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Roškar Z, Dreisinger M, Homšak E, Avčin T, Bevc S, Goropevšek A. Increased Frequency of Circulating Activated FOXP3 + Regulatory T Cell Subset in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Is Associated with the Estimate of the Size of the Tumor Mass, STAT5 Signaling and Disease Course during Follow-Up of Patients on Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3228. [PMID: 39335199 PMCID: PMC11430700 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16183228] [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: 08/19/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is accompanied by increased circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) and increased susceptibility to severe infections, which were also shown to entail a striking induction of FOXP3 expression in Tregs. As homeostasis of the most suppressive CD45RA-FOXP3high activated Treg (aTreg) subset differs, it is critical to analyse homeostatic signalling in Treg subsets. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, by using conventional and imaging flow cytometry, we monitored STAT5 signalling/phosphorylation (pSTAT5) and investigated Treg subsets in relation to the Binet stage, the total tumor mass score (TTM) and the disease course during a follow-up of 37 patients with CLL. RESULTS The aTreg percentage was significantly increased among CD4+ T cells from patients with advanced disease and significantly correlated with the TTM. A subgroup of patients with higher aTreg percentages among CD4+FOXP3+ T cells at the start of therapy was characterised by more frequent episodes of severe infections during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The results suggesting that an aTreg fraction could represent a possible marker of a severe disease course with infectious complications. Augmented homeostatic STAT5 signalling could support aTreg expansion, as higher pSTAT5 levels were significantly correlated with an increased aTreg frequency among CD4+FOXP3+ T cells during the follow-up of patients on therapy, as well as following SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific stimulation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlatko Roškar
- Department of Haematology, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Dreisinger
- Department of Haematology, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Evgenija Homšak
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Avčin
- Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sebastjan Bevc
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Nephrology, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Goropevšek
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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Sheinin R, Salomon K, Yeini E, Dulberg S, Kaminitz A, Satchi-Fainaro R, Sharan R, Madi A. interFLOW: maximum flow framework for the identification of factors mediating the signaling convergence of multiple receptors. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:66. [PMID: 38858414 PMCID: PMC11164912 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00391-z] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell crosstalk involves simultaneous interactions of multiple receptors and ligands, followed by downstream signaling cascades working through receptors converging at dominant transcription factors, which then integrate and propagate multiple signals into a cellular response. Single-cell RNAseq of multiple cell subsets isolated from a defined microenvironment provides us with a unique opportunity to learn about such interactions reflected in their gene expression levels. We developed the interFLOW framework to map the potential ligand-receptor interactions between different cell subsets based on a maximum flow computation in a network of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The maximum flow approach further allows characterization of the intracellular downstream signal transduction from differentially expressed receptors towards dominant transcription factors, therefore, enabling the association between a set of receptors and their downstream activated pathways. Importantly, we were able to identify key transcription factors toward which the convergence of multiple receptor signaling pathways occurs. These identified factors have a unique role in the integration and propagation of signaling following specific cell-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Sheinin
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Koren Salomon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Eilam Yeini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Shai Dulberg
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Ayelet Kaminitz
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Roded Sharan
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Asaf Madi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
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Roškar Z, Dreisinger M, Tič P, Homšak E, Bevc S, Goropevšek A. New Flow Cytometric Methods for Monitoring STAT5 Signaling Reveal Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Antigen-Specific Stimulation in FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells also in Patients with Advanced Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13050539. [PMID: 37232900 DOI: 10.3390/bios13050539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Increased frequency of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cells (Treg) has been associated with disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Flow cytometric methods, which allow for the simultaneous analysis of their specific transcription factor Foxp3 and activated STAT proteins, together with proliferation can help to elucidate the signaling mechanisms driving Treg expansion and suppression of FOXP3- conventional CD4+T-cells (Tcon). Herein, we first report a novel approach in which STAT5 phosphorylation (pSTAT5) and proliferation (BrdU-FITC incorporation) could be analyzed specifically in FOXP3+ and FOXP3- responding cells after CD3/CD28 stimulation. The addition of magnetically purified CD4+CD25+ T-cells from healthy donors to cocultured autologous CD4+CD25- T-cells resulted in suppression of Tcon cell cycle progression accompanied by a decrease in pSTAT5. Next, a method using imaging flow cytometry is presented for the detection of cytokine-dependent pSTAT5 nuclear translocation in FOXP3-expressing cells. Finally, we discuss our experimental data obtained by combining Treg pSTAT5 analysis and antigen-specific stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Applying these methods on samples from patients revealed Treg responses to antigen-specific stimulation and significantly higher basal pSTAT5 in CLL patients treated with immunochemotherapy. Thus, we speculate that through the use of this pharmacodynamic tool, the efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs and their possible off-target effects can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlatko Roškar
- Department of Haematology, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Dreisinger
- Department of Haematology, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Primož Tič
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Evgenija Homšak
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Sebastjan Bevc
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Nephrology, University Medical Center Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Goropevšek
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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Feng Y, Li Z, Xie C, Lu F. Correlation between peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and primary systemic lupus erythematosus. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:839-845. [PMID: 36045722 PMCID: PMC9372708 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored the correlation between peripheral blood CD3+, CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, CD3-/CD16+ CD56+, and CD3-CD19+ and disease activity of different subtypes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The percentages of CD3+, CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, CD3-/CD16+ CD56+, and CD3-CD19+ in the peripheral blood of patients (n = 80) classified into lupus nephritis, blood involvement, and joint involvement and SLE in different active stages were detected by flow cytometry. Their correlations with baseline clinical experimental indicators of SLE patients' SLE disease activity index score (SLEDAI) and complement C3 were analyzed. The results showed that CD3+, CD3+/CD4+, and CD3+/CD8+ at baseline level were negatively correlated with SLEDAI scores. These were positively correlated with C3. In conclusion, T-lymphocyte subpopulations are closely related to SLE activity and can be used as reference indicators to evaluate the SLE activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Feng
- Rheumatology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huai Nan, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Rheumatology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bangbu, China
| | - Changhao Xie
- Rheumatology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bangbu, China
| | - Fanglin Lu
- Rheumatology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huai Nan, China
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Lin J, Zhang Y, Wang M, Zhang Y, Li P, Cao Y, Yang X. Therapeutic Effects of Tofacitinib on Pristane-Induced Murine Lupus. Arch Rheumatol 2022; 37:195-204. [PMID: 36017210 PMCID: PMC9377175 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2022.8252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK3 inhibitor, in treating murine lupus, and also explore 12 related genes downstream of JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathways to find the underlying mechanism. Materials and methods
This study was conducted between July 2017 and January 2020. Fifty-seven female BALB/c mice (aging 8 to 10 weeks old; weighing 18 to 20 g) were assigned to a saline control (SC) group and a pristane-induced lupus group. The latter included four groups, namely, pristane control (PC), tofacitinib (T), methylprednisolone (MP), and tofacitinib plus methylprednisolone (T+MP). Animal models of lupus were induced with pristane, whereas SC mice were treated with normal saline. From the 22nd week after induction, each group was given the aforementioned corresponding intervention for 11 weeks. The following variables were tested: serum concentrations of anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ); number of regulatory T (Treg) cells; messenger ribonucleic acid levels of forkhead box P3 and 12 related genes downstream of JAK-STAT pathway; and renal impairment. Results
Red swollen joints and proteinuria were first observed in PC after the 12th week. After treatment, T, MP, and T+MP showed relieved red swollen joints and splenomegaly, as well as decreased urine protein, anti-dsDNA, IL-6, IFN-γ, Treg cells, pathological scores, and hyperplasia of mesangial matrix in glomeruli compared with PC. The IFN regulatory factor 7 level was higher in T+MP (p0.05) and MP (p>0.05) than in PC after treatment. The expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1 was lower in T (p>0.05), T+MP (p0.05) than in PC. The SOCS3 level was higher in T (p>0.05) and T+MP (p0.05) than in PC. Conclusion
Tofacitinib can ameliorate glomerulonephritis and arthritis in a pristane-induced murine model of lupus. SOCS3 gene may be involved in the therapeutic mechanism of tofacitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yaqin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meihua Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Pin Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yingping Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xuwei Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Liu L, Cheng X, Yang H, Lian S, Jiang Y, Liang J, Chen X, Mo S, Shi Y, Zhao S, Li J, Jiang R, Yang DH, Wu Y. BCL-2 expression promotes immunosuppression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by enhancing regulatory T cell differentiation and cytotoxic T cell exhaustion. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:59. [PMID: 35193595 PMCID: PMC8862474 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01516-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) results in increased susceptibility to infections. T cell dysfunction is not associated with CLL in all patients; therefore, it is important to identify CLL patients with T cell defects. The role of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) in CLL has been explored; however, few studies have examined its role in T cells in CLL patients. Herein, we have investigated the regulatory role of BCL-2 in T cells in the CLL tumor microenvironment. METHODS The expression of BCL-2 in T cells was evaluated using flow cytometry. The regulatory roles of BCL-2 were investigated using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and verified using multi-parameter flow cytometry on CD4 and CD8 T cells. The clinical features of BCL-2 expression in T cells in CLL were also explored. RESULTS We found a significant increase in BCL-2 expression in the T cells of CLL patients (n = 266). Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) indicated that BCL-2+CD4+ T cells had the gene signature of increased regulatory T cells (Treg); BCL-2+CD8+ T cells showed the gene signature of exhausted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL); and increased expression of BCL-2 was associated with T cell activation and cellular adhesion. The results from scRNA-seq were verified in peripheral T cells from 70 patients with CLL, wherein BCL-2+CD4+ T cells were enriched with Tregs and had higher expression of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β than BCL-2-CD4+ T cells. BCL-2 expression in CD8+T cells was associated with exhausted cells (PD-1+Tim-3+) and weak expression of granzyme B and perforin. T cell-associated cytokine profiling revealed a negative association between BCL-2+ T cells and T cell activation. Decreased frequencies and recovery functions of BCL-2+T cells were observed in CLL patients in complete remission after treatment with venetoclax. CONCLUSION BCL-2 expression in the T cells of CLL patients is associated with immunosuppression via promotion of Treg abundance and CTL exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xianfeng Cheng
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Senlin Lian
- Jiangsu Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yuegen Jiang
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Jinhua Liang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Suo Mo
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Sishu Zhao
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jianyong Li
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Runqiu Jiang
- Jiangsu Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China. .,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Dong-Hua Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Yujie Wu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China. .,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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Understanding Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Toward Better Treatment and Prevention. Inflammation 2021; 44:1663-1682. [PMID: 33821395 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-021-01455-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) carries a significant risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The prevalence of premature CVD is especially noteworthy because it occurs in premenopausal women with SLE who would otherwise have very low rates of CVD. While traditional risk factors likely play a role in development of CVD in the setting of SLE, they do not fully explain the excess risk. The pathogenesis of CVD in SLE is not fully understood, but the inflammatory nature of SLE is believed to be a key factor in accelerating atherosclerosis. Systemic inflammation may lead to an abnormal lipid profile with elevated triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Additionally, the inflammatory milieu of SLE plasma promotes endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury, early steps in the progression of atherosclerotic CVD. Despite the overall headway that has been achieved in treating lupus, innovative therapeutics specifically targeting the progression of atherosclerosis within the lupus population are currently lacking. However, there have been advancements in the development of promising modalities for diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis and detection of high CVD risk patients. Due to the significant impact of CVD on morbidity and mortality, research addressing prevention and treatment of CVD in SLE needs to be prioritized. This review explores the intricate interplay of SLE-specific properties that contribute to atherosclerosis and CVD within this population, as well as screening methods and possible therapies.
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Laurent C, Deblois G, Clénet ML, Carmena Moratalla A, Farzam-Kia N, Girard M, Duquette P, Prat A, Larochelle C, Arbour N. Interleukin-15 enhances proinflammatory T-cell responses in patients with MS and EAE. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2020; 8:8/1/e931. [PMID: 33323466 PMCID: PMC7745728 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective We posit that interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a relevant contributor to MS pathobiology as this cytokine is elevated in the CNS and periphery of patients with MS. We aim to investigate (1) the impact of IL-15 on T lymphocytes from patients with MS and (2) the in vivo role of IL-15 using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. Methods We compared the impact of IL-15 on T lymphocytes obtained from untreated patients with MS (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive) to cells from age/sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) using multiparametric flow cytometry and in vitro assays. We tested the effects of peripheral IL-15 administration after EAE disease onset in C57BL/6 mice. Results IL-15 triggered STAT5 signaling in an elevated proportion of T cells from patients with MS compared with HCs. This cytokine also enhanced the production of key proinflammatory cytokines (interferon γ, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF], IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor) by T cells from both MS and controls, but these effects were more robust for the production of IL-17 and GM-CSF in T-cell subsets from patients with MS. At the peak of EAE disease, the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD122+, the key signaling IL-15 receptor chain, was enriched in the CNS compared with the spleen. Finally, peripheral administration of IL-15 into EAE mice after disease onset significantly aggravated clinical scores and increased the number of inflammatory CNS-infiltrating T cells long term after stopping IL-15 administration. Conclusions Our results underscore that IL-15 contributes to the amplification of T-cell inflammatory properties after disease onset in both MS and EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Laurent
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Deblois
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Laure Clénet
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Ana Carmena Moratalla
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Negar Farzam-Kia
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Girard
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Duquette
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Prat
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Larochelle
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Arbour
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada.
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Qian K, Xu JX, Deng Y, Peng H, Peng J, Ou CM, Liu Z, Jiang LH, Tai YH. Signaling pathways of genetic variants and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis. Gland Surg 2020; 9:1933-1944. [PMID: 33447544 PMCID: PMC7804555 DOI: 10.21037/gs-20-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder causing muscle weakness and characterized by a defect in synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction. The pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. We aimed to predict the key signaling pathways of genetic variants and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MG, and identify the key genes among them. METHODS We searched published information regarding associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and differentially-expressed miRNAs in MG cases. We search of SNPs and miRNAs in literature databases about MG, then we used bioinformatic tools to predict target genes of miRNAs. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis for key genes was carried out utilizing the Cytoscape-plugin, known as ClueGO. These key genes were mapped to STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Then a miRNA-target gene regulatory network was established to screen key genes. RESULTS Five genes containing SNPs associated with MG risk were involved in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) signaling pathway, and FoxP3 was the key gene. MAPK1, SMAD4, SMAD2 and BCL2 were predicted to be targeted by the 18 miRNAs and to act as the key genes in adherens, junctions, apoptosis, or cancer-related pathways respectively. These five key genes containing SNPs or targeted by miRNAs were found to be involved in negative regulation of T cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS We speculate that SNPs cause the genes to be defective or the miRNAs to downregulate the factors that subsequently negatively regulate regulatory T cells and trigger the onset of MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Qian
- Faculty of Life and Biotechnology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Jia-Xin Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular surgery, Yan’ an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yi Deng
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Chun-Mei Ou
- Department of Cardiovascular surgery, Institute of the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Zu Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular surgery, Yan’ an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li-Hong Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yong-Hang Tai
- School of Electronic Information in the Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
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10
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Cytokines and Transgenic Matrix in Autoimmune Diseases: Similarities and Differences. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120559. [PMID: 33271810 PMCID: PMC7761121 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are increasingly recognized as disease entities in which dysregulated cytokines contribute to tissue-specific inflammation. In organ-specific and multiorgan autoimmune diseases, the cytokine profiles show some similarities. Despite these similarities, the cytokines have different roles in the pathogenesis of different diseases. Altered levels or action of cytokines can result from changes in cell signaling. This article describes alterations in the JAK-STAT, TGF-β and NF-κB signaling pathways, which are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. There is a special focus on T cells in preclinical models and in patients afflicted with these chronic inflammatory diseases.
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11
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Logotheti S, Pützer BM. STAT3 and STAT5 Targeting for Simultaneous Management of Melanoma and Autoimmune Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101448. [PMID: 31569642 PMCID: PMC6826843 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a skin cancer which can become metastatic, drug-refractory, and lethal if managed late or inappropriately. An increasing number of melanoma patients exhibits autoimmune diseases, either as pre-existing conditions or as sequelae of immune-based anti-melanoma therapies, which complicate patient management and raise the need for more personalized treatments. STAT3 and/or STAT5 cascades are commonly activated during melanoma progression and mediate the metastatic effects of key oncogenic factors. Deactivation of these cascades enhances antitumor-immune responses, is efficient against metastatic melanoma in the preclinical setting and emerges as a promising targeting strategy, especially for patients resistant to immunotherapies. In the light of the recent realization that cancer and autoimmune diseases share common mechanisms of immune dysregulation, we suggest that the systemic delivery of STAT3 or STAT5 inhibitors could simultaneously target both, melanoma and associated autoimmune diseases, thereby decreasing the overall disease burden and improving quality of life of this patient subpopulation. Herein, we review the recent advances of STAT3 and STAT5 targeting in melanoma, explore which autoimmune diseases are causatively linked to STAT3 and/or STAT5 signaling, and propose that these patients may particularly benefit from treatment with STAT3/STAT5 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Logotheti
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Brigitte M Pützer
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
- Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany.
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12
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Holcar M, Goropevšek A, Avčin T. Altered Homeostasis of Regulatory T Lymphocytes and Differential Regulation of STAT1/STAT5 in CD4+ T Lymphocytes in Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Rheumatol 2019; 47:557-566. [PMID: 31263070 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.181418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is usually a more severe and aggressive disease than adult-onset SLE (aSLE), but cellular and subcellular reasons for these differences are not well understood. The present study analyzed Th subsets, STAT1/STAT5 signaling response, and cytokine profiles of cSLE. METHODS FOXP3+ regulatory (Treg) and effector Th subsets, expression and phosphorylation of STAT1/STAT5 in Th, and cytokine profiles were measured in the peripheral blood of patients with cSLE and healthy controls (HC), using flow cytometry and immunoassay on a biochip. RESULTS Significant correlation between expression of the activation marker HLA-DR and decreased Th counts, an increase in the percentage of FOXP3+ Th, and a decrease in the activated Treg (aTreg) subset among them were found in cSLE. In contrast to our previous findings in aSLE, no significant differences in percentages and a significant decrease in the numbers of the naive-resting Treg (rTreg) subset compared to HC were found. The percentages of CD25- cells, possibly reflecting interleukin 2 depletion, were significantly increased in cSLE aTreg, but not in the rTreg subset. Consistent with the results of our previous studies in aSLE, increased expression of STAT1, along with significant correlation between decreased Th counts and their increased basal phosphorylation of STAT5, were also found in cSLE. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the key difference in Treg homeostasis between cSLE and aSLE is in the rTreg subset. However, perturbed aTreg homeostasis, increased levels of STAT1 protein, and homeostatic STAT5 signaling appear to be intrinsic characteristics of the disease, present in cSLE and aSLE alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Holcar
- From the Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana; Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,M. Holcar, PhD, Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana; A. Goropevšek, MD, PhD, Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor; T. Avčin, MD, PhD, Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana
| | - Aleš Goropevšek
- From the Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana; Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,M. Holcar, PhD, Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana; A. Goropevšek, MD, PhD, Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor; T. Avčin, MD, PhD, Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana
| | - Tadej Avčin
- From the Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana; Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,M. Holcar, PhD, Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana; A. Goropevšek, MD, PhD, Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor; T. Avčin, MD, PhD, Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana.
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13
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Men K, Chen Y, Zhang J, Wei D. The evaluation of cellular immune function in elderly patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Korean J Intern Med 2019; 34:932-937. [PMID: 29172398 PMCID: PMC6610183 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2017.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To evaluate cellular immune function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients over 60 years old, the association between antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers and the ratio of CD4+ /CD8+ was analyzed in this study. The distribution of ANAs and extractable nuclear antibodies (ENAs) in a healthy elderly population was also investigated. METHODS Serum ANA titers were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and the CD4+ /CD8+ T-cell ratio was determined by flow cytometry in 76 SLE patients and 30 healthy control individuals. IIF of cytoplasm and nuclear and nucleolar staining were performed on samples taken from 286 healthy elderly individuals. ENA levels were determined using a strip enzyme immunoassay among patients that tested positive for ANAs. RESULTS ANA titers were negative in the 30 control individuals, but were positive in the 76 SLE patients. Based on ANA titers, the SLE patients were stratified to low (≤ 1:320), medium (1:640 to 1:1,280), and high (≥ 1:2,560) titer groups. The average CD4+ /CD8+ ratio of the SLE group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Among the 286 healthy elderly volunteers, 59 (20.63%) tested positive for ANAs. A homogeneous pattern was present in 47.46% of those 59 patients and a granule pattern in the karyoplasm was present in 33.90%. Furthermore, of the 59 patients, ENAs immunoassay was positive in 18 (30.51%); Sjogren syndrome-related antigen A (SSA)/52 kd and Sjogren syndrome antigen B (SSB)/La were the two major antibodies. CONCLUSION The significantly lower CD4+ /CD8+ ratio among SLE patients over 60 years old is associated with deregulated immune responses and the development of SLE. A low ANA titer (1:160) is common in healthy elders, emphasizing the importance of considering age when determining if the evaluation of ANA titers is to be included in autoimmune disease diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Men
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingwei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dianjun Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Correspondence to Dianjun Wei, Ph.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, No. 23 PingJiang Rd, He’xi Dist, Tianjin, 300211, China Tel: +86-22-88328930 Fax: +86-22-88326837 E-mail:
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14
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Goropevšek A, Holcar M, Pahor A, Avčin T. STAT signaling as a marker of SLE disease severity and implications for clinical therapy. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:144-154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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15
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Abstract
Purpose of Review: The standard treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are focused on non-specific immunosuppression. Over the past few years, scientific studies and ongoing clinical trials have shifted the paradigm with rapid advances in developing biologics and small molecules. A number of monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors have been developed to target specific pathways involved in SLE. Many of these novel therapeutic agents are already being tested in clinical trials and they may 1 day reshape the landscape of SLE treatment. Herein we review potential future therapeutic options for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Vukelic
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vasileios C Kyttaris
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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16
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Elevation of serum CD5L concentration is correlated with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 63:311-316. [PMID: 30173083 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by an autoantibody- and immune complex-mediated inflammatory disease. Since CD5-like (CD5L), also known as apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM), is as an apoptosis inhibitor that protects the survival of macrophages, T cells, and NKT against proapoptotic agents, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, we investigated the possible aberrant production of CD5L and its clinical implications in SLE patients. We measured the serum concentration and ex vivo production of CD5L in 68 SLE patients and 60 sex- and age- matched control individuals using an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Serum CD5L concentrations were significantly higher in SLE patients than in healthy control subjects. Increase in CD5L concentration correlated positively and significantly with SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score in all SLE patients. Besides, CD5L titers were positively correlated with anti-double stranded DNA antibody (anti-dsDNA) titers, ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and negatively correlated with complement 3 (C3) and C4 levels. Serum CD5L concentrations could be significantly decreased after effective treatment of SLE. In addition, the ex vivo release of CD5L upon mitogen activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly higher in the SLE groups than in the healthy control group. The above results suggest that the up-regulated production of CD5L is important in the immunopathogenesis of SLE, and may serve as a potential disease marker for the monitoring of SLE disease severity and therapeutic efficacy.
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17
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Jain S, Stock A, Macian F, Putterman C. A Distinct T Follicular Helper Cell Subset Infiltrates the Brain in Murine Neuropsychiatric Lupus. Front Immunol 2018; 9:487. [PMID: 29593732 PMCID: PMC5859360 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are not uncommon, yet the mechanisms underlying disease initiation and progression in the brain are incompletely understood. Although the role of T cells in other lupus target organs such as the kidney is well defined, which T cells contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric SLE is not known. The present study was aimed at characterizing the CD4 T cell populations that are present in the choroid plexus (CP) of MRL/MpJ-faslpr mice, the primary site of brain infiltration in this classic lupus mouse model which exhibits a prominent neurobehavioral phenotype. T cells infiltrating the CP of MRL/MpJ-faslpr mice were characterized and subset identification was done by multiparameter flow cytometry. We found that the infiltrating CD4 T cells are activated and have an effector phenotype. Importantly, CD4 T cells have a T follicular helper cell (TFH) like phenotype, as evidenced by their surface markers and signature cytokine, IL-21. In addition, CD4 TFH cells also secrete significant levels of IFN-γ and express Bcl-6, thereby conforming to a potentially pathogenic T helper population that can drive the disease progression. Interestingly, the regulatory axis comprising CD4 T regulatory cells is diminished. These results suggest that accumulation of CD4 TFH in the brain of MRL/MpJ-faslpr mice may contribute to the neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE, and point to this T cell subset as a possible novel therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Jain
- Division of Rheumatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Ariel Stock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Fernando Macian
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Chaim Putterman
- Division of Rheumatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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