1
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Naik A, Stratton RJ, Leask A. Digital ulcers associated with scleroderma: A major unmet medical need. Wound Repair Regen 2024. [PMID: 39323322 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.13224] [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: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated digital ischaemic complications, such as digital ulcers (SSc-DUs), appear relatively early during the disease course and are a major burden with substantial deterioration of quality of life. Expert rheumatologist and wound specialists have defined a DU; however, international application of the definition is still disorganised. Appearance of SSc-DUs is secondary to the onset of Raynaud's phenomenon and as a consequence, recommended first-line of treatment mainly includes vasodilators; however, many DUs are refractory to this treatment. Despite important practical issues, such as a lack of well-characterised SSc-wound healing animal model, significant efforts are needed to mechanistically understand the pathogenesis of SSc-DUs for developing clinically targetable disease modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Richard J Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease, University College London (Royal Free Campus), London, UK
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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2
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van Oostveen WM, Huizinga TWJ, Fehres CM. Pathogenic role of anti-nuclear autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis: Insights from other rheumatic diseases. Immunol Rev 2024. [PMID: 39248128 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13390] [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: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, fibrosis, and dysregulated immunity, with hallmark autoantibodies targeting nuclear antigens such as centromere protein (ACA) and topoisomerase I (ATA). These autoantibodies are highly prevalent and disease-specific, rarely coexisting, thus serving as crucial biomarkers for SSc diagnosis. Despite their diagnostic value, their roles in SSc pathogenesis remain unclear. This review summarizes current literature on ACA and ATA in SSc, comparing them to autoantibodies in other rheumatic diseases to elucidate their potential pathogenic roles. Similarities are drawn with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) in rheumatoid arthritis, particularly regarding disease specificity and minimal pathogenic impact of antigen binding. In addition, differences between ANA and ACPA in therapeutic responses and Fab glycosylation patterns are reviewed. While ACA and ATA are valuable for disease stratification and monitoring activity, understanding their origins and the associated B cell responses is critical for advancing therapeutic strategies for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieke M van Oostveen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cynthia M Fehres
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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3
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Erdő-Bonyár S, Rapp J, Subicz R, Böröcz K, Szinger D, Filipánits K, Minier T, Kumánovics G, Czirják L, Berki T, Simon D. Disturbed Complement Receptor Expression Pattern of B Cells Is Enhanced by Toll-like Receptor CD180 Ligation in Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9230. [PMID: 39273179 PMCID: PMC11394765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoantibody production is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the most extensively studied role of B cells in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, the potential involvement of innate immune molecules in B-cell dysfunction in SSc is less understood. B-cell activation is an early event in the pathogenesis of SSc and is influenced by complement receptors (CRs) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs), shaping antibody responses. CR2 and CR1 modulate B-cell activation, and the roles of CR3 and CR4 are associated with autoimmune conditions. We investigated the expression of CRs in B cells from patients with the more severe form of the disease, diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), and the effect of TLR CD180 ligation on their expression. We found no significant difference in the basal expression of CD21 and CD11c in B cells between dcSSc and healthy controls (HCs). However, reduced basal CD11b expression in B cells in dcSSc compared to HCs, accompanied by a decrease in CD35 and an increase in CD11c expression following CD180 ligation may promote plasma cell formation and autoantibody production. Additionally, we searched for correlations between dcSSc-associated anti-DNA topoisomerase I (Scl-70) autoantibody, anti-citrate synthase (CS) natural autoantibody and complement component 3 (C3) levels and found a negative correlation between C3 and anti-CS autoantibody in dcSSc but not in HCs, supporting the hypothesis that natural autoantibodies could activate the complement system contributing to tissue injury in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szabina Erdő-Bonyár
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Judit Rapp
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Rovéna Subicz
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Böröcz
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Szinger
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kristóf Filipánits
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tünde Minier
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kumánovics
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Czirják
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tímea Berki
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Diána Simon
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Choudhary S, Chattopadhyay A, Gupta P, Mehta A, Jain S, Machhua S, Minz RW, Bansal R, Sehgal S, Pandav SS, Sharma SK. Ophthalmologic profile of patients with systemic sclerosis. Indian J Ophthalmol 2024; 72:1192-1198. [PMID: 38622854 PMCID: PMC11451783 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2980_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the ophthalmologic manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and its correlation with autoantibody profile. METHODS A cross-sectional study on 200 eyes of 100 consecutive adult patients diagnosed with SSc was performed at a tertiary care center in Northern India. The examination of ocular adnexa, anterior segment, and posterior segment with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's II test, and choroidal thickness measurement by swept-source ocular coherence tomography was done. Autoantibody profile was available for 85 patients, and its statistical association with the ocular examination findings was analyzed. RESULTS In total, 100 patients (93 females and 7 males) were included. The mean age was 45.11 ± 11.68 years, and the mean disease duration was 6.93 ± 3.68 years. Meibomian gland disease was more commonly found in patients with the diffuse subtype of SSc ( P = 0.037). Choroidal thickness was increased in 34% and decreased in 7% (reference range = 307 ± 79 µm) patients. Reduced TBUT, meibomian gland dysfunction, and eyelid stiffness had a statistically significant association with the presence of anti-Scl-70 antibody ( P = 0.003, <0.0001, and 0.004, respectively). These patients had ocular fatigue, foreign body sensation, and burning sensation. No significant association was noted with the presence of SS-A/Ro and SS-B/La antibodies. CONCLUSION This study highlights the need for an active comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation. Approximately 75% of the patients in our cohort had ocular involvement to varying extent. An isolated presence of anti-Scl70 antibody was also found to have a positive association with dry eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Choudhary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Advanced Eye Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Arghya Chattopadhyay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Services, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pankaj Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Advanced Eye Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Aditi Mehta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Advanced Eye Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Siddharth Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Services, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanghamitra Machhua
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ranjana W Minz
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Reema Bansal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Advanced Eye Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shobha Sehgal
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Surinder S Pandav
- Department of Ophthalmology, Advanced Eye Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shefali K Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Services, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Rosa I, Romano E, Fioretto BS, Manetti M. Autoantibodies as putative biomarkers and triggers of cell dysfunctions in systemic sclerosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024:00002281-990000000-00128. [PMID: 39046085 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000001035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antinuclear autoantibodies represent a serological hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc), with anticentromere, antitopoisomerase-I, and anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies routinely assessed for diagnosis, clinical subset classification, and prognosis. In addition, an increasing number of autoantibodies have been demonstrated to play a pathogenic role by mediating different SSc manifestations. This review aims to give an overview on autoantibodies as putative biomarkers in SSc and discuss their possible pathogenic role as triggers of cell dysfunctions. RECENT FINDINGS Over the years, different autoantibodies have been proposed as biomarkers aiding in diagnosis, disease subtype classification, disease progression prediction, organ involvement, as well as in understanding treatment response. Increasing literature also indicates functional autoantibodies as direct contributors to SSc pathogenesis by exerting agonistic or antagonistic activities on their specific cognate targets. SUMMARY In SSc, search and validation of novel autoantibodies with higher diagnostic specificity and more accurate predictive values are increasingly needed for early diagnosis and specific follow-up, and to define the best therapeutic option according to different disease subsets. Moreover, since autoantibodies are also emerging as functional pathogenic players, a better unraveling of their possible pathomechanisms becomes essential to identify new targets and develop promising therapeutic agents able to neutralize their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Lee SC, Huang CH, Oyang YJ, Huang HC, Juan HF. Macrophages as determinants and regulators of systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease. J Transl Med 2024; 22:600. [PMID: 38937794 PMCID: PMC11212242 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05403-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the primary cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease characterized by tissue fibrosis. SSc-related ILD (SSc-ILD) occurs more frequently in females aged 30-55 years, whereas idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is more prevalent in males aged 60-75 years. SSc-ILD occurs earlier than IPF and progresses rapidly. FCN1, FABP4, and SPP1 macrophages are involved in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis; SPP1 macrophages demonstrate upregulated expression in both SSc-ILD and IPF. To identify the differences between SSc-ILD and IPF using single-cell analysis, clarify their distinct pathogeneses, and propose directions for prevention and treatment. METHODS We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases GSE159354 and GSE212109, and analyzed lung tissue samples across healthy controls, IPF, and SSc-ILD. The primary measures were the filtered genes integrated with batch correction and annotated cell types for distinguishing patients with SSc-ILD from healthy controls. We proposed an SSc-ILD pathogenesis using cell-cell interaction inferences, and predicted transcription factors regulating target genes using SCENIC. Drug target prediction of the TF gene was performed using Drug Bank Online. RESULTS A subset of macrophages activates the MAPK signaling pathway under oxidative stress. Owing to the lack of inhibitory feedback from ANNEXIN and the autoimmune characteristics, this leads to an earlier onset of lung fibrosis compared to IPF. During initial lung injury, fibroblasts begin to activate the IL6 pathway under the influence of SPP1 alveolar macrophages, but IL6 appears unrelated to other inflammatory and immune cells. This may explain why tocilizumab (an anti-IL6-receptor antibody) only preserves lung function in patients with early SSc-ILD. Finally, we identified BCLAF1 and NFE2L2 as influencers of MAPK activation in macrophages. Metformin downregulates NFE2L2 and could serve as a repurposed drug candidate. CONCLUSIONS SPP1 alveolar macrophages play a role in the profibrotic activity of IPF and SSc-ILD. However, SSc-ILD is influenced by autoimmunity and oxidative stress, leading to the continuous activation of MAPK in macrophages. This may result in an earlier onset of lung fibrosis than in IPF. Such differences could serve as potential research directions for early prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Ching Lee
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hao Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Jen Oyang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Cheng Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Hsueh-Fen Juan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- Center for Computational and Systems Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
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7
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Manetti M. Recent Insights into Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Defective Angiogenesis in Systemic Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1331. [PMID: 38927538 PMCID: PMC11201654 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061331] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma), defective angiogenesis, clinically manifesting with abnormal capillary architecture and severe capillary reduction, represents a hallmark of early-stage disease, usually preceding the onset of tissue fibrosis, and is caused by several cellular and molecular mechanisms affecting microvascular endothelial cells with different outcomes. Indeed, once damaged, endothelial cells can be dysfunctionally activated, thus becoming unable to undergo angiogenesis and promoting perivascular inflammation. They can also undergo apoptosis, transdifferentiate into profibrotic myofibroblasts, or acquire a senescence-associated secretory phenotype characterized by the release of exosomes and several profibrotic and proinflammatory mediators. In this narrative review, we aimed to give a comprehensive overview of recent studies dealing with the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SSc defective angiogenesis and the related endothelial cell dysfunctions, mainly the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition process. We also discussed potential novel vascular treatment strategies able to restore the angiogenic process and reduce the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.R.); (B.S.F.)
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.R.); (B.S.F.)
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.R.); (B.S.F.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
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8
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Wang C, Oishi K, Kobayashi T, Fujii K, Horii M, Fushida N, Kitano T, Maeda S, Ikawa Y, Komuro A, Hamaguchi Y, Matsushita T. The Role of TLR7 and TLR9 in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6133. [PMID: 38892317 PMCID: PMC11172923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The bleomycin-induced scleroderma model is a well-established and dependable method for creating a mouse model of SSc (systemic sclerosis). In the field of skin connective tissue diseases, increasing evidence from clinical and animal experiments suggests that TLRs (Toll-like receptors) play an important role in several diseases. This study aimed to determine the role of TLR7 (Toll-like receptor 7) and TLR9 (Toll-like receptor 9) in the mechanisms of immune abnormalities and fibrosis in SSc. This study used TLR7-KO mice (TLR7-knockout mice with a balb/c background) and TLR9-KO mice (TLR9-knockout mice with a balb/c background) as well as WT mice (wild-type balb/c mice). All three kinds of mice were induced by BLM (bleomycin) in a scleroderma model as the experimental group; meanwhile, WT mice treated with PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) were used as the control group. We analyzed the fibrotic phenotype and the immunological abnormality phenotype of TLR7-deficient and TLR9-deficient mice in the SSc disease model using flow cytometry, RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction), a histological examination, and IHC (immunohistochemical staining). In a mouse model of SSc disease, the deletion of TLR7 attenuated skin and lung fibrosis, while the deletion of TLR9 exacerbated skin and lung fibrosis. The deletion of TLR7 resulted in a relative decrease in the infiltration and expression of various pro-inflammatory and fibrotic cells and cytokines in the skin. On the other hand, the deletion of TLR9 resulted in a relative increase in the infiltration and expression of various pro-inflammatory and cytokine-inhibiting cells and cytokines in the skin. Under the influence of pDCs (plasmacytoid dendritic cells), the balances of Beff/Breg (IL-6 + CD19 + B cell/IL-10 + CD19 + B cell), Th17/Treg (IL-17A + CD4 + T cell/Foxp3 + CD25 + CD4 + T cell), M1/M2 (CD86 + macrophage/CD206 + macrophage), and Th1/Th2 (TNFα + CD3 + CD4 + T cell/IL-4 + CD3 + CD4 + T cell) were biased towards the suppression of inflammation and fibrosis as a result of the TLR7 deletion. Comparatively, the balance was biased towards promoting inflammation and fibrosis due to the TLR9 deletion. In the SSc model, TLR7 promoted inflammation and fibrosis progression, while TLR9 played a protective role. These results suggest that TLR7 and TLR9 play opposite roles in triggering SSc to produce immune system abnormalities and skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
| | - Kyosuke Oishi
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
| | - Tadahiro Kobayashi
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
| | - Ko Fujii
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
| | - Motoki Horii
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
| | - Natsumi Fushida
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
| | - Tasuku Kitano
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
| | - Shintaro Maeda
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
| | - Yuichi Ikawa
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Akito Komuro
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Hamaguchi
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
| | - Takashi Matsushita
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (C.W.)
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Możdżan M, Węgiel A, Biskup L, Brzezińska O, Makowska J. Anti-Th/To Antibodies in Scleroderma: Good Prognosis or Serious Concern? J Clin Med 2024; 13:3022. [PMID: 38892733 PMCID: PMC11172938 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113022] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) represents a rare and intricate autoimmune connective tissue disease, the pathophysiology of which has not been fully understood. Its key features include progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, vasculopathy and aberrant immune activation. While various anti-nuclear antibodies can serve as biomarkers for the classification and prognosis of SSc, their direct role in organ dysfunction remains unclear. Anti-Th/To antibodies are present in approximately 5% of SSc patients, and are particularly prevalent among those with the limited subtype of the disease. Although the presence of these autoantibodies is associated with a mild course of the disease, there is a strong connection between them and severe clinical manifestations of SSc, including interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension and gastrointestinal involvement. Also, the additional clinical correlations, particularly with malignancies, need further research. Moreover, the disease's course seems to be influenced by antibodies, specific serum cytokines and TLR signaling pathways. Understanding the relationships between presence of anti-Th/To, its molecular aspects and response to treatment options is crucial for the development of novel, personalized therapeutic techniques and should undergo profound analysis in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Możdżan
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (A.W.); (L.B.); (O.B.)
| | | | | | | | - Joanna Makowska
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (A.W.); (L.B.); (O.B.)
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10
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Ah Kioon MD, Laurent P, Chaudhary V, Du Y, Crow MK, Barrat FJ. Modulation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells response in inflammation and autoimmunity. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:241-256. [PMID: 38553621 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the subsequent recognition that endogenous nucleic acids (NAs) could serve as TLR ligands have led to essential insights into mechanisms of healthy immune responses as well as pathogenic mechanisms relevant to systemic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, NA-containing immune complexes serve as TLR ligands, with distinct implications depending on the additional immune stimuli available. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), the robust producers of type I interferon (IFN-I), are providing critical insights relevant to TLR-mediated healthy immune responses and tissue repair, as well as generation of inflammation, autoimmunity and fibrosis, processes central to the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. In this review, we describe recent data characterizing the role of platelets and NA-binding chemokines in modulation of TLR signaling in pDCs, as well as implications for how the IFN-I products of pDCs contribute to the generation of inflammation and wound healing responses by monocyte/macrophages. Chemokine modulators of TLR-mediated B cell tolerance mechanisms and interactions between TLR signaling and metabolic pathways are also considered. The modulators of TLR signaling and their contribution to the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases suggest new opportunities for identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paôline Laurent
- HSS Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vidyanath Chaudhary
- HSS Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yong Du
- HSS Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mary K Crow
- HSS Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Franck J Barrat
- HSS Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
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11
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Sanges S, Tian W, Dubucquoi S, Chang JL, Collet A, Launay D, Nicolls MR. B-cells in pulmonary arterial hypertension: friend, foe or bystander? Eur Respir J 2024; 63:2301949. [PMID: 38485150 PMCID: PMC11043614 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01949-2023] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
There is an unmet need for new therapeutic strategies that target alternative pathways to improve the prognosis of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). As immunity has been involved in the development and progression of vascular lesions in PAH, we review the potential contribution of B-cells in its pathogenesis and evaluate the relevance of B-cell-targeted therapies. Circulating B-cell homeostasis is altered in PAH patients, with total B-cell lymphopenia, abnormal subset distribution (expansion of naïve and antibody-secreting cells, reduction of memory B-cells) and chronic activation. B-cells are recruited to the lungs through local chemokine secretion, and activated by several mechanisms: 1) interaction with lung vascular autoantigens through cognate B-cell receptors; 2) costimulatory signals provided by T follicular helper cells (interleukin (IL)-21), type 2 T helper cells and mast cells (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-13); and 3) increased survival signals provided by B-cell activating factor pathways. This activity results in the formation of germinal centres within perivascular tertiary lymphoid organs and in the local production of pathogenic autoantibodies that target the pulmonary vasculature and vascular stabilisation factors (including angiotensin-II/endothelin-1 receptors and bone morphogenetic protein receptors). B-cells also mediate their effects through enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced anti-inflammatory properties by regulatory B-cells, immunoglobulin (Ig)G-induced complement activation, and IgE-induced mast cell activation. Precision-medicine approaches targeting B-cell immunity are a promising direction for select PAH conditions, as suggested by the efficacy of anti-CD20 therapy in experimental models and a trial of rituximab in systemic sclerosis-associated PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Sanges
- Univ. Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
- INSERM, F-59000 Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-59000 Lille, France
- Centre National de Référence Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord, Nord-Ouest, Méditerranée et Guadeloupe (CeRAINOM), F-59000 Lille, France
- Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases Network (ReCONNET), F-59000 Lille, France
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Both authors contributed equally and share co-first authorship
| | - Wen Tian
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Both authors contributed equally and share co-first authorship
| | - Sylvain Dubucquoi
- Univ. Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
- INSERM, F-59000 Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Institut d'Immunologie, Pôle de Biologie Pathologie Génétique, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jason L Chang
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aurore Collet
- Univ. Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
- INSERM, F-59000 Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Institut d'Immunologie, Pôle de Biologie Pathologie Génétique, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - David Launay
- Univ. Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
- INSERM, F-59000 Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-59000 Lille, France
- Centre National de Référence Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord, Nord-Ouest, Méditerranée et Guadeloupe (CeRAINOM), F-59000 Lille, France
- Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases Network (ReCONNET), F-59000 Lille, France
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Both authors contributed equally and share co-last authorship
| | - Mark R Nicolls
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Both authors contributed equally and share co-last authorship
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12
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Bodio C, Milesi A, Lonati PA, Chighizola CB, Mauro A, Pradotto LG, Meroni PL, Borghi MO, Raschi E. Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells in Three-Dimensional Models: A New Tool for Addressing the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis as a Prototype of Fibrotic Vasculopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2780. [PMID: 38474040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052780] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional in vitro cultures have represented a milestone in biomedical and pharmacological research. However, they cannot replicate the architecture and interactions of in vivo tissues. Moreover, ethical issues regarding the use of animals have triggered strategies alternative to animal models. The development of three-dimensional (3D) models offers a relevant tool to investigate disease pathogenesis and treatment, modeling in vitro the in vivo environment. We aimed to develop a dynamic 3D in vitro model for culturing human endothelial cells (ECs) and skin fibroblasts, simulating the structure of the tissues mainly affected in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a prototypical autoimmune fibrotic vasculopathy. Dermal fibroblasts and umbilical vein ECs grown in scaffold or hydrogel, respectively, were housed in bioreactors under flow. Fibroblasts formed a tissue-like texture with the deposition of a new extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECs assembled tube-shaped structures with cell polarization. The fine-tuned dynamic modular system allowing 3D fibroblast/EC culture connection represents a valuable model of the in vivo interplay between the main players in fibrotic vasculopathy as SSc. This model can lead to a more accurate study of the disease's pathogenesis, avoiding the use of animals, and to the development of novel therapies, possibly resulting in improved patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bodio
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Milesi
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurobiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Paola Adele Lonati
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy
| | - Cecilia Beatrice Chighizola
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- U.O.C. Clinica Reumatologica Pediatrica, ASST G. Pini-CTO, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauro
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurobiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Guglielmo Pradotto
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurobiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy
| | - Maria Orietta Borghi
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Raschi
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy
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13
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Manetti M. The contribution of endothelial cells to tissue fibrosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024; 36:52-60. [PMID: 37582200 PMCID: PMC10715704 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Tissue fibrosis is an increasingly prevalent condition associated with various diseases and heavily impacting on global morbidity and mortality rates. Growing evidence indicates that common cellular and molecular mechanisms may drive fibrosis of diverse cause and affecting different organs. The scope of this review is to highlight recent findings in support for an important role of vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, with a special focus on systemic sclerosis as a prototypic multisystem fibrotic disorder. RECENT FINDINGS Although transition of fibroblasts to chronically activated myofibroblasts is widely considered the central profibrotic switch, the endothelial cell involvement in development and progression of fibrosis has been increasingly recognized over the last few years. Endothelial cells can contribute to the fibrotic process either directly by acting as source of myofibroblasts through endothelial-to-myofibroblast transition (EndMT) and concomitant microvascular rarefaction, or indirectly by becoming senescent and/or secreting a variety of profibrotic and proinflammatory mediators with consequent fibroblast activation and recruitment of inflammatory/immune cells that further promote fibrosis. SUMMARY An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying EndMT or the acquisition of a profibrotic secretory phenotype by endothelial cells will provide the rationale for novel endothelial cell reprogramming-based therapeutic approaches to prevent and/or treat fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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14
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Clark KEN, Xu S, Attah M, Ong VH, Buckley CD, Denton CP. Single-cell analysis reveals key differences between early-stage and late-stage systemic sclerosis skin across autoantibody subgroups. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1568-1579. [PMID: 37580109 PMCID: PMC10646865 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The severity of skin involvement in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) depends on stage of disease and differs between anti-RNA-polymerase III (ARA) and anti-topoisomerase antibody (ATA) subsets. We have investigated cellular differences in well-characterised dcSSc patients compared with healthy controls (HCs). METHODS We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on 4 mm skin biopsy samples from 12 patients with dcSSc and HCs (n=3) using droplet-based sequencing (10× genomics). Patients were well characterised by stage (>5 or <5 years disease duration) and autoantibody (ATA+ or ARA+). Analysis of whole skin cell subsets and fibroblast subpopulations across stage and ANA subgroup were used to interpret potential cellular differences anchored by these subgroups. RESULTS Fifteen forearm skin biopsies were analysed. There was a clear separation of SSc samples, by disease, stage and antibody, for all cells and fibroblast subclusters. Further analysis revealed differing cell cluster gene expression profiles between ATA+ and ARA+ patients. Cell-to-cell interaction suggest differing interactions between early and late stages of disease and autoantibody. TGFβ response was mainly seen in fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in early ATA+dcSSc skin samples, whereas in early ARA+dcSSc patient skin samples, the responding cells were endothelial, reflect broader differences between clinical phenotypes and distinct skin score trajectories across autoantibody subgroups of dcSSc. CONCLUSIONS We have identified cellular differences between the two main autoantibody subsets in dcSSc (ARA+ and ATA+). These differences reinforce the importance of considering autoantibody and stage of disease in management and trial design in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shiwen Xu
- Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Moustafa Attah
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Voon H Ong
- Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
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15
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Lescoat A, Kato H, Varga J. Emerging cellular and immunotherapies for systemic sclerosis: from mesenchymal stromal cells to CAR-T cells and vaccine-based approaches. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:356-363. [PMID: 37650691 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although two targeted therapies have received recent approval for systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated interstitial lung disease, they do not show major disease-modifying activity, highlighting the need for novel therapies and innovative paradigms. To that end, cellular therapies may represent a new opportunity for the treatment of SSc. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of emerging cell-based disease-modifying therapies in SSc. RECENT FINDINGS Initial small studies in patients with severe refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using engineered regulatory cells show promising results. CD19-directed CAR-T have shown promising results in one case report of refractory diffuse cutaneous SSc patients. T cells engineered to express a chimeric autoantibody receptor (CAAR-T cells) may be even more relevant via the specific elimination of auto-reactive B cells. Targeting pro-fibrotic or senescence-related pathways may also constitute promising approaches in SSc. SUMMARY Building on the classification of the clinical phenotype and prediction of clinical trajectory based on individual patients' autoantigen and/or autoantibody profile, cellular therapies targeting the same autoantigen or related autoreactive cells may represent an unprecedented opportunity to implement personalized medicine in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- University of Rennes CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset -Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail-UMRS
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Hiroshi Kato
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John Varga
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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16
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Lescoat A, Bellando-Randone S, Campochiaro C, Del Galdo F, Denton CP, Farrington S, Galetti I, Khanna D, Kuwana M, Truchetet ME, Allanore Y, Matucci-Cerinic M. Beyond very early systemic sclerosis: deciphering pre‑scleroderma and its trajectories to open new avenues for preventive medicine. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2023; 5:e683-e694. [PMID: 38251534 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(23)00212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The identification of individuals with systemic sclerosis in an oligosymptomatic phase preceding the very early manifestations of the disease represents a challenge in the search for a new window of opportunity in systemic sclerosis. This phase could be identified in a clinical scenario as the pre-scleroderma phase, in which the disease would still be far from systemic sclerosis-related fibrotic or irreversible manifestations in skin or organs. In this Personal View, we discuss parameters and candidate definitions for a conceptual framework of pre-scleroderma, from the identification of populations at risk to autoantibodies and their potential functional activities. We discuss how this new paradigm of pre-scleroderma could represent a game-changing approach in the management of systemic sclerosis, allowing the treatment of patients at high risk of organ involvement or skin fibrosis before such events occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, CHU Rennes, University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France; Institut de Recherche en Sante, Environnement, et Travail, CHU Rennes, University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Rennes, France.
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Division of Rheumatology, AOUC, Florence, Italy
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Department of Rheumatology, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sue Farrington
- Scleroderma & Raynaud Society UK, London, UK; Federation of European Scleroderma Associations, Copenhagen, Denmark; Federation of European Scleroderma Associations, Budapest, Hungary; Federation of European Scleroderma Associations, London, UK
| | - Ilaria Galetti
- Federation of European Scleroderma Associations, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marie-Elise Truchetet
- Department of Rheumatology, UMR5164 ImmunoConcept, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux University Hospital, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016 UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Division of Rheumatology, AOUC, Florence, Italy; Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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17
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Li R, Yang C, Tang YY, Wang DC, Xu WD, Huang AF. Association between endothelin-1 and systemic lupus erythematosus: insights from a case-control study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15970. [PMID: 37749230 PMCID: PMC10520074 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43350-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic rheumatic disorder. Endothelin-1, a vasoconstrictor, belongs to the endothelin family and is associated with vascular-related damages. To date, association between ET-1 and pathogenesis of SLE remains unclear. This case-control study was carried out by 314 SLE, 252 non-SLE diseases patients and 500 healthy controls. Serum ET-1, CCN3, IL-28B levels were detected by ELISA, and ET-1 gene polymorphisms (rs5369, rs5370, rs1476046, rs2070699, rs2071942, rs2071943, rs3087459, rs4145451, rs6458155, rs9369217) were genotyped with Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR. SLE patients had high levels of ET-1, which were correlated with some clinical, laboratory features. Serum CCN3, IL-28B levels were higher in SLE patients, and ET-1 levels were positively correlated with the two cytokines. Rs5370, rs1476046, rs2070699, rs2071942, rs2071943, rs3087459, rs6458155 and rs2070699 were associated with SLE risk. Rs2070699 (T, TT) was related to SLE patients with alopecia. Rs5370 (T, TT, TG), rs1476046 (G,GA), rs2071942 (G,GA) and rs2071943 (G,GA) were associated with SLE patients with pericarditis, pyuria and fever manifestation, respectively. Rs3087459 (CC) and rs9369217 (TC) were related to SLE patients with positive anti-SSB antibody. Rs5369 (AA) was associated with IgG and CRP levels in SLE patients. In conclusion, elevated serum ET-1 in SLE patients may be a potential disease marker, and its gene polymorphisms were related to SLE susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Chan Yang
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang-Yang Tang
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Da-Cheng Wang
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Wang-Dong Xu
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
| | - An-Fang Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
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18
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Patnaik E, Lyons M, Tran K, Pattanaik D. Endothelial Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14385. [PMID: 37762689 PMCID: PMC10531630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, commonly known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular abnormalities, autoimmunity, and multiorgan fibrosis. The exact etiology is not known but believed to be triggered by environmental agents in a genetically susceptible host. Vascular symptoms such as the Raynaud phenomenon often precede other fibrotic manifestations such as skin thickening indicating that vascular dysfunction is the primary event. Endothelial damage and activation occur early, possibly triggered by various infectious agents and autoantibodies. Endothelial dysfunction, along with defects in endothelial progenitor cells, leads to defective angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Endothelial to mesenchymal cell transformation is another seminal event during pathogenesis that progresses to tissue fibrosis. The goal of the review is to discuss the molecular aspect of the endothelial dysfunction that leads to the development of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshaan Patnaik
- Department of Biology, Memphis University School, Memphis, TN 38119, USA;
| | - Matthew Lyons
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
| | - Kimberly Tran
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
| | - Debendra Pattanaik
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
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19
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Ko J, Noviani M, Chellamuthu VR, Albani S, Low AHL. The Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: The Origin of Fibrosis and Interlink with Vasculopathy and Autoimmunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14287. [PMID: 37762589 PMCID: PMC10532389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814287] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated with increased mortality and poor morbidity, impairing the quality of life in patients. Whilst we know that SSc affects multiple organs via vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis, its exact pathophysiology remains elusive. Microvascular injury and vasculopathy are the initial pathological features of the disease. Clinically, the vasculopathy in SSc is manifested as Raynaud's phenomenon (reversible vasospasm in reaction to the cold or emotional stress) and digital ulcers due to ischemic injury. There are several reports that medications for vasculopathy, such as bosentan and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulators, improve not only vasculopathy but also dermal fibrosis, suggesting that vasculopathy is important in SSc. Although vasculopathy is an important initial step of the pathogenesis for SSc, it is still unclear how vasculopathy is related to inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we focused on the clinical evidence for vasculopathy, the major cellular players for the pathogenesis, including pericytes, adipocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), and myofibroblasts, and their signaling pathway to elucidate the relationship among vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsuk Ko
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
| | - Maria Noviani
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Vasuki Ranjani Chellamuthu
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Salvatore Albani
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Andrea Hsiu Ling Low
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
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20
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Lescoat A, Roofeh D, Kuwana M, Lafyatis R, Allanore Y, Khanna D. Therapeutic Approaches to Systemic Sclerosis: Recent Approvals and Future Candidate Therapies. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023; 64:239-261. [PMID: 34468946 PMCID: PMC9034469 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-021-08891-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is the rheumatic disease with the highest individual mortality. The severity of the disease is determined by the extent of fibrotic changes to cutaneous and internal organ tissues, the most life-threatening visceral manifestations being interstitial lung disease, SSc-associated-pulmonary arterial hypertension and myocardial involvement. The heterogeneity of the disease has initially hindered the design of successful clinical trials, but considerations on classification criteria have improved patient selection in trials, allowing the identification of more homogeneous groups of patients based on progressive visceral manifestations or the extent of skin involvement with a focus of patients with early disease. Two major subsets of systemic sclerosis are classically described: limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis characterized by distal skin fibrosis and the diffuse subset with distal and proximal skin thickening. Beyond this dichotomic subgrouping of systemic sclerosis, new phenotypic considerations based on antibody subtypes have provided a better understanding of the heterogeneity of the disease, anti-Scl70 antibodies being associated with progressive interstitial lung disease regardless of cutaneous involvement. Two targeted therapies, tocilizumab (a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-6 receptors (IL-6R)) and nintedanib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), have recently been approved by the American Food & Drug Administration to limit the decline of lung function in patients with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease, demonstrating that such better understanding of the disease pathogenesis with the identification of key targets can lead to therapeutic advances in the management of some visceral manifestations of the disease. This review will provide a brief overview of the pathogenesis of SSc and will present a selection of therapies recently approved or evaluated in this context. Therapies evaluated and approved in SSc-ILD will be emphasized and a review of recent phase II trials in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis will be proposed. We will also discuss selected therapeutic pathways currently under investigation in systemic sclerosis that still lack clinical data in this context but that may show promising results in the future based on preclinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David Roofeh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP.CUP, Paris, France
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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21
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Franco-Acevedo A, Comes J, Mack JJ, Valenzuela NM. New insights into maladaptive vascular responses to donor specific HLA antibodies in organ transplantation. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1146040. [PMID: 38993843 PMCID: PMC11235244 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1146040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Transplant vasculopathy (TV) causes thickening of donor blood vessels in transplanted organs, and is a significant cause of graft loss and mortality in allograft recipients. It is known that patients with repeated acute rejection and/or donor specific antibodies are predisposed to TV. Nevertheless, the exact molecular mechanisms by which alloimmune injury culminates in this disease have not been fully delineated. As a result of this incomplete knowledge, there is currently a lack of effective therapies for this disease. The immediate intracellular signaling and the acute effects elicited by anti-donor HLA antibodies are well-described and continuing to be revealed in deeper detail. Further, advances in rejection diagnostics, including intragraft gene expression, provide clues to the inflammatory changes within allografts. However, mechanisms linking these events with long-term outcomes, particularly the maladaptive vascular remodeling seen in transplant vasculopathy, are still being delineated. New evidence demonstrates alterations in non-coding RNA profiles and the occurrence of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) during acute antibody-mediated graft injury. EndMT is also readily apparent in numerous settings of non-transplant intimal hyperplasia, and lessons can be learned from advances in those fields. This review will provide an update on these recent developments and remaining questions in our understanding of HLA antibody-induced vascular damage, framed within a broader consideration of manifestations and implications across transplanted organ types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Franco-Acevedo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Johanna Comes
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julia J Mack
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicole M Valenzuela
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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22
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Zheng B, Keen KJ, Fritzler MJ, Ryerson CJ, Wilcox P, Whalen BA, Sahin B, Yao I, Dunne JV. Circulating cytokine levels in systemic sclerosis related interstitial lung disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6647. [PMID: 37095095 PMCID: PMC10125994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31232-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploration of cytokine levels in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is needed to find common and diverse biomolecular pathways. Circulating levels of 87 cytokines were compared amongst 19 healthy controls and consecutive patients with SSc-ILD (n = 39), SSc without ILD (n = 29), and IPF (n = 17) recruited from a Canadian centre using a log-linear model adjusted for age, sex, baseline forced vital capacity (FVC), and immunosuppressive or anti-fibrotic treatment at time of sampling. Also examined was annualized change in FVC. Four cytokines had Holm's corrected p-values less than 0.05. Eotaxin-1 levels were increased approximately two-fold in all patient categories compared to healthy controls. Interleukin-6 levels were eight-fold higher in all ILD categories compared to healthy controls. MIG/CXCL9 levels increased two-fold more in all but one patient category compared to healthy controls. Levels of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13, (ADAMTS13) were lower for all categories of patients compared to controls. No substantial association was found for any of the cytokines with FVC change. Observed cytokine differences suggest both common and diverse pathways leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Further studies evaluating longitudinal change of these molecules would be informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Zheng
- Division of Rheumatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin J Keen
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Marvin J Fritzler
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher J Ryerson
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pearce Wilcox
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Beth A Whalen
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Basak Sahin
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Iris Yao
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James V Dunne
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- , Suite 330, 2184 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6K 2E1, Canada.
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23
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Autoreactive B cell responses targeting nuclear antigens in systemic sclerosis: Implications for disease pathogenesis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 58:152136. [PMID: 36403538 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A hallmark of disease pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the presence of autoreactive B cell responses targeting nuclear proteins. Almost all SSc-patients harbour circulating antinuclear autoantibodies of which anti-topoisomerase 1, anti-centromere protein, anti-RNA polymerase III and anti-fibrillarin autoantibodies (ATA, ACA, ARA and AFA, respectively) are the most common and specific for SSc. In clinical practice, autoantibodies serve as diagnostic biomarkers and can aid in the identification of clinical phenotypes of the disease. However, factors driving disease progression in SSc are still poorly understood, and it is difficult to predict disease trajectories in individual patients. Moreover, treatment decisions remain rather empirical, with variable response rates in clinical trials due to patient heterogeneity. Current evidence has indicated that certain patients may benefit from B cell targeting therapies. Hence, it is important to understand the contribution of the antinuclear autoantibodies and their underlying B cell response to the disease pathogenesis of SSc.
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24
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Hysa E, Campitiello R, Sammorì S, Gotelli E, Cere A, Pesce G, Pizzorni C, Paolino S, Sulli A, Smith V, Cutolo M. Specific Autoantibodies and Microvascular Damage Progression Assessed by Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy in Systemic Sclerosis: Are There Peculiar Associations? An Update. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:3. [PMID: 36648887 PMCID: PMC9844325 DOI: 10.3390/antib12010003] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific autoantibodies and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) findings are serum and morphological diagnostic hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (SSc) as well as useful biomarkers which stratify the microvascular progression and prognosis of patients. METHODS The aim of our narrative review is to provide an update and overview of the link between SSc-related autoantibodies, used in clinical practice, and microvascular damage, evaluated by NVC, by exploring the interaction between these players in published studies. A narrative review was conducted by searching relevant keywords related to this field in Pubmed, Medline and EULAR/ACR conference abstracts with a focus on the findings published in the last 5 years. RESULTS Our search yielded 13 clinical studies and 10 pre-clinical studies. Most of the clinical studies (8/13, 61.5%) reported a significant association between SSc-related autoantibodies and NVC patterns: more specifically anti-centromere autoantibodies (ACA) were associated more often with an "Early" NVC pattern, whereas anti-topoisomerase autoantibodies (ATA) more frequently showed an "Active" or "Late" NVC pattern. Five studies, instead, did not find a significant association between specific autoantibodies and NVC findings. Among the pre-clinical studies, SSc-related autoantibodies showed different mechanisms of damage towards both endothelial cells, fibroblasts and smooth muscle vascular cells. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and laboratory evidence on SSc-related autoantibodies and microvascular damage shows that these players are interconnected. Further clinical and demographic factors (e.g., age, sex, disease duration, treatment and comorbidities) might play an additional role in the SSc-related microvascular injury whose progression appears to be complex and multifactorial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, San Martino Polyclinic, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosanna Campitiello
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, San Martino Polyclinic, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Sammorì
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, San Martino Polyclinic, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, San Martino Polyclinic, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Cere
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, San Martino Polyclinic, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giampaola Pesce
- Autoimmunity Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Autoimmunity Diagnostic Laboratory, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, San Martino Polyclinic, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, San Martino Polyclinic, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, San Martino Polyclinic, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre (IRC), 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, San Martino Polyclinic, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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25
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Immune complexome analysis of a rich variety of serum immune complexes identifies disease-characteristic immune complex antigens in systemic sclerosis. J Autoimmun 2023; 134:102954. [PMID: 36436353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102954] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular endothelial dysfunction and skin fibrosis. Recently, the presence and pathogenic role of immune complexes (ICs) of SSc patients were reported. However, the identities of antigens in these ICs are unknown. Therefore, we examined ICs in the serum of SSc patients to elucidate SSc pathogenesis. In this study, IC concentrations in serum samples from SSc and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients were measured by C1q enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; immune complex analysis was used for comprehensive identification and comparison of antigens incorporated into ICs (IC-antigens). The expression patterns of SSc-specific IC-antigens in skin sections were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Compared with SLE patients who developed disease because of IC deposition, SSc patients had a greater number of IC-antigens and a smaller difference in IC concentrations, suggesting that SSc pathogenesis is affected by the proteins present in ICs. In contrast, the IC concentration and number of IC-antigens did not significantly differ according to the clinical phenotype of SSc. We identified 478 IC-antigens in SSc patients, including multiple RNAP II-associated proteins that were targeted by antibodies previously associated with SSc pathogenesis. The most frequently detected RNAP II-associated protein, RNA polymerase II transcription subunit 30 (MED30), was strongly expressed at lesion sites and reportedly regulates endothelial differentiation. Therefore, increased expression of MED30 in lesions may have an antigenic effect, and MED30 function may be impaired or inhibited by IC formation. RNAP II-associated proteins may SSc pathogenesis through mechanisms such as the MED30 pathway.
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26
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Genest DS, Patriquin CJ, Licht C, John R, Reich HN. Renal Thrombotic Microangiopathy: A Review. Am J Kidney Dis 2022; 81:591-605. [PMID: 36509342 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), a pathological lesion observed in a wide spectrum of diseases, is triggered by endothelial injury and/or dysfunction. Although TMA lesions are often accompanied by clinical features of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and ischemic end-organ injury, renal-limited forms of TMA are not infrequently encountered in clinical practice. The presence of renal-limited manifestations can be diagnostically challenging, often delaying the initiation of targeted therapy. Prompt investigation and empirical treatment of TMA is warranted to reduce associated morbidity and mortality. Major advances have been made with respect to the pathophysiology of primary TMA entities, with the subsequent development of novel diagnostic tools and lifesaving therapies for diseases like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and complement-mediated TMA. This article will review the clinical presentation and pathologic hallmarks of TMA involving the kidney, and the disease-specific mechanisms that contribute to the endothelial injury that characterizes TMA lesions. Diagnostic approach and both empirical and disease-specific treatment strategies will be discussed, along with the potential role for emerging targeted disease-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Suzanne Genest
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christopher J Patriquin
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christoph Licht
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Nephrology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rohan John
- Division of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather N Reich
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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27
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Li K, Wang Q, Lv Q, Guo K, Han L, Duan P, Deng Y, Bian H. Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo formula alleviates pulmonary vascular injury and downregulates HIF-1α in bleomycin-induced systemic sclerosis mouse model. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:167. [PMID: 35733188 PMCID: PMC9215020 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03651-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Vascular damage, autoimmune abnormalities, and fibrosis are the three pathological features of systemic sclerosis (SSc).However, pulmonary vascular damage is the main factor affecting the progression and prognosis of SSc. The main purpose of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism of Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula in alleviating pulmonary vascular injury in bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model.
Methods
Masson staining and H&E staining were used to analyze the degree of pulmonary vascular fibrosis and the infiltration of leukocyte cells in lung tissue ofbleomycin-induced SSc mouse models treated with saline (BLM group), Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula (WYHZTL group) and HIF-1α inhibitor KC7F2 (KC7F2 group). Blood vessel exudation was determined by analyzing the cell number and albumin concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using a cell counter and ELISA assay, respectively. The degree of vascular injury was assessed by measuring the expression levels of vWF, E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, VE-cadherin and claudin-5 in serum and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells using ELISA and immunofluorescence staining. Finally, the effect of Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula on the expression of HIF-1α was detected using immunofluorescence staining.
Results
Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula and KC7F2 significantly inhibited bleomycin-induced pulmonary vascular fibrosis and the level of perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration. The number of cells and the concentration of albumin were significantly reduced in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the WYHZTL group and KC7F2 group compared with the BLM group. In addition, treatment with Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula and KC7F2 significantly downregulated the expression levels of vWF, E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and HIF-1α, but upregulated the expression of VE-cadherin and claudin-5 in serum and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, compared with treatment with saline.
Conclusions
This study reveals that Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula plays a new role in the treatment of SSc by alleviating pulmonary vascular damage. Furthermore, we found that Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula alleviates pulmonary vascular injury and inhibits HIF-1α expression.
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28
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW One of the key clinical challenges of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is diversity in clinical presentation, organ involvement and disease progression. Antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) are central to the diagnosis of SSc. ANA specificities associated with distinct clinical patterns of organ and skin involvement. Understanding of the molecular differences and pathogenesis of scleroderma has helped further inform clinical acumen. Here, we provide an update on ANA on clinical profiling, management and future direction of SSc. RECENT FINDINGS There has been further development in delineating clinical patterns in ANA, genetic susceptibility and antigen triggers predisposing to ANA subtypes. Sub-group analysis of recent clinical trials shows differing treatment responses to novel therapeutics. SUMMARY ANA subtyping is likely to be firmly embedded into future classification systems. Beyond informing current management and monitoring of scleroderma patients, ANA subsets have implication on future research and clinical trial design.
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29
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Saber MM, Monir N, Awad AS, Elsherbiny ME, Zaki HF. TLR9: A friend or a foe. Life Sci 2022; 307:120874. [PMID: 35963302 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The innate immune system is a primary protective line in our body. It confers its protection through different pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), especially toll like receptors (TLRs). Toll like receptor 9 (TLR9) is an intracellular TLR, expressed in different immunological and non-immunological cells. Release of cellular components, such as proteins, nucleotides, and DNA confers a beneficial inflammatory response and maintains homeostasis for removing cellular debris during normal physiological conditions. However, during pathological cellular damage and stress signals, engagement between mtDNA and TLR9 acts as an alarm for starting inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The controversial role of TLR9 in different diseases baffled scientists if it has a protective or deleterious effect after activation during insults. Targeting the immune system, especially the TLR9 needs further investigation to provide a therapeutic strategy to control inflammation and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M Saber
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Nada Monir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Azza S Awad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa E Elsherbiny
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hala F Zaki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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30
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Chepy A, Vivier S, Bray F, Ternynck C, Meneboo JP, Figeac M, Filiot A, Guilbert L, Jendoubi M, Rolando C, Launay D, Dubucquoi S, Marot G, Sobanski V. Effects of Immunoglobulins G From Systemic Sclerosis Patients in Normal Dermal Fibroblasts: A Multi-Omics Study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:904631. [PMID: 35844491 PMCID: PMC9276964 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.904631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies (Aabs) are frequent in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although recognized as potent biomarkers, their pathogenic role is debated. This study explored the effect of purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) from SSc patients on protein and mRNA expression of dermal fibroblasts (FBs) using an innovative multi-omics approach. Dermal FBs were cultured in the presence of sera or purified IgG from patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), limited cutaneous SSc or healthy controls (HCs). The FB proteome and transcriptome were explored using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and microarray assays, respectively. Proteomic analysis identified 3,310 proteins. SSc sera and purified IgG induced singular protein profile patterns. These FB proteome changes depended on the Aab serotype, with a singular effect observed with purified IgG from anti-topoisomerase-I autoantibody (ATA) positive patients compared to HC or other SSc serotypes. IgG from ATA positive SSc patients induced enrichment in proteins involved in focal adhesion, cadherin binding, cytosolic part, or lytic vacuole. Multi-omics analysis was performed in two ways: first by restricting the analysis of the transcriptomic data to differentially expressed proteins; and secondly, by performing a global statistical analysis integrating proteomics and transcriptomics. Transcriptomic analysis distinguished 764 differentially expressed genes and revealed that IgG from dcSSc can induce extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling changes in gene expression profiles in FB. Global statistical analysis integrating proteomics and transcriptomics confirmed that IgG from SSc can induce ECM remodeling and activate FB profiles. This effect depended on the serotype of the patient, suggesting that SSc Aab might play a pathogenic role in some SSc subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Chepy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE ( Institute for Translational Research) in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France, Lille, France
| | - Solange Vivier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE ( Institute for Translational Research) in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Fabrice Bray
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, USR 3290, Miniaturisation pour la Synthèse, l’Analyse et la Protéomique, Lille, France
| | - Camille Ternynck
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694, METRICS: Évaluation des Technologies de Santé et des Pratiques Médicales, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Pascal Meneboo
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41—UAR 2014-PLBS, Lille, France
| | - Martin Figeac
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41—UAR 2014-PLBS, Lille, France
| | - Alexandre Filiot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE ( Institute for Translational Research) in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Lucile Guilbert
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE ( Institute for Translational Research) in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Institut d’Immunologie, Lille, France
| | - Manel Jendoubi
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE ( Institute for Translational Research) in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Christian Rolando
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, USR 3290, Miniaturisation pour la Synthèse, l’Analyse et la Protéomique, Lille, France
| | - David Launay
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE ( Institute for Translational Research) in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France, Lille, France
- *Correspondence: David Launay,
| | - Sylvain Dubucquoi
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE ( Institute for Translational Research) in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Institut d’Immunologie, Lille, France
| | - Guillemette Marot
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694, METRICS: Évaluation des Technologies de Santé et des Pratiques Médicales, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41—UAR 2014-PLBS, Lille, France
- Inria, Models for Data Analysis and Learning, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Sobanski
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE ( Institute for Translational Research) in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France, Lille, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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31
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Chepy A, Bourel L, Koether V, Launay D, Dubucquoi S, Sobanski V. Can Antinuclear Antibodies Have a Pathogenic Role in Systemic Sclerosis? Front Immunol 2022; 13:930970. [PMID: 35837382 PMCID: PMC9274282 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by extensive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, associated with vasculopathy and autoimmune features. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are found in almost all SSc patients and constitute strong diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers. However, it remains unclear whether ANA are simple bystanders or if they can have a role in the pathophysiology of the disease. One might think that the nuclear nature of their targets prevents any accessibility to autoantibodies. Nevertheless, recent data suggest that ANA could be pathogenic or at least contribute to the perennation of the disease. We review here first the indirect clues of the contribution of ANA to SSc: they are associated to the disease subtypes, they may precede disease onset, their titer correlates with disease activity and severity, there is an association between molecular subsets, and some patients can respond to B-cell targeting therapy. Then, we describe in a second part the mechanisms of ANA production in SSc from individual genetic background to post-transcriptional modifications of neoantigens. Finally, we elaborate on the potential mechanisms of pathogenicity: ANA could be pathogenic through immune-complex-mediated mechanisms; other processes potentially involve molecular mimicry and ANA penetration into the target cell, with a focus on anti-topoisomerase-I antibodies, which are the most probable candidate to play a role in the pathophysiology of SSc. Finally, we outline some technical and conceptual ways to improve our understanding in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Chepy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
| | - Louisa Bourel
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Koether
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
| | - David Launay
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
| | - Sylvain Dubucquoi
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Institut d’Immunologie, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Sobanski
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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Cavazzana I, Vojinovic T, Airo' P, Fredi M, Ceribelli A, Pedretti E, Lazzaroni MG, Garrafa E, Franceschini F. Systemic Sclerosis-Specific Antibodies: Novel and Classical Biomarkers. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2022; 64:412-430. [PMID: 35716254 PMCID: PMC10167150 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-022-08946-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Disease-specific autoantibodies are considered the most important biomarkers for systemic sclerosis (SSc), due to their ability to stratify patients with different severity and prognosis. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), occurring in subjects with isolated Raynuad's phenomenon, are considered the strongest independent predictors of definite SSc and digital microvascular damage, as observed by nailfold videocapillaroscopy. ANA are present in more than 90% of SSc, but ANA negativity does not exclude SSc diagnosis: a little rate of SSc ANA negative exists and shows a distinct subtype of disease, with less vasculopathy, but more frequent lower gastrointestinal involvement and severe disease course. Anti-centromere, anti-Th/To, and anti-Topoisomerase I antibodies could be considered as classical biomarkers, covering about 60% of SSc and defining patients with well-described cardio-pulmonary complications. In particular, anti-Topoisomerase I represent a risk factor for development of diffuse cutaneous involvement and digital ulcers in the first 3 years of disease, as well as severe interstitial lung disease (ILD). Anti-RNA polymerase III is a biomarker with new clinical implications: very rapid skin thickness progression, gastric antral vascular ectasia, the occurrence of synchronous cancers, and possible association with silicone breast implants rupture. Moreover, novel SSc specific autoantibodies have been globally described in about 10% of "seronegative" SSc patients: anti-elF2B, anti-RuvBL1/2 complex, anti-U11/U12 RNP, and anti-BICD2 depict specific SSc subtypes with severe organ complications. Many autoantibodies could be considered markers of overlap syndromes, including SSc. Anti-Ku are found in 2-7% of SSc, strictly defining the PM/SSc overlap. They are associated with synovitis, joint contractures, myositis, and negatively associated with vascular manifestation of disease. Anti-U3RNP are associated with a well-defined clinical phenotype: Afro-Caribbean male patients, younger at diagnosis, and higher risk of pulmonary hypertension and gastrointestinal involvement. Anti-PM/Scl define SSc patients with high frequency of ILD, calcinosis, dermatomyositis skin changes, and severe myositis. The accurate detection of autoantibodies SSc specific and associated with overlap syndromes is crucial for patients' stratification. ANA should be correctly identified using indirect immunofluorescent assay and a standardized way of patterns' interpretation. The gold-standard technique for autoantibodies' identification in SSc is still considered immunoprecipitation, for its high sensitivity and specificity, but other assays have been widely used in routine practice. The identification of SSc autoantibodies with high diagnostic specificity and high predictive value is mandatory for early diagnosis, a specific follow-up and the possible definition of the best therapy for every SSc subsets. In addition, the validation of novel autoantibodies is mandatory in wider cohorts in order to restrict the gap of so-called seronegative SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cavazzana
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia, 25123, Italy.
| | - Tamara Vojinovic
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Paolo Airo'
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Micaela Fredi
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia, 25123, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angela Ceribelli
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pedretti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Lazzaroni
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia, 25123, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Emirena Garrafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Franceschini
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia, 25123, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Elevated expression of TLR2 and its correlation with disease activity and clinical manifestations in adult-onset Still's disease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10240. [PMID: 35715478 PMCID: PMC9205149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14004-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the role of Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 in patients with adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). This study included 20 patients with AOSD and 15 healthy controls (HCs). TLR expression in the peripheral blood was quantified using flow cytometry; TLR expression pattern, in the skin lesions and lymph nodes (LNs) of patients with AOSD, was evaluated immunohistochemically. Significantly higher mean intensities of cells presenting TLR2 and TLR7 from whole blood were observed in patients with AOSD than in HCs. TLR2 expression in whole cells correlated with systemic scores, levels of lactate dehydrogenase and ferritin and serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-18. The percentage of TLR2-positive inflammatory cells was higher in skin biopsy samples from patients with AOSD than those in HCs. TLR9-expressing positive inflammatory cell counts were higher in skin lesions from patients with AOSD than those in the HC, eczema, and psoriasis groups. The expression levels of TLR1, TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 were higher in LNs of patients with AOSD than in those with T cell lymphoma and reactive lymphadenopathy. Circulating TLR2- and TLR7-positive cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of AOSD. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining for TLRs in skin lesions and LNs may aid in differentiating AOSD from similar conditions.
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Moschetti L, Piantoni S, Vizzardi E, Sciatti E, Riccardi M, Franceschini F, Cavazzana I. Endothelial Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Systemic Sclerosis: A Common Trigger for Different Microvascular Diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:849086. [PMID: 35462989 PMCID: PMC9023861 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.849086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review describes the complex interplay between inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis that involve the heart and peripheral small vessels, leading to endothelial stiffness, vascular damage, and early aging in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis, which represents two different models of vascular dysfunction among systemic autoimmune diseases. In fact, despite the fact that diagnostic methods and therapies have been significantly improved in the last years, affected patients show an excess of cardiovascular mortality if compared with the general population. In addition, we provide a complete overview on the new techniques which are used for the evaluation of endothelial dysfunction in a preclinical phase, which could represent a new approach in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liala Moschetti
- Rheumatology and Clinical immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Piantoni
- Rheumatology and Clinical immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Silvia Piantoni,
| | - Enrico Vizzardi
- Cardiology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Riccardi
- Cardiology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Franceschini
- Rheumatology and Clinical immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cavazzana
- Rheumatology and Clinical immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Kuret T, Sodin-Šemrl S, Leskošek B, Ferk P. Single Cell RNA Sequencing in Autoimmune Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: Current Applications, Challenges and a Step Toward Precision Medicine. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:822804. [PMID: 35118101 PMCID: PMC8804286 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.822804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) represents a new large scale and high throughput technique allowing analysis of the whole transcriptome at the resolution of an individual cell. It has emerged as an imperative method in life science research, uncovering complex cellular networks and providing indices that will eventually lead to the development of more targeted and personalized therapies. The importance of scRNA-seq has been particularly highlighted through the analysis of complex biological systems, in which cellular heterogeneity is a key aspect, such as the immune system. Autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases represent a group of disorders, associated with a dysregulated immune system and high patient heterogeneity in both pathophysiological and clinical aspects. This complicates the complete understanding of underlying pathological mechanisms, associated with limited therapeutic options available and their long-term inefficiency and even toxicity. There is an unmet need to investigate, in depth, the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases and drug resistance, identify novel therapeutic targets, as well as make a step forward in using stratified and informed therapeutic decisions, which could now be achieved with the use of single cell approaches. This review summarizes the current use of scRNA-seq in studying different rheumatic diseases, based on recent findings from published in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, as well as discusses the potential implementation of scRNA-seq in the development of precision medicine in rheumatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeja Kuret
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Snežna Sodin-Šemrl
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Brane Leskošek
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics/ELIXIR-SI Center, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polonca Ferk
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics/ELIXIR-SI Center, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Polonca Ferk
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Shen CY, Lu CH, Wu CH, Li KJ, Kuo YM, Hsieh SC, Yu CL. Molecular Basis of Accelerated Aging with Immune Dysfunction-Mediated Inflammation (Inflamm-Aging) in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123402. [PMID: 34943909 PMCID: PMC8699891 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic connective tissue disorder characterized by immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, vascular endothelial cell dysfunction, and progressive tissue fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Moreover, increased cancer incidence and accelerated aging are also found. The increased cancer incidence is believed to be a result of chromosome instability. Accelerated cellular senescence has been confirmed by the shortening of telomere length due to increased DNA breakage, abnormal DNA repair response, and telomerase deficiency mediated by enhanced oxidative/nitrative stresses. The immune dysfunctions of SSc patients are manifested by excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-α, and TNF-α, which can elicit potent tissue inflammation followed by tissue fibrosis. Furthermore, a number of autoantibodies including anti-topoisomerase 1 (anti-TOPO-1), anti-centromere (ACA or anti-CENP-B), anti-RNA polymerase enzyme (anti-RNAP III), anti-ribonuclear proteins (anti-U1, U2, and U11/U12 RNP), anti-nucleolar antigens (anti-Th/T0, anti-NOR90, anti-Ku, anti-RuvBL1/2, and anti-PM/Scl), and anti-telomere-associated proteins were also found. Based on these data, inflamm-aging caused by immune dysfunction-mediated inflammation exists in patients with SSc. Hence, increased cellular senescence is elicited by the interactions among excessive oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and autoantibodies. In the present review, we will discuss in detail the molecular basis of chromosome instability, increased oxidative stress, and functional adaptation by deranged immunome, which are related to inflamm-aging in patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Yu Shen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-H.W.); (K.-J.L.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsun Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-H.W.); (K.-J.L.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Han Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-H.W.); (K.-J.L.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Ko-Jen Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-H.W.); (K.-J.L.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Yu-Min Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-H.W.); (K.-J.L.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-H.W.); (K.-J.L.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.-C.H.); (C.-L.Y.); Tel.: +886-2-23123456 (S.-C.H. & C.-L.Y.)
| | - Chia-Li Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-H.W.); (K.-J.L.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.-C.H.); (C.-L.Y.); Tel.: +886-2-23123456 (S.-C.H. & C.-L.Y.)
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Hinchcliff M, Garcia-Milian R, Di Donato S, Dill K, Bundschuh E, Galdo FD. Cellular and Molecular Diversity in Scleroderma. Semin Immunol 2021; 58:101648. [PMID: 35940960 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing armamentarium of high-throughput tools available at manageable cost, it is attractive and informative to determine the molecular underpinnings of patient heterogeneity in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Given the highly variable clinical outcomes of patients labelled with the same diagnosis, unravelling the cellular and molecular basis of disease heterogeneity will be crucial to predicting disease risk, stratifying management and ultimately informing a patient-centered precision medicine approach. Herein, we summarise the findings of the past several years in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics that contribute to unraveling the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of SSc. Expansion of these findings and their routine integration with quantitative analysis of histopathology and imaging studies into clinical care promise to inform a scientifically driven patient-centred personalized medicine approach to SSc in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Hinchcliff
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, USA.
| | | | - Stefano Di Donato
- Raynaud's and Scleroderma Programme, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leeds, UK
| | | | - Elizabeth Bundschuh
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, USA
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Raynaud's and Scleroderma Programme, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leeds, UK.
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Clark KEN, Campochiaro C, Csomor E, Taylor A, Nevin K, Galwey N, Morse MA, Singh J, Teo YV, Ong VH, Derrett-Smith E, Wisniacki N, Flint SM, Denton CP. Molecular basis for clinical diversity between autoantibody subsets in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:1584-1593. [PMID: 34230031 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical heterogeneity is a cardinal feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Hallmark SSc autoantibodies are central to diagnosis and associate with distinct patterns of skin-based and organ-based complications. Understanding molecular differences between patients will benefit clinical practice and research and give insight into pathogenesis of the disease. We aimed to improve understanding of the molecular differences between key diffuse cutaneous SSc subgroups as defined by their SSc-specific autoantibodies METHODS: We have used high-dimensional transcriptional and proteomic analysis of blood and the skin in a well-characterised cohort of SSc (n=52) and healthy controls (n=16) to understand the molecular basis of clinical diversity in SSc and explore differences between the hallmark antinuclear autoantibody (ANA) reactivities. RESULTS Our data define a molecular spectrum of SSc based on skin gene expression and serum protein analysis, reflecting recognised clinical subgroups. Moreover, we show that antitopoisomerase-1 antibodies and anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies specificities associate with remarkably different longitudinal change in serum protein markers of fibrosis and divergent gene expression profiles. Overlapping and distinct disease processes are defined using individual patient pathway analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide insight into clinical diversity and imply pathogenetic differences between ANA-based subgroups. This supports stratification of SSc cases by ANA antibody subtype in clinical trials and may explain different outcomes across ANA subgroups in trials targeting specific pathogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Eszter Csomor
- Clinical Pharmacology & Experimental Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Adam Taylor
- Clinical Pharmacology & Experimental Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Katherine Nevin
- Clinical Pharmacology & Experimental Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Nicholas Galwey
- Clinical Pharmacology & Experimental Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Mary A Morse
- Clinical Pharmacology & Experimental Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Jennifer Singh
- Clinical Pharmacology & Experimental Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Yee Voan Teo
- Clinical Pharmacology & Experimental Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Voon H Ong
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emma Derrett-Smith
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nicolas Wisniacki
- Clinical Pharmacology & Experimental Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Shaun M Flint
- Clinical Pharmacology & Experimental Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London, UK
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Lescoat A, Varga J, Matucci-Cerinic M, Khanna D. New promising drugs for the treatment of systemic sclerosis: pathogenic considerations, enhanced classifications, and personalized medicine. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:635-652. [PMID: 33909517 PMCID: PMC8292968 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1923693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is a complex orphan disease characterized by early inflammatory features, vascular hyper-reactivity, and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Although substantial progress has been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc, there is still no disease-modifying drug that could significantly impact the natural history of the disease.Areas covered: This review discusses the rationale, preclinical evidence, first clinical eevidence,and pending issues concerning new promising therapeutic options that are under investigation in SSc. The search strategy was based on PubMed database and clinical trial.gov, highlighting recent key pathogenic aspects and phase I or II trials of investigational drugs in SSc.Expert opinion: The identification of new molecular entities that potentially impact inflammation and fibrosis may constitute promising options for a disease modifying-agent in SSc. The early combinations of antifibrotic drugs (such as pirfenidone) with immunomodulatory agents (such as mycophenolate mofetil) may also participate to achieve such a goal. A more refined stratification of patients, based on clinical features, molecular signatures, and identification of subpopulations with distinct clinical trajectories, may also improve management strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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