve-week-old MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/J mice, an accelerated lupus model, were orally administered with Naringenin at 100 mg/kg for six weeks. Surprisingly, Naringenin treatment prevented kidney damage and reduced the development of fibrosis similar to cyclophosphamide group. Moreover, Naringenin treatment increased the percentage of regulatory T cells in this aggressive model of lupus. Together, these results suggest a potential ability of Naringenin to reduce the autoimmunity in lupus-prone mice by modulation of T-cell subsets and cytokines profile that mitigate the development of important lupus clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amayrani Abrego-Peredo
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
- Unidad de Citometría de Flujo, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Héctor Romero-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Enrique Espinosa
- Investigación en Inmunología Integrativa, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gabriela López-Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación en Inmunodeficiencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Fabio García-García
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
- Laboratorio de Biología del Sueño, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Mónica Flores-Muñoz
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Medicina Traslacional, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Claudia Sandoval-Montes
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Juan Carlos Rodríguez-Alba
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
- Unidad de Citometría de Flujo, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
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Sumantri S, Hatta M, Natzir R, Rasyid H, Rengganis I, Massi MN, Islam AA, Lawrence G, Patellongi I, Benyamin AF. Metformin improves FOXP3 mRNA expression through suppression of interferon gamma levels in pristane-induced murine models of lupus. F1000Res 2020; 9:342. [PMID: 34386197 PMCID: PMC8327221 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.23471.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A recent study has indicated the potential of metformin therapy for lupus in animal models, but there has been no study evaluating the effect on pristane-induced lupus. This study aims to evaluate the effect of intraperitoneal versus oral metformin on interferon (IFN)-γ levels and FOXP3 mRNA expression on pristane-induced female BALB/c mice. Methods: In total, 31 female BALB/c mice, aged 6 weeks, were intraperitoneally induced with 0.5 ml of pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane). After 120 days, the mice were grouped and treated with various treatments: normal saline 100 MCL, oral metformin 100mg/kg-BW, or intraperitoneal metformin 100mg/kg-BW. After 60 days of treatment, all treatment groups were sacrificed, and kidney specimens prepared and stained using hematoxylin and eosin. Results: IFNγ levels of saline controls vs. oral metformin group was 309.39 vs. 292.83 pg/mL (mean difference 16.56 pg/mL; 95% CI 0.74-32.37; p=0.042), and saline control vs. intraperitoneal metformin group was 309.39 vs. 266.90 pg/mL (mean difference 42.49 pg/mL; 95% CI 29.24-55.73 pg/mL; p<0.001). FOXP3 mRNA expression changes in saline controls vs. oral metformin group was 6.90 vs. 7.79-fold change (mean difference -0.89-fold change; 95% CI -1.68-(-0.11); p=0.03) and in saline controls vs. intraperitoneal metformin group was 6.90 vs. 9.02-fold change (mean difference -2.12-fold change; 95% CI -2.99-(-1.25); p=<0.001). Correlation analysis of FOXP3 mRNA expression and IFNγ level changes revealed a Pearson correlation of -0.785 (p=0.001) and R2 value of 0.616 (p=0.001). Conclusion: Metformin is a potential new therapy to reduce the levels of IFNγ and increase FOXP3 mRNA expression in mice models of systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevent Sumantri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Banten, 15811, Indonesia
| | - Mochammad Hatta
- Department of Microbiology, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Rosdiana Natzir
- Department of Biochemistry, Universitas Hasnuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Haerani Rasyid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Iris Rengganis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Nasrum Massi
- Department of Microbiology, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Andi Asadul Islam
- Department of Surgery, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Gatot Lawrence
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Ilhamjaya Patellongi
- Department of Physiology, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
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Edwards MR, Dai R, Heid B, Cowan C, Werre SR, Cecere T, Ahmed SA. Low-dose 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE) exposure exacerbates lupus renal disease and modulates immune responses to TLR7/9 agonists in genetically autoimmune-prone mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5210. [PMID: 32251357 PMCID: PMC7090002 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62124-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have been shown to regulate the immune system and modulate multiple autoimmune diseases. 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE), a synthetic analog of 17β-estradiol, is prescribed commonly and found in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies. Surprisingly, few studies have investigated the immunoregulatory effects of exposure to EE, especially in autoimmunity. In this study, we exposed autoimmune-prone female MRL/lpr mice to a human-relevant dose of EE through the oral route of exposure. Since lupus patients are prone to infections, groups of mice were injected with viral (Imiquimod, a TLR7 agonist) or bacterial (ODN 2395, a TLR9 agonist) surrogates. We then evaluated autoimmune disease parameters, kidney disease, and response to in vivo TLR7/9 pathogenic signals. EE-exposed mice had increased proteinuria as early as 7 weeks of age. Proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, and glomerular immune complex deposition were also exacerbated when compared to controls. Production of cytokines by splenic leukocytes were altered in EE-exposed mice. Our study shows that oral exposure to EE, even at a very low dose, can exacerbate azotemia, increase clinical markers of renal disease, enhance glomerular immune complex deposition, and modulate TLR7/9 cytokine production in female MRL/lpr mice. This study may have implications for EE-exposure risk for genetically lupus-prone individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Edwards
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Rujuan Dai
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Bettina Heid
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Catharine Cowan
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Stephen R Werre
- Population Health Sciences, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - S Ansar Ahmed
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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33
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Blanco LP, Pedersen HL, Wang X, Lightfoot YL, Seto N, Carmona-Rivera C, Yu ZX, Hoffmann V, Yuen PS, Kaplan MJ. Improved Mitochondrial Metabolism and Reduced Inflammation Following Attenuation of Murine Lupus With Coenzyme Q10 Analog Idebenone. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:454-464. [PMID: 31566908 PMCID: PMC7050361 DOI: 10.1002/art.41128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A role for mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed in the immune dysregulation and organ damage characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Idebenone is a coenzyme Q10 synthetic quinone analog and an antioxidant that has been used in humans to treat diverse diseases in which mitochondrial function is impaired. This study was undertaken to assess whether idebenone ameliorates lupus in murine models. METHODS Idebenone was administered orally to MRL/lpr mice at 2 different doses (1 gm/kg or 1.5 gm/kg idebenone-containing diet) for 8 weeks. At peak disease activity, clinical, immunologic, and metabolic parameters were analyzed and compared to those in untreated mice (n = 10 per treatment group). Results were confirmed in the lupus-prone NZM2328 mouse model. RESULTS In MRL/lpr mice, idebenone-treated mice showed a significant reduction in mortality incidence (P < 0.01 versus untreated mice), and the treatment attenuated several disease features, including glomerular inflammation and fibrosis (each P < 0.05 versus untreated mice), and improved renal function in association with decreased renal expression of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and mature IL-18. Levels of splenic proinflammatory cytokines and inflammasome-related genes were significantly decreased (at least P < 0.05 and some with higher significance) in mice treated with idebenone, while no obvious drug toxicity was observed. Idebenone inhibited neutrophil extracellular trap formation in neutrophils from lupus-prone mice (P < 0.05) and human patients with SLE. Idebenone also improved mitochondrial metabolism (30% increase in basal respiration and ATP production), reduced the extent of heart lipid peroxidation (by one-half that of untreated mice), and significantly improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation (P < 0.001). NZM2328 mice exposed to idebenone also displayed improvements in renal and systemic inflammation, reducing the kidney pathology score (P < 0.05), IgG/C3 deposition (P < 0.05), and the gene expression of interferon, proinflammatory, and inflammasome-related genes (at least P < 0.05 and some with higher significance). CONCLUSION Idebenone ameliorates murine lupus disease activity and the severity of organ damage, supporting the hypothesis that agents that modulate mitochondrial biologic processes may have a therapeutic role in human SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz P. Blanco
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hege L. Pedersen
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xinghao Wang
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yaíma L. Lightfoot
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nickie Seto
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Carmelo Carmona-Rivera
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zu-Xi Yu
- Pathology Core, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Victoria Hoffmann
- Office of the Director, Division of Veterinary Resources, Diagnostic and Research Services Branch, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter S.T. Yuen
- Renal Diagnostics and Therapeutic Unit, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mariana J. Kaplan
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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34
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Hosotani M, Ichii O, Nakamura T, Masum MA, Otani Y, Elewa YHA, Kon Y. Altered ciliary morphofunction in the oviductal infundibulum of systemic autoimmune disease-prone MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 380:627-641. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03175-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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35
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Chodisetti SB, Fike AJ, Domeier PP, Singh H, Choi NM, Corradetti C, Kawasawa YI, Cooper TK, Caricchio R, Rahman ZSM. Type II but Not Type I IFN Signaling Is Indispensable for TLR7-Promoted Development of Autoreactive B Cells and Systemic Autoimmunity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:796-809. [PMID: 31900342 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
TLR7 is associated with development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Although TLRs are known to activate type I IFN (T1IFN) signaling, the role of T1IFN and IFN-γ signaling in differential regulation of TLR7-mediated Ab-forming cell (AFC) and germinal center (GC) responses, and SLE development has never been directly investigated. Using TLR7-induced and TLR7 overexpression models of SLE, we report in this study a previously unrecognized indispensable role of TLR7-induced IFN-γ signaling in promoting AFC and GC responses, leading to autoreactive B cell and SLE development. T1IFN signaling in contrast, only modestly contributed to autoimmune responses and the disease process in these mice. TLR7 ligand imiquimod treated IFN-γ reporter mice show that CD4+ effector T cells including follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are the major producers of TLR7-induced IFN-γ. Transcriptomic analysis of splenic tissues from imiquimod-treated autoimmune-prone B6.Sle1b mice sufficient and deficient for IFN-γR indicates that TLR7-induced IFN-γ activates multiple signaling pathways to regulate TLR7-promoted SLE. Conditional deletion of Ifngr1 gene in peripheral B cells further demonstrates that TLR7-driven autoimmune AFC, GC and Tfh responses and SLE development are dependent on IFN-γ signaling in B cells. Finally, we show crucial B cell-intrinsic roles of STAT1 and T-bet in TLR7-driven GC, Tfh and plasma cell differentiation. Altogether, we uncover a nonredundant role for IFN-γ and its downstream signaling molecules STAT1 and T-bet in B cells in promoting TLR7-driven AFC, GC, and SLE development whereas T1IFN signaling moderately contributes to these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathi Babu Chodisetti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Adam J Fike
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Phillip P Domeier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | | | - Nicholas M Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | | | - Yuka Imamura Kawasawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033; and
| | - Timothy K Cooper
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | | | - Ziaur S M Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033;
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Suarez-Fueyo A, Tsokos MG, Kwok SK, Maeda K, Katsuyama E, Lapchak PH, Tsokos GC. Hyaluronic Acid Synthesis Contributes to Tissue Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2172. [PMID: 31572382 PMCID: PMC6753633 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA), a component of the extracellular matrix, is the ligand for CD44 and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney inflammation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but its direct role and mechanism of action have not been studied. Here we show that administration of hymecromone (4-Methylumbelliferone, 4-MU), an HA synthesis inhibitor, to lupus-prone mice suppressed dramatically lupus-related pathology. Interestingly, 4-MU stopped the appearance of disease when administered prior to its onset and inhibited the progression of disease when administered after its appearance. Inhibition of HA synthesis in vivo reduced tissue damage and the number of intrarenal lymphoid cell infiltrates including double negative CD3+CD4-CD8- T cells which are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. Exposure of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to HA in vitro increased the generation of CD3+CD4-CD8- T cells through a mechanism involving Rho-associated kinase. Our results signify the importance of the HA-rich tissue microenvironment in the activation of lymphocytes to cause tissue damage in SLE and suggest the consideration of inhibition of HA synthesis to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - George C. Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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37
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Adamichou C, Georgakis S, Bertsias G. Cytokine targets in lupus nephritis: Current and future prospects. Clin Immunol 2019; 206:42-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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38
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Mu Q, Cabana-Puig X, Mao J, Swartwout B, Abdelhamid L, Cecere TE, Wang H, Reilly CM, Luo XM. Pregnancy and lactation interfere with the response of autoimmunity to modulation of gut microbiota. MICROBIOME 2019; 7:105. [PMID: 31311609 PMCID: PMC6635999 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-019-0720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysbiosis of gut microbiota exists in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). Lupus patients who experienced pregnancy usually had more severe disease flares post-delivery. However, the possible role of gut microbiota in the link between pregnancy and exacerbation of lupus remains to be explored. RESULTS In the classical lupus mouse model MRL/lpr, we compared the structures of gut microbiota in pregnant and lactating individuals vs. age-matched naïve mice. Consistent with studies on non-lupus mice, both pregnancy and lactation significantly changed the composition and diversity of gut microbiota. Strikingly, modulation of gut microbiota using the same strategy resulted in different disease outcomes in postpartum (abbreviated as "PP," meaning that the mice had undergone pregnancy and lactation) vs. control (naïve; i.e., without pregnancy or lactation) MRL/lpr females; while vancomycin treatment attenuated lupus in naïve mice, it did not do so, or even exacerbated lupus, in PP mice. Lactobacillus animalis flourished in the gut upon vancomycin treatment, and direct administration of L. animalis via oral gavage recapitulated the differential effects of vancomycin in PP vs. control mice. An enzyme called indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase was significantly inhibited by L. animalis; however, this inhibition was only apparent in PP mice, which explained, at least partially, the lack of beneficial response to vancomycin in these mice. The differential production of immunosuppressive IL-10 and proinflammatory IFNγ in PP vs. control mice further explained why the disease phenotypes varied between the two types of mice bearing the same gut microbiota remodeling strategy. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that pregnancy and lactation interfere with the response of autoimmunity to modulation of gut microbiota. Further studies are necessary to better understand the complex relationship between pregnancy and lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Mu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Xavier Cabana-Puig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jiangdi Mao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Brianna Swartwout
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Leila Abdelhamid
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Thomas E Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Haifeng Wang
- College of Animal Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Christopher M Reilly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Xin M Luo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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39
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Soni C, Reizis B. Self-DNA at the Epicenter of SLE: Immunogenic Forms, Regulation, and Effects. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1601. [PMID: 31354738 PMCID: PMC6637313 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-reactive B cells generated through V(D)J recombination in the bone marrow or through accrual of random mutations in secondary lymphoid tissues are mostly purged or edited to prevent autoimmunity. Yet, 10–20% of all mature naïve B cells in healthy individuals have self-reactive B cell receptors (BCRs). In patients with serologically active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) the percentage increases up to 50%, with significant self-DNA reactivity that correlates with disease severity. Endogenous or self-DNA has emerged as a potent antigen in several autoimmune disorders, particularly in SLE. However, the mechanism(s) regulating or preventing anti-DNA antibody production remain elusive. It is likely that in healthy subjects, DNA-reactive B cells avoid activation due to the unavailability of endogenous DNA, which is efficiently degraded through efferocytosis and various DNA-processing proteins. Genetic defects, physiological, and/or pathological conditions can override these protective checkpoints, leading to autoimmunity. Plausibly, increased availability of immunogenic self-DNA may be the key initiating event in the loss of tolerance of otherwise quiescent DNA-reactive B cells. Indeed, mutations impairing apoptotic cell clearance pathways and nucleic acid metabolism-associated genes like DNases, RNases, and their sensors are known to cause autoimmune disorders including SLE. Here we review the literature supporting the idea that increased availability of DNA as an immunogen or adjuvant, or both, may cause the production of pathogenic anti-DNA antibodies and subsequent manifestations of clinical disease such as SLE. We discuss the main cellular players involved in anti-DNA responses; the physical forms and sources of immunogenic DNA in autoimmunity; the DNA-protein complexes that render DNA immunogenic; the regulation of DNA availability by intracellular and extracellular DNases and the autoimmune pathologies associated with their dysfunction; the cytosolic and endosomal sensors of immunogenic DNA; and the cytokines such as interferons that drive auto-inflammatory and autoimmune pathways leading to clinical disease. We propose that prevention of DNA availability by aiding extracellular DNase activity could be a viable therapeutic modality in controlling SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetna Soni
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Boris Reizis
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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40
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Caspase-8-dependent control of NK- and T cell responses during cytomegalovirus infection. Med Microbiol Immunol 2019; 208:555-571. [PMID: 31098689 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-019-00616-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-8 (CASP8) impacts antiviral immunity in expected as well as unexpected ways. Mice with combined deficiency in CASP8 and RIPK3 cannot support extrinsic apoptosis or RIPK3-dependent programmed necrosis, enabling studies of CASP8 function without complications of unleashed necroptosis. These extrinsic cell death pathways are naturally targeted by murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)-encoded cell death suppressors, showing they are key to cell-autonomous host defense. Remarkably, Casp8-/-Ripk3-/-, Ripk1-/-Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- and Casp8-/-Ripk3K51A/K51A mice mount robust antiviral T cell responses to control MCMV infection. Studies in Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- mice show that CASP8 restrains expansion of MCMV-specific natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cells without compromising contraction or immune memory. Infected Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- or Casp8-/-Ripk3K51A/K51A mice have higher levels of virus-specific NK cells and CD8 T cells compared to matched RIPK3-deficient littermates or WT mice. CASP8, likely acting downstream of Fas death receptor, dampens proliferation of CD8 T cells during expansion. Importantly, contraction proceeds unimpaired in the absence of extrinsic death pathways owing to intact Bim-dependent (intrinsic) apoptosis. CD8 T cell memory develops in Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- mice, but memory inflation characteristic of MCMV infection is not sustained in the absence of CASP8 function. Despite this, Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- mice are immune to secondary challenge. Interferon (IFN)γ is recognized as a key cytokine for adaptive immune control of MCMV. Ifngr-/-Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- mice exhibit increased lifelong persistence in salivary glands as well as lungs compared to Ifngr-/- and Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- mice. Thus, mice deficient in CASP8 and RIPK3 are more dependent on IFNγ mechanisms for sustained T cell immune control of MCMV. Overall, appropriate NK- and T cell immunity to MCMV is dependent on host CASP8 function independent of RIPK3-regulated pathways.
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41
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Hye Khan MA, Stavniichuk A, Sattar MA, Falck JR, Imig JD. Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid Analog EET-A Blunts Development of Lupus Nephritis in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:512. [PMID: 31133860 PMCID: PMC6523399 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that causes life threatening renal disease and current therapies are limited with serious side-effects. CYP epoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) demonstrate strong anti-inflammatory and kidney protective actions. We investigated the ability of an orally active EET analog, EET-A to prevent kidney injury in a mouse SLE model. Twenty-weeks old female NZBWF1 (SLE) and age-matched NZW/LacJ (Non SLE) were treated with vehicle or EET-A (10 mg/kg/d, p.o.) for 14 weeks and urine and kidney tissues were collected at the end of the protocol. SLE mice demonstrated marked renal chemotaxis with 30-60% higher renal mRNA expression of CXC chemokine receptors (CXCR) and CXC chemokines (CXCL) compared to Non SLE mice. In SLE mice, the elevated chemotaxis is associated with 5-15-fold increase in cytokine mRNA expression and elevated inflammatory cell infiltration in the kidney. SLE mice also had elevated BUN, serum creatinine, proteinuria, and renal fibrosis. Interestingly, EET-A treatment markedly diminished renal CXCR and CXCL renal mRNA expression in SLE mice. EET-A treatment also reduced renal TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ mRNA expression by 70-80% in SLE mice. Along with reductions in renal chemokine and cytokine mRNA expression, EET-A reduced renal immune cell infiltration, BUN, serum creatinine, proteinuria and renal fibrosis in SLE mice. Overall, we demonstrate that an orally active EET analog, EET-A prevents renal injury in a mouse model of SLE by reducing inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Abdul Hye Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Anna Stavniichuk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Mohammad Abdul Sattar
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - John R. Falck
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - John D. Imig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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42
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Tang X, Li W, Wen X, Zhang Z, Chen W, Yao G, Chen H, Wang D, Shi S, Sun L. Transplantation of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorates nephritis in lupus mice. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:132. [PMID: 31157253 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.02.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Recently, clinical studies have suggested that transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) were able to alleviate clinical symptoms of refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although dental tissue derived MSCs, including dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSCs), have been reported to possess immunomodulatory functions, whether they can ameliorate SLE symptoms as UC-MSCs remains to be elucidated. Methods We assessed the abilities of DPSCs and PDLSCs to treat SLE, cells were transferred intravenously to 28-week old B6/lpr mice. Ten weeks later, mice were sacrificed. Serum anti-dsDNA antibodies and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) were measured by ELISA. Renal pathology was analyzed by H&E, PAS and MASSON staining. Aggregation of IgG and IgM in the glomerulus was examined by immunofluorescence. Frequencies of Th1, Th2, Treg, Th17, Tfh, and plasma cells were determined by surface and intracellular staining. Serum IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and MCP-1 were measured by Milliplex® MAP technology. Results Same as UC-MSCs, both DPSCs and PDLSCs could efficiently downregulate 24-h proteinuria, anti-dsDNA antibodies and glomerular IgG/IgM in B6/lpr mice. However, DPSCs but not PDLSCs could ameliorate the glomerular lesion in B6/lpr mice. Compared to the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) group, percentages of Th1 (CD4+IFNγ+) cells and plasma (B220-CD138+) cells in the spleen were significantly decreased in DPSCs and PDLSCs groups. There was no significant difference in Th2 (CD4+IL4+), Th17 (CD4+IL17+), Tfh (CD4+PD-1+CXCR5+) and Treg (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) cells. Serum IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and MCP-1 levels didn't change after MSCs transplantation. Conclusions Our results show that both DPSCs and PDLSCs can alleviate the disease symptoms of lupus-prone B6/lpr mice. DPSCs are also effective in reducing kidney glomerular lesion and perivascular inflammation infiltration as well as UC-MSCs, suggesting that DPSCs might be another choice for SLE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhuoya Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Genhong Yao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Hongwei Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Songtao Shi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
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43
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Exploring the etiopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus: a genetic perspective. Immunogenetics 2019; 71:283-297. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-019-01103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Abstract
Purpose of Review: The standard treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are focused on non-specific immunosuppression. Over the past few years, scientific studies and ongoing clinical trials have shifted the paradigm with rapid advances in developing biologics and small molecules. A number of monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors have been developed to target specific pathways involved in SLE. Many of these novel therapeutic agents are already being tested in clinical trials and they may 1 day reshape the landscape of SLE treatment. Herein we review potential future therapeutic options for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Vukelic
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vasileios C Kyttaris
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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45
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Hu H, Chen E, Li Y, Zhu X, Zhang T, Zhu X. Effects of Arsenic Trioxide on INF-gamma Gene Expression in MRL/lpr Mice and Human Lupus. Biol Trace Elem Res 2018; 184:391-397. [PMID: 29159556 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-017-1206-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (As2O3; ATO), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used to treat patients with acute promye-locytic leukemia, while its application for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still under evaluation. The high expression of INF-gamma (INF-γ) is a primary pathogenic factor in SLE. It is found that ATO can reduce INF-γ expression levels in lupus-prone mice, whereas it is not clear whether ATO has the same effect on SLE patients. Therefore, this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of the effects of ATO on the expression of INF-γ in splenocytes of MRL/lpr mice and PBMCs of human lupus. The mRNA and protein expression levels of INF-γ were assessed by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. The histone acetylation status of the INF-γ promoter and the binding of RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) to the INF-γ promoter were detected using a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) technique. The mRNA and protein expression levels of INF-γ decreased in both splenocytes of MRL/lpr mice and PBMCs of SLE patients with ATO treatment, which were accompanied by reduced histone H4 and H3 acetylation in INF-γ promoter and decreased combination of RNA Pol II to the INF-γ promoter. Therefore, ATO may reduce the expression level of the INF-γ by altering the levels of INF-γ promoter acetylation and the combination of RNA Pol II to the INF-γ promoter in splenocytes of MRL/lpr mice and PBMCs of SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongye Hu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Enjiu Chen
- Department of Pneumology, The People Hospital of Pingyang, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yongji Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nan Bai Xiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nan Bai Xiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nan Bai Xiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Xiaofang Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nan Bai Xiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China.
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46
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Dufour A, Bellac CL, Eckhard U, Solis N, Klein T, Kappelhoff R, Fortelny N, Jobin P, Rozmus J, Mark J, Pavlidis P, Dive V, Barbour SJ, Overall CM. C-terminal truncation of IFN-γ inhibits proinflammatory macrophage responses and is deficient in autoimmune disease. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2416. [PMID: 29925830 PMCID: PMC6010466 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04717-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlled macrophage differentiation and activation in the initiation and resolution of inflammation is crucial for averting progression to chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here we show a negative feedback mechanism for proinflammatory IFN-γ activation of macrophages driven by macrophage-associated matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12). Through C-terminal truncation of IFN-γ at 135Glu↓Leu136 the IFN-γ receptor-binding site was efficiently removed thereby reducing JAK-STAT1 signaling and IFN-γ activation of proinflammatory macrophages. In acute peritonitis this signature was absent in Mmp12–/– mice and recapitulated in Mmp12+/+ mice treated with a MMP12-specific inhibitor. Similarly, loss-of-MMP12 increases IFN-γ–dependent proinflammatory markers and iNOS+/MHC class II+ macrophage accumulation with worse lymphadenopathy, arthritic synovitis and lupus glomerulonephritis. In active human systemic lupus erythematosus, MMP12 levels were lower and IFN-γ higher compared to treated patients or healthy individuals. Hence, macrophage proteolytic truncation of IFN-γ attenuates classical activation of macrophages as a prelude for resolving inflammation. IFN-γ is central in inflammatory pathogenesis, response to infection and autoimmune diseases. Here the authors show that MMP12 expression is reduced in patients with SLE and that MMP12 post-translationally truncates IFN-y, inhibiting its function and affecting pathogenesis of mouse models of peritonitis, SLE and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Dufour
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, HRIC 3C64 3330 Hospital, Dr NW Calgary, T2N 4N1, AB, Canada
| | - Caroline L Bellac
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Swissmedic, Swiss Agency for Therapeutics Products, Hallerstrasse 7, P.O. Box, Bern 9, CH-3000, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Eckhard
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Nestor Solis
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Theo Klein
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Reinhild Kappelhoff
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Nikolaus Fortelny
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Parker Jobin
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Jacob Rozmus
- Department of Pediatrics, Child and Family Research Institute and BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, 3110A-950 West 28th Av, Vancouver, V5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Mark
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Paul Pavlidis
- Centre for High Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Vincent Dive
- Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique (CEA) CE-Saclay, Labex LERMIT, Service d'Ingenierie Moleculaire des Proteines, Bat 152, Gif/Yvette, 91191, France
| | - Sean J Barbour
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel St, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher M Overall
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada. .,Centre for Blood Research, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 4.401-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada.
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47
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Düster M, Becker M, Gnirck AC, Wunderlich M, Panzer U, Turner JE. T cell-derived IFN-γ downregulates protective group 2 innate lymphoid cells in murine lupus erythematosus. Eur J Immunol 2018; 48:1364-1375. [PMID: 29671873 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are important regulators of the immune response and play a crucial role in the restoration of tissue homeostasis after injury. GATA-3+ IL-13- and IL-5-producing group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have been shown to promote tissue repair in barrier organs, but despite extensive research on ILCs in the recent years, their potential role in autoimmune diseases is still incompletely understood. In the present study, we investigate the role of ILC2s in the MRL/MpJ-Faslpr (MRL-lpr) mouse model for severe organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We show that in these MRL-lpr mice, progression of lupus nephritis is accompanied with a reduction of ILC2 abundance in the inflamed renal tissue. Proliferation/survival and cytokine production of kidney-residing ILC2s was suppressed by IFN-γ and, to a lesser extent, by IL-27 which were produced by activated T cells and myeloid cells in the nephritic kidney, respectively. Most importantly, restoration of ILC2 numbers by IL-33-mediated expansion ameliorated lupus nephritis and prevented mortality in MRL-lpr mice. In summary, we show here that development of SLE-like kidney inflammation leads to a downregulation of the renal ILC2 response and identify an ILC2-expanding therapy as a promising treatment approach for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathis Düster
- III. Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martina Becker
- III. Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Gnirck
- III. Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malte Wunderlich
- III. Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulf Panzer
- III. Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Eric Turner
- III. Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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48
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Hagberg N, Joelsson M, Leonard D, Reid S, Eloranta ML, Mo J, Nilsson MK, Syvänen AC, Bryceson YT, Rönnblom L. The STAT4 SLE risk allele rs7574865[T] is associated with increased IL-12-induced IFN-γ production in T cells from patients with SLE. Ann Rheum Dis 2018; 77:1070-1077. [PMID: 29475858 PMCID: PMC6029643 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-212794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Genetic variants in the transcription factor STAT4 are associated with increased susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a more severe disease phenotype. This study aimed to clarify how the SLE-associated intronic STAT4 risk allele rs7574865[T] affects the function of immune cells in SLE. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 52 genotyped patients with SLE. Phosphorylation of STAT4 (pSTAT4) and STAT1 (pSTAT1) in response to interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ or interleukin (IL)-12, total levels of STAT4, STAT1 and T-bet, and frequency of IFN-γ+ cells on IL-12 stimulation were determined by flow cytometry in subsets of immune cells before and after preactivation of cells with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and IL-2. Cellular responses and phenotypes were correlated to STAT4 risk allele carriership. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) selective for TYK2 (TYK2i) or JAK2 (JAK2i) were evaluated for inhibition of IL-12 or IFN-γ-induced activation of SLE PBMCs. Results In resting PBMCs, the STAT4 risk allele was neither associated with total levels of STAT4 or STAT1, nor cytokine-induced pSTAT4 or pSTAT1. Following PHA/IL-2 activation, CD8+ T cells from STAT4 risk allele carriers displayed increased levels of STAT4 resulting in increased pSTAT4 in response to IL-12 and IFN-α, and an augmented IL-12-induced IFN-γ production in CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. The TYK2i and the JAK2i efficiently blocked IL-12 and IFN-γ-induced activation of PBMCs from STAT4 risk patients, respectively. Conclusions T cells from patients with SLE carrying the STAT4 risk allele rs7574865[T] display an augmented response to IL-12 and IFN-α. This subset of patients may benefit from JAKi treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Hagberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin Joelsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dag Leonard
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sarah Reid
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maija-Leena Eloranta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John Mo
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus K Nilsson
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Christine Syvänen
- Department of Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yenan T Bryceson
- Department of Medicine, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Broegelmann Research Laboratory, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Rönnblom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology and Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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49
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Abstract
Germinal centers (GCs) are dynamic microenvironments that form in the secondary lymphoid organs and generate somatically mutated high-affinity antibodies necessary to establish an effective humoral immune response. Tight regulation of GC responses is critical for maintaining self-tolerance. GCs can arise in the absence of purposeful immunization or overt infection (called spontaneous GCs, Spt-GCs). In autoimmune-prone mice and patients with autoimmune disease, aberrant regulation of Spt-GCs is thought to promote the development of somatically mutated pathogenic autoantibodies and the subsequent development of autoimmunity. The mechanisms that control the formation of Spt-GCs and promote systemic autoimmune diseases remain an open question and the focus of ongoing studies. Here, we discuss the most current studies on the role of Spt-GCs in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip P Domeier
- a Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine , USA
| | - Stephanie L Schell
- a Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine , USA
| | - Ziaur S M Rahman
- a Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine , USA
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50
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) still depends on non-specific immunosuppression. Herein, we review promising targeted therapies that have the potential to change this therapeutic paradigm. RECENT FINDINGS Besides the FDA-approved B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) inhibitor, belimumab, interferon-α represents a promising treatment target, albeit with modest effectiveness primarily in non-renal SLE. Preclinical and early-phase clinical trials using biologics and small molecules targeting B and T cell activation as well as the cross-talk between these cells also show promise. BLyS and interferon targeting show the most promising results in challenging the current treatment status in non-renal SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios C Kyttaris
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, CLS-936, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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