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Papachristodoulou E, Kyttaris VC. New and emerging therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Immunol 2024; 263:110200. [PMID: 38582250 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110200] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis treatment is still based on non-specific immune suppression despite the first biological therapy for the disease having been approved more than a decade ago. Intense basic and translational research has uncovered a multitude of pathways that are actively being evaluated as treatment targets in SLE and lupus nephritis, with two new medications receiving FDA approval in the last 3 years. Herein we provide an overview of targeted therapies for SLE including medications targeting the B lymphocyte compartment, intracellular signaling, co-stimulation, and finally the interferons and other cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Papachristodoulou
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vasileios C Kyttaris
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Fan W, Wei B, Chen X, Zhang Y, Xiao P, Li K, Zhang YQ, Huang J, Leng L, Bucala R. Potential role of RhoA GTPase regulation in type interferon signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:31. [PMID: 38243295 PMCID: PMC10799493 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03263-3] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by abnormal activation of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway, which results in tissue inflammation and organ damage. We explored the role of the RhoA GTPase in the type I IFN activation pathway to provide a potential basis for targeting GTPase signaling for the treatment of SLE. METHODS Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients and healthy controls, and the mRNA expression levels of RhoA and IFN-stimulated genes were measured by SYBR Green quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. IFN-a-stimulated response element (ISRE)-luciferase reporter gene assays and Western blotting were conducted to assess the biologic function of RhoA. An enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) measured C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) protein expression. RESULTS Our studies demonstrate that the expression of RhoA in the PBMCs of SLE subjects was significantly higher than in healthy controls and positively correlated with type I IFN scores and type I IFN-stimulated gene (ISGs) expression levels. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of RhoA and the RhoA/ROCK inhibitor Y27632 reduced the activity of the type I IFN-induced ISRE, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1) phosphorylation, and the expression of CXCL10 and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1). Finally, we verified that Y27632 could significantly down-regulate the OAS1 and CXCL10 expression levels in the PBMCs of SLE patients. CONCLUSION Our study shows that RhoA positively regulates the activation of the type I IFN response pathway. Reducing the expression level of RhoA inhibits the abnormal activation of the type I IFN system, and the RhoA/ROCK inhibitor Y27632 decreases aberrant type I IFN signaling in SLE PBMCs, suggesting the possibility of targeting the RhoA GTPase for the treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China.
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Xuyan Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Pingping Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Kaiyan Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yi Qin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Jinmei Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Lin Leng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Richard Bucala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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3
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Sachinidis A, Garyfallos A. Rho-kinase inhibitors to deplete age-associated B cells in systemic autoimmunity. Immunol Lett 2023; 262:36-38. [PMID: 37689314 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Sachinidis
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Fan W, Wei B, Chen X, Zhang Y, Xiao P, Li K, Zhang YQ, Huang J, Leng L, Bucala R. The RhoA GTPase regulates Type I Interferon Signaling in Systemic lupus erythematosus. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3320841. [PMID: 37790522 PMCID: PMC10543431 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3320841/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by abnormal activation of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway, which results in tissue inflammation and organ damage. We explored the role of the RhoA GTPase in the type I IFN activation pathway to provide a potential basis for targeting GTPase signaling for the treatment of SLE. Methods Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients and healthy controls, and the mRNA expression levels of RhoA and IFN-stimulated genes were measured by SYBR Green quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE)-luciferase reporter gene assays and Western blotting were conducted to asssess the biologic function of RhoA. An Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) measured C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10(CXCL10)protein expression. Results Our studies demonstrated that the expression of RhoA in the PBMCs of SLE subjects was significantly higher than healthy controls and positively correlated with type I IFN scores and type I IFN-stimulated gene (ISGs) expression levels. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of RhoA and the RhoA/ROCK inhibitor Y27632 reduced the activity of the type I IFN-induced ISRE, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1) phosphorylation, and the expression of CXCL10 and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1(OAS1). Finally,we verified that Y27632 could significantly down-regulate the OAS1 and CXCL10 expression levels in PBMCs of SLE patients. Conclusion Our study shows that RhoA positively regulates the activation of the type I IFN response pathway. Reducing the expression level of RhoA inhibits the abnormal activation of the type I IFN system, and the RhoA/ROCK inhibitor Y27632 decreases aberrant type I IFN signaling in SLE PBMCs, suggesting the possibility of targeting the RhoA GTPase for the treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fan
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College
| | - Bo Wei
- Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen University
| | - Xuyan Chen
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College
| | - Yi Zhang
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College
| | - Pingping Xiao
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College
| | - Kaiyan Li
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College
| | - Yi Qin Zhang
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College
| | - Jinmei Huang
- the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen Medical College
| | - Lin Leng
- Yale University School of Medicine
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Su KYC, Reynolds JA, Reed R, Da Silva R, Kelsall J, Baricevic-Jones I, Lee D, Whetton AD, Geifman N, McHugh N, Bruce IN. Proteomic analysis identifies subgroups of patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Proteomics 2023; 20:29. [PMID: 37516862 PMCID: PMC10385905 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-023-09420-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically and biologically heterogenous autoimmune disease. We aimed to investigate the plasma proteome of patients with active SLE to identify novel subgroups, or endotypes, of patients. METHOD Plasma was collected from patients with active SLE who were enrolled in the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Biologics Registry (BILAG-BR). The plasma proteome was analysed using a data-independent acquisition method, Sequential Window Acquisition of All theoretical mass spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS). Unsupervised, data-driven clustering algorithms were used to delineate groups of patients with a shared proteomic profile. RESULTS In 223 patients, six clusters were identified based on quantification of 581 proteins. Between the clusters, there were significant differences in age (p = 0.012) and ethnicity (p = 0.003). There was increased musculoskeletal disease activity in cluster 1 (C1), 19/27 (70.4%) (p = 0.002) and renal activity in cluster 6 (C6) 15/24 (62.5%) (p = 0.051). Anti-SSa/Ro was the only autoantibody that significantly differed between clusters (p = 0.017). C1 was associated with p21-activated kinases (PAK) and Phospholipase C (PLC) signalling. Within C1 there were two sub-clusters (C1A and C1B) defined by 49 proteins related to cytoskeletal protein binding. C2 and C6 demonstrated opposite Rho family GTPase and Rho GDI signalling. Three proteins (MZB1, SND1 and AGL) identified in C6 increased the classification of active renal disease although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0617). CONCLUSIONS Unsupervised proteomic analysis identifies clusters of patients with active SLE, that are associated with clinical and serological features, which may facilitate biomarker discovery. The observed proteomic heterogeneity further supports the need for a personalised approach to treatment in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y C Su
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Rheumatology Department, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - John A Reynolds
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- Rheumatology Department, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Rachel Reed
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachael Da Silva
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Janet Kelsall
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ivona Baricevic-Jones
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Lee
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Anthony D Whetton
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Nophar Geifman
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Neil McHugh
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Ian N Bruce
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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You Y, Zhu K, Wang J, Liang Q, Li W, Wang L, Guo B, Zhou J, Feng X, Shi J. ROCK inhibitor: Focus on recent updates. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.108336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
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Abstract
Rho family GTPases are molecular switches best known for their pivotal role in dynamic regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, but also of cellular morphology, motility, adhesion and proliferation. The prototypic members of this family (RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42) also contribute to the normal kidney function and play important roles in the structure and function of various kidney cells including tubular epithelial cells, mesangial cells and podocytes. The kidney's vital filtration function depends on the structural integrity of the glomerulus, the proximal portion of the nephron. Within the glomerulus, the architecturally actin-based cytoskeleton podocyte forms the final cellular barrier to filtration. The glomerulus appears as a highly dynamic signalling hub that is capable of integrating intracellular cues from its individual structural components. Dynamic regulation of the podocyte cytoskeleton is required for efficient barrier function of the kidney. As master regulators of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, Rho GTPases are therefore of critical importance for sustained kidney barrier function. Dysregulated activities of the Rho GTPases and of their effectors are implicated in the pathogenesis of both hereditary and idiopathic forms of kidney diseases. Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive kidney disease that is caused by injury to kidney glomeruli. High glucose activates RhoA/Rho-kinase in mesangial cells, leading to excessive extracellular matrix production (glomerulosclerosis). This RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway also seems involved in the post-transplant hypertension frequently observed during treatment with calcineurin inhibitors, whereas Rac1 activation was observed in post-transplant ischaemic acute kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Steichen
- Inserm UMR-1082 Irtomit, Poitiers, France,Faculté De Médecine Et De Pharmacie, Université De Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Claude Hervé
- Inserm UMR-1082 Irtomit, Poitiers, France,CONTACT Claude HervéInserm UMR-1082 Irtomit, Poitiers, France
| | - Thierry Hauet
- Inserm UMR-1082 Irtomit, Poitiers, France,Faculté De Médecine Et De Pharmacie, Université De Poitiers, Poitiers, France,Department of Medical Biology, Service De Biochimie, CHU De Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Nicolas Bourmeyster
- Faculté De Médecine Et De Pharmacie, Université De Poitiers, Poitiers, France,Department of Medical Biology, Service De Biochimie, CHU De Poitiers, Poitiers, France,Laboratoire STIM CNRS ERL 7003, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers Cédex, France
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Yang M, Yi P, Jiang J, Zhao M, Wu H, Lu Q. Dysregulated translational factors and epigenetic regulations orchestrate in B cells contributing to autoimmune diseases. Int Rev Immunol 2021; 42:1-25. [PMID: 34445929 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2021.1964498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
B cells play a crucial role in antigen presentation, antibody production and pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion in adaptive immunity. Several translational factors including transcription factors and cytokines participate in the regulation of B cell development, with the cooperation of epigenetic regulations. Autoimmune diseases are generally characterized with autoreactive B cells and high-level pathogenic autoantibodies. The success of B cell depletion therapy in mouse model and clinical trials has proven the role of B cells in pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The failure of B cell tolerance in immune checkpoints results in accumulated autoreactive naïve B (BN) cells with aberrant B cell receptor signaling and dysregulated B cell response, contributing to self-antibody-mediated autoimmune reaction. Dysregulation of translational factors and epigenetic alterations in B cells has been demonstrated to correlate with aberrant B cell compartment in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjögren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus and pemphigus. This review is intended to summarize the interaction of translational factors and epigenetic regulations that are involved with development and differentiation of B cells, and the mechanism of dysregulation in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiao Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Dulak-Lis M, Bujak A, Gala K, Banach M, Kędzierska U, Miszkiel J, Hucz-Kalitowska J, Mroczkiewicz M, Stypik B, Szymczak K, Gunerka P, Dubiel K, Zygmunt BM, Wieczorek M, Pieczykolan JS. A novel JAK/ROCK inhibitor, CPL409116, demonstrates potent efficacy in the mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. J Pharmacol Sci 2021; 145:340-348. [PMID: 33712286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disease, in which treatment is still limited due to suboptimal efficacy and toxicities associated with the available therapies. JAK kinases are well known to play an important role in systemic lupus erythematous. There is growing evidence that ROCK kinases are also important in disease development. In this paper, we present the results of the development of CPL409116, a dual JAK and ROCK inhibitor. The studies we performed demonstrate that this molecule is an effective JAK and ROCK inhibitor which efficiently blocks disease progression in NZBWF1/J mouse models of systemic lupus erythematous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dulak-Lis
- Celon Pharma S.A., Preclinical Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Anna Bujak
- Celon Pharma S.A., Preclinical Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Kamila Gala
- Celon Pharma S.A., Preclinical Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Martyna Banach
- Celon Pharma S.A., Preclinical Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Urszula Kędzierska
- Celon Pharma S.A., Preclinical Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Joanna Miszkiel
- Celon Pharma S.A., Preclinical Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | | | - Michał Mroczkiewicz
- Celon Pharma S.A., Medicinal Chemistry Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Bartosz Stypik
- Celon Pharma S.A., Medicinal Chemistry Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Szymczak
- Celon Pharma S.A., Medicinal Chemistry Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Paweł Gunerka
- Celon Pharma S.A., Preclinical Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Dubiel
- Celon Pharma S.A., Medicinal Chemistry Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Beata M Zygmunt
- Celon Pharma S.A., Preclinical Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland.
| | - Maciej Wieczorek
- Celon Pharma S.A., Preclinical Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
| | - Jerzy S Pieczykolan
- Celon Pharma S.A., Preclinical Department, Mokra 41a, Kiełpin, 05-092, Łomianki, Poland
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Yan Y, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Hou B, Liu K, Qin H, Fang L, Du G. Coptisine Alleviates Pristane-Induced Lupus-Like Disease and Associated Kidney and Cardiovascular Complications in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:929. [PMID: 32636749 PMCID: PMC7316987 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE) is a chronic multi-system autoimmune disease with a high prevalence of kidney and cardiovascular complications. Considering that Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinases (ROCKs) play important roles in SLE, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease, we hypothesized that coptisine, which has been found to inhibit ROCKs, may have an effect on SLE. The effect of coptisine was assessed in female BALB/c mice intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 mL of pristane. Serum autoantibodies were tested every month, blood pressure was measured every 2 months, and serum inflammatory markers, spleen pathologic characteristics, renal injury and vascular function were observed at 6 months. The results showed that coptisine decreased the levels of serum autoantibodies and serum inflammatory markers in the SLE mice, improved the pathologic characteristics of the spleen, and simultaneously improved renal injury, decreased inflammatory responses in the kidneys, reduced blood pressure, and improved vascular endothelial function. Western blot assays revealed that inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB and Rho/ROCK signalling pathways and downstream signalling molecules might be the potential mechanisms of the effects of coptisine. Our findings suggest that therapy with coptisine may be a strategy for preventing SLE and ameliorating associated kidney and cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yucai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Biyu Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Electric Power Teaching Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hailin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lianhua Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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11
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Shahbazi R, Baradaran B, Khordadmehr M, Safaei S, Baghbanzadeh A, Jigari F, Ezzati H. Targeting ROCK signaling in health, malignant and non-malignant diseases. Immunol Lett 2020; 219:15-26. [PMID: 31904392 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) is identified as a critical downstream effector of GTPase RhoA which contains two isoforms, ROCK1 (also known as p160ROCK and ROKβ) and ROCK2 (also known as Rho-kinase and ROKα), the gene of which is placed on chromosomes 18 (18q11.1) and 2 (2p24), respectively. ROCKs have a principal function in the generation of actin-myosin contractility and regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics. They represent a chief role in regulating various cellular functions, such as apoptosis, growth, migration, and metabolism through modulation of cytoskeletal actin synthesis, and cellular contraction through phosphorylation of numerous downstream targets. Emerging evidence has indicated that ROCKs present a significant function in cardiac physiology. Of note, dysregulation of ROCKs involves in several cardiac pathological processes like cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, systemic blood pressure disorder, and pulmonary hypertension. Moreover, ROCKs, in addition to their role in regulating renal arteriolar contraction, glomerular blood flow, and filtration, can also play a role in controlling podocytes, tubular cells, and mesangial cell structure and function. Hyperactivity disorder and over-gene expression of Rho/ROCK have been indicated in different cancers. Furthermore, it seems that increasing the expression of mRNA or ROCK protein has an undesirable effect on patient survival and has a positive impact on the progression and worsening of disease prognosis. This review focuses on the physiological and pathological functions of ROCKs with a particular view on its possible value of ROCK inhibitors as a new therapy in cancers and non-cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Shahbazi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 51665-1647, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 51666-14761, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 51666-14761, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Monireh Khordadmehr
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 51665-1647, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Sahar Safaei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 51666-14761, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 51666-14761, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Farinaz Jigari
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 51665-1647, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Hamed Ezzati
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 51665-1647, Tabriz, Iran.
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Koga T, Ichinose K, Kawakami A, Tsokos GC. The role of IL-17 in systemic lupus erythematosus and its potential as a therapeutic target. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:629-637. [PMID: 30874446 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2019.1593141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibodies production and immune complex deposition with systemic clinical manifestations. Interleukin (IL)-17-producing cells play a crucial role in disease pathogenesis and represent an attractive therapeutic target. Areas covered: This review provides an update on the possibility of targeting IL-17 in SLE. The rational for this approach as well as currently available and future targets are discussed. Expert opinion: Although human expression studies and animal models indicate that IL-17 blocking may be a promising therapeutic strategy for SLE, direct evidence for IL-17 inhibition in SLE patients is unavailable. Biologic therapies and small-molecule drugs that target IL-17 production are required for the achievement of a favorable clinical effect in SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Koga
- a Unit of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences , Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Nagasaki , Japan.,b Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Medicine , Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Nagasaki , Japan
| | - Kunihiro Ichinose
- a Unit of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences , Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Nagasaki , Japan
| | - Atsushi Kawakami
- a Unit of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences , Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Nagasaki , Japan
| | - George C Tsokos
- c Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine , Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
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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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14
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Li Y, Wu T. Proteomic approaches for novel systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:765-777. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1480718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaxi Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tianfu Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Katsuyama T, Tsokos GC, Moulton VR. Aberrant T Cell Signaling and Subsets in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1088. [PMID: 29868033 PMCID: PMC5967272 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multi-organ debilitating autoimmune disease, which mainly afflicts women in the reproductive years. A complex interaction of genetics, environmental factors and hormones result in the breakdown of immune tolerance to "self" leading to damage and destruction of multiple organs, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart and brain. Both innate and adaptive immune systems are critically involved in the misguided immune response against self-antigens. Dendritic cells, neutrophils, and innate lymphoid cells are important in initiating antigen presentation and propagating inflammation at lymphoid and peripheral tissue sites. Autoantibodies produced by B lymphocytes and immune complex deposition in vital organs contribute to tissue damage. T lymphocytes are increasingly being recognized as key contributors to disease pathogenesis. CD4 T follicular helper cells enable autoantibody production, inflammatory Th17 subsets promote inflammation, while defects in regulatory T cells lead to unchecked immune responses. A better understanding of the molecular defects including signaling events and gene regulation underlying the dysfunctional T cells in SLE is necessary to pave the path for better management, therapy, and perhaps prevention of this complex disease. In this review, we focus on the aberrations in T cell signaling in SLE and highlight therapeutic advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vaishali R. Moulton
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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16
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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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17
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Suárez-Fueyo A, Bradley SJ, Klatzmann D, Tsokos GC. T cells and autoimmune kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2017; 13:329-343. [PMID: 28287110 DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2017.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glomerulonephritis is traditionally considered to result from the invasion of the kidney by autoantibodies and immune complexes from the circulation or following their formation in situ, and by cells of the innate and the adaptive immune system. The inflammatory response leads to the proliferation and dysfunction of cells of the glomerulus, and invasion of the interstitial space with immune cells, resulting in tubular cell malfunction and fibrosis. T cells are critical drivers of autoimmunity and related organ damage, by supporting B-cell differentiation and antibody production or by directly promoting inflammation and cytotoxicity against kidney resident cells. T cells might become activated by autoantigens in the periphery and become polarized to secrete inflammatory cytokines before entering the kidney where they have the opportunity to expand owing to the presence of costimulatory molecules and activating cytokines. Alternatively, naive T cells could enter the kidney where they become activated after encountering autoantigen and expand locally. As not all individuals with a peripheral autoimmune response to kidney antigens develop glomerulonephritis, the contribution of local kidney factors expressed or produced by kidney cells is probably of crucial importance. Improved understanding of the biochemistry and molecular biology of T cells in patients with glomerulonephritis offers unique opportunities for the recognition of treatment targets for autoimmune kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Suárez-Fueyo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, CLS-937, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Sean J Bradley
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, CLS-937, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - David Klatzmann
- Sorbonne Universités, Pierre and Marie Curie University, INSERM UMR_S 959, 83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, F-75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Clinical Investigation Center in Biotherapy and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DHU i2B), 83 boulevard de l'Hôpital, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - George C Tsokos
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, CLS-937, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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18
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Yan JJ, Jambaldorj E, Lee JG, Jang JY, Shim JM, Han M, Koo TY, Ahn C, Yang J. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment ameliorates lupus nephritis through the expansion of regulatory T cells. BMC Nephrol 2016; 17:175. [PMID: 27846813 PMCID: PMC5111287 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-016-0380-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can induce regulatory T cells (Tregs) as well as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Despite the immune modulatory effects of G-CSF, results of G-CSF treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus are still controversial. We therefore investigated whether G-CSF can ameliorate lupus nephritis and studied the underlying mechanisms. Methods NZB/W F1 female mice were treated with G-CSF or phosphate-buffered saline for 5 consecutive days every week from 24 weeks of age, and were analyzed at 36 weeks of age. Results G-CSF treatment decreased proteinuria and serum anti-dsDNA, increased serum complement component 3 (C3), and attenuated renal tissue injury including deposition of IgG and C3. G-CSF treatment also decreased serum levels of BUN and creatinine, and ultimately decreased mortality of NZB/W F1 mice. G-CSF treatment induced expansion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs, with decreased renal infiltration of T cells, B cells, inflammatory granulocytes and monocytes in both kidneys and spleen. G-CSF treatment also decreased expression levels of MCP-1, IL-6, IL-2, and IL-10 in renal tissues as well as serum levels of MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-17. When Tregs were depleted by PC61 treatment, G-CSF-mediated protective effects on lupus nephritis were abrogated. Conclusions G-CSF treatment ameliorated lupus nephritis through the preferential expansion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs. Therefore, G-CSF has a therapeutic potential for lupus nephritis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12882-016-0380-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Jing Yan
- Transplantation Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Enkthuya Jambaldorj
- Transplantation Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ghi Lee
- Transplantation Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Young Jang
- Transplantation Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Min Shim
- Transplantation Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Miyeun Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Tai Yeon Koo
- Transplantation Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Curie Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseok Yang
- Transplantation Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea. .,Transplantation Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Rozo C, Chinenov Y, Maharaj RK, Gupta S, Leuenberger L, Kirou KA, Bykerk VP, Goodman SM, Salmon JE, Pernis AB. Targeting the RhoA-ROCK pathway to reverse T-cell dysfunction in SLE. Ann Rheum Dis 2016; 76:740-747. [PMID: 28283529 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Deregulated production of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-21 contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Production of IL-17 and IL-21 can be regulated by ROCK2, one of the two Rho kinases. Increased ROCK activation was previously observed in an SLE cohort. Here, we evaluated ROCK activity in a new SLE cohort, and an RA cohort, and assessed the ability of distinct inhibitors of the ROCK pathway to suppress production of IL-17 and IL-21 by SLE T cells or human Th17 cells. METHODS ROCK activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 29 patients with SLE, 31 patients with RA and 28 healthy controls was determined by ELISA. SLE T cells or in vitro-differentiated Th17 cells were treated with Y27632 (a pan-ROCK inhibitor), KD025 (a selective ROCK2 inhibitor) or simvastatin (which inhibits RhoA, a major ROCK activator). ROCK activity and IL-17 and IL-21 production were assessed. The transcriptional profile altered by ROCK inhibitors was evaluated by NanoString technology. RESULTS ROCK activity levels were significantly higher in patients with SLE and RA than healthy controls. Th17 cells exhibited high ROCK activity that was inhibited by Y27632, KD025 or simvastatin; each also decreased IL-17 and IL-21 production by purified SLE T cells or Th17 cells. Immune profiling revealed both overlapping and distinct effects of the different ROCK inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS ROCK activity is elevated in PBMCs from patients with SLE and RA. Production of IL-17 and IL-21 by SLE T cells or Th17 cells can furthermore be inhibited by targeting the RhoA-ROCK pathway via both non-selective and selective approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rozo
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yurii Chinenov
- Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.,David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Reena Khianey Maharaj
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura Leuenberger
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kyriakos A Kirou
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vivian P Bykerk
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susan M Goodman
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jane E Salmon
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alessandra B Pernis
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.,David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
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20
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Abstract
Effective immune responses require the precise regulation of dynamic interactions between hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. The Rho subfamily of GTPases, which includes RhoA, is rapidly activated downstream of a diverse array of biochemical and biomechanical signals, and is emerging as an important mediator of this cross-talk. Key downstream effectors of RhoA are the Rho kinases, or ROCKs. The ROCKs are two serine-threonine kinases that can act as global coordinators of a tissue’s response to stress and injury because of their ability to regulate a wide range of biological processes. Although the RhoA-ROCK pathway has been extensively investigated in the non-hematopoietic compartment, its role in the immune system is just now becoming appreciated. In this commentary, we provide a brief overview of recent findings that highlight the contribution of this pathway to lymphocyte development and activation, and the impact that dysregulation in the activation of RhoA and/or the ROCKs may exert on a growing list of autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edd Ricker
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Luvana Chowdhury
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA
| | - Woelsung Yi
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA
| | - Alessandra B Pernis
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York, 10065, USA; David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, 10021, USA
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21
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Li H, Zhang M, Wang CC, Li XL, Zhang P, Yue LT, Miao S, Dou YC, Li YB, Duan RS. ROCK inhibitor abolishes the antibody response in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Mol Cell Neurosci 2016; 74:106-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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22
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Loirand G. Rho Kinases in Health and Disease: From Basic Science to Translational Research. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 67:1074-95. [PMID: 26419448 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 are key regulators of actin cytoskeleton dynamics downstream of Rho GTPases that participate in the control of important physiologic functions, S including cell contraction, migration, proliferation, adhesion, and inflammation. Several excellent review articles dealing with ROCK function and regulation have been published over the past few years. Although a brief overview of general molecular, biochemical, and functional properties of ROCKs is included, an effort has been made to produce an original work by collecting and synthesizing recent studies aimed at translating basic discoveries from cell and experimental models into knowledge of human physiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and medical therapeutics. This review points out the specificity and distinct roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 isoforms highlighted in the last few years. Results obtained from genetically modified mice and genetic analysis in humans are discussed. This review also addresses the involvement of ROCKs in human diseases and the potential use of ROCK activity as a biomarker or a pharmacological target for specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervaise Loirand
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1087, Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, l'institut du thorax, Nantes, France
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Koga T, Ichinose K, Tsokos GC. T cells and IL-17 in lupus nephritis. Clin Immunol 2016; 185:95-99. [PMID: 27109641 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complicated autoimmune disorder characterized by autoantibodies production, immune complex formation, and immune dysregulation, resulting in damage of multiple organs including the kidney. Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common severe manifestation of SLE involving the majority of patients. Even though there are a number of reports indicating that interleukin-17 (IL-17) and Th17 cells play important roles in the pathogenesis of LN, the precise molecular mechanisms underline the development of LN have not been totally elucidated. In this review, we briefly summarize general characteristics of T and IL-17 cells in SLE. In addition, we discuss in detail T cell signaling pathways which control IL-17 production in patients with LN and in glomerulonephritis in lupus-prone mice. A better understanding of signaling and gene regulation defects in LN will lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Koga
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Kunihiro Ichinose
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - George C Tsokos
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra B. Pernis
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065;
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021
| | - Edd Ricker
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Chien-Huan Weng
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Cristina Rozo
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
| | - Woelsung Yi
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021
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25
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Manni M, Gupta S, Nixon BG, Weaver CT, Jessberger R, Pernis AB. IRF4-Dependent and IRF4-Independent Pathways Contribute to DC Dysfunction in Lupus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141927. [PMID: 26544714 PMCID: PMC4636285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon Regulatory Factors (IRFs) play fundamental roles in dendritic cell (DC) differentiation and function. In particular, IRFs are critical transducers of TLR signaling and dysregulation in this family of factors is associated with the development of autoimmune disorders such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). While several IRFs are expressed in DCs their relative contribution to the aberrant phenotypic and functional characteristics that DCs acquire in autoimmune disease has not been fully delineated. Mice deficient in both DEF6 and SWAP-70 (= Double-knock-out or DKO mice), two members of a unique family of molecules that restrain IRF4 function, spontaneously develop a lupus-like disease. Although autoimmunity in DKO mice is accompanied by dysregulated IRF4 activity in both T and B cells, SWAP-70 is also known to regulate multiple aspects of DC biology leading us to directly evaluate DC development and function in these mice. By monitoring Blimp1 expression and IL-10 competency in DKO mice we demonstrate that DCs in these mice exhibit dysregulated IL-10 production, which is accompanied by aberrant Blimp1 expression in the spleen but not in the peripheral lymph nodes. We furthermore show that DCs from these mice are hyper-responsive to multiple TLR ligands and that IRF4 plays a differential role in in these responses by being required for the TLR4-mediated but not the TLR9-mediated upregulation of IL-10 expression. Thus, DC dysfunction in lupus-prone mice relies on both IRF4-dependent and IRF4-independent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Manni
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Briana G. Nixon
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Casey T. Weaver
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Rolf Jessberger
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alessandra B. Pernis
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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26
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Zineldeen DH, Keshk WA, Ghazy AH, El-Barbary AM. Sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase/Pentraxin 3 and DNA damage axis: a gateway to cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus among Egyptian patients. Ann Clin Biochem 2015; 53:240-51. [DOI: 10.1177/0004563215578190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic multisystemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammatory processes and failure of immune-regulatory mechanisms. Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. In view of immunometabolic derangements of systemic lupus erythematosus, we investigated the roles of sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase, Pentraxin 3, and DNA damage in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with cardiovascular disease. Methods Forty systemic lupus erythematosus women with cardiovascular disease (systemic lupus erythematosus cases), 40 systemic lupus erythematosus women without cardiovascular disease, and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Plasma concentrations of sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase and Pentraxin 3 were immunoassayed. Carotid intima media thickness, atherogenic, and DNA damage indices were also assessed. Results Plasma sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase and Pentraxin 3 concentrations were increased in systemic lupus erythematosus cases with cardiovascular disease compared to systemic lupus erythematosus controls and healthy controls ( P < 0.0001). In systemic lupus erythematosus cases, there was a positive correlation between sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase and Pentraxin 3 (r = 0.57, P < 0.002). Conclusions These data highlight a novel role of sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase/Pentraxin 3 axis in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. Sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase/Pentraxin 3 combined role in immunometabolic signaling and DNA damage response is proposed to accelerate cardiovascular complications in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Hussein Zineldeen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Walaa Arafa Keshk
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Amal Mohamed El-Barbary
- Department of Rheumatology & Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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27
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Kinases inhibitors are now used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Here, the most recent findings related to their mechanism of action and some of the newest molecules and targets which are being investigated for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders are reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS Similarly to p38 inhibitors, current spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitors have not fulfilled the expectations of researchers and clinicians, and will likely not be used therapeutically in autoimmunity. Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors remain in the preclinical phase. Studies on the mechanism of action of successful Janus kinase (Jak) inhibitors have revealed that, apart from T and B cells, bone cells such as osteoclasts and innate immunity cells such as dendritic cells are positively affected. More specific, novel Jak inhibitors are now in clinical trials and newer Jak inhibitors are being developed. Other kinases are emerging from basic studies as potentially druggable and will surely be investigated. SUMMARY First-generation pan-Jak inhibitors can be useful for a wide variety of diseases. They act on adaptive as well as innate immune cells and can promote tolerance. More specific inhibitors will soon be available and these may be used in a disease-specific manner.
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Iyengar S, Zhan C, Lu J, Korngold R, Schwartz DH. Treatment with a rho kinase inhibitor improves survival from graft-versus-host disease in mice after MHC-haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2014; 20:1104-11. [PMID: 24796280 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and the main cause of nonrelapse mortality during the first 100 days post-transplant. Although GVHD can be prevented by extensive removal of mature donor T cells from the donor hematopoietic stem cell population, doing so eliminates any potential allogeneic graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect also mediated by donor T cells and results in unacceptable rates of cancer relapse. One potential solution to this problem of separating GVHD development from a GVT response is to prevent T cell-mediated GVHD in the intestinal tract (IT) while preserving systemic antihost alloreactivity of donor T cells that target residual tumor cells expressing host alloantigens. We examined the ability of the anti-inflammatory rho kinase inhibitor, fasudil, given orally and intraperitoneally, to prevent GVHD in a C3H → B6C3F1 mouse model of MHC-haploidentical bone marrow transplantation. Fasudil-treated recipients of anti-thy-1 mAb + C' treated bone marrow (ATBM) cells plus T cells had a 73% 90-day survival compared with 25% among untreated ATBM + T cell recipients (P < .0001). Severe initial weight loss was similar in the 2 groups, but less diarrhea was observed among treated animals, and fasudil-treated survivors recovered more weight than untreated survivors. Skin inflammation occurred and resolved between weeks 2 and 8 with similar severity and kinetics in both treated and untreated surviving animals, indicating persistent alloreactivity. Day 10 post-transplantation splenocytes from fasudil-treated mice, containing mature donor T cells, and day 98 splenocytes, containing mature donor and de novo thymus-derived T cells, exhibited alloreactivity against host parental antigens, as assessed by in vitro IFN-γ production and rounds of allostimulated proliferation, respectively. These data support the idea that targeted treatment of the IT with rho kinase inhibitors can ameliorate lethal GVHD while preserving systemic alloreactivity. The results also suggest that similar mechanisms of IT-specific tolerance or resistance to GVHD operate in fasudil-treated and untreated long-term survivors of allogeneic ATBM + T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujatha Iyengar
- Jurist Department of Research, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey.
| | - Caixin Zhan
- Jurist Department of Research, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
| | - Jordan Lu
- Jurist Department of Research, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
| | - Robert Korngold
- Jurist Department of Research, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
| | - David H Schwartz
- Jurist Department of Research, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
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Decker DA, Grant C, Oh L, Becker PM, Young D, Jordan S. Immunomodulatory effects of H.P. Acthar Gel on B cell development in the NZB/W F1 mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2014; 23:802-12. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203314531840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
H.P. Acthar Gel® (Acthar) is a highly purified repository gel preparation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH1-39), a melanocortin peptide that can bind and activate specific receptors expressed on a range of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-relevant target cells and tissues. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Acthar in a mouse model of SLE, using an F1 hybrid of the New Zealand Black and New Zealand White strains (NZB/W F1). Twenty-eight week old NZB/W F1 mice with established autoimmune disease were treated with Acthar, Placebo Gel (Placebo), or prednisolone and monitored for 19 weeks. Outcomes assessed included disease severity (severe proteinuria, ≥ 20% body weight loss, or prostration), measurement of serial serum autoantibody titers, terminal spleen immunophenotyping, and evaluation of renal histopathology. Acthar treatment was linked with evidence of altered B cell differentiation and development, manifested by a significant reduction in splenic B cell follicular and germinal center cells, and decreased levels of circulating total and anti-double-stranded DNA (IgM, IgG, and IgG2a) autoantibodies as compared with Placebo. Additionally, Acthar treatment resulted in a significant decrease of proteinuria, reduced renal lymphocyte infiltration, and attenuation of glomerular immune complex deposition. These data suggest that Acthar diminished pathogenic autoimmune responses in the spleen, peripheral blood, and kidney of NZB/W F1 mice. This is the first preclinical evidence demonstrating Acthar's potential immunomodulatory activity and efficacy in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- DA Decker
- Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ellicott City, MD, USA
| | - C Grant
- Biomedical Research Models, Inc., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - L Oh
- Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ellicott City, MD, USA
| | - PM Becker
- Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ellicott City, MD, USA
| | - D Young
- Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ellicott City, MD, USA
| | - S Jordan
- Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ellicott City, MD, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Rho kinase/ROCK is critical in vital signal transduction pathways central to many essential cellular activities. Since ROCK possess multiple substrates, modulation of ROCK activity is useful for treatment of many diseases. AREAS COVERED Significant progress has been made in the development of ROCK inhibitors over the past two years (Jan 2012 to Aug 2013). Patent search in this review was based on FPO IP Research and Communities and Espacenet Patent Search. In this review, patent applications will be classified into four groups for discussions. The grouping is mainly based on structures or scaffolds (groups 1 and 2) and biological functions of ROCK inhibitors (groups 3 and 4). These four groups are i) ROCK inhibitors based on classical structural elements for ROCK inhibition; ii) ROCK inhibitors based on new scaffolds; iii) bis-functional ROCK inhibitors; and iv) novel applications of ROCK inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Although currently only one ROCK inhibitor (fasudil) is used as a drug, more drugs based on ROCK inhibition are expected to be advanced into market in the near future. Several directions should be considered for future development of ROCK inhibitors, such as soft ROCK inhibitors, bis-functional ROCK inhibitors, ROCK2 isoform-selective inhibitors, and ROCK inhibitors as antiproliferation agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangbo Feng
- Translational Research Institute, The Scripps Research Institute , Scripps Florida, #2A1, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458 , USA +1 561 228 2201 ;
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Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: new therapeutic avenues and blind alleys. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2013; 10:23-34. [DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2013.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Markopoulou A, Kyttaris VC. Small molecules in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Immunol 2013; 148:359-68. [PMID: 23158694 PMCID: PMC3587286 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the understanding of the cellular biological events that underlie systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have led to the identification of key molecules and signaling pathways that are aberrantly expressed. The parallel development of small molecule drugs that inhibit or interfere with the specific perturbations identified, offers perspective for more rational, effective and less toxic therapy. In this review, we present data from preclinical and clinical studies of such emerging novel therapies with a particular focus on kinase inhibitors and other compounds that modulate signal transduction. Moreover, we highlight the use of chromatin-modifying medications, bringing attention to the central role of epigenetics in SLE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Markopoulou
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Isgro J, Gupta S, Jacek E, Pavri T, Duculan R, Kim M, Kirou KA, Salmon JE, Pernis AB. Enhanced rho-associated protein kinase activation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 65:1592-602. [PMID: 23508371 DOI: 10.1002/art.37934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and renal disorders. We recently showed that ROCKs could regulate the differentiation of murine Th17 cells and the production of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-21, two cytokines associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The goal of this study was to assess ROCK activation in human Th17 cells and to evaluate ROCK activity in SLE patients. METHODS An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based ROCK activity assay was used to evaluate ROCK activity in human cord blood CD4+ T cells differentiated under Th0 or Th17 conditions. We then performed a cross-sectional analysis of 28 SLE patients and 25 healthy matched controls. ROCK activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) lysates was determined by ELISA. Cytokine and chemokine profiles were analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS Human cord blood CD4+ T cells differentiated under Th17 conditions expressed higher levels of ROCK activity than did CD4+ T cells stimulated under Th0 conditions. Production of IL-17 and IL-21 was inhibited by the addition of a ROCK inhibitor. SLE PBMCs expressed significantly higher levels of ROCK activity than did healthy control PBMCs (1.25 versus 0.56; P = 0.0015). Sixteen SLE patients (57%) expressed high levels of ROCK (optical density at 450 nm >1). Disease duration, lymphocyte count, and azathioprine use were shown to be significant independent predictors of ROCK activity in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSION Consistent with previous results in the murine system, increased ROCK activation was associated with Th17 cell differentiation. Moreover, enhanced ROCK activity was observed in a subgroup of SLE patients. These data support the concept that the ROCK pathway could represent an important therapeutic target for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Isgro
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Apostolidis SA, Rauen T, Hedrich CM, Tsokos GC, Crispín JC. Protein phosphatase 2A enables expression of interleukin 17 (IL-17) through chromatin remodeling. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:26775-84. [PMID: 23918926 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.483743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric serine/threonine phosphatase involved in essential cellular functions. T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) express high levels of the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2Ac). A mouse overexpressing PP2Ac in T cells develops glomerulonephritis in an IL-17-dependent manner. Here, using microarray analyses, we demonstrate that increased expression of PP2Ac grants T cells the capacity to produce an array of proinflammatory effector molecules. Because IL-17 is important in the expression of glomerulonephritis, we studied the mechanism through which PP2Ac dysregulation facilitates its production. We report that PP2Ac is involved in the regulation of the Il17 locus by enhancing histone 3 acetylation through a mechanism that involves activation of interferon regulatory factor 4. Increased histone 3 acetylation of the Il17 locus is shared between T cells of PP2Ac transgenic mice and patients with SLE. We propose that, by promoting the inflammatory capacity of T cells, PP2Ac dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokratis A Apostolidis
- From the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
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Mouawad F, Tsui H, Takano T. Role of Rho-GTPases and their regulatory proteins in glomerular podocyte function. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2013; 91:773-82. [PMID: 24144047 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2013-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Podocytes play a critical role in maintaining glomerular permselectivity. It has been long recognized that their intricate actin-based structures are tightly associated with their normal function; however, the precise mechanisms by which podocytes form and maintain their complex structure had been poorly understood until the intensive investigations on podocyte biology began in 1998, triggered by the breakthrough discovery of nephrin. This review summarizes the recent discoveries of the molecular mechanisms by which the actin cytoskeleton is regulated in podocytes. A particular focus will be on the role of the Rho-family of small GTPases, represented by RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. Rho-GTPases are known for their versatile cellular functions, most importantly for the actin regulatory roles. We will also discuss the potential roles of the 3 groups of proteins known to regulate Rho-GTPases, namely GTPase-activating proteins, guanine nucleotide exchange factors, and guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaviana Mouawad
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
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Caza TN, Talaber G, Perl A. Metabolic regulation of organelle homeostasis in lupus T cells. Clin Immunol 2012; 144:200-13. [PMID: 22836085 PMCID: PMC3423541 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal T-cell signaling and activation are characteristic features in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus T cells are shifted toward an over-activated state, important signaling pathways are rewired, and signaling molecules are replaced. Disturbances in metabolic and organelle homeostasis, importantly within the mitochondrial, endosomal, and autophagosomal compartments, underlie the changes in signal transduction. Mitochondrial hyperpolarization, enhanced endosomal recycling, and dysregulated autophagy are hallmarks of pathologic organelle homeostasis in SLE. This review is focused on the metabolic checkpoints of endosomal traffic that control immunological synapse formation and mitophagy and may thus serve as targets for treatment in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany N Caza
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, 13210, USA
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