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Amini L, Kaeda J, Weber O, Reinke P. Low-dose Interleukin-2 Therapy: Fine-tuning Treg in Solid Organ Transplantation? Transplantation 2024; 108:1492-1508. [PMID: 38294829 PMCID: PMC11188637 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg), a subset of CD4 + T cells, are potent regulators of immune reactions, which have been shown to be a promising therapeutic alternative to toxic immunosuppressive drugs. Data support the utility of Treg in managing immunopathologies, including solid organ transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease, and autoimmune disorders. Notably, reports suggest that interleukin-2 (IL-2) is critical to survival of Treg, which constitutively express high levels of CD25, that is, the IL-2 receptor α-chain, and are exquisitely sensitive to IL-2, even at very low concentrations in contrast to effector T cells, which only upregulate IL-2 receptor α-chain on activation. This has led to the notion of using low doses of exogenous IL-2 therapeutically to modulate the immune system, specifically Treg numbers and function. Here, we summarize developments of clinical experience with low-dose IL-2 (LD-IL-2) as a therapeutic agent. So far, no clinical data are available to support the therapeutic use of LD-IL-2 therapy in the solid organ transplant setting. For the latter, fine-tuning by biotechnological approaches may be needed because of the narrow therapeutic window and off-target effects of LD-IL-2 therapy and so to realize the therapeutic potential of this molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Amini
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health – Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jaspal Kaeda
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Weber
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology (IMMEI), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health – Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Poletti S, Zanardi R, Mandelli A, Aggio V, Finardi A, Lorenzi C, Borsellino G, Carminati M, Manfredi E, Tomasi E, Spadini S, Colombo C, Drexhage HA, Furlan R, Benedetti F. Low-dose interleukin 2 antidepressant potentiation in unipolar and bipolar depression: Safety, efficacy, and immunological biomarkers. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:52-68. [PMID: 38367846 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune-inflammatory mechanisms are promising targets for antidepressant pharmacology. Immune cell abnormalities have been reported in mood disorders showing a partial T cell defect. Following this line of reasoning we defined an antidepressant potentiation treatment with add-on low-dose interleukin 2 (IL-2). IL-2 is a T-cell growth factor which has proven anti-inflammatory efficacy in autoimmune conditions, increasing thymic production of naïve CD4 + T cells, and possibly correcting the partial T cell defect observed in mood disorders. We performed a single-center, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial evaluating the safety, clinical efficacy and biological responses of low-dose IL-2 in depressed patients with major depressive (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD). 36 consecutively recruited inpatients at the Mood Disorder Unit were randomised in a 2:1 ratio to receive either aldesleukin (12 MDD and 12 BD) or placebo (6 MDD and 6 BD). Active treatment significantly potentiated antidepressant response to ongoing SSRI/SNRI treatment in both diagnostic groups, and expanded the population of T regulatory, T helper 2, and percentage of Naive CD4+/CD8 + immune cells. Changes in cell frequences were rapidly induced in the first five days of treatment, and predicted the later improvement of depression severity. No serious adverse effect was observed. This is the first randomised control trial (RCT) evidence supporting the hypothesis that treatment to strengthen the T cell system could be a successful way to correct the immuno-inflammatory abnormalities associated with mood disorders, and potentiate antidepressant response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Poletti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Zanardi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Mood Disorder Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mandelli
- Clinical Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Veronica Aggio
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Annamaria Finardi
- Clinical Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Lorenzi
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Carminati
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Mood Disorder Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Manfredi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Mood Disorder Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Enrico Tomasi
- Hospital Pharmacy, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Spadini
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Mood Disorder Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Hemmo A Drexhage
- Coordinator EU consortium MoodStratification, Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roberto Furlan
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Clinical Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
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Zhang SX, Chen HR, Wang J, Shao HF, Cheng T, Pei RM, Su QY, Zhang HY, Li XF. The efficacy and safety of short-term and low-dose IL-2 combined with tocilizumab to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1359041. [PMID: 38711497 PMCID: PMC11070481 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy targeting factors related to immune imbalance has been widely employed for RA treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose interleukin (IL)-2 combined with tocilizumab (TCZ), a biologics targeting IL-6, in RA patients. Methods Fifty adults with active RA who met the criteria with complete clinical data were recruited, and divided into three groups: control group (n=15), IL-2 group (n=26), and IL-2+TCZ group (n=9). In addition to basic treatment, participants in the IL-2 group received IL-2 (0.5 MIU/day), while participants in the IL-2+TCZ group received IL-2 (0.5 MIU/day) along with one dose of TCZ (8 mg/kg, maximum dose: 800 mg). All subjects underwent condition assessment, laboratory indicators and safety indicators detection, and records before treatment and one week after treatment. Results Compared with the baseline, all three groups showed significant improvement in disease conditions, as evidenced by significantly reduced disease activity indicators. The low-dose IL-2 and combination treatment groups demonstrated a violent proliferation of Tregs, while the absolute number of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells in the latter group showed a decreasing trend. The decrease in the Th17/Treg ratio was more pronounced in the IL-2+TCZ groups. No significant adverse reactions were observed in any of the patients. Conclusion Exogenous low doses of IL-2 combined TCZ were found to be safe and effective in reducing effector T cells and appropriately increasing Treg levels in RA patients with high effector T cell levels. This approach helps regulate immune homeostasis and contributes to the prevention of disease deterioration. Clinical trial registration https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=13909, identifier ChiCTR-INR-16009546.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hao-Ran Chen
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hong-Fang Shao
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ting Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ruo-Meng Pei
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qin-Yi Su
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - He-Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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Lobão B, Lourenço D, Giga A, Mendes-Bastos P. From PsO to PsA: the role of T RM and Tregs in psoriatic disease, a systematic review of the literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1346757. [PMID: 38405187 PMCID: PMC10884248 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1346757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic skin condition driven by immune mediators like TNFα, INFγ, IL-17, and IL-23. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can develop in PsO patients. Although psoriatic lesions may apparently resolve with therapy, subclinical cutaneous inflammation may persist. The role of tissue-resident memory T-cells (TRM), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) that also contribute to chronic inflammation are being explored in this context. This systematic review explores TRM and Tregs in psoriatic disease (PsD) and its progression. Methods A systematic review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was performed using Pubmed® and Web of Science™ databases on June 3rd 2023, using patient/population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) criteria limited to the English language. Results A total of 62 reports were identified and included. In PsO, chronic inflammation is driven by cytokines including IL-17 and IL-23, and cellular mediators such as CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. TRM contributes to local inflammation, while Tregs may be dysfunctional in psoriatic skin lesions. Secukinumab and guselkumab, which target IL-17A and the IL-23p19 subunit, respectively, have different effects on CD8+ TRM and Tregs during PsO treatment. Inhibition of IL-23 may provide better long-term results due to its impact on the Treg to CD8+ TRM ratio. IL-23 may contribute to inflammation persisting even after treatment. In PsA, subclinical enthesitis is perceived as an early occurence, and Th17 cells are involved in this pathogenic process. Recent EULAR guidelines highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to intercept PsA. In PsA, CD8+ TRM cells are present in synovial fluid and Tregs are reduced in peripheral blood. The progression from PsO to PsA is marked by a shift in immune profiles, with specific T-cells subsets playing key roles in perpetuating inflammation. Early intervention targeting TRM cells may hold promising, but clinical studies are limited. Ongoing studies such as IVEPSA and PAMPA aim to improve our knowledge regarding PsA interception in high-risk PsO patients, emphasizing the need for further research in this area. Conclusion Early intervention is crucial for PsO patients at high risk of PsA; T cells, particularly type 17 helper T cells, and CD8+ cells are key in the progression from PsO-to-PsA. Early targeting of TRM in PsD shows promise but more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Lobão
- Instituto Português de Reumatologia, Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal, Setúbal, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Giga
- Janssen Portugal, Oeiras, Portugal
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Su Q, Wang X, Li Y, Zhang J, Bai C, Wang X, Yang L, Zhang J, Zhang SX. Efficacy, Safety and the Lymphocyte Subset Changes of Low-Dose IL-2 in Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Rheumatol Ther 2024; 11:79-96. [PMID: 37980696 PMCID: PMC10796881 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-023-00620-7] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current therapies for autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) have limited efficacy in certain patients, highlighting the need for the development of novel treatment approaches. This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose interleukin-2 (LD-IL-2) and evaluate the alterations in lymphocyte subsets in various rheumatic diseases following administration of different dosages of LD-IL-2. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase databases and CNKI to identify relevant studies. A total of 31 trials were included in this meta-analysis. The review protocols were registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022318916), and the study followed the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS Following LD-IL-2 treatment, patients with ARDs exhibited a significant increase in the number of Th17 cells and Tregs compared to their pre-treatment levels [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.33, 0.67), P < 0.001; SMD = 1.13, 95% CI (0.97, 1.29), P < 0.001]. Moreover, the Th17/Tregs ratio showed a significant decrease [SMD = - 0.54, 95% CI (- 0.64, - 0.45), P < 0.001]. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), LD-IL-2 injection led to a significant increase in Treg numbers, and the Th17/Tregs ratio and disease activity scores, including Disease Activity Score-28 joints (DAS28), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) and Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI), were all significantly reduced. No serious adverse events were reported in any of the included studies. Additionally, 54.8% of patients with lupus nephritis achieved distinct clinical remission following LD-IL-2 treatment. Injection site reactions and fever were the most common side effects of LD-IL-2, occurring in 33.1% and 14.4% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION LD-IL-2 treatment showed promise and was well tolerated in the management of ARDs, as it effectively promoted the proliferation and functional recovery of Tregs. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered (CRD42022318916, 21/04/2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyi Su
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382. Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xinmiao Wang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yongzhi Li
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiexiang Zhang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Cairui Bai
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xuechun Wang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382. Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China.
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Qiao Z, Zhao W, Liu Y, Feng W, Ma Y, Jin H. Low-dose Interleukin-2 For Psoriasis Therapy Based on the Regulation of Th17/Treg Cell Balance in Peripheral Blood. Inflammation 2023; 46:2359-2373. [PMID: 37596509 PMCID: PMC10673739 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01883-6] [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] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The imbalance between regulatory T (Treg) cells and efficient T cells plays an important role in psoriasis. Low-dose interleukin (IL)-2 can preferentially activate Treg cells and ameliorate the imbalance of Treg/efficient T cells. This study focused on the status of circulating CD4+ T subsets and the clinical efficacy of low-dose IL-2 therapies in psoriasis. This retrospective study included peripheral blood samples obtained from 45 psoriatic patients and 40 healthy controls. The 45 psoriatic patients received three cycles of subcutaneous low-dose IL-2 treatment (0.5 million IU/day for 2 weeks) combined with conventional therapies. Inflammatory indices, CD4+ T-lymphocyte subsets, and cytokines were measured in all patients before and after treatment. The percentage of Treg cells was dramatically decreased in the psoriasis group compared to the healthy group, and the percentage of Treg cells negatively correlated with the disease indices and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (P < 0.001). The Th17/Treg ratio was significantly increased in the psoriasis group compared to the healthy group, and the Th17/Treg ratio positively correlated with disease indices and PASI (P < 0.001). Low-dose IL-2 treatment significantly amplified the percentage of Treg cells and restored the Th17 and Treg immune balance in psoriasis (P < 0.001). Low-dose IL-2 combination therapy effectively improved the clinical manifestations of psoriasis but decreased the inflammatory indicators of the disease activity, with no apparent side effects. Thus, low-dose IL-2 provides a new strategy for the treatment of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zusha Qiao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wenpeng Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Cancer prevention and control office, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenli Feng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hongzhong Jin
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Liu XQ, Zhou PL, Yin XY, Wang AX, Wang DH, Yang Y, Liu Q. Circulating inflammatory cytokines and psoriasis risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293327. [PMID: 37883350 PMCID: PMC10602280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a systemic immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease; its systemic manifestations and periodic recurrence negatively affect a patient's quality of life. Inflammatory cytokines are known to have an important role in the onset and progression of psoriasis, however, data on the association between circulating inflammatory cytokines and psoriasis risk is inconclusive. Here, we explore the relevance of circulating proinflammatory factors to the pathogenesis of psoriasis using a meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE To explore the association between circulating levels of inflammatory factors and psoriasis to elucidate the mechanisms underlying psoriasis and improve clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS We systematically retrieved articles published in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science from the establishment of each database to January 2023. The standard mean difference (SMD) in cytokine levels of individuals with psoriasis and healthy controls was used to check for correlations between circulating inflammatory factor levels and psoriasis. RESULTS Fifty-seven studies, with data from 2838 patients, were retrieved and included in the meta-analysis. Eleven inflammatory factors were studied (circulating interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-23, IL-35, IL-36, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and gamma-interferon (IFN-γ)). Of these, IL-2 [SMD = 1.29 (95% CI: 0.61-1.97; P <0.001)], IL-17 [SMD = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.12-1.30; P = 0.018)], IL-18 [SMD = 1.27 (95% CI: 0.64-1.90; P <0.001)], and IFN-γ [SMD = 1.90 (95% CI: 1.27-2.52; P <0.001)] levels had significant correlations with psoriasis. CONCLUSION Increased serum concentrations of the circulating inflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-17, IL-18 and IFN-γ were significantly correlated with psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Pei-Lin Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xin-Yu Yin
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ai-Xue Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Da-Hu Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Lykhopiy V, Malviya V, Humblet-Baron S, Schlenner SM. "IL-2 immunotherapy for targeting regulatory T cells in autoimmunity". Genes Immun 2023; 24:248-262. [PMID: 37741949 PMCID: PMC10575774 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-023-00221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) are indispensable for immune homoeostasis and for the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) signalling is critical in all aspects of Treg biology. Consequences of defective IL-2 signalling are insufficient numbers or dysfunction of Treg and hence autoimmune disorders in human and mouse. The restoration and maintenance of immune homoeostasis remain central therapeutic aims in the field of autoimmunity. Historically, broadly immunosuppressive drugs with serious side-effects have been used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or prevention of organ-transplant rejection. More recently, ex vivo expanded or in vivo stimulated Treg have been shown to induce effective tolerance in clinical trials supporting the clinical benefit of targeting natural immunosuppressive mechanisms. Given the central role of exogenous IL-2 in Treg homoeostasis, a new and promising focus in drug development are IL-2-based approaches for in vivo targeted expansion of Treg or for enhancement of their suppressive activity. In this review, we summarise the role of IL-2 in Treg biology and consequences of dysfunctional IL-2 signalling pathways. We then examine evidence of efficacy of IL-2-based biological drugs targeting Treg with specific focus on therapeutic candidates in clinical trials and discuss their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lykhopiy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- argenx BV, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanshika Malviya
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Humblet-Baron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan M Schlenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Hosack T, Thomas T, Ravindran R, Uhlig HH, Travis SPL, Buckley CD. Inflammation across tissues: can shared cell biology help design smarter trials? Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:666-674. [PMID: 37666996 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are responsible for substantial global disease burden and associated health-care costs. Traditional models of research and service delivery silo their management within organ-based medical disciplines. Very often patients with disease in one organ have comorbid involvement in another, suggesting shared pathogenic pathways. Moreover, different IMIDs are often treated with the same drugs (including glucocorticoids, immunoregulators and biologics). Unlocking the cellular basis of these diseases remains a major challenge, leading us to ask why, if these diseases have so much in common, they are not investigated in a common manner. A tissue-based, cellular understanding of inflammation might pave the way for cross-disease, cross-discipline basket trials (testing one drug across two or more diseases) to reduce the risk of failure of early-phase drug development in IMIDs. This new approach will enable rapid assessment of the efficacy of new therapeutic agents in cross-disease translational research in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Hosack
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tom Thomas
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rahul Ravindran
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hans Holm Uhlig
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Piers Leigh Travis
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher Dominic Buckley
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Institute for Inflammation and Aging, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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10
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Wang J, Guo HX, Cheng T, Shi L, Zhang SX, Li XF. Reduced circulating Tregs and positive pANCA were robustly associated with the occurrence of antiphospholipid syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2023; 32:746-755. [PMID: 37051771 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231171287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical chronic immune disorder with clinical heterogeneity. The systemic abnormal immune response not only challenges the diagnosis and treatment of the disease itself but also the secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), characterized by recurrent arterial or venous thrombosis, recurrent spontaneous abortion, or stillbirth. Clinical interest has primarily focused on primary APS's pathological and clinical features. However, differences in clinical features and laboratory indicators between SLE with or without APS are still lacking, especially differences between circulating lymphocytes, which are critical in the pathogenesis of SLE and its complications. METHODS In this retrospective study, we collected and analyzed clinical characteristics, general laboratory indicators, immunological indicators, and circulating lymphocyte subsets of SLE with or without APS. RESULTS Systemic lupus erythematosus with APS (SLE-APS) had elevated SLEDAI scores, hospitalization costs and time, and frequencies of central nervous system symptoms and spontaneous abortion compared with those without APS. SLE-APS had higher positive anti-Cardiolipin antibodies, anti-β2 Glycoprotein 1 antibodies, and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA) than none-APS patients. Compared with healthy controls (HCs), the circulating lymphocyte subsets were altered to some extent in all patients, especially in patients with SLE-APS. Reduced Tregs and positive pANCA were independent risk factors for SLE secondary APS. CONCLUSION The present study revealed a robust association between APS secondary to SLE and reduced Tregs and positive pANCA, which provides essential information regarding the diagnosis and therapeutic possibilities of APS secondary to SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Hong-Xia Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ting Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China
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11
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Purzycka-Bohdan D, Nedoszytko B, Sobalska-Kwapis M, Zabłotna M, Żmijewski MA, Wierzbicka J, Gleń J, Strapagiel D, Szczerkowska-Dobosz A, Nowicki RJ. Assessment of the Potential Role of Selected Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of Genes Related to the Functioning of Regulatory T Cells in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076061. [PMID: 37047033 PMCID: PMC10094301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated a key role of the impaired suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in psoriasis (PsO) pathogenesis. However, the genetic background of Treg dysfunctions remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of PsO development with selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes in which protein products play a significant role in the regulation of differentiation and function of Tregs. There were three study groups in our research and each consisted of different unrelated patients and controls: 192 PsO patients and 5605 healthy volunteers in the microarray genotyping group, 150 PsO patients and 173 controls in the ARMS-PCR method group, and 6 PsO patients and 6 healthy volunteers in the expression analysis group. The DNA microarrays analysis (283 SNPs of 57 genes) and ARMS-PCR method (8 SNPs in 7 genes) were used to determine the frequency of occurrence of SNPs in selected genes. The mRNA expression of selected genes was determined in skin samples. There were statistically significant differences in the allele frequencies of four SNPs in three genes (TNF, IL12RB2, and IL12B) between early-onset PsO patients and controls. The lowest p-value was observed for rs3093662 (TNF), and the G allele carriers had a 2.73 times higher risk of developing early-onset PsO. Moreover, the study revealed significant differences in the frequency of SNPs and their influence on PsO development between early- and late-onset PsO. Based on the ARMS-PCR method, the association between some polymorphisms of four genes (IL4, IL10, TGFB1, and STAT3) and the risk of developing PsO was noticed. Psoriatic lesions were characterized with a lower mRNA expression of FOXP3, CTLA4, and IL2, and a higher expression of TNF and IL1A in comparison with unaffected skin. In conclusion, the genetic background associated with properly functioning Tregs seems to play a significant role in PsO pathogenesis and could have diagnostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Purzycka-Bohdan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Bogusław Nedoszytko
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Molecular Laboratory, Invicta Fertility and Reproductive Centre, 81-740 Sopot, Poland
| | - Marta Sobalska-Kwapis
- Biobank Laboratory, Department of Oncobiology and Epigenetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Zabłotna
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Michał A Żmijewski
- Department of Histology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Justyna Wierzbicka
- Department of Histology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jolanta Gleń
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dominik Strapagiel
- Biobank Laboratory, Department of Oncobiology and Epigenetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Aneta Szczerkowska-Dobosz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Roman J Nowicki
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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12
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Peripheral T reg Levels and Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ) in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review Meta-Analysis. Adv Ther 2023; 40:102-116. [PMID: 36287319 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies on the level of regulatory T (Treg) cells in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been controversial, leading to disagreement regarding the role Treg cells play in the pathogenesis of the disease. To clarify the status of Treg cells in patients with PsA, we performed a meta-analysis to determine the levels of Treg cells and serum Treg-associated cytokines in PsA patients. METHODS According to published data from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Clinical Trials.gov, MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, and FDA.gov, we determined the Treg and Treg cytokine levels in patients with PsA. The effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS This meta-analysis included 12 studies. Compared to healthy controls (HCs), the proportions of Treg cells had no significant difference in patients with PsA (based on standardized means[SMD] = - 1.038, 95% confidence intervals[CI] = - 2.165 to 0.089, p = 0.071). On the basis of subgroup analysis, patients with PsA had a lower percentage of CD4+ Treg cells (SMD = - 1.501, 95% CI - 2.799 to - 0.202, p = 0.023) than OKT8+ Treg (SMD = 0.568, 95% CI - 2.127 to 3.263, p = 0.679). Besides, CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells and CD4+CD25highCD127low Treg cells were both significantly decreased on the levels of PBMCs in patients with PsA (SMD = - 0.764, 95% CI - 1.404 to - 0.125, p = 0.019; SMD = - 5.184, 95% CI - 6.955 to - 3.412, p < 0.001). CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells were particularly more abundant in the synovial fluid thanin peripheral blood (SMD = 3.288, 95% CI 2.127 to 4.449, p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the proportion of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in peripheral blood and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells in CD4+ T cells (SMD = - 2.498, 95% CI - 7.720 to 2.725, p = 0.349; SMD = - 0.719, 95% CI - 2.525 to 1.086, p = 0.435). PsA patients had decreased cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) (SMD = - 2.199, 95% CI - 3.650 to - 0.749, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Treg definition markers influence the scale of Treg cells in patients with PsA. Pathogenesis of PsA may be attributed to an insufficient or malfunctioning Treg population.
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13
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Jin JQ, Wu D, Spencer R, Elhage KG, Liu J, Davis M, Hakimi M, Kumar S, Huang ZM, Bhutani T, Liao W. Biologic insights from single-cell studies of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1449-1461. [PMID: 36317702 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2142465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psoriasis (PSO) and psoriatic arthritis (PSA) represent a large burden of global inflammatory disease, but sustained treatment response and early diagnosis remain challenging. Both conditions arise from complex immune cell dysregulation. Single-cell techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), have revolutionized our understanding of pathogenesis by illuminating heterogeneous cell populations and their interactions. AREAS COVERED We discuss the transcriptional profiles and cellular interactions unique to PSO/PSA affecting T cells, myeloid cells, keratinocytes, innate lymphoid cells, and stromal cells. We also review advances, limitations, and future challenges associated with single-cell studies. EXPERT OPINION Following analyses of 22 single-cell studies, several themes emerged. A small subpopulation of cells can have a large impact on disease pathogenesis. Multiple cell types identified via scRNA-seq play supporting roles in PSO pathogenesis, contrary to the traditional paradigm focusing on IL-23/IL-17 signaling among dendritic cells and T cells. Immune cell states are dynamic, with psoriatic subpopulations aberrantly re-activating and differentiating into inflammatory phenotypes depending on surrounding signaling cues. Comparison of circulating immune cells with resident skin/joint cells has uncovered specific T cell clonotypes associated with the disease. Finally, machine learning models demonstrate great promise in identifying biomarkers to diagnose clinically ambiguous rashes and PSA at earlier stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Q Jin
- Department of Medicine, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Wu
- Department of Medicine, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Riley Spencer
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kareem G Elhage
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jared Liu
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell Davis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marwa Hakimi
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sugandh Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhi-Ming Huang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tina Bhutani
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wilson Liao
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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14
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Wang J, Zhang SX, Chang JS, Cheng T, Jiang XJ, Su QY, Zhang JQ, Luo J, Li XF. Low-dose IL-2 improved clinical symptoms by restoring reduced regulatory T cells in patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Front Immunol 2022; 13:947341. [PMID: 36524114 PMCID: PMC9744779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.947341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been found to play crucial roles in immune tolerance. However, the status of Tregs in refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still unclear. Moreover, low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been reported to selectively promote the expansion of Tregs. This study investigated the status of CD4+ Tregs and low-dose IL-2 therapy in patients with refractory RA. Methods The absolute number of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg (CD4 Treg), CD4+IL17+ T (Th17), and other subsets in peripheral blood (PB) from 41 patients with refractory RA and 40 healthy donors was characterized by flow cytometry combined with an internal microsphere counting standard. Twenty-six patients with refractory RA were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of 0.5 million IU of human IL-2 for five consecutive days. Then, its effects on CD4 Treg and Th17 cells in PB were analyzed. Results A decrease in the absolute number of PB CD4 Tregs rather than the increase in the number of Th17 was found to contribute to an imbalance between Th17 and CD4 Tregs in these patients, suggesting an essential role of CD4 Tregs in sustained high disease activity. Low-dose IL-2 selectively increased the number of CD4 Tregs and rebalanced the ratio of Th17 and CD4 Tregs, leading to increased clinical symptom remission without the observed side effects. Conclusions An absolute decrease of PB CD4 Tregs in patients with refractory RA was associated with continuing disease activation but not the increase of Th17 cells. Low-dose IL-2, a potential therapeutic candidate, restored decreased CD4 Tregs and promoted the rapid remission of patients with refractory RA without overtreatment and the observed side effects. Clinical trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=13909, identifier ChiCTR-INR-16009546.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jia-Song Chang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China,Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ting Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qin-Yi Su
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jia-Qi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China,*Correspondence: Xiao-Feng Li,
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15
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Li H, Zhang S, Zhang J, Cheng T, Liu Y, Liu H, Hao M, Chen J. A decreased number of circulating regulatory T cells is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e731. [PMID: 36444629 PMCID: PMC9639458 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As an autoimmune disease affecting women of reproductive age, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is linked to adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. However, the status of peripheral lymphocytes in SLE patients with different pregnancy outcomes is unclear. This retrospective cross-sectional study explored the relationship between lymphocyte subpopulations and pregnancy outcomes in married SLE female patients. METHODS The absolute numbers of peripheral T, helper T (Th)1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T (Treg), B, and natural killer (NK) cell subpopulations from 585 female SLE patients and 91 female healthy controls (HCs) were assessed. We compared the lymphocyte subpopulations in SLE patients with HCs and analyzed the absolute number and ratio of Treg cells according to pregnancy outcome in SLE patients. RESULTS SLE patients had decreased numbers of T, B, NK, Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells and an imbalance in pro- and anti-inflammatory cells (p < .05), as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes. In abortion patients, the number of Treg cells (p = .008) decreased, leading to an imbalance in effector T and Treg cells. The ratio of Treg cells was higher in SLE patients with nulliparity than in those with one or two parities. CONCLUSIONS The absolute numbers of lymphocyte subpopulations in SLE patients decreased, which was associated with abortion and parity (p < .05). These results suggest that a loss of immune tolerance mediated by Tregs triggers pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- He‐Tong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySecond Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of EducationShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Sheng‐Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of EducationShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina,Department of RheumatologySecond Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Jia‐Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of EducationShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina,Department of RheumatologySecond Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Ting Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of EducationShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina,Department of RheumatologySecond Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Information managementSecond Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Hong‐Qi Liu
- Department of Information managementSecond Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Min Hao
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySecond Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Jun‐Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of EducationShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina,Department of RheumatologySecond Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
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16
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Su S, Katopodi XL, Pita-Juarez YH, Maverakis E, Vlachos IS, Adamopoulos IE. Serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 deficiency alters pathways involved in IL-17A expression and is implicated in human psoriasis. Clin Immunol 2022; 240:109041. [PMID: 35613697 PMCID: PMC10797199 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Serine and Arginine Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) is a splicing factor that binds to exonic enhancers and stimulates splicing and is previously implicated with autoimmunity. Herein, we investigate the role of SRSF1 in regulating innate immune functions that are pertinent in the pathogenesis of auto-inflammatory diseases. Specifically, we show that conditional deletion of SRSF1 in mature lymphocytes resulted in higher expression of il-17a and il-17 f and an expansion of IL17A+ CD8 T cells. Mechanistically, the aberrant expression of IL-17A in SRSF1 cKO mice could not be attributed to alternative splicing of il-17a or il-17 f genes but possibly to defective CD11B+LY6C+ myeloid derived suppressor function in the spleen. Finally, meta-analysis of RNA-Seq collected from psoriasis patients demonstrate a clear correlation between SRSF1 and psoriasis that suggests a putative role of SRSF1 in IL-17A-induced psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Su
- Department of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xanthi-Lida Katopodi
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yered H Pita-Juarez
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emanual Maverakis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ioannis S Vlachos
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Iannis E Adamopoulos
- Department of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Yuan Y, Kolios AGA, Liu Y, Zhang B, Li H, Tsokos GC, Zhang X. Therapeutic potential of interleukin-2 in autoimmune diseases. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:596-612. [PMID: 35624009 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by dysregulation and aberrant activation of cells in the immune system. Therefore, restoration of the immune balance represents a promising therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) can promote the expansion and differentiation of different immune cell subsets dose-dependently. At high doses, IL-2 can promote the differentiation and expansion of effector and memory T cells, whereas at low doses, IL-2 can promote the differentiation, survival, and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells, a CD4+ T cell subset that is essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and immune tolerance. Therefore, IL-2 exerts immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects in autoimmune diseases. The immunoregulatory role of low-dose IL-2 has sparked excitement for the therapeutic exploration of modulating the IL-2-Treg axis in the context of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the therapeutic potential of IL-2 or IL-2-derived molecules in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeshuang Yuan
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Antonios G A Kolios
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yudong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George C Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.
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18
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Xie JF, Wang J, Bai HH, He JJ, Jia RH, Wang X, Zhang WQ, Zhao XC, Zhang XC, Liu GY, Li XF. A Decreased Absolute Number of T reg Cells in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis is Associated with Elevated Serum Osteopontin Levels with Disease Progression. Adv Ther 2022; 39:3280-3291. [PMID: 35604524 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02171-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and refractory autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation with unknown aetiology. Immune system dysfunction mediated by CD4+ T lymphocytes, which is regulated by the cytokine osteopontin (OPN), plays an important role in the pathogenesis of RA. METHODS In this study, the levels of peripheral CD4+ T subsets and serum OPN in patients with active RA were measured and analysed to determine the possible pathogenesis of RA and to provide potential therapeutic targets. RESULTS Serum OPN levels in both patients with active RA and patients with refractory RA were higher than those in healthy controls (HCs). Compared with HCs, the absolute numbers of Th2 cells increased in patients with active RA, while the absolute counts of Th1 and Treg cells decreased. There was no significant difference in CD4+ T subset levels between new-onset and refractory patients. As the condition persisted or deteriorated, a gradual increase in the levels of OPN and gradual declines in the absolute counts of Th1 and Treg cells were observed in patients with active RA. The fewest Th1 and Treg cells and the highest OPN levels were observed in patients with high disease activity. The serum OPN level was only significantly negatively correlated with the absolute counts of Treg cells in the CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets. CONCLUSIONS Fewer Treg cells with the increase in disease activity may be related to the increased OPN concentration, which may provide new ideas and directions for the targeted immunoregulatory treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Fang Xie
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Huan-Huan Bai
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiao-Jiao He
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Rui-Huan Jia
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Wen-Qi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiang-Cong Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xian-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Guang-Ying Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
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19
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Shi L, Wang J, Guo HX, Han XL, Tang YP, Liu GY. Circulating Th2 cell reduction and Th1/Th2 imbalance are correlated with primary Sjogren's syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:121. [PMID: 35606782 PMCID: PMC9125859 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02811-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a heterogeneous chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocyte infiltration of the exocrine glands and the involvement and dysfunction of multiple organs and tissues. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most common type of respiratory system damage. This study ascertained the factors related to ILD in patients with pSS (pSS-ILD), such as altered levels of circulating lymphocyte subtypes. METHODS Eighty healthy controls and 142 patients diagnosed with pSS were included. The pSS patients were classified into groups with pSS-ILD or pSS without ILD (pSS-non-ILD). Baseline clinical and laboratory data were collected for all subjects, including the levels of lymphocytes measured by modified flow cytometry. RESULTS The pSS-ILD patients were older, had higher ESSDAI scores, had higher positivity rates for anti-SSB and anti-Ro52 antibodies, and had more frequent symptoms of respiratory system involvement than pSS-non-ILD patients. pSS-ILD patients had the lowest Th2 cell counts among the three groups. Although the absolute numbers of Treg and NK cells were lower in pSS patients with and without ILD than in the healthy controls, there was no significant difference between the two pSS groups. The Th1/Th2 ratio was significantly higher in patients with ILD than in patients without ILD. Further analysis showed that older age (OR=1.084), lower Th2 count (OR=0.947), higher Th1/Th2 ratio (OR=1.021), and positivity for anti-SSB (OR=3.620) and anti-Ro52 (OR=5.184) antibodies were associated with the occurrence of ILD in patients with pSS. CONCLUSION Decreased circulating Th2 cells and an elevated Th1/Th2 ratio may be the immunological mechanism underlying the development of ILD in pSS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hong-Xia Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Han
- Department of Mental Health, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Yu-Ping Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Guang-Ying Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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20
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Liu J, Kumar S, Hong J, Huang ZM, Paez D, Castillo M, Calvo M, Chang HW, Cummins DD, Chung M, Yeroushalmi S, Bartholomew E, Hakimi M, Ye CJ, Bhutani T, Matloubian M, Gensler LS, Liao W. Combined Single Cell Transcriptome and Surface Epitope Profiling Identifies Potential Biomarkers of Psoriatic Arthritis and Facilitates Diagnosis via Machine Learning. Front Immunol 2022; 13:835760. [PMID: 35309349 PMCID: PMC8924042 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.835760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PSA) is important for successful therapeutic intervention but currently remains challenging due, in part, to the scarcity of non-invasive biomarkers. In this study, we performed single cell profiling of transcriptome and cell surface protein expression to compare the peripheral blood immunocyte populations of individuals with PSA, individuals with cutaneous psoriasis (PSO) alone, and healthy individuals. We identified genes and proteins differentially expressed between PSA, PSO, and healthy subjects across 30 immune cell types and observed that some cell types, as well as specific phenotypic subsets of cells, differed in abundance between these cohorts. Cell type-specific gene and protein expression differences between PSA, PSO, and healthy groups, along with 200 previously published genetic risk factors for PSA, were further used to perform machine learning classification, with the best models achieving AUROC ≥ 0.87 when either classifying subjects among the three groups or specifically distinguishing PSA from PSO. Our findings thus expand the repertoire of gene, protein, and cellular biomarkers relevant to PSA and demonstrate the utility of machine learning-based diagnostics for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Liu
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sugandh Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Julie Hong
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Zhi-Ming Huang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Diana Paez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Maria Castillo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Maria Calvo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hsin-Wen Chang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Daniel D. Cummins
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mimi Chung
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Samuel Yeroushalmi
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Erin Bartholomew
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marwa Hakimi
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Chun Jimmie Ye
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Institute of Computational Health Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tina Bhutani
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mehrdad Matloubian
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Rosalind Russell/Ephraim P Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lianne S. Gensler
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Wilson Liao
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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21
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Venkatadri R, Sabapathy V, Dogan M, Sharma R. Targeting Regulatory T Cells for Therapy of Lupus Nephritis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:806612. [PMID: 35069220 PMCID: PMC8775001 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.806612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus glomerulonephritis (LN) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by circulating autoantibodies, immune-complex deposition, immune dysregulation and defects in regulatory T cell (Tregs). Treatment options rely on general immunosuppressants and steroids that have serious side effects. Approaches to target immune cells, such as B cells in particular, has had limited success and new approaches are being investigated. Defects in Tregs in the setting of autoimmunity is well known and Treg-replacement strategies are currently being explored. The aim of this minireview is to rekindle interest on Treg-targeting strategies. We discuss the existing evidences for Treg-enhancement strategies using key cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-33 and IL-6 that have shown to provide remission in LN. We also discuss strategies for indirect Treg-modulation for protection from LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkumar Venkatadri
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Vikram Sabapathy
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Murat Dogan
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Rahul Sharma
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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22
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Wang Y, Su R, Li B, Guo Q, Hu F, Yu X, Ma M, Wang L, Gao C, Li X, Wang C. Reduction of peripheral regulatory T cells in active rheumatoid arthritis patients with coronary artery disease. BMC Immunol 2021; 22:76. [PMID: 34915859 PMCID: PMC8680032 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-021-00466-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify lymphocyte and CD4 + T cell subset characteristics, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs), in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods A total of 54 RA patients with CAD (RA-CAD group), 43 RA patients without CAD (pure RA group), and 43 healthy controls (HC group) were enrolled. The absolute number and frequency of lymphocyte subpopulations and CD4 + T cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Serum levels of cytokines were analyzed using a cytometric bead array. Clinical and laboratory data were collected retrospectively and their correlation with CD4 + T subsets were analyzed. Results There was a significant decrease in the absolute number of Treg cells (CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + T cells) in the RA-CAD group compared to the pure RA group (p < 0.001). Similarly, both the absolute number (p = 0.001) and frequency (p = 0.011) of Tregs in the RA-CAD group were decreased compared to the HCs, causing a Th17/Treg imbalance (p = 0.044). No difference was found in the absolute number and frequency of Treg cells between the pure RA and HC groups. However, the absolute Th17 cell count was increased in the pure RA group (p = 0.032). The serum level of cytokine IL-17 was lower in the RA-CAD group than in the pure RA group (p = 0.023). In the RA-CAD group, the Treg number was negatively correlated with the RA disease activity score and ESR value, and LDL and ApoB100 levels were negatively correlated with the number of Th17 cells. Conclusions Active RA patients with CAD sustain more severe immune tolerance damage and Th17/Treg disorder. Monitoring of lymphocyte and CD4 + T cell subsets, particularly Treg cells, is crucial to understanding immune status in this group. Focusing on RA activity and CAD risk control, immune-regulatory therapy based on the Treg level may be more beneficial for RA patients with CAD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12865-021-00466-0.
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23
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease affecting 125 million people globally. It is characterized by erythematous plaques in the skin, covered by silvery scales. However, non-cutaneous manifestations (e.g., joint symptoms in psoriatic arthritis) and a high prevalence of other immune-mediated diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases reflect its systemic nature. So far, research on psoriasis pathogenesis has improved our knowledge of the roles of the immune system, and cytokines play significant roles in immune responses. AREAS COVERED Herein, we review cytokine changes in psoriasis patients. Moreover, we will investigate the possible relationships between disease severity and cytokines alongside describing cytokine alterations in psoriasis patients with other comorbidities. Lastly, we will discuss the biologics and their effects on cytokines in psoriasis patients. EXPERT OPINION Psoriasis could develop various clinical types and clinical manifestations in people. It is an immune-mediated disease, and these manifestations are associated with different impaired cytokines. Imbalanced cytokines could lead to abnormal keratinocytes, neovascularization, and inflammation in psoriasis patients. So, a better understanding of the cytokine roles can help one choose a specific cytokine-targeting biologic to treat psoriasis. Moreover, these cytokines may be used as a severity marker for following up with these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Seyedmirzaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Abstract
Failure of regulatory T (Treg) cells to properly control immune responses leads invariably to autoimmunity and organ damage. Decreased numbers or impaired function of Treg cells, especially in the context of inflammation, has been documented in many human autoimmune diseases. Restoration of Treg cell fitness and/or expansion of their numbers using low-dose natural IL-2, the main cytokine driving Treg cell survival and function, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in early clinical trials. Genetically modified IL-2 with an extended half-life and increased selectivity for Treg cells is now in clinical development. Administration of IL-2 combined with therapies targeting other pathways involved in the expression of autoimmune diseases should further enhance its therapeutic potential. Ongoing clinical efforts that capitalize on the early clinical success of IL-2 treatment should bring the use of this cytokine to the forefront of biological treatments for autoimmune diseases.
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25
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Regulatory T cells enhance Th17 migration in psoriatic arthritis which is reversed by anti-TNF. iScience 2021; 24:102973. [PMID: 34471865 PMCID: PMC8387926 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) prevent the migration of effector T cells toward sites of inflammation, thereby limiting disease progression. We investigated this aspect of Treg function using psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as an exemplar of chronic inflammation. Patients with PsA had an increased Th17:Treg ratio which was reversed by anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. Utilizing an in vitro migration assay, Treg from patients with PsA treated with conventional therapy paradoxically boosted CCR6+ effector T-cell (a surrogate for Th17) migration toward CCL20. In contrast, Treg from patients with PsA treated with anti-TNF suppressed CCL20-driven effector T-cell migration. The boosting effect of TNF blockade upon Treg suppression of migration was accompanied by increased effector T-cell CCL20 production and enhanced interaction between Treg and effector T cells. This study provides mechanistic insight into Treg modulation of effector T-cell migration in patients with chronic inflammation and how this can be targeted by therapy.
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26
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Zhang SX, Wang J, Wang CH, Jia RH, Yan M, Hu FY, Liu GY, Liu XY, Luo J, Gao C, Li XF. Low-dose IL-2 therapy limits the reduction in absolute numbers of circulating regulatory T cells in rheumatoid arthritis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2021; 13:1759720X211011370. [PMID: 33995604 PMCID: PMC8107675 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x211011370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) are responsible for mediating immune tolerance and maintaining immunological homeostasis. Decreases in Tregs may be involved in the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been considered for the treatment of inflammatory diseases mediated by T cells. This study focused on the status of circulating CD4+T subsets and the clinical feasibility of IL-2 therapies in patients with RA. Methods: The subjects included 888 patients with RA and 100 healthy controls (HCs); 233 RA patients received IL-2 treatment with 0.5 million international units (MIU)/day from days 1 through 5. The demographic features, disease activity, and levels of CD4+T cells measured by modified flow cytometry were collected in all RA patients before and after treatment. Results: RA patients had lower absolute Treg counts (but not Th17) compared with HCs, which was associated with disease activity; previously treated RA patients had the fewest circulating Tregs (p < 0.05). Patients treated with low-dose IL-2 had a three-fold increase in absolute anti-inflammatory Treg counts, as well as a two-fold increase in the other CD4+T subsets. Moreover, post-treatment levels of markers of disease activity in RA patients treated with IL-2 were significantly lower than the baseline values (p < 0.001), with no apparent side effects. Conclusion: Decreased absolute counts of circulating CD4+T lymphocyte subsets were observed in patients with RA. Circulating Tregs, which mediate immune tolerance, may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of RA; however, this was ameliorated by low-dose IL-2, without obvious side effects. Plain language summary Low-dose IL-2 treatment for rheumatoid arthritis • Circulating Tregs may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of RA. • The absolute count of Tregs was significantly correlated with disease activity measures. • Low-dose IL-2 was able to effectively expade Tregs and help for RA patients’ symptoms remission without evaluated side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University
| | - Cai-Hong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Rui-Huan Jia
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Fang-Yuan Hu
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Guang-Ying Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xue-Yu Liu
- College of Data Science, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Chong Gao
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University
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27
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Graßhoff H, Comdühr S, Monne LR, Müller A, Lamprecht P, Riemekasten G, Humrich JY. Low-Dose IL-2 Therapy in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:648408. [PMID: 33868284 PMCID: PMC8047324 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.648408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and for the control of ongoing inflammation and autoimmunity. The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) is essentially required for the growth and survival of Treg in the peripheral lymphatic tissues and thus plays a vital role in the biology of Treg. Most autoimmune and rheumatic diseases exhibit disturbances in Treg biology either at a numerical or functional level resulting in an imbalance between protective and pathogenic immune cells. In addition, in some autoimmune diseases, a relative deficiency of IL-2 develops during disease pathogenesis leading to a disturbance of Treg homeostasis, which further amplifies the vicious cycle of tolerance breach and chronic inflammation. Low-dose IL-2 therapy aims either to compensate for this IL-2 deficiency to restore a physiological state or to strengthen the Treg population in order to be more effective in counter-regulating inflammation while avoiding global immunosuppression. Here we highlight key findings and summarize recent advances in the clinical translation of low-dose IL-2 therapy for the treatment of autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jens Y. Humrich
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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28
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Zhang J, Huang Y. Low-dose IL-2 in the treatment of immune-related diseases. EUR J INFLAMM 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/20587392211039935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in 1979, increasing attention has been focused on its role in regulating immune function. IL-2 has been found to play an important role in maintaining autoimmune tolerance, and it is essential for the proliferation and differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg) cells. Other studies have found that the role of IL-2 in vivo is closely related to its concentration. Low-dose IL-2 selectively stimulates the proliferation of Treg cells in vivo, while high-dose IL-2 primarily promotes the proliferation of effector T cells. In view of these findings, an increasing number of studies have focused on the use of low-dose IL-2 in the treatment of immune-related diseases in recent years. The results have been encouraging, with mild adverse reactions. This article mainly focuses on the latest progress made in the IL-2 treatment of immune-related diseases and its regulatory effect on the immune status in different diseases, providing a reference for the rational clinical application of IL-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiakui Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Hefei Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Hefei Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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29
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Mukhatayev Z, Dellacecca ER, Cosgrove C, Shivde R, Jaishankar D, Pontarolo-Maag K, Eby JM, Henning SW, Ostapchuk YO, Cedercreutz K, Issanov A, Mehrotra S, Overbeck A, Junghans RP, Leventhal JR, Le Poole IC. Antigen Specificity Enhances Disease Control by Tregs in Vitiligo. Front Immunol 2020; 11:581433. [PMID: 33335528 PMCID: PMC7736409 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.581433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by melanocyte destruction. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are greatly reduced in vitiligo skin, and replenishing peripheral skin Tregs can provide protection against depigmentation. Ganglioside D3 (GD3) is overexpressed by perilesional epidermal cells, including melanocytes, which prompted us to generate GD3-reactive chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) Tregs to treat vitiligo. Mice received either untransduced Tregs or GD3-specific Tregs to test the hypothesis that antigen specificity contributes to reduced autoimmune reactivity in vitro and in vivo. CAR Tregs displayed increased IL-10 secretion in response to antigen, provided superior control of cytotoxicity towards melanocytes, and supported a significant delay in depigmentation compared to untransduced Tregs and vehicle control recipients in a TCR transgenic mouse model of spontaneous vitiligo. The latter findings were associated with a greater abundance of Tregs and melanocytes in treated mice versus both control groups. Our data support the concept that antigen-specific Tregs can be prepared, used, and stored for long-term control of progressive depigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhussipbek Mukhatayev
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.,Laboratory of Molecular immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Emilia R Dellacecca
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Cormac Cosgrove
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rohan Shivde
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dinesh Jaishankar
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Jonathan M Eby
- Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Steven W Henning
- Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Yekaterina O Ostapchuk
- Laboratory of Molecular immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Kettil Cedercreutz
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alpamys Issanov
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Andreas Overbeck
- Department for Surgery of Pigment Disorders, Lumiderm, Madrid, Spain
| | - Richard P Junghans
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston University, Boston MA, United States
| | - Joseph R Leventhal
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - I Caroline Le Poole
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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