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Tubau-Juni N, Hontecillas R, Leber AJ, Alva SS, Bassaganya-Riera J. Treating Autoimmune Diseases With LANCL2 Therapeutics: A Novel Immunoregulatory Mechanism for Patients With Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024; 30:671-680. [PMID: 37934790 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 (LANCL2) therapeutics have gained increasing recognition as a novel treatment modality for a wide range of autoimmune diseases. Genetic ablation of LANCL2 in mice results in severe inflammatory phenotypes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and lupus. Pharmacological activation of LANCL2 provides therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of intestinal inflammation, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis. Mechanistically, LANCL2 activation enhances regulatory CD4 + T cell (Treg) responses and downregulates effector responses in the gut. The stability and suppressive capacities of Treg cells are enhanced by LANCL2 activation through engagement of immunoregulatory mechanisms that favor mitochondrial metabolism and amplify IL-2/CD25 signaling. Omilancor, the most advanced LANCL2 immunoregulatory therapeutic in late-stage clinical development, is a phase 3 ready, first-in-class, gut-restricted, oral, once-daily, small-molecule therapeutic in clinical development for the treatment of UC and CD. In this review, we discuss this novel mechanism of mucosal immunoregulation and how LANCL2-targeting therapeutics could help address the unmet clinical needs of patients with autoimmune diseases, starting with IBD.
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Scarano N, Di Palma F, Origlia N, Musumeci F, Schenone S, Spinelli S, Passalacqua M, Zocchi E, Sturla L, Cichero E, Cavalli A. New Insights into the LANCL2- ABA Binding Mode towards the Evaluation of New LANCL Agonists. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2754. [PMID: 38140095 PMCID: PMC10747503 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The lanthionine synthetase C-like (LANCL) proteins include LANCL2, which is expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues. LANCL2 exhibits glutathionylation activity and is involved in the neutralization of reactive electrophiles. Several studies explored LANCL2 activation as a validated pharmacological target for diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. In this context, LANCL2 was found to bind the natural product abscisic acid (ABA), whose pre-clinical effectiveness in different inflammatory diseases was reported in the literature. More recently, LANCL2 attracted more attention as a valuable resource in the field of neurodegenerative disorders. ABA was found to regulate neuro-inflammation and synaptic plasticity to enhance learning and memory, exhibiting promising neuroprotective effects. Up until now, a limited number of LANCL2 ligands are known; among them, BT-11 is the only compound patented and investigated for its anti-inflammatory properties. To guide the design of novel putative LANCL2 agonists, a computational study including molecular docking and long molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of both ABA and BT-11 was carried out. The results pointed out the main LANCL2 ligand chemical features towards the following virtual screening of a novel putative LANCL2 agonist (AR-42). Biochemical assays on rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes showed a similar, LANCL2-mediated stimulation by BT-11 and by AR-42 of the mitochondrial proton gradient and of the transcriptional activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/Sirt1 axis, the master regulator of mitochondrial function, effects that are previously observed with ABA. These results may allow the development of LANCL2 agonists for the treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction, a common feature of chronic and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Scarano
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesco Di Palma
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; (F.D.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Nicola Origlia
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Sonia Spinelli
- Laboratorio di Nefrologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Mario Passalacqua
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.Z.)
| | - Elena Zocchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.Z.)
| | - Laura Sturla
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.Z.)
| | - Elena Cichero
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; (F.D.P.); (A.C.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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3
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Massironi S, Mulinacci G, Gallo C, Elvevi A, Danese S, Invernizzi P, Vespa E. Mechanistic Insights into Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Therapies Targeting Pathophysiological Mechanisms. Cells 2023; 12:2473. [PMID: 37887317 PMCID: PMC10605530 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus. It arises from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition (susceptibility loci), environmental triggers (allergens and dietary antigens), and a dysregulated immune response, mainly mediated by type 2 T helper cell (Th2)-released cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. These cytokines control eosinophil recruitment and activation as well as tissue remodeling, contributing to the characteristic features of EoE. The pathogenesis of EoE includes epithelial barrier dysfunction, mast cell activation, eosinophil degranulation, and fibrosis. Epithelial barrier dysfunction allows allergen penetration and promotes immune cell infiltration, thereby perpetuating the inflammatory response. Mast cells release proinflammatory mediators and promote eosinophil recruitment and the release of cytotoxic proteins and cytokines, causing tissue damage and remodeling. Prolonged inflammation can lead to fibrosis, resulting in long-term complications such as strictures and dysmotility. Current treatment options for EoE are limited and mainly focus on dietary changes, proton-pump inhibitors, and topical corticosteroids. Novel therapies targeting key inflammatory pathways, such as monoclonal antibodies against IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, are emerging in clinical trials. A deeper understanding of the complex pathogenetic mechanisms behind EoE will contribute to the development of more effective and personalized therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Massironi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy; (G.M.); (C.G.); (A.E.)
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20125 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Mulinacci
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy; (G.M.); (C.G.); (A.E.)
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20125 Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Gallo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy; (G.M.); (C.G.); (A.E.)
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20125 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Elvevi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy; (G.M.); (C.G.); (A.E.)
| | - Silvio Danese
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy; (G.M.); (C.G.); (A.E.)
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20125 Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vespa
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
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Oppong D, Schiff W, Shivamadhu MC, Ahn YH. Chemistry and biology of enzymes in protein glutathionylation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 75:102326. [PMID: 37245422 PMCID: PMC10524987 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Protein S-glutathionylation is emerging as a central oxidation that regulates redox signaling and biological processes linked to diseases. In recent years, the field of protein S-glutathionylation has expanded by developing biochemical tools for the identification and functional analyses of S-glutathionylation, investigating knockout mouse models, and developing and evaluating chemical inhibitors for enzymes involved in glutathionylation. This review will highlight recent studies of two enzymes, glutathione transferase omega 1 (GSTO1) and glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1), especially introducing their glutathionylation substrates associated with inflammation, cancer, and neurodegeneration and showcasing the advancement of their chemical inhibitors. Lastly, we will feature protein substrates and chemical inducers of LanC-like protein (LanCL), the first enzyme in protein C-glutathionylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oppong
- Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William Schiff
- Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Young-Hoon Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Racca F, Pellegatta G, Cataldo G, Vespa E, Carlani E, Pelaia C, Paoletti G, Messina MR, Nappi E, Canonica GW, Repici A, Heffler E. Type 2 Inflammation in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Targets. Front Physiol 2022; 12:815842. [PMID: 35095572 PMCID: PMC8790151 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.815842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the esophagus characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil-predominant inflammation, whose incidence is rising. It significantly affects patients’ quality of life and, if left untreated, results in fibrotic complications. Although broad consensus has been achieved on first-line therapy, a subset of patients remains non-responder to standard therapy. The pathogenesis of EoE is multifactorial and results from the complex, still mostly undefined, interaction between genetics and intrinsic factors, environment, and antigenic stimuli. A deep understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease is pivotal for the development of new therapies. This review provides a comprehensive description of the pathophysiology of EoE, starting from major pathogenic mechanisms (genetics, type 2 inflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux, allergens, infections and microbiota) and subsequently focusing on the single protagonists of type 2 inflammation (involved cells, cytokines, soluble effectors, surface proteins and transcription factors) that could represent present and future therapeutic targets, while summarizing previous therapeutic approaches in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Racca
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- *Correspondence: Francesca Racca,
| | - Gaia Pellegatta
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cataldo
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vespa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Elisa Carlani
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paoletti
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Messina
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nappi
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Alessandro Repici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
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Leber A, Hontecillas R, Zoccoli-Rodriguez V, Ehrich M, Chauhan J, Bassaganya-Riera J. Exploratory studies with NX-13: oral toxicity and pharmacokinetics in rodents of an orally active, gut-restricted first-in-class therapeutic for IBD that targets NLRX1. Drug Chem Toxicol 2022; 45:209-214. [PMID: 31650868 PMCID: PMC7182494 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2019.1679828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat containing X1 (NLRX1) is an emerging therapeutic target for a spectrum of human diseases. NX-13 is a small molecule therapeutic designed to target and activate NLRX1 to induce immunometabolic changes resulting in lower inflammation and therapeutic responses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study investigates the safety of NX-13 in a seven-day, repeat-dose general toxicity study in male and female Sprague Dawley rats at oral doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Weights, clinical signs, functional observational battery, clinical pathology and histopathology were used for evaluation. Daily oral dosing of NX-13 up to 1000 mg/kg did not result in any changes in weight, abnormal clinical signs or behavior. No significant differences were observed between treated and control rats in hematology or blood biochemistry. Histopathological evaluation of 12 tissues demonstrated no differences between controls and treated rats. There were no changes in weights of brain, heart, kidney, liver or spleen. Pharmacokinetic analysis of a single oral dose of NX-13 at 10 mg/kg in Sprague Dawley rats provided a maximum plasma concentration of 57 ng/mL at 0.5 h post-dose. Analysis of colon tissue after oral dosing with 1 and 10 mg/kg indicated high peak concentrations (10 and 100 µg/g, respectively) that scale in a dose-proportional manner. These experiments suggest that NX-13 is safe and well-tolerated in rats given oral doses as high as 1000 mg/kg with a favorable gastrointestinal localized pharmacokinetic profile, confirming NX-13 as a promising therapeutic for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leber
- Landos Biopharma Inc, Blacksburg, VA 24060,BioTherapeutics Inc, Blacksburg, VA 24060
| | - Raquel Hontecillas
- Landos Biopharma Inc, Blacksburg, VA 24060,BioTherapeutics Inc, Blacksburg, VA 24060
| | | | - Marion Ehrich
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060
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Li Y, Chen J, Bolinger AA, Chen H, Liu Z, Cong Y, Brasier AR, Pinchuk IV, Tian B, Zhou J. Target-Based Small Molecule Drug Discovery Towards Novel Therapeutics for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2021; 27:S38-S62. [PMID: 34791293 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a class of severe and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with recurrent symptoms and significant morbidity. Long-term persistence of chronic inflammation in IBD is a major contributing factor to neoplastic transformation and the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Conversely, persistence of transmural inflammation in CD is associated with formation of fibrosing strictures, resulting in substantial morbidity. The recent introduction of biological response modifiers as IBD therapies, such as antibodies neutralizing tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, have replaced nonselective anti-inflammatory corticosteroids in disease management. However, a large proportion (~40%) of patients with the treatment of anti-TNF-α antibodies are discontinued or withdrawn from therapy because of (1) primary nonresponse, (2) secondary loss of response, (3) opportunistic infection, or (4) onset of cancer. Therefore, the development of novel and effective therapeutics targeting specific signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of IBD is urgently needed. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the recent advances in drug discovery of new small molecules in preclinical or clinical development for treating IBD that target biologically relevant pathways in mucosal inflammation. These include intracellular enzymes (Janus kinases, receptor interacting protein, phosphodiesterase 4, IκB kinase), integrins, G protein-coupled receptors (S1P, CCR9, CXCR4, CB2) and inflammasome mediators (NLRP3), etc. We will also discuss emerging evidence of a distinct mechanism of action, bromodomain-containing protein 4, an epigenetic regulator of pathways involved in the activation, communication, and trafficking of immune cells. We highlight their chemotypes, mode of actions, structure-activity relationships, characterizations, and their in vitro/in vivo activities and therapeutic potential. The perspectives on the relevant challenges, new opportunities, and future directions in this field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jianping Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yingzi Cong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Irina V Pinchuk
- Department of Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, PA, USA
| | - Bing Tian
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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First-in-class topical therapeutic omilancor ameliorates disease severity and inflammation through activation of LANCL2 pathway in psoriasis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19827. [PMID: 34615968 PMCID: PMC8494925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis (PsO) is a complex immune-mediated disease that afflicts 100 million people. Omilancor is a locally-acting, small molecule that selectively activates the Lanthionine Synthetase C-like 2 (LANCL2) pathway, resulting in immunoregulatory effects at the intersection of immunity and metabolism. Topical omilancor treatment in an imiquimod-induced mouse model of PsO ameliorates disease severity, epidermal hyperplasia and acanthosis. Further, pharmacological activation of LANCL2 results in significant downregulation of proinflammatory markers including local reduction of IL17, and infiltration of proinflammatory cell subsets. These therapeutic effects were further validated in an IL-23 PsO model. This model reported increased preservation of homeostatic skin structure, accompanied by a decreased infiltration of proinflammatory T cell subsets. In CD4+ T cells and Th17 cells, the LANCL2 pathway regulates proinflammatory cytokine production, proliferation and glucose metabolism. Metabolically, the loss of Lancl2 resulted in increased glycolytic rates, lactate production and upregulated enzymatic activity of hexokinase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Inhibition of LDH activity abrogated the increased proliferation rate in Lancl2-/- CD4+ T cells. Additionally, topical omilancor treatment decreased the metabolic upregulation in keratinocytes, keratinocyte hyperproliferation and expression of inflammatory markers. Omilancor is a promising topical, LANCL2-targeting therapeutic candidate for the treatment of PsO and other dermatology indications.
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Bassaganya-Riera J, Berry EM, Blaak EE, Burlingame B, le Coutre J, van Eden W, El-Sohemy A, German JB, Knorr D, Lacroix C, Muscaritoli M, Nieman DC, Rychlik M, Scholey A, Serafini M. Goals in Nutrition Science 2020-2025. Front Nutr 2021; 7:606378. [PMID: 33665201 PMCID: PMC7923694 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.606378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Five years ago, with the editorial board of Frontiers in Nutrition, we took a leap of faith to outline the Goals for Nutrition Science - the way we see it (1). Now, in 2020, we can put ourselves to the test and take a look back. Without a doubt we got it right with several of the key directions. To name a few, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Food and Nutrition are part of the global public agenda, and the SDGs contribute to the structuring of international science and research. Nutritional Science has become a critical element in strengthening work on the SDGs, and the development of appropriate methodologies is built on the groundwork of acquiring and analyzing big datasets. Investigation of the Human Microbiome is providing novel insight on the interrelationship between nutrition, the immune system and disease. Finally, with an advanced definition of the gut-brain-axis we are getting a glimpse into the potential for Nutrition and Brain Health. Various milestones have been achieved, and any look into the future will have to consider the lessons learned from Covid-19 and the sobering awareness about the frailty of our food systems in ensuring global food security. With a view into the coming 5 years from 2020 to 2025, the editorial board has taken a slightly different approach as compared to the previous Goals article. A mind map has been created to outline the key topics in nutrition science. Not surprisingly, when looking ahead, the majority of scientific investigation required will be in the areas of health and sustainability. Johannes le Coutre, Field Chief Editor, Frontiers in Nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Bassaganya-Riera
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory (NIMML) Institute, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Elliot M Berry
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ellen E Blaak
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Johannes le Coutre
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Willem van Eden
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ahmed El-Sohemy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Bruce German
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Dietrich Knorr
- Institute of Food Technology and Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christophe Lacroix
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Muscaritoli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - David C Nieman
- Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Michael Rychlik
- Technical University of Munich, Analytical Food Chemistry, Freising, Germany
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mauro Serafini
- Functional Food and Metabolic Stress Prevention Laboratory, Faculty of Biosciences and Technologies for Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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11
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Leber A, Hontecillas R, Zoccoli-Rodriguez V, Colombel JF, Chauhan J, Ehrich M, Farinola N, Bassaganya-Riera J. The Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics Profile of BT-11, an Oral, Gut-Restricted Lanthionine Synthetase C-Like 2 Agonist Investigational New Drug for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase I Clinical Trial. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2020; 26:643-652. [PMID: 31077582 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izz094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BT-11 is a new oral, gut-restricted, first-in-class investigational drug for Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) that targets the lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 (LANCL2) pathway and immunometabolic mechanisms. Oral BT-11 was assessed for safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) in normal healthy volunteers (n = 70) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects (n = 70) were randomly assigned to one of five single ascending dose cohorts (up to 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and three multiple ascending dose cohorts [up to 100 mg/kg daily (QD) for seven days, orally]. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse event (AE) reporting, vital signs, electrocardiogram, hematology, and clinical chemistry. BT-11 did not increase total or gastrointestinal AE rates, as compared with placebo, and no serious adverse events were observed. Oral BT-11 dosing does not result in any clinically significant findings by biochemistry, coagulation, electrocardiogram, hematology, or urinalysis as compared with placebo. Mean fecal concentrations of BT-11 increased linearly with increasing oral doses, with 2.39 mg/g at 7.7 mg/kg on day 7 of the multiple ascending dose (MAD). Analysis of plasma pharmacokinetics indicates that maximum systemic concentrations are approximately 1/6000th of observed concentrations in feces and the distal gastrointestinal tract. Fecal calprotectin levels were lower in BT-11 treated groups as compared to placebo. BT-11 significantly decreases interferon gamma positive (IFNγ+) and tumor necrosis factor alpha positive (TNFα+) cluster of differentiation 4 positive (CD4+) T cells and increases forkhead box P3 positive (FOXP3+) CD4+ T cells in colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells from patients with CD and patients with UC at concentrations of 0.01 µM when treated ex vivo. BT-11 treatment is well-tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities up to daily oral doses of 100 mg/kg (16 tablets); whereas the efficacious dose is a single tablet (8 mg/kg). Phase II studies in CD and UC patients are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leber
- Landos Biopharma Inc., Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Jean-Frederic Colombel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Marion Ehrich
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicholas Farinola
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Small-molecule agents for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:2034-2041. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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