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Tian J, Liu X, Liang H, Shen Y, Xiang X, Zhu F, Wang X, Liu C, Xu X, Zhang X, Xue Q, Gu Y. Expression of lymphocyte activation gene-3 on CD4 +T cells is regulated by cytokine interleukin-18 in myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 388:578308. [PMID: 38325197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578308] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a T cell-dependent, B cell-mediated, and complement-dependent autoimmune disease. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3; CD223) is an immune checkpoint protein that plays an important role in maintaining autoimmune tolerance and homeostasis. To investigate the cytokine-regulated expression pattern of LAG-3, CD4+T cells were sorted from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers by density gradient centrifugation and stimulated with various cytokines in vitro. The expression of membrane LAG-3 (mLAG-3), membrane a disintegrin and metallopeptidase domain10 (mADAM10) and membrane ADAM17 (mADAM17) on CD4+T cells was detected by flow cytometry; the concentration of soluble LAG-3 (sLAG-3) was detected by ELISA; and the relative expression of genes at the transcriptional level was detected by fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). sLAG-3 levels were significantly increased in the peripheral plasma of AChR Ab-positive patients with MG compared to healthy volunteers, while the percentage of mLAG-3 expression on CD4+T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients with MG was significantly reduced. IL-18 inhibited mLAG-3 levels on CD4+T cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, the concentration of sLAG-3 in the supernatant increased. After PHA and IL-18 stimulation, ADAM10 and ADAM17 also increased compared to those in the PHA-active group. Moreover, there were significant differences in the expression of mADAM10 and mADAM17 in CD4+T lymphocytes between patients with MG and healthy volunteers. These results suggest that IL-18 may regulate the expression pattern of mLAG-3 in CD4+T cells and sLAG-3 via ADAM10- and ADAM17-mediated pathways, thus affecting the immune effects of CD4+T cells. This study provides a preliminary exploration of the upstream regulatory molecules of the LAG-3 and IL-18/LAG-3 signalling pathways for potential targeted therapy of autoimmune diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingluan Tian
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Hansi Liang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yu Shen
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xuanyi Xiang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Cuiping Liu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xingshun Xu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215031, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Qun Xue
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Yanzheng Gu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
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Fan R, Que W, Liu Z, Zheng W, Guo X, Liu L, Xiao F. Single-cell mapping reveals dysregulation of immune cell populations and VISTA+ monocytes in myasthenia gravis. Clin Immunol 2022; 245:109184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Ihim SA, Abubakar SD, Zian Z, Sasaki T, Saffarioun M, Maleknia S, Azizi G. Interleukin-18 cytokine in immunity, inflammation, and autoimmunity: Biological role in induction, regulation, and treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:919973. [PMID: 36032110 PMCID: PMC9410767 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.919973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in host defense against infections and regulates the innate and acquired immune response. IL-18 is produced by both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells, including monocytes, macrophages, keratinocytes and mesenchymal cell. IL-18 could potentially induce inflammatory and cytotoxic immune cell activities leading to autoimmunity. Its elevated levels have been reported in the blood of patients with some immune-related diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes mellitus, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. In the present review, we aimed to summarize the biological properties of IL-18 and its pathological role in different autoimmune diseases. We also reported some monoclonal antibodies and drugs targeting IL-18. Most of these monoclonal antibodies and drugs have only produced partial effectiveness or complete ineffectiveness in vitro, in vivo and human studies. The ineffectiveness of these drugs targeting IL-18 may be largely due to the loophole caused by the involvement of other cytokines and proteins in the signaling pathway of many inflammatory diseases besides the involvement of IL-18. Combination drug therapies, that focus on IL-18 inhibition, in addition to other cytokines, are highly recommended to be considered as an important area of research that needs to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Amarachi Ihim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Sharafudeen Dahiru Abubakar
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Zeineb Zian
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Research Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Takanori Sasaki
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohammad Saffarioun
- Biopharmaceutical Research Center, AryoGen Pharmed Inc., Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Shayan Maleknia
- Biopharmaceutical Research Center, AryoGen Pharmed Inc., Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Azizi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- *Correspondence: Gholamreza Azizi,
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Exploring the Gut Microbiome in Myasthenia Gravis. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14081647. [PMID: 35458209 PMCID: PMC9027283 DOI: 10.3390/nu14081647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiota is vital for maintaining human health in terms of immune system homeostasis. Perturbations in the composition and function of microbiota have been associated with several autoimmune disorders, including myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular condition associated with varying weakness and rapid fatigue of the skeletal muscles triggered by the host’s antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in the postsynaptic muscle membrane at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). It is hypothesized that perturbation of the gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of MG. The gut microbiota community profiles are usually generated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Compared to healthy individuals, MG participants had an altered gut microbiota’s relative abundance of bacterial taxa, particularly with a drop in Clostridium. The microbial diversity related to MG severity and the overall fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were lower in MG subjects. Changes were also found in terms of serum biomarkers and fecal metabolites. A link was found between the bacterial Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU), some metabolite biomarkers, and MG’s clinical symptoms. There were also variations in microbial and metabolic markers, which, in combination, could be used as an MG diagnostic tool, and interventions via fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) could affect MG development. Probiotics may influence MG by restoring the gut microbiome imbalance, aiding the prevention of MG, and lowering the risk of gut inflammation by normalizing serum biomarkers. Hence, this review will discuss how alterations of gut microbiome composition and function relate to MG and the benefits of gut modulation.
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Agah E, Nafissi S, Saleh F, Sarraf P, Tafakhori A, Mousavi SV, Saghazadeh A, Sadr M, Sinaei F, Mohebbi B, Mahmoudi M, Shadi H, Rezaei N. Investigating the possible association between NLRP3 gene polymorphisms and myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2021; 63:730-736. [PMID: 33533549 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27193] [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: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this case-control study, we investigated the association between nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10754558, rs3806265, rs4612666, and rs35829419 and myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS Samples from MG patients were selected from a previous study conducted in our neuromuscular clinic, which investigated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes and MG. Genetic data of controls were also available from another study. The NLRP3 SNPs genotyping was performed using the TaqMan method. RESULTS A total of 93 blood samples from eligible Iranian patients with MG and 56 samples from healthy controls were obtained. The NLRP3 rs3806265 "C" allele was significantly more frequent in MG patients (P < .001; odd ratio [OR] = 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-4.0) than controls. The "CC" genotype of this SNP was found in 18.27% of patients, but none of the controls (P < .001). The distribution of other SNPs was similar between the groups. DISCUSSION These preliminary results suggest that there might be some associations between the NLRP3 gene polymorphism and MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Agah
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahriar Nafissi
- Iranian Center for Neurological Research, Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saleh
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Payam Sarraf
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Tafakhori
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Vahid Mousavi
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImmunology Research Association (NIRA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amene Saghazadeh
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadr
- Molecular Immunology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Sinaei
- Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Mohebbi
- Molecular Immunology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center (RRC), Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamideh Shadi
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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Zhang QX, Li Y, Jiang SM, Zhang LJ, Yi M, Wang J, Qi Y, Yang L, Yang CS. Increased serum IL-36γ levels are associated with disease severity in myasthenia gravis patients. BMC Neurol 2020; 20:307. [PMID: 32814555 PMCID: PMC7436949 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-01885-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin 36 (IL-36), as a gradually recognized cytokine, is involved in the occurrence and evolution of autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, the relationship between myasthenia gravis (MG) and IL-36 is rarely reported. METHODS We evaluated the serum levels of IL-36 (IL-36α, IL-36β and IL-36γ) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Further, clinical parameters in 97 MG patients and 49 healthy controls (HCs) were carefully measured. RESULTS Serum IL-36γ levels were significantly elevated in the MG patients compared with the HCs (p < 0.0001). Compared to those in remission, patients in the acute phase exhibited higher levels of IL-36α and IL-36γ (p = 0.038 and p = 0.011, respectively). Furthermore, patients with generalized MG (GMG) exhibited markedly higher serum IL-36γ levels than those with ocular MG (OMG) (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The serum levels of IL-36γ in patients with MG were increased and positively correlated with disease severity and may thus have potential as a serological MG marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Xia Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Neurology and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Shu-Min Jiang
- Department of Neurology and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Lin-Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Neurology and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurology and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yuan Qi
- Department of Neurology and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Neurology and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Chun-Sheng Yang
- Department of Neurology and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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Wu Z, Giudice V, Chen J, Sun W, Lin Z, Keyvanfar K, Talasani N, Kajigaya S, Feng X, Young NS. Interleukin-18 plays a dispensable role in murine and likely also human bone marrow failure. Exp Hematol 2018; 69:54-64.e2. [PMID: 30316805 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-18 (IL-18), also known as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-inducing factor, is involved in Th1 responses and regulation of immunity. Accumulating evidence implicates IL-18 in autoimmune diseases, but little is known of its role in acquired aplastic anemia (AA), the immune-mediated destruction of bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). IL-18 protein levels were significantly elevated in sera of severe AA (SAA) patients, including both responders and nonresponders assayed before treatment, and decreased after treatment. IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) was expressed on HSPCs. Co-culture of human BM CD34+ cells from healthy donors with IL-18 upregulated genes in the helper T-cell and Notch signaling pathways and downregulated genes in the cell cycle regulation, telomerase, and IL-6 signaling pathways. Plasma IL-18 levels were also elevated in murine models of immune-mediated BM failure. However, deletion of IL-18 in donor lymph node cells or deletions of either IL-18 or IL-18R in recipients did not attenuate elevations of circulating IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or IL-6, nor did they alleviate BM failure. In summary, our findings suggest that, although increased circulating IL-18 is a feature of SAA, it may reflect an aberrant immune response but be dispensable to the pathogenesis of AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Wu
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Valentina Giudice
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jichun Chen
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wanling Sun
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zenghua Lin
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Keyvan Keyvanfar
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nidhi Talasani
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sachiko Kajigaya
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xingmin Feng
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Neal S Young
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Cron MA, Maillard S, Delisle F, Samson N, Truffault F, Foti M, Fadel E, Guihaire J, Berrih-Aknin S, Le Panse R. Analysis of microRNA expression in the thymus of Myasthenia Gravis patients opens new research avenues. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:588-600. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Harms RZ, Yarde DN, Guinn Z, Lorenzo-Arteaga KM, Corley KP, Cabrera MS, Sarvetnick NE. Increased expression of IL-18 in the serum and islets of type 1 diabetics. Mol Immunol 2015; 64:306-312. [PMID: 25576800 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic disease characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells. Interleukin (IL)-18 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory diseases. Here, we analyzed IL-18 levels in the plasma of juveniles with T1D. Compared to control subjects, IL-18 levels were significantly elevated in patients with T1D. On the other hand, levels of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) and IL-37, two negative regulators of IL-18 function, remained unchanged when comparing T1D to control samples. Notably, however, although IL-18BP levels were not elevated, IL-18 and IL-18BP were found to be positively correlated in type 1 diabetics. Even so, free, unbound IL-18 remained significantly increased in diabetic patients. Additionally, correlation studies also revealed that IL-18 and IL-18BP are positively correlated with HbA1c levels in T1D patients, suggesting a potential link between IL-18 and metabolic control in these patients. Finally, we observed a significant increase in IL-18 protein expression within human pancreatic islet specimens collected from type 1 diabetics. These results further expand our knowledge of the role of IL-18 in T1D, may give insight into common pathogenic mechanisms associated with metabolic control in both T1D and T2D, and suggest that targeting this cytokine may improve therapeutic outcomes for T1D patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Z Harms
- Department of Surgery-Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985965 NE Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5965, USA
| | - Danielle N Yarde
- Department of Surgery-Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985965 NE Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5965, USA
| | - Zachary Guinn
- Department of Surgery-Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985965 NE Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5965, USA
| | - Kristina M Lorenzo-Arteaga
- Department of Surgery-Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985965 NE Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5965, USA
| | - Kevin P Corley
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital & Medical Center, 8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68114, USA
| | - Monina S Cabrera
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital & Medical Center, 8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68114, USA
| | - Nora E Sarvetnick
- Department of Surgery-Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985965 NE Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5965, USA.,Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985965 NE Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5965, USA
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10
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Sedimbi SK, Hägglöf T, Karlsson MCI. IL-18 in inflammatory and autoimmune disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:4795-808. [PMID: 23892891 PMCID: PMC11113411 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1425-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation serves as the first line of defense in response to tissue injury, guiding the immune system to ensure preservation of the host. The inflammatory response can be divided into a quick initial phase mediated mainly by innate immune cells including neutrophils and macrophages, followed by a late phase that is dominated by lymphocytes. Early in the new millennium, a key component of the inflammatory reaction was discovered with the identification of a number of cytosolic sensor proteins (Nod-like receptors) that assembled into a common structure, the 'inflammasome'. This structure includes an enzyme, caspase-1, which upon activation cleaves pro-forms of cytokines leading to subsequent release of active IL-1 and IL-18. This review focuses on the role of IL-18 in inflammatory responses with emphasis on autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikiran K. Sedimbi
- Department of Medicine-Solna, Translational Immunology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, L2:04, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Hägglöf
- Department of Medicine-Solna, Translational Immunology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, L2:04, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael C. I. Karlsson
- Department of Medicine-Solna, Translational Immunology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, L2:04, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
Acquired myasthenia gravis is a relatively uncommon disorder, with prevalence rates that have increased to about 20 per 100,000 in the US population. This autoimmune disease is characterized by muscle weakness that fluctuates, worsening with exertion, and improving with rest. In about two-thirds of the patients, the involvement of extrinsic ocular muscle presents as the initial symptom, usually progressing to involve other bulbar muscles and limb musculature, resulting in generalized myasthenia gravis. Although the cause of the disorder is unknown, the role of circulating antibodies directed against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in its pathogenesis is well established. As this disorder is highly treatable, prompt recognition is crucial. During the past decade, significant progress has been made in our understanding of the disease, leading to new treatment modalities and a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality.
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12
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Na SJ, So SH, Lee KO, Choi YC. Elevated serum level of interleukin-32α in the patients with myasthenia gravis. J Neurol 2011; 258:1865-70. [PMID: 21487807 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-011-6036-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A new cytokine, interleukin-32 (IL-32), has been implicated in the pro-inflammatory immune responses in several autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a well-characterized autoimmune disease directed at the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or end plate of the neuromuscular junction. IL-32 is a cytokine that induces tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and chemokine. IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2 are related to the pathogenesis and immunoregulation of MG. The gene expression of IL-32 is increased in human natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocytes when stimulated by IL-2 or mitogen. NK cells influence the development of experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) and possibly MG. The aim of this study was to examine whether IL-32α levels are increased in patients with MG and to investigate the relationship between IL-32α levels and disease activity in human MG. Serum IL-32α levels were significantly higher in the MG patients (p = 0.03): 460.07 ± 192.30 pg/mL in MG patients and 248.45 ± 188.42 pg/mL in the healthy control group. Although there was no significant statistical difference, serum IL-32α levels of patients with both anti-AChR binding and blocking antibodies trended to be higher than those without either antibodies (521.56 ± 212.92 pg/mL vs. 339.52 ± 182.78 pg/mL, p = 0.16). IL-32α serum levels tended to decrease with clinical improvement in generalized MG. This study suggests the possibility that IL-32 might contribute to MG pathogenesis or immunoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Jun Na
- Department of Neurology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 146-92 Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea
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Yeh JH, Wang SH, Chien PJ, Shih CM, Chiu HC. Changes in serum cytokine levels during plasmapheresis in patients with myasthenia gravis. Eur J Neurol 2009; 16:1318-22. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2009.02729.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Effect of IgG immunoadsorption on serum cytokines in MG and LEMS patients. J Neuroimmunol 2008; 201-202:104-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2008.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2008] [Revised: 05/30/2008] [Accepted: 05/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Novick D, Elbirt D, Dinarello CA, Rubinstein M, Sthoeger ZM. Interleukin-18 binding protein in the sera of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. J Clin Immunol 2008; 29:38-45. [PMID: 18594952 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-008-9217-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2008] [Accepted: 06/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the present study, we examined the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-18 and its natural inhibitor, the IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), in sera of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) patients at various stages of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sera from eight consecutive biopsy-proven systemic WG patients (four men and four women; age at diagnosis 58.4 +/- 13.8 years) were obtained longitudinally with a follow-up period of 55.2 +/- 30 months. Sera obtained from 50 healthy subjects were used as controls. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Serum levels of IL-18, IL-18BP, and free IL-18 obtained during an active phase of the disease (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, BVAS > 10) were more than twofold higher than levels in the same patients during inactive disease stages (BVAS < 5; P < 0.002; P < 0.006, and P < 0.03 for IL-18, IL-18BP, and free IL-18, respectively). During inactive stages, the levels of these markers were comparable to those of healthy controls. The elevated levels of IL-18 and IL-18BP in sera during active stages of disease suggest a possible role in the pathogenesis and course of the WG. CONCLUSION Despite the elevated IL-18BP levels during active disease, free IL-18 remained higher than in the inactive disease stages, suggesting a potential benefit of administration of exogenous IL-18BP as a novel therapeutic approach for active WG.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Novick
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune syndrome caused by the failure of neuromuscular transmission, which results from the binding of autoantibodies to proteins involved in signaling at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). These proteins include the nicotinic AChR or, less frequently, a muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) involved in AChR clustering. Much is known about the mechanisms that maintain self tolerance and modulate anti-AChR Ab synthesis, AChR clustering, and AChR function as well as those that cause neuromuscular transmission failure upon Ab binding. This insight has led to the development of improved diagnostic methods and to the design of specific immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca M Conti-Fine
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
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Nguyen S, Morel V, Le Garff-Tavernier M, Bolgert F, Leblond V, Debré P, Vieillard V. Persistence of CD16+/CD56-/2B4+ natural killer cells: a highly dysfunctional NK subset expanded in ocular myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol 2006; 179:117-25. [PMID: 16904757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2006.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2006] [Revised: 05/30/2006] [Accepted: 05/31/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of myasthenia gravis associated with marked expansion of an unusual CD16(+)CD56(-)2B4(+) NK subset. These atypical cells were characterized by poor cytotoxicity against CD48(+) target cells and high proliferation due to 2B4/CD48 interaction. IL18, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta levels were profoundly different in this patient than in healthy donors. Immunosuppressive treatment induced disease remission and decreased the CD16(+)CD56(-)2B4(+)NK cells count. Our data suggest that expansion of this NK subset in myasthenia gravis patients may account for the deleterious NK cell functioning that occurs in this autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Nguyen
- INSERM U543, Laboratoire d'Immunologie Cellulaire et Tissulaire, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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Mühl H, Pfeilschifter J. Interleukin-18 bioactivity: a novel target for immunopharmacological anti-inflammatory intervention. Eur J Pharmacol 2005; 500:63-71. [PMID: 15464021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2004] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-18 is a member of the interleukin-1 family of cytokines with pro-inflammatory and tumor-suppressive properties. Its ability to potently enhance the production of interferon-gamma indicates in particular the crucial function of interleukin-18 as an immunomodulatory molecule. In fact, high levels of interleukin-18 are detected in human diseases associated with immunoactivation including viral or bacterial infections and chronic inflammation. Animal models suggest suppression of interleukin-18 bioactivity as a novel therapeutic concept specifically for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. Here we introduce into the biology of interleukin-18 and review immunopharmacological strategies that aim at reducing interleukin-18 bioactivity in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Mühl
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, University Hospital, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Mühl H, Höfler S, Pfeilschifter J. Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide/ATP-induced release of interleukin-18 by KN-62 and glyburide. Eur J Pharmacol 2004; 482:325-8. [PMID: 14660039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2003.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Monocytes release interleukin-18 after activation by lipopolysaccharide/ATP. Since inflammatory conditions such as sepsis are characterized by augmented interleukin-18 in sera of patients, we sought to modulate lipopolysaccharide/ATP-induced interleukin-18 release by pharmacological means. Here we report that 1-[N,O-bis(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpiperazine (KN-62), an inhibitor of ATP-mediated cellular activation by the purinoreceptor subtype P(2x7), potently suppresses interleukin-18 release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Interleukin-18 liberation was likewise inhibited by glyburide, a modulator of ion transport and inhibitor of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1. The data presented herein indicate that by pharmacologically interfering with the process of cytokine secretion agents such as KN-62 or glyburide have the potential to curb overproduction of interleukin-18 in septic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Mühl
- Pharmazentrum frankfurt, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Bello-Rivero I, Cervantes M, Torres Y, Ferrero J, Rodríguez E, Pérez J, García I, Díaz G, López-Saura P. Characterization of the immunoreactivity of anti-interferon alpha antibodies in myasthenia gravis patients. Epitope mapping. J Autoimmun 2004; 23:63-73. [PMID: 15236754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2004.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2003] [Revised: 03/24/2004] [Accepted: 03/26/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines, such as interferons (IFN), underlie many immunological functions and are increasingly implicated in disease-related symptoms and pathology. In order to study the potential roles of IFN alpha and its antagonists in autoimmune phenomena, the sera from 89 patients (aged 15-95 years, 65 females) diagnosed as having myasthenia gravis (MG) (2 months to 34 years duration) were tested for the presence of natural anti-IFN alpha-2b auto-antibodies. Sera were screened for anti-IFN alpha-2b by a sandwich-type enzyme immunoassay system. Ten (11.2%) and 6 (6.7%) sera were identified that contained positive-competing and non-competing anti-IFN alpha-2b auto-antibodies, respectively. The MG sera were further analyzed by immunobloting against reduced IFN alpha-2b and for neutralizing anti-IFN alpha activity in an antiviral assay cells system. From tested EIA positive-competing sera, 5 were shown to be positive by immunoblot and 6 sera were found to contain neutralizing anti-IFN alpha-2b. Four of the 6 neutralizing anti-IFN alpha-2b sera came from patients with thymoma-associated MG. The sera were studied for linear epitope recognition on the IFN alpha-2b molecule by a solid phase binding assay, in which overlapping peptides homologous with the entire IFN alpha-2b sequence were separately synthesized on a nitrocellulose sheet. Peptides number 2 (residues 8-21), 3 (15-28), 6 (33-46), 10 (63-76), 15 (98-112), and 21 (141-154) were immunoreactive. Peptide 21 was apparently associated with antiviral activity, although peptide 21 has not been previously described as an immunogenic determinant on the IFN alpha-2b molecule. These results indicate that neutralizing anti-IFN alpha-2b is often present in MG, particularly in cases of thymoma-associated MG, and recognize a variety of epitopes on the IFN alpha-2b molecule, including those involved in its biological activity. Two groups of IFN epitopes were described associated with patient's age but not with diseases evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraldo Bello-Rivero
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Clinical Trials Division, P.O. Box 6332, La Habana, Cuba.
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