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P. Singh R, S. Bischoff D, S Singh S, H. Hahn B. Peptide-based immunotherapy in lupus: Where are we now? RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 4:139-149. [PMID: 37781681 PMCID: PMC10538607 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2023-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
In autoimmune rheumatic diseases, immune hyperactivity and chronic inflammation associate with immune dysregulation and the breakdown of immune self-tolerance. A continued, unresolved imbalance between effector and regulatory immune responses further exacerbates inflammation that ultimately causes tissue and organ damage. Many treatment modalities have been developed to restore the immune tolerance and immmunoregulatory balance in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including the use of peptide-based therapeutics or the use of nanoparticles-based nanotechnology. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art therapeutic use of peptide-based therapies in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with a specific focus on lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram P. Singh
- Research Service, Veteran Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, 90073 CA, USA
| | - David S. Bischoff
- Research Service, Veteran Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, 90073 CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095 CA, USA
| | | | - Bevra H. Hahn
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095 CA, USA
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Yaron JR, Zhang L, Burgin M, Schutz LN, Awo EA, Keinan S, McFadden G, Ambadapadi S, Guo Q, Chen H, Lucas AR. Deriving Immune-Modulating Peptides from Viral Serine Protease Inhibitors (Serpins). Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2225:107-123. [PMID: 33108660 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1012-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Viruses have devised highly effective approaches that modulate the host immune response, blocking immune responses that are designed to eradicate viral infections. Over millions of years of evolution, virus-derived immune-modulating proteins have become extraordinarily potent, in some cases working at picomolar concentrations when expressed into surrounding tissues and effectively blocking host defenses against viral invasion and replication. The marked efficiency of these immune-modulating proteins is postulated to be due to viral engineering of host immune modulators as well as design and development of new strategies (i.e., some derived from host proteins and some entirely unique). Two key characteristics of viral immune modulators confer both adaptive advantages and desirable functions for therapeutic translation. First, many virus-derived immune modulators have evolved structures that are not readily recognized or regulated by mammalian immune pathways, ensuring little to no neutralizing antibody responses or proteasome-mediated degradation. Second, these immune modulators tend to target early steps in central immune responses, producing a powerful downstream inhibitory "domino effect" which may alter cell activation and gene expression.We have proposed that peptide metabolites of these immune-modulating proteins can enhance and extend protein function. Active immunomodulating peptides have been derived from both mammalian and viral proteins. We previously demonstrated that peptides derived from computationally predicted cleavage sites in the reactive center loop (RCL) of a viral serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin ) from myxoma virus, Serp-1 , can modify immune response activation. We have also demonstrated modulation of host gut microbiota produced by Serp-1 and RCL-derived peptide , S7, in a vascular inflammation model. Of interest, generation of derived peptides that maintain therapeutic function from a serpin can act by a different mechanism. Whereas Serp-1 has canonical serpin-like function to inhibit serine proteases, S7 instead targets mammalian serpins. Here we describe the derivation of active Serp- RCL peptides and their testing in inflammatory vasculitis models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R Yaron
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Michelle Burgin
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Lauren N Schutz
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Enkidia A Awo
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | | | - Grant McFadden
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sriram Ambadapadi
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Qiuyun Guo
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Chen
- The Department of Tumor Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Alexandra R Lucas
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- St Joseph Hospital, Dignity Health, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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Talotta R, Atzeni F, Laska MJ. Therapeutic peptides for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: a place in therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:845-867. [PMID: 32500750 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1777983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies in vitro and in vivo have identified several peptides that are potentially useful in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The rationale for their use lies in the cost-effective production, high potency, target selectivity, low toxicity, and a peculiar mechanism of action that is mainly based on the induction of immune tolerance. Three therapeutic peptides have entered clinical development, but they have yielded disappointing results. However, some subsets of patients, such as those with the positivity of anti-dsDNA antibodies, appear more likely to respond to these medications. AREAS COVERED This review evaluates the potential use of therapeutic peptides for SLE and gives an opinion on how they may offer advantages for SLE treatment. EXPERT OPINION Given their acceptable safety profile, therapeutic peptides could be added to agents traditionally used to treat SLE and this may offer a synergistic and drug-sparing effect, especially in selected patient populations. Moreover, they could temporarily be utilized to manage SLE flares, or be administered as a vaccine in subjects at risk. Efforts to ameliorate bioavailability, increase the half-life and prevent immunogenicity are ongoing. The formulation of hybrid compounds, like peptibodies or peptidomimetic small molecules, is expected to yield renewed treatments with a better pharmacologic profile and increased efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Talotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera "Gaetano Martino", University of Messina , Messina, Italy
| | - Fabiola Atzeni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera "Gaetano Martino", University of Messina , Messina, Italy
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Peptide-Based Vaccination Therapy for Rheumatic Diseases. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:8060375. [PMID: 32258176 PMCID: PMC7104265 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8060375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic diseases are extremely heterogeneous diseases with substantial risks of morbidity and mortality, and there is a pressing need in developing more safe and cost-effective treatment strategies. Peptide-based vaccination is a highly desirable strategy in treating noninfection diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases, and has gained increasing attentions. This review is aimed at providing a brief overview of the recent advances in peptide-based vaccination therapy for rheumatic diseases. Tremendous efforts have been made to develop effective peptide-based vaccinations against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), while studies in other rheumatic diseases are still limited. Peptide-based active vaccination against pathogenic cytokines such as TNF-α and interferon-α (IFN-α) is shown to be promising in treating RA or SLE. Moreover, peptide-based tolerogenic vaccinations also have encouraging results in treating RA or SLE. However, most studies available now have been mainly based on animal models, while evidence from clinical studies is still lacking. The translation of these advances from experimental studies into clinical therapy remains impeded by some obstacles such as species difference in immunity, disease heterogeneity, and lack of safe delivery carriers or adjuvants. Nevertheless, advances in high-throughput technology, bioinformatics, and nanotechnology may help overcome these impediments and facilitate the successful development of peptide-based vaccination therapy for rheumatic diseases.
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Turnier JL, Brunner HI, Bennett M, Aleed A, Gulati G, Haffey WD, Thornton S, Wagner M, Devarajan P, Witte D, Greis KD, Aronow B. Discovery of SERPINA3 as a candidate urinary biomarker of lupus nephritis activity. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2019; 58:321-330. [PMID: 30285245 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/key301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We used an unbiased proteomics approach to identify candidate urine biomarkers (CUBMs) predictive of LN chronicity and pursued their validation in a larger cohort. Methods In this cross-sectional pilot study, we selected urine collected at kidney biopsy from 20 children with varying levels of LN damage (discovery cohort) and performed proteomic analysis using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ). We identified differentially excreted proteins based on degree of LN chronicity and sought to distinguish markers exhibiting different relative expression patterns using hierarchically clustered log10-normalized relative abundance data with linked and distinct functions by biological network analyses. For each CUBM, we performed specific ELISAs on urine from a validation cohort (n = 41) and analysis of variance to detect differences between LN chronicity, with LN activity adjustment. We evaluated for CUBM expression in LN biopsies with immunohistochemistry. Results iTRAQ detected 112 proteins in urine from the discovery cohort, 51 quantifiable in all replicates. Simple analysis of variance revealed four differentially expressed, chronicity-correlated proteins (P-values < 0.05). Further correlation and network analyses led to selection of seven CUBMs for LN chronicity. In the validation cohort, none of the CUBMs distinguished LN chronicity degree; however, urine SERPINA3 demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with LN histological activity. Immunohistochemistry further demonstrated SERPINA3 staining in proximal tubular epithelial and endothelial cells. Conclusion We identified SERPINA3, a known inhibitor of neutrophil cathepsin G and angiotensin II production, as a potential urine biomarker to help quantify LN activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Turnier
- Rheumatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hermine I Brunner
- Rheumatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael Bennett
- Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ashwaq Aleed
- Department of Pediatrics, Qassim University College of Medicine, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaurav Gulati
- Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Wendy D Haffey
- Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sherry Thornton
- Rheumatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael Wagner
- Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Prasad Devarajan
- Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - David Witte
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kenneth D Greis
- Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bruce Aronow
- Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Song S. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Therapy for Autoimmune Disorders. CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASES-JOURNAL OF THE COPD FOUNDATION 2018; 5:289-301. [PMID: 30723786 DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.5.4.2018.0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are conditions caused by an over reactive immune system that attacks self-tissues and organs. Although the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease is complex and multi-factorial, inflammation is commonly involved. Therefore, anti-inflammatory therapies hold potential for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, long-term control of inflammation is challenging and most of the currently used drugs have side effects. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is an anti-inflammatory protein with a well-known safety profile. The therapeutic potential of AAT has been tested in several autoimmune disease models. The first study using a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector showed that AAT gene transfer prevented the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model. Subsequent studies showed that treatment with AAT protein prevented and reversed type 1 diabetes. The beneficial effects of AAT treatment have also been observed in other autoimmune disease models such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This paper reviews the therapeutic application of AAT and discusses possible mechanisms of action in various autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihong Song
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville
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Gatto M, Luisetto R, Ghirardello A, Cavicchioli L, Codolo G, Biasiolo A, Maggioni G, Saccon F, Beggio M, Cappon A, Venturini R, Pontisso P, Doria A. SERPINB3 Delays Glomerulonephritis and Attenuates the Lupus-Like Disease in Lupus Murine Models by Inducing a More Tolerogenic Immune Phenotype. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2081. [PMID: 30254646 PMCID: PMC6141748 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effects of SERPINB3 administration in murine lupus models with a focus on lupus-like nephritis. Methods: 40 NZB/W F1 mice were subdivided into 4 groups and intraperitoneally injected with recombinant SERPINB3 (7.5 μg/0.1 mL or 15 μg/0.1 mL) or PBS (0.1 mL) before (group 1 and 2) or after (group 3 and 4) the development of proteinuria (≥100 mg/dl). Two additional mice groups were provided by including 20 MRL/lpr mice which were prophylactically injected with SERPINB3 (10 mice, group 5) or PBS (10 mice, group 6). Time of occurrence and levels of anti-dsDNA and anti-C1q antibodies, proteinuria and serum creatinine, overall- and proteinuria-free survival were assessed in mice followed up to natural death. Histological analysis was performed in kidneys of both lupus models. The Th17:Treg cell ratio was assessed by flow-cytometry in splenocytes of treated and untreated MRL/lpr mice. Statistical analysis was performed using non parametric tests and Kaplan-Meier curves, when indicated. Results: Autoantibody levels and proteinuria were significantly decreased and time of occurrence significantly delayed in SERPINB3-treated mice vs. controls. In agreement with these findings, proteinuria-free and overall survival were significantly improved in SERPINB3-treated groups vs. controls. Histological analysis demonstrated a lower prevalence of severe tubular lesions in kidneys of group 5 vs. group 6. SERPINB3-treated mice showed an overall trend toward a reduced prevalence of severe lesions in both strains. Th17:Treg ratio was significantly decreased in splenocytes of MRL/lpr mice treated with SERPINB3, compared to untreated control mice. Conclusions: SERPINB3 significantly improves disease course and delays the onset of severe glomerulonephritis in lupus-prone mice, possibly inducing a more tolerogenic immune phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Luisetto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Ghirardello
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Cavicchioli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaia Codolo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biasiolo
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maggioni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Saccon
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marianna Beggio
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappon
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberta Venturini
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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8
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Nicolaou O, Kousios A, Hadjisavvas A, Lauwerys B, Sokratous K, Kyriacou K. Biomarkers of systemic lupus erythematosus identified using mass spectrometry-based proteomics: a systematic review. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:993-1012. [PMID: 27878954 PMCID: PMC5387176 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in mass spectrometry technologies have created new opportunities for discovering novel protein biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We performed a systematic review of published reports on proteomic biomarkers identified in SLE patients using mass spectrometry-based proteomics and highlight their potential disease association and clinical utility. Two electronic databases, MEDLINE and EMBASE, were systematically searched up to July 2015. The methodological quality of studies included in the review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Twenty-five studies were included in the review, identifying 241 SLE candidate proteomic biomarkers related to various aspects of the disease including disease diagnosis and activity or pinpointing specific organ involvement. Furthermore, 13 of the 25 studies validated their results for a selected number of biomarkers in an independent cohort, resulting in the validation of 28 candidate biomarkers. It is noteworthy that 11 candidate biomarkers were identified in more than one study. A significant number of potential proteomic biomarkers that are related to a number of aspects of SLE have been identified using mass spectrometry proteomic approaches. However, further studies are required to assess the utility of these biomarkers in routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orthodoxia Nicolaou
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular PathologyThe Cyprus Institute of Neurology and GeneticsNicosiaCyprus
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular PathologyCyprus School of Molecular MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Andreas Kousios
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular PathologyCyprus School of Molecular MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Andreas Hadjisavvas
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular PathologyThe Cyprus Institute of Neurology and GeneticsNicosiaCyprus
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular PathologyCyprus School of Molecular MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Bernard Lauwerys
- Department of RheumatologyUniversité catholique de LouvainBruxellesBelgium
| | - Kleitos Sokratous
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular PathologyThe Cyprus Institute of Neurology and GeneticsNicosiaCyprus
| | - Kyriacos Kyriacou
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular PathologyThe Cyprus Institute of Neurology and GeneticsNicosiaCyprus
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular PathologyCyprus School of Molecular MedicineNicosiaCyprus
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Well-Known and Less Well-Known Functions of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin. Its Role in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Other Disease Developments. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2016; 13 Suppl 4:S280-8. [DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201507-468kv] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Kamenarska ZG, Hristova MH, Vinkov AI, Dourmishev LA. Monoclonal Antibody Drugs for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Folia Med (Plovdiv) 2016; 57:89-92. [PMID: 26933777 DOI: 10.1515/folmed-2015-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease which engages most of the immune cells in its development. Various studies concerning the application of antibodies against TNF-α, BlyS, CD20, CD22, IL-6R and complement factors in treatment of SLE have been recently conducted and in spite of the good results reported by some of them, no definite conclusion on their risk-benefit profile can be drawn. The current review summarizes the results obtained in the field and reveals the perspectives for the development of new and more effective strategies for SLE treatment in combination with other immunomodulating drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anton I Vinkov
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpitaux Drome Nord, Romans-sur-Isère, France
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11
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Gatto M, Iaccarino L, Ghirardello A, Bassi N, Pontisso P, Punzi L, Shoenfeld Y, Doria A. Serpins, immunity and autoimmunity: old molecules, new functions. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2014; 45:267-80. [PMID: 23325331 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-013-8353-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) are evolutionary old, structurally conserved molecules which encompass nearly all branches of life. More than 1,000 serpins were characterized to date which are subdivided into 16 subgroups (A-P) according to their common ancestry; among them, 37 are found in humans. Serpins were termed after their capability to inhibit serine proteases, but mounting evidence suggests that they may achieve a greater deal of functions, ranging from embryological growth to synaptic plasticity, development of both myeloid and lymphoid immune cells, and modulation of apoptosis. Serpins are mainly extracellular molecules, although some of them (namely, ov-serpins or clade B serpins) mostly act inside the cells, being either ubiquitously or tissue-specifically expressed. Among newly characterized serpin functions, regulation of cellular proliferation through apoptosis modulation and proteasome disturbance seems to play a major role. Accordingly, several serpins were found to be hyperexpressed in tumor cells. Indeed, apoptosis dysregulation is likely to be a cornerstone in both tumorigenesis and autoimmunity, since uncontrolled cellular viability results in tumor proliferation, while inefficient disposal of apoptotic debris may favor the rescue of autoreactive immune cells. Such a process was widely documented in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Interestingly, alterations in the expression of some serpins, e.g., the ov-serpin SERPINB3, are being unraveled in patients affected with SLE and other autoimmune disorders, suggesting that a failure in serpin function might affect immune homeostasis and self-tolerance, thereby contributing to autoimmunity. Here, we provide an overview of serpin origin, function, and dysfunction, focusing on human serpins and ov-serpins, with a hub on SERPINB3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariele Gatto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
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12
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Zhang L, Bertucci AM, Ramsey-Goldman R, Harsha-Strong ER, Burt RK, Datta SK. Major pathogenic steps in human lupus can be effectively suppressed by nucleosomal histone peptide epitope-induced regulatory immunity. Clin Immunol 2013; 149:365-78. [PMID: 24211843 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Low-dose tolerance therapy with nucleosomal histone peptide epitopes blocks lupus disease in mouse models, but effect in humans is unknown. Herein, we found that CD4(+)CD25(high)FoxP3(+) or CD4(+)CD45RA(+)FoxP3(low) T-cells, and CD8(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T-cells were all induced durably in PBMCs from inactive lupus patients and healthy subjects by the histone peptide/s themselves, but in active lupus, dexamethasone or hydroxychloroquine unmasked Treg-induction by the peptides. The peptide-induced Treg depended on TGFβ/ALK-5/pSmad 2/3 signaling, and they expressed TGF-β precursor LAP. Lupus patients' sera did not inhibit Treg induction. The peptide epitope-induced T cells markedly suppressed type I IFN related gene expression in lupus PBMC. Finally, the peptide epitopes suppressed pathogenic autoantibody production by PBMC from active lupus patients to baseline levels by additional mechanisms besides Treg induction, and as potently as anti-IL6 antibody. Thus, low-dose histone peptide epitopes block pathogenic autoimmune response in human lupus by multiple mechanisms to restore a stable immunoregulatory state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Divisions of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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13
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Vidalino L, Doria A, Quarta SM, Crescenzi M, Ruvoletto M, Frezzato F, Trentin L, Turato C, Parolin MC, Ghirardello A, Iaccarino L, Cavalletto L, Chemello L, Gatta A, Pontisso P. SERPINB3 expression on B-cell surface in autoimmune diseases and hepatitis C virus-related chronic liver infection. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2012; 237:793-802. [PMID: 22829702 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2012.012024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SERPINB3 is a serine protease inhibitor with pleiotropic functions. It is involved in several physiological and pathological processes, where it appears to exert antiapoptotic effects. Little is known about its expression on immune system cells, the major players in mechanisms of viral defense and autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of SERPINB3 on the surface of peripheral blood mononuclear cell subsets in both normal subjects and in patients with chronic viral infections and autoimmune diseases. Sixty-two patients were analyzed by flow cytometric analysis, including 45 with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease and 17 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SERPINB3 was expressed on B lymphocytes in 79% of the controls, in 32% of the HCV-infected patients and in none of the SLE patients. Surface localization of SERPINB3 was confirmed by confocal microscopy. SERPINB3 positivity was associated with CD27 reactivity (r = 0.98), but not to other activation molecules (CD69, CD71, CD86 and CXCR3). SERPINB3 is physiologically expressed on the surface of CD27(+) B lymphocytes, but its expression is reduced in HCV viral infection and not detectable in SLE patients. These results may suggest a role for SERPINB3 in B-cell defects typically found in viral infections and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vidalino
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, Italy
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Wormser U, Brodsky B, Milatovic D, Finkelstein Y, Farina M, Rocha JB, Aschner M. Protective effect of a novel peptide against methylmercury-induced toxicity in rat primary astrocytes. Neurotoxicology 2011; 33:763-8. [PMID: 22186600 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2011.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Revised: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental neurotoxicant associated with aberrant central nervous system (CNS) functions. In this study, we examined the protective effect of a novel anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective nonapeptide, termed IIIM1, against MeHg-induced toxicity in cultured rat neonatal primary astrocytes. Astrocytes were pretreated for 66 h with 5 μg/ml IIIM1 (4.95 μM) followed by 6 h exposure to MeHg (5 μM). MeHg significantly increased F(2)-isoprostane generation, a lipid peroxidation biomarker of oxidative injury and this effect was significantly reduced upon pre-treatment with IIIM1. The MeHg-induced increase in levels of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), biomarkers of inflammatory responses, was also decreased in the peptide-treated cells. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed no chemical or binding interaction between MeHg and IIIM1, indicating that intracellular cytoprotective mechanism of action accounts for the neuroprotection rather than direct intracellular neutralization of the neurotoxicant with the peptide. These findings point to therapeutic potential for IIIM1 in a plethora of conditions associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The implication of these findings may prove beneficial in designing new treatment modalities that efficiently suppress neurotoxicity, triggered not only by MeHg, but also by other metals and environmental agents, as well as chronic disease conditions that inherently increase reactive radical production and inflammatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Wormser
- Institute of Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, the Hebrew University, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
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