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Mohammad Piri S, Amin Habibi M, Shool S, Khazaeli Najafabadi M, Ahmadpour S, Alemi F, Aria Nejadghaderi S, Shokri P, Abdi M, Asghari N, Amir Asef-Agah S, Tavakolpour S. Role of T follicular helper cells in autoimmune rheumatic Diseases: A systematic review on immunopathogenesis and response to treatment. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110838. [PMID: 38970880 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a subdivision of T helper cells involved in antigen-specific B cell immunity. Tfh cells play an essential role in the interaction of T cells/B cells in the germinal centers (GC), and dysregulation of Tfh actions can offer pathogenic autoantibody formation and lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. This study seeks to evaluate changes in Tfh frequency and its related cytokines in autoimmune disease, its association with disease phase, severity, prognosis, and the effect of immunosuppressive treatment on the Tfh population. METHOD The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, were systematically searched for potentially eligible studies up to January 1, 2024. RESULTS We identified 4998 articles in the initial search, from which 1686 similar titles were removed. A total of 3312 articles were initially screened, and 3051 articles were excluded by title/abstract screening. A total of 261 studies were considered for full-text assessment, and 205 articles were excluded by reason. Finally, a total of 56 studies were included in our review. CONCLUSION The population of Tfh cells is generally higher in autoimmune diseases versus Health control. Moreover, the number of Tfh cells is associated with the disease severity and can be considered for determining the prognosis of studies. Also, peripheral blood circulating Tfh (cTfh) cells are an available sample that can be used as an indicator for diagnosing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Piri
- Department of Pathology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Amin Habibi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sina Shool
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Sajjad Ahmadpour
- Patient Safety Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Fakhroddin Alemi
- School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Pourya Shokri
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohtaram Abdi
- Student Research Committe, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bonjnurd, Iran.
| | - Negin Asghari
- Student Research Committe, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bonjnurd, Iran.
| | - Seyed Amir Asef-Agah
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Sahinoglu M, Sargin G, Yavasoglu I, Senturk T. The relationship between peripheral T follicular helper cells and disease severity in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:19. [PMID: 38280030 PMCID: PMC10822004 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01286-9] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the association between follicular T helper cells (Tfh) and disease severity in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a chronic connective tissue disease characterized by progressive fibrosis. While Tfh cells have been extensively studied in other autoimmune diseases, their role in SSc remains poorly understood. A cohort of 50 SSc patients, diagnosed based on the ACR/EULAR 2013 classification criteria, was included in the study. Patient data, including demographic information, comorbidities, treatment history and organ involvement, were collected. Disease severity was assessed using the modified Rodnan skin score and Medsger disease severity index. Statistical analyses were performed, considering a p value of < 0.05 as statistically significant. 38% had SSc with limited skin involvement, while 62% had SSc with extensive skin involvement. However, there were no statistically significant differences observed in the levels of CD4+ CXCR5+ , CD4+ ICOS+ , CD4+ CD40L+ and CD4+ PD+ lymphocytes between the two groups. Notably, SSc patients with Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcer and lung involvement exhibited higher levels of CD4+ CXCR5+ lymphocytes compared to those without these manifestations. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between CD4+ CXCR5+ lymphocyte levels and the severity of lung disease according to the Medsger disease severity index. Based on these findings, we conclude that elevated levels of Tfh cells are associated with lung involvement in SSc and there is a significant correlation between Tfh cell levels and the severity of lung disease. These observations suggest a potential role for Tfh cells in the pathogenesis of lung involvement in SSc and may guide the development of targeted therapies for this aspect of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melek Sahinoglu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Sargin
- Department of Rheumatology, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey.
| | - Irfan Yavasoglu
- Department of Hematology, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Taskin Senturk
- Department of Rheumatology, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
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LaBere B, Nguyen AA, Habiballah SB, Elkins M, Imperial J, Li B, Devana S, Timilsina S, Stubbs SB, Joerger J, Chou J, Platt CD. Clinical utility of measuring CD4 + T follicular cells in patients with immune dysregulation. J Autoimmun 2023; 140:103088. [PMID: 37549449 PMCID: PMC10839119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Mechanistic studies of autoimmune disorders have identified circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) cells as drivers of autoimmunity. However, the quantification of cTfh cells is not yet used in clinical practice due to the lack of age-stratified normal ranges and the unknown sensitivity and specificity of this test for autoimmunity. We enrolled 238 healthy participants and 130 patients with common and rare disorders of autoimmunity or autoinflammation. Patients with infections, active malignancy, or any history of transplantation were excluded. In 238 healthy controls, median cTfh percentages (range 4.8%-6.2%) were comparable among age groups, sexes, races, and ethnicities, apart from a significantly lower percentages in children less than 1 year of age (median 2.1%, CI: 0.4%-6.8, p < 0.0001). Among 130 patients with over 40 immune regulatory disorders, a cTfh percentage exceeding 12% had 88% sensitivity and 94% specificity for differentiating disorders with adaptive immune cell dysregulation from those with predominantly innate cell defects. This threshold had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 100% for active autoimmunity and normalized with effective treatment. cTfh percentages exceeding 12% distinguish autoimmunity from autoinflammation, thereby differentiating two endotypes of immune dysregulation with overlapping symptoms and different therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna LaBere
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan A Nguyen
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Saddiq B Habiballah
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Megan Elkins
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juliet Imperial
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Betty Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Suraj Timilsina
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Spencer B Stubbs
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jill Joerger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Janet Chou
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Craig D Platt
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Sun L, Su Y, Jiao A, Wang X, Zhang B. T cells in health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:235. [PMID: 37332039 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are crucial for immune functions to maintain health and prevent disease. T cell development occurs in a stepwise process in the thymus and mainly generates CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Upon antigen stimulation, naïve T cells differentiate into CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic effector and memory cells, mediating direct killing, diverse immune regulatory function, and long-term protection. In response to acute and chronic infections and tumors, T cells adopt distinct differentiation trajectories and develop into a range of heterogeneous populations with various phenotype, differentiation potential, and functionality under precise and elaborate regulations of transcriptional and epigenetic programs. Abnormal T-cell immunity can initiate and promote the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of T cell development, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell classification, and differentiation in physiological settings. We further elaborate the heterogeneity, differentiation, functionality, and regulation network of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in infectious disease, chronic infection and tumor, and autoimmune disease, highlighting the exhausted CD8+ T cell differentiation trajectory, CD4+ T cell helper function, T cell contributions to immunotherapy and autoimmune pathogenesis. We also discuss the development and function of γδ T cells in tissue surveillance, infection, and tumor immunity. Finally, we summarized current T-cell-based immunotherapies in both cancer and autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on their clinical applications. A better understanding of T cell immunity provides insight into developing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Yanhong Su
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Anjun Jiao
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China.
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LaBere B, Nguyen AA, Habiballah SB, Elkins M, Imperial J, Li B, Devana S, Timilsina S, Stubbs SB, Joerger J, Chou J, Platt CD. Clinical utility of measuring CD4 + T follicular cells in patients with immune dysregulation. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.06.06.23291032. [PMID: 37333344 PMCID: PMC10274986 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.06.23291032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Mechanistic studies of autoimmune disorders have identified circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) cells as drivers of autoimmunity. However, the quantification of cTfh cells is not yet used in clinical practice due to the lack of age-stratified normal ranges and the unknown sensitivity and specificity of this test for autoimmunity. We enrolled 238 healthy participants and 130 patients with common and rare disorders of autoimmunity or autoinflammation. Patients with infections, active malignancy, or any history of transplantation were excluded. In 238 healthy controls, median cTfh percentages (range 4.8% - 6.2%) were comparable among age groups, sexes, races, and ethnicities, apart from a significantly lower percentages in children less than 1 year of age (median 2.1%, CI: 0.4% - 6.8, p< 0.0001). Among 130 patients with over 40 immune regulatory disorders, a cTfh percentage exceeding 12% had 88% sensitivity and 94% specificity for differentiating disorders with adaptive immune cell dysregulation from those with predominantly innate cell defects. This threshold had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 100% for active autoimmunity and normalized with effective treatment. cTfh percentages exceeding 12% distinguish autoimmunity from autoinflammation, thereby differentiating two endotypes of immune dysregulation with overlapping symptoms and different therapies.
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Qi J, Liu C, Bai Z, Li X, Yao G. T follicular helper cells and T follicular regulatory cells in autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1178792. [PMID: 37187757 PMCID: PMC10175690 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are heterogeneous and mainly characterized by expressing surface markers CXCR5, ICOS, and PD-1; cytokine IL-21; and transcription factor Bcl6. They are crucial for B-cell differentiation into long-lived plasma cells and high-affinity antibody production. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells were described to express markers of conventional T regulatory (Treg) cells and Tfh cells and were able to suppress Tfh-cell and B-cell responses. Evidence has revealed that the dysregulation of Tfh and Tfr cells is positively associated with the pathogenic processes of autoimmune diseases. Herein, we briefly introduce the phenotype, differentiation, and function of Tfh and Tfr cells, and review their potential roles in autoimmune diseases. In addition, we discuss perspectives to develop novel therapies targeting Tfh/Tfr balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- *Correspondence: Genhong Yao, ; Jingjing Qi,
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ziran Bai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Genhong Yao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Genhong Yao, ; Jingjing Qi,
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Szabó K, Jámbor I, Pázmándi K, Nagy N, Papp G, Tarr T. Altered Circulating Follicular T Helper Cell Subsets and Follicular T Regulatory Cells Are Indicators of a Derailed B Cell Response in Lupus, Which Could Be Modified by Targeting IL-21R. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012209. [PMID: 36293075 PMCID: PMC9602506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the breakdown of self-tolerance, the production of high-affinity pathogenic autoantibodies and derailed B cell responses, which indicates the importance of central players, such as follicular T helper (TFH) subsets and follicular T regulatory (TFR) cells, in the pathomechanism of the disease. In this study, we aimed to analyze the distribution of the circulating counterparts of these cells and their association with disease characteristics and B cell disproportions in SLE. We found that the increased percentage of activated circulating TFH (cTFH) and cTFR cells was more pronounced in cutaneous lupus; however, among cTFH subsets, the frequency of cTFH17 cells was decreased in patients with lupus nephritis. Furthermore, the decreased proportion of cTFH17 cells was associated with low complement C4 levels and high disease activity scores. We also investigated whether the blocking of the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) with an anti-IL-21R monoclonal antibody inhibits the B cell response, since IL-21 primarily produced by TFH cells potentially promotes humoral immunity. We observed that anti-IL-21R inhibited plasmablast generation and immunoglobulin production. Our study demonstrated that, besides cTFR/cTFH imbalance, cTFH17 cells play a crucial role in SLE pathogenesis, and modulating cTFH-B cell interaction through the IL-21/IL-21R pathway may be a promising therapeutic strategy to suppress the pathological B cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Szabó
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Ilona Jámbor
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kitti Pázmándi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Nagy
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Papp
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tünde Tarr
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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Dei Zotti F, Moriconi C, Qiu A, Miller A, Hudson KE. Distinct CD4+ T cell signature in ANA-positive young adult patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:972127. [PMCID: PMC9608560 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.972127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Failure of immune tolerance can lead to autoantibody production resulting in autoimmune diseases, a broad spectrum of organ-specific or systemic disorders. Immune tolerance mechanisms regulate autoreactive T and B cells, yet some lymphocytes escape and promote autoantibody production. CD4+ T cell dysregulation, characterized by decreased or impaired regulatory cells (Tregs) and/or accumulation of memory and effector T cells such as TH17, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Antinuclear antibody (ANAs) testing is used as a first step for the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders, although most ANA-positive individuals do not have nor will develop an autoimmune disease. Studying the differences of T cell compartment among healthy blood donors, ANA-negative patients and ANA-positive patients, in which loss of tolerance have not led to autoimmunity, may improve our understanding on how tolerance mechanisms fail. Herein, we report that ANA-positive patients exhibit a distinct distribution of T cell subsets: significantly reduced frequencies of recent thymic emigrants (RTE) and naïve T cells, and significantly increased frequencies of central memory T cells, TH2 and TH17 cells; modulations within the T cell compartment are most profound within the 18-40 year age range. Moreover, CD4+ T cells in ANA-positive patients are metabolically active, as determined by a significant increase in mTORC1 and mTORC2 signals, compared to ANA-negative patients and healthy blood donors. No significant impairment of Treg numbers or pro-inflammatory cytokine production was observed. These results identify a unique T cell signature associated with autoantibody production in the absence of autoimmune disease.
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Mao M, Xu S, Lin L, Dong D, Xue M, He S, Cai G. Impact of Corticosteroids on the Proportions of Circulating Tfh Cell Subsets in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematous. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:949334. [PMID: 35865165 PMCID: PMC9294243 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.949334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to analyze the distribution of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in lupus patients, and the effects of steroids on circulating Tfh cells. Methods Circulating Tfh cell subsets were defined by multicolor flow cytometry as Tfh17, Tfh2 or Tfh1 subpopulations of CXCR5+CD45RA–CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of SLE patients and healthy controls. To test the effects of corticosteroid on Tfh cells, PBMC harvested from both SLE and healthy controls were cocultured with dexamethasone, and then analyzed by Flow cytometry. Results The proportion of Tfh17 cells in SLE patients was increased significantly compared with healthy controls. Additionally, patients with an active disease had reduced Tfh1 subsets than those with an inactive disease and healthy controls. The frequency of Tfh2 cells was associated with the proportion of circulating plasmablasts and the amount of anti-dsDNA. Dexamethasone reduced the percentage of Tfh2 cells while increased the proportion of Tfh17 subset in gated CXCR5+CD45RA–CD4+ T cells. Conclusion Our study investigated the distribution of circulating Tfh subsets in lupus patients. Corticosteroids treatment not only down-regulated the proportion of circulating Tfh cells, but also altered the distribution of Tfh subsets in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuqin Xu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Danfeng Dong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghui Xue
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Siwei He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Gang Cai,
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Zhong Y, Zhang W, Hong X, Zeng Z, Chen Y, Liao S, Cai W, Xu Y, Wang G, Liu D, Tang D, Dai Y. Screening Biomarkers for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Based on Machine Learning and Exploring Their Expression Correlations With the Ratios of Various Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:873787. [PMID: 35757721 PMCID: PMC9226453 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.873787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune illness caused by a malfunctioning immunomodulatory system. China has the second highest prevalence of SLE in the world, from 0.03% to 0.07%. SLE is diagnosed using a combination of immunological markers, clinical symptoms, and even invasive biopsy. As a result, genetic diagnostic biomarkers for SLE diagnosis are desperately needed. Method From the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we downloaded three array data sets of SLE patients' and healthy people's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (GSE65391, GSE121239 and GSE61635) as the discovery metadata (nSLE = 1315, nnormal = 122), and pooled four data sets (GSE4588, GSE50772, GSE99967, and GSE24706) as the validate data set (nSLE = 146, nnormal = 76). We screened the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the SLE and control samples, and employed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) analyze to discover possible diagnostic biomarkers. The candidate markers' diagnostic efficacy was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was utilized to confirm the expression of the putative biomarkers using our own Chinese cohort (nSLE = 13, nnormal = 10). Finally, the proportion of 22 immune cells in SLE patients was determined using the CIBERSORT algorithm, and the correlations between the biomarkers' expression and immune cell ratios were also investigated. Results We obtained a total of 284 DEGs and uncovered that they were largely involved in several immune relevant pathways, such as type І interferon signaling pathway, defense response to virus, and inflammatory response. Following that, six candidate diagnostic biomarkers for SLE were selected, namely ABCB1, EIF2AK2, HERC6, ID3, IFI27, and PLSCR1, whose expression levels were validated by the discovery and validation cohort data sets. As a signature, the area under curve (AUC) values of these six genes reached to 0.96 and 0.913, respectively, in the discovery and validation data sets. After that, we checked to see if the expression of ABCB1, IFI27, and PLSCR1 in our own Chinese cohort matched that of the discovery and validation sets. Subsequently, we revealed the potentially disturbed immune cell types in SLE patients using the CIBERSORT analysis, and uncovered the most relevant immune cells with the expression of ABCB1, IFI27, and PLSCR1. Conclusion Our study identified ABCB1, IFI27, and PLSCR1 as potential diagnostic genes for Chinese SLE patients, and uncovered their most relevant immune cells. The findings in this paper provide possible biomarkers for diagnosing Chinese SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafang Zhong
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoping Hong
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhipeng Zeng
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengyou Liao
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wanxia Cai
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen Guangming New District Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dongzhou Liu
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Donge Tang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Dai
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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11
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Gao X, Song Y, Du P, Yang S, Cui H, Lu S, Hu L, Liu L, Jia S, Zhao M. Administration of a microRNA-21 inhibitor improves the lupus-like phenotype in MRL/lpr mice by repressing Tfh cell-mediated autoimmune responses. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 106:108578. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Shater H, Fawzy M, Farid A, El-Amir A, Fouad S, Madbouly N. The potential use of serum interleukin-21 as biomarker for lupus nephritis activity compared to cytokines of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family. Lupus 2022; 31:55-64. [PMID: 34978958 DOI: 10.1177/09612033211063794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lupus nephritis (LN) is a significant consequence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that focuses on evaluation of serum interleukin (IL-) 21 as a diagnostic biomarker of LN activity, compared to B lymphocyte stimulator (BlyS), tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13 (TNF-SF13), and traditional techniques of active LN attempting to compare their diagnostic usefulness. METHODS Serum levels of IL-21, BlyS, and TNF-SF13 during LN were investigated. Twenty-five biopsy-proven, active LN female patients and 15 SLE patients without active LN and 20 healthy controls (HCs) joined this work. RESULTS Serum IL-21 level was significantly higher in active LN group than in inactive LN group. Correlation analysis showed that serum IL-21 levels were significantly correlated with total SLEDAI (r = 0.41, p = 0.03), renal-SLEDAI (r = 0.48, p = 0.04), renal activity index (AI) (r = 0.93; p < 0.001), and 24-h proteinuria (r = 0.51; p > 0.008). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) revealed the ability of serum IL-21 to discriminate between active and inactive LN with 70% sensitivity at >240 pg/ml cutoff point (AUC 0.809). CONCLUSION For Egyptian SLE patients, serum levels of IL-21 were superior to TNF-SF13 and BlyS and correlated significantly with the activity indexes of LN, indicating a promising role as a potential biomarker of active LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Shater
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mary Fawzy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine), 98876Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Farid
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Azza El-Amir
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salwa Fouad
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Neveen Madbouly
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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13
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Wu Q, Yang B, Wang J. Association of Circulating T Follicular Helper Cells With Idiopathic Optic Neuritis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurol 2021; 12:638473. [PMID: 34630268 PMCID: PMC8493933 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.638473] [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: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) play an important role in activating B lymphocytes and may associate with idiopathic Optic Neuritis (ON) and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD). Objective: This study aimed to examine the potential role of Tfh cells in pathogenesis of idiopathic ON and NMOSD. Methods: Circulating CD4+CXCR5+ and CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+ cells in 46 idiopathic ON and 68 NMOSD patients as well as 28 healthy controls were examined by flow cytometry before treatment. Serum AQP4 antibody, Expended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Visual Outcome Scale (VOS) were detected before and after treatment. Results: The percentages of circulating CD4+CXCR5+ and CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+Tfh cells in CD4+ cells (%) were significantly increased in idiopathic ON and NMOSD compared with those of healthy controls (p < 0.01). No significant difference of Tfh cells in blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) was found between ON and NMOSD patients. The percentages of CSF, CD4+, CXCR5+, and CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+ cells in CD4+ cells (%) were positively correlated with those of the blood (r = 0.5781, r = 0.6079, p = 0.0076, and p = 0.0045, respectively). EDSS scores of NMOSD group were higher than those of ON group and the time course of NMOSD patients was longer than that of ON patients (p < 0.01). After methylprednisolone treatment, both EDSS and VOS scores were significantly decreased at discharge compared with before treatment (p < 0.01). There was no significant correlation among Tfh cell percentages in CD4+ cells, CSF leukocytes, CSF protein, annual recurrence rate, EDSS and VOS scores between two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The Circulating T follicular helper cells were increased in both idiopathic ON and NMOSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- Department of Neurology, Tong Ren Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Binbin Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tong Ren Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tong Ren Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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14
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Yamamoto Y, Matsui N, Uzawa A, Ozawa Y, Kanai T, Oda F, Kondo H, Ohigashi I, Takizawa H, Kondo K, Sugano M, Kitaichi T, Hata H, Kaji R, Kuwabara S, Yamamura T, Izumi Y. Intrathymic Plasmablasts Are Affected in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis With Active Disease. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2021; 8:8/6/e1087. [PMID: 34561276 PMCID: PMC8474506 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives To investigate intrathymic B lymphopoiesis in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and explore thymus pathology associated with clinical impact. Methods Thymic lymphocytes from 15 young patients without MG, 22 adult patients without MG, 14 patients with MG without thymoma, and 11 patients with MG with thymoma were subjected to flow cytometry analysis of T follicular helper (Tfh), naive B, memory B, plasmablasts, CD19+B220high thymic B cells, B-cell activating factor receptor, and C-X-C chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 16 healthy subjects and 21 untreated patients with MG were also analyzed. Immunologic values were compared, and correlations between relevant values and clinical parameters were evaluated. Results The frequencies of circulating and intrathymic plasmablasts were significantly higher in patients with MG than controls. On the other hand, the frequency of CD19+B220high thymic B cells was not increased in MG thymus. We observed a significant increase in CXCR5 expression on plasmablasts in MG thymus and an increased frequency of intrathymic plasmablasts that was correlated with preoperative disease activity. The frequency of intrathymic Tfh cells was significantly lower in patients who received immunosuppressive (IS) therapy than those without IS therapy. However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of intrathymic plasmablasts irrespective of IS therapy. Discussion Our findings confirmed a correlation between increased frequency of intrathymic plasmablasts and disease activity before thymectomy. We postulate that activated intrathymic plasmablasts endow pathogenic capacity in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Yamamoto
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Matsui
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Akiyuki Uzawa
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ozawa
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kanai
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiko Oda
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kondo
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Takizawa
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kondo
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikio Sugano
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kitaichi
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Hata
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kaji
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamura
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuishin Izumi
- From the Department of Neurology (Y.Y., N.M., Y.I.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (A.U., Y.O., T. Kanai, F.O., S.K.), Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University; Division of Experimental Immunology (H.K., I.O.), Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University; Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology (H.T.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Oncological Medical Services (K.K.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (M.S., T. Kitaichi, H.H.), Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (R.K.), National Hospital Organization Utano Hospital, Kyoto; and Department of Immunology (T.Y.), National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
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Nakayamada S, Tanaka Y. Clinical relevance of T follicular helper cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:1143-1150. [PMID: 34469695 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1976146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION T helper cells regulate a variety of immune responses and are involved in the pathogenesis of infection, allergy and autoimmune diseases. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which induce B cell maturation, play an important role in the production of the extremely diverse autoantibodies found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). AREA COVERED We provide an overview of the plasticity and diversity of Tfh cells in humans and their involvement in the pathology and pathogenesis of SLE. Our review outlines the potential of Tfh cells as a therapeutic target for SLE. EXPERT OPINION Tfh cells are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE based on their plasticity and diversity. Tfh cell differentiation and function are variably regulated by cytokines (IL-12, interferons, IL-2, etc), co-stimulatory molecules (ICOS, CD40L, OX40, etc), and intracellular signals (JAK-STAT, etc). Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying Tfh cell differentiation and function may lead to the development of new therapies for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Nakayamada
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
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16
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Shen C, Xue X, Zhang X, Wu L, Duan X, Su C. Dexamethasone reduces autoantibody levels in MRL/lpr mice by inhibiting Tfh cell responses. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:8329-8337. [PMID: 34318604 PMCID: PMC8419171 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that dexamethasone (Dex) reduces the levels of anti‐nuclear (ANA) and anti‐dsDNA antibodies in MRL/lpr mice (a mouse model of SLE). However, the effect of Dex on T follicular helper (Tfh) cells is less documented. Here, using the MRL/lpr mouse model, we investigated the influence of Dex on Tfh cells and potential underlying mechanisms. The data showed that the proportion of Tfh cells, identified as CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+, CD4+CXCR5+PD‐1+ or CD4+BCL‐6+ cells, markedly decreased after treatment with the Dex, in both Balb/c mice and MRL/lpr mice. Dex significantly inhibited IL‐21 expression at both the mRNA and the protein levels. Dex also significantly reduced the proportion of germinal centre B cells and decreased serum IgG, IgG2a/b and IgA levels. Moreover, a positive correlation between the proportion of Tfh cells (CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+, CD4+CXCR5+PD‐1+ or CD4+BCL‐6+) and autoantibodies was observed. Dex significantly increased the Prdm1 and Stat5b mRNA expression and decreased the Bcl‐6 and c‐Maf mRNA expression of CD4+T cells. In brief, Dex inhibited the Tfh development, which relies on many other transcription factors in addition to Bcl‐6. Our data indicate that Dex can be used as a Tfh cell inhibitor in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiu Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaonan Xue
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lihua Wu
- Department of Nephrology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiangguo Duan
- Department of Laboratory Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chunxia Su
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Huang H, Ran H, Liu X, Yu L, Qiu L, Lin Z, Ou C, Lu Y, Yang W, Liu W. Leflunomide ameliorates experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by regulating humoral and cellular immune responses. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 93:107434. [PMID: 33556668 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Leflunomide, an immunosuppressive disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA) as well as multiple sclerosis. However, its role in myasthenia gravis (MG) has not yet been clearly explored. Here, we investigated the effect of leflunomide on experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) in vivo and in vitro. The results demonstrated that leflunomide alleviated the severity of EAMG associated with reduced serum total anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) IgG levels. During the development of EAMG, the increase of follicular helper T cells (Tfh) 1, Tfh 17 cells and decrease of follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) were reversely altered after leflunomide administration. Our work further found that leflunomide might inhibit Tfh cells through the IL-21/STAT3 pathway to reduce the secretion of antibodies by B cells. In addition, leflunomide rebuilt the balance of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg subsets. These results suggested that leflunomide ameliorated EAMG severity by regulating humoral immune responses and Th cell profiles thereby providing a novel effective treatment strategy for MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Hao Ran
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xiaoxi Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Li Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Zhongqiang Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Changyi Ou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yaru Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Wenhao Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Weibin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
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18
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Chen W, Yang F, Xu G, Ma J, Lin J. Follicular helper T cells and follicular regulatory T cells in the immunopathology of primary Sjögren's syndrome. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 109:437-447. [PMID: 33325085 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5mr1020-057rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease, characterized by lymphocytic infiltration into exocrine glands, which causes dry eyes, dry mouth, and systemic damage. Although the precise etiology of pSS is not clear yet, highly activated B cells, abundant anti-SSA/Ro, and anti-SSB/La autoantibodies are the hallmarks of this disease. Follicular helper T cells (Tfh), a subset of CD4+ T cells, with cell surface receptors PD-1 and CXCR5, express ICOS, transcription factor Bcl-6, and a cytokine IL-21. These cells help in the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells and stimulate the formation of germinal center (GC). Previous studies have demonstrated abundant Tfh cells in the peripheral blood and salivary glands (SGs) of the patients with pSS, correlated with extensive lymphocytic infiltration of the SGs and high disease activity scores. Patients with pSS who are treated with abatacept (CTLA-4 Ig) show fewer circulating Tfh cells, reduced expression of ICOS, and lower disease activity scores. Recently identified follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells, a subset of regulatory T cells, control the function of Tfh cells and the GC reactions. Here, we summarize the observed alterations in Tfh and Tfr cell numbers, activation state, and circulating subset distribution in pSS. Our goal is to improve the understanding of the roles of Tfh and Tfr cells (surface marker expression, cytokine production, and transcription factors) in the pathogenesis of pSS, thus contributing to the identification of candidate therapeutic agents for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqian Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guanhua Xu
- Division of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jilin Ma
- Division of Nephrology, Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin Lin
- Division of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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19
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Najafi S, Rajaei E, Moallemian R, Nokhostin F. The potential similarities of COVID-19 and autoimmune disease pathogenesis and therapeutic options: new insights approach. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 39:3223-3235. [PMID: 32885345 PMCID: PMC7471540 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05376-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Cytokine pathways and their signaling disorders can be the cause of onset and pathogenesis of many diseases such as autoimmune diseases and COVID-19 infection. Autoimmune patients may be at higher risk of developing infection due to the impaired immune responses, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, and damage to various organs. Increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines and intolerance of the patient’s immune system to COVID-19 infection are the leading causes of hospitalization of these patients. The content used in this paper has been taken from English language articles (2005–2020) retrieved from the PubMed database and Google Scholar search engine using “COVID-19,” “Autoimmune disease,” “Therapeutic,” “Pathogenesis,” and “Pathway” keywords. The emergence of COVID-19 and its association with autoimmune disorders is a major challenge in the management of these diseases. The results showed that the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of autoimmune diseases can make diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 more challenging by preventing the fever. Due to the common pathogenesis of COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases, the use of autoimmune drugs as a possible treatment option could help control the virus. Key Points • Inflammatory cytokines play an essential role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 • ACE2 dysfunctions are related to the with COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases • The use autoimmune diseases drugs can be useful in treating COVID-19
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Najafi
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elham Rajaei
- Golestan Hospital Clinical Research Development Unit, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Rezvan Moallemian
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Forough Nokhostin
- Internal medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran.
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20
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Lee AY, Körner H. CC chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunol Cell Biol 2020; 98:845-853. [PMID: 32634857 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The CC chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) and its sole chemokine ligand, CCL20, are an intriguing pair that have been implicated in a growing number of inflammatory, autoimmune and malignant disease processes. Recent observations have also highlighted this chemokine axis in the regulation of humoral immune responses. Through this review article, we explore the emerging links of CCR6-CCL20 with an archetypal autoimmune disease of humoral dysregulation: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CCR6 is expressed prominently on several immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, such as dendritic cells and T-helper 17 cells. CCR6's expression is correlated with disease activity and serological markers of disease severity, suggesting a possible role in disease pathogenesis. However, there are numerous holes in our understanding of the functions of CCR6 and CCL20, and future studies are required to determine if there are any diagnostic, prognostic or monitoring roles for these important molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Ys Lee
- Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Heinrich Körner
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, PR China
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21
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Tangye SG, Ma CS. Regulation of the germinal center and humoral immunity by interleukin-21. J Exp Med 2020; 217:132621. [PMID: 31821441 PMCID: PMC7037251 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we review the critical and non-redundant functions of IL-21 in regulating humoral immune responses. We particularly focus on studies in natura—from individuals from inborn errors of immunity that impact on IL-21 production and/or function. Cytokines play critical roles in regulating the development, survival, differentiation, and function of immune cells. Cytokines exert their function by binding specific receptor complexes on the surface of immune cells and activating intracellular signaling pathways, thereby resulting in induction of specific transcription factors and regulated expression of target genes. While the function of cytokines is often fundamental for the generation of robust and effective immunity following infection or vaccination, aberrant production or function of cytokines can underpin immunopathology. IL-21 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced predominantly by CD4+ T cells. Gene-targeting studies in mice, in vitro analyses of human and murine lymphocytes, and the recent discoveries and analyses of humans with germline loss-of-function mutations in IL21 or IL21R have revealed diverse roles of IL-21 in immune regulation and effector function. This review will focus on recent advances in IL-21 biology that have highlighted its critical role in T cell–dependent B cell activation, germinal center reactions, and humoral immunity and how impaired responses to, or production of, IL-21 can lead to immune dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart G Tangye
- Immunology Theme, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia.,Clinical Immunogenomics Consortium of Australasia, Darlinghurst, Australia
| | - Cindy S Ma
- Immunology Theme, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia.,Clinical Immunogenomics Consortium of Australasia, Darlinghurst, Australia
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22
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Olson WJ, Jakic B, Hermann‐Kleiter N. Regulation of the germinal center response by nuclear receptors and implications for autoimmune diseases. FEBS J 2020; 287:2866-2890. [PMID: 32246891 PMCID: PMC7497069 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The immune system plays an essential role in protecting the host from infectious diseases and cancer. Notably, B and T lymphocytes from the adaptive arm of the immune system can co-operate to form long-lived antibody responses and are therefore the main target in vaccination approaches. Nevertheless, protective immune responses must be tightly regulated to avoid hyper-responsiveness and responses against self that can result in autoimmunity. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are perfectly adapted to rapidly alter transcriptional cellular responses to altered environmental settings. Their functional role is associated with both immune deficiencies and autoimmunity. Despite extensive linking of nuclear receptor function with specific CD4 T helper subsets, research on the functional roles and mechanisms of specific NRs in CD4 follicular T helper cells (Tfh) and germinal center (GC) B cells during the germinal center reaction is just emerging. We review recent advances in our understanding of NR regulation in specific cell types of the GC response and discuss their implications for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Olson
- Translational Cell GeneticsDepartment of Pharmacology and GeneticsMedical University of InnsbruckAustria
| | - Bojana Jakic
- Translational Cell GeneticsDepartment of Pharmacology and GeneticsMedical University of InnsbruckAustria
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and PathologyUppsala UniversitySweden
| | - Natascha Hermann‐Kleiter
- Translational Cell GeneticsDepartment of Pharmacology and GeneticsMedical University of InnsbruckAustria
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23
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Kurata I, Matsumoto I, Sumida T. T follicular helper cell subsets: a potential key player in autoimmunity. Immunol Med 2020; 44:1-9. [PMID: 32546108 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2020.1776079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are one of CD4+ helper T subsets which promote B cell maturation, activation and antigen-specific antibody production. Autoantibodies are hallmarks of autoimmune diseases, and crucial contributions of Tfh cells in development of these diseases are now evident. Deregulation of Tfh activities can contribute to a pathogenic autoantibody production and can play an important role in the promotion of autoimmune diseases. These days multiple researchers reported three subpopulations which has distinct effector functions in Tfh cells: Tfh1, Tfh2 and Tfh17 cells. In this review, we summarize the observed alterations in whole Tfh cells and subset distribution during autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Kurata
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Isao Matsumoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takayuki Sumida
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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24
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Çebi M, Durmus H, Aysal F, Özkan B, Gül GE, Çakar A, Hocaoglu M, Mercan M, Yentür SP, Tütüncü M, Yayla V, Akan O, Dogan Ö, Parman Y, Saruhan-Direskeneli G. CD4 + T Cells of Myasthenia Gravis Patients Are Characterized by Increased IL-21, IL-4, and IL-17A Productions and Higher Presence of PD-1 and ICOS. Front Immunol 2020; 11:809. [PMID: 32508812 PMCID: PMC7248174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by autoantibodies predominantly against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Specific T cell subsets are required for long-term antibody responses, and cytokines secreted mainly from CD4+ T cells regulate B cell antibody production. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in the cytokine expressions of CD4+ T cells in MG patients with AChR antibodies (AChR-MG) and the effect of immunosuppressive (IS) therapy on cytokine activity and to test these findings also in MG patients without detectable antibodies (SN-MG). Clinically diagnosed AChR-MG and SN-MG patients were included. The AChR-MG patients were grouped as IS-positive and -negative and compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used for ex vivo intracellular cytokine production, and subsets of CD4+ T cells and circulating follicular helper T (cTfh) cells were detected phenotypically by the expression of the chemokine and the costimulatory receptors. Thymocytes obtained from patients who had thymectomy were also analyzed. IL-21, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17A productions in CD4+ T cells were increased in AChR-MG compared to those in healthy controls. IS treatment enhanced IL-10 and reduced IFN-γ production in AChR-MG patients compared to those in IS-negative patients. Increased IL-21 and IL-4 productions were also demonstrated in SN-MG patients. Among CD4+ T cells, Th17 cells were increased in both disease subgroups. Treatment induced higher proportions of Th2 cells in AChR-MG patients. Both CXCR5+ and CXCR5− CD4+ T cells expressed higher programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and inducible costimulatory (ICOS) in AChR-MG and SN-MG groups, mostly irrespective of the treatment. Based on chemokine receptors on CXCR5+PD-1+ in CD4+ T (cTfh) cells, in AChR-MG patients without treatment, the proportions of Tfh17 cells were higher than those in the treated group, whereas the Tfh1 cells were decreased compared with those in the controls. The relevance of CXCR5 and PD-1 in the pathogenesis of AChR-MG was also suggested by the increased presence of these molecules on mature CD4 single-positive thymocytes from the thymic samples. The study provides further evidence for the importance of IL-21, IL-17A, IL-4, and IL-10 in AChR-MG. Disease-related CD4+T cells are identified mainly as PD-1+ or ICOS+ with or without CXCR5, resembling cTfh cells in the circulation or probably in the thymus. AChR-MG and SN-MG seem to have some similar characteristics. IS treatment has distinctive effects on cytokine expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Çebi
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hacer Durmus
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fikret Aysal
- Department of Neurology, Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berker Özkan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Arman Çakar
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Hocaoglu
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Metin Mercan
- Bakirköy Sadi Konuk State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sibel P Yentür
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melih Tütüncü
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Vildan Yayla
- Bakirköy Sadi Konuk State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur Akan
- Okmeydani State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Öner Dogan
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yeşim Parman
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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25
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Makiyama A, Chiba A, Noto D, Murayama G, Yamaji K, Tamura N, Miyake S. Expanded circulating peripheral helper T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: association with disease activity and B cell differentiation. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 58:1861-1869. [PMID: 30879065 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Peripheral helper T (TPH) cells are a recently identified Th cell subset that promotes B cell differentiation and antibody production in inflamed tissues. This study investigated circulating TPH cells to determine their involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from SLE patients and healthy individuals were analysed. TPH cells were identified as CD3+CD4+CD45RA-CXCR5- cells with a high expression of PD-1. The frequency, activation status and subsets of TPH cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. The production of IL-21 was assessed by intracellular staining and the association of TPH cells with disease activity and B cell populations was determined. RESULTS Circulating TPH cells, identified as CD3+CD4+CD45RA-PD-1highCXCR5- cells were increased in the peripheral blood of SLE patients compared with controls. Circulating TPH cells produced similar amounts of IL-21 compared with follicular Th cells. The expansion and activation of TPH cells were correlated with SLE disease activity. Activated TPH cells, particularly Th1-type TPH cells, were associated with the promotion of B cell differentiation in SLE patients. CONCLUSION The association of TPH cells with disease activity suggests the involvement of extrafollicular T-B cell interactions in the pathogenesis of SLE. TPH cells promote autoantibody production in aberrant lymphoid organs and therefore might be a novel therapeutic target in autoantibody-producing disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Makiyama
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asako Chiba
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Noto
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Goh Murayama
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Yamaji
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoto Tamura
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Miyake
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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26
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Wei J, Ouyang X, Tang Y, Li H, Wang B, Ye Y, Jin M, Al Azab M, Li W, Li X. ER-stressed MSC displayed more effective immunomodulation in RA CD4 +CXCR5 +ICOS + follicular helper-like T cells through higher PGE2 binding with EP2/EP4. Mod Rheumatol 2019; 30:509-516. [PMID: 31370727 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2019.1651446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To analyze the further immunomodulatory effects of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stressed umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells MSCs (UC-MSCs) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+ T (follicular helper-like T, Tfh) cells.Methods: MSCs were isolated from umbilical cord and surface markers were identified by flow cytometry. CD4+ T cells were purified from RA patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using immunomagnetic beads. Thapsigargin (Tg)-stimulated or unstimulated MSCs were co-cultured with RA CD4+ T cells. CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+ T cells were analyzed with fluorescence activating cell sorter (FACS) and major soluble factors secreted by MSCs were detected by qRT-PCR as well as ELISA. Receptors of prostanoid E2 (PGE2), known as EP1-4, on CD4+ T cells were tested with RT-PCR and FACS. Proportion of CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+ T cells was determined after EP2/EP4 antagonists and anti-IL-6R antibody was added into co-cultured system, respectively.Results: ER-stressed MSCs further down-regulated peripheral CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+ T cells compared with Tg-stimulated MSCs and CD4+ T co-cultured group. PGE2 and IL-6 increased obviously in the supernatants. EP2/EP4 could be detected on CD4+ T cells and frequencies of CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+ T cells were upregulated when EP2 and/or EP4 antagonists rather than anti-IL-6R antibody were added.Conclusions: ER-stressed MSCs exhibited better inhibition effect on RA CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+ T cells by releasing PGE2, indicating the immunosuppressive effect of MSCs could be enhanced by induction of ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wei
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Xunli Ouyang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Yawei Tang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Yunshan Ye
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Minli Jin
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Mahmoud Al Azab
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
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27
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Gensous N, Charrier M, Duluc D, Contin-Bordes C, Truchetet ME, Lazaro E, Duffau P, Blanco P, Richez C. T Follicular Helper Cells in Autoimmune Disorders. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1637. [PMID: 30065726 PMCID: PMC6056609 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a distinct subset of CD4+ T lymphocytes, specialized in B cell help and in regulation of antibody responses. They are required for the generation of germinal center reactions, where selection of high affinity antibody producing B cells and development of memory B cells occur. Owing to the fundamental role of Tfh cells in adaptive immunity, the stringent control of their production and function is critically important, both for the induction of an optimal humoral response against thymus-dependent antigens but also for the prevention of self-reactivity. Indeed, deregulation of Tfh activities can contribute to a pathogenic autoantibody production and can play an important role in the promotion of autoimmune diseases. In the present review, we briefly introduce the molecular factors involved in Tfh cell formation in the context of a normal immune response, as well as markers associated with their identification (transcription factor, surface marker expression, and cytokine production). We then consider in detail the role of Tfh cells in the pathogenesis of a broad range of autoimmune diseases, with a special focus on systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as on the other autoimmune/inflammatory disorders. We summarize the observed alterations in Tfh numbers, activation state, and circulating subset distribution during autoimmune and some other inflammatory disorders. In addition, central role of interleukin-21, major cytokine produced by Tfh cells, is discussed, as well as the involvement of follicular regulatory T cells, which share characteristics with both Tfh and regulatory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Gensous
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Manon Charrier
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Dorothée Duluc
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | - Estibaliz Lazaro
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Duffau
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrick Blanco
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christophe Richez
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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28
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Hollister K, Kusumanchi P, Ross RA, Chandler K, Oshodi A, Heathers L, Teagarden S, Wang L, Dent AL, Liangpunsakul S. Levels of circulating follicular helper T cells, T helper 1 cells, and the prognostic significance of soluble form of CD40 ligand on survival in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. LIVER RESEARCH 2018; 2:52-59. [PMID: 30221017 PMCID: PMC6136446 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive drinkers (ED) and patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are several times more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections and have a decrease in antibody responses to vaccinations. Follicular helper T (TFH) cells are essential to select B cells in the germinal center and to produce antibodies. TFH cells express both a membrane-associated and a soluble form of CD40 ligand (sCD40L); in which the latter form is released to circulation upon T cell activation. The effect of alcohol on TFH cells has not been studied. OBJECTIVES The goals of this study are to determine the levels of TFH and T helper 1 (Th1) cells in ED and those with alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) when compared to healthy controls and to determine the prognostic significance of sCD40L in a cohort of patients with AC. METHODS Controls, ED, and those with AC were enrolled. Baseline demographic, laboratory tests, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and assessed via flow cytometry for TFH cells. In vitro study was performed to determine the ability of PBMCs to secrete interferon (IFN)-γ upon stimulation. Serum sCD40L were also determined and its prognostic significance was tested in a cohort of AC patients. RESULTS The levels of circulating TFH (cTFH) cells were significantly lower in peripheral blood of subjects with ED and AC compared to controls (P<0.05). IFN-γ secretion from PBMCs upon stimulation was also lower in ED and those with cirrhosis. Serum sCD40L was significantly lower in ED and AC when compared to that in controls (P<0.0005). Its level was an independent predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS Patients with AC had significantly lower level of cTFH and sCD40L. The level of sCD40L was an independent predictor of mortality in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Hollister
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Praveen Kusumanchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ruth Ann Ross
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kristina Chandler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - AdePeju Oshodi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Laura Heathers
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sean Teagarden
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, and the Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA,Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Alexander L. Dent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA,Corresponding authors. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA (A. L. Dent). Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA (S. Liangpunsakul)., (A. L. Dent), (S. Liangpunsakul)
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA,Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA,Corresponding authors. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA (A. L. Dent). Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA (S. Liangpunsakul)., (A. L. Dent), (S. Liangpunsakul)
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29
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Liu C, Wang D, Song Y, Lu S, Zhao J, Wang H. Increased circulating CD4 +CXCR5 +FoxP3 + follicular regulatory T cells correlated with severity of systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 56:261-268. [PMID: 29414660 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
As one specialized subset of regulatory T cells (Tregs), follicular regulatory T cells (TFR) could suppress follicular helper T cells (TFH) and B cells in germinal centers to maintain immune homeostasis. The unbalance of TFR and TFH cells could result in abnormal germinal center responses and contribute to pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, the role of TFR cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear. This study revealed a significant increase of CD4+CXCR5+FOXP3+ TFR cells in peripheral blood of SLE patients compared with healthy controls. Meanwhile, the suppression ability of circulating TFR cells was not altered. The ratios of TFR/TFH were increased in SLE patients and the frequency of TFR was positively correlated with auto-antibodies and SLEDAI scores of SLE patients. Our results demonstrated that circulating TFR cells were increased during SLE, which suggested that elevated TFR might be a response to the pathogenesis of SLE to suppress TFH function and may provide novel insight for the pathogenesis of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Dongwei Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ying Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Songsong Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingzhong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
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30
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Zhang K, Sun YL, Yang F, Shi YC, Jin L, Liu ZW, Wang FS, Shi M. A pilot study on the characteristics of circulating T follicular helper cells in liver transplant recipients. Transpl Immunol 2018; 47:32-36. [PMID: 29360498 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Circulating CD4+CXCR5+ T follicular helper cells (cTfh) have been demonstrated to be involved in B cell-mediated systemic autoimmune diseases and alloreactive responses following kidney transplantation; however, whether cTfh cells are involved in alloreactive responses after liver transplantation (LT) remains unclear. Our present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of cTfh, as well as CXCR3+CCR6-Tfh1, CXCR3-CCR6-Tfh2, and CXCR3-CCR6+Tfh17 subsets in liver allograft recipients. A total of 30 liver transplant recipients were enrolled in this study. The frequencies of cTfh, Tfh1, Tfh2, and Tfh17 subsets, and interleukin (IL)-21-producing Tfh cells in the circulating blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. The capacity of cTfh cells to help B cells differentiate into plasmablasts was determined one day before and one month after LT. The results revealed that the frequency of cTfh cells remained unaltered before and after LT. However, the frequency of the cTfh subsets (e.g., Tfh1 and Tfh2 cells) and B cells were reduced one month after LT. Functionally, the capacity of Tfh cells to produce IL-21 was reduced one month after LT. In addition, cTfh cells exhibited the capacity to help B cells differentiate into plasmablasts in an IL-21-dependent manner in vitro, which was reduced after LT, despite the unaltered production of IgM and IgG by plasmablasts. Thus, our data suggest that cTfh cells may be involved in alloreactive responses following LT via helping B cells differentiate into plasmablasts and plasma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Disease, 302 Military Hospital of China, Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Ling Sun
- Research Center for Liver transplantation, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yan-Chao Shi
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Disease, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Disease, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Wen Liu
- Research Center for Liver transplantation, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Disease, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Disease, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China.
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31
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Gong Y, Tong J, Wang S. Are Follicular Regulatory T Cells Involved in Autoimmune Diseases? Front Immunol 2017; 8:1790. [PMID: 29312316 PMCID: PMC5732443 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the germinal center (GC), follicular helper T (TFH) cells interact with B cells and undergo a series of GC reactions to ultimately produce high-affinity antibodies and memory plasma cells. Recent studies have found a subpopulation of regulatory T cells called follicular regulatory T (TFR) cells. TFR cells can inhibit TFH cells and/or B cells in a variety of ways to specifically regulate GC reactions. Dysfunction of TFR cells may lead to immune disorders and a variety of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the differentiation and function of TFR cells and provide an overview of TFR cells in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglu Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jia Tong
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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32
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Li W, Sivakumar R, Titov AA, Choi SC, Morel L. Metabolic Factors that Contribute to Lupus Pathogenesis. Crit Rev Immunol 2017; 36:75-98. [PMID: 27480903 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2016017164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which organ damage is mediated by pathogenic autoantibodies directed against nucleic acids and protein complexes. Studies in SLE patients and in mouse models of lupus have implicated virtually every cell type in the immune system in the induction or amplification of the autoimmune response as well as the promotion of an inflammatory environment that aggravates tissue injury. Here, we review the contribution of CD4+ T cells, B cells, and myeloid cells to lupus pathogenesis and then discuss alterations in the metabolism of these cells that may contribute to disease, given the recent advances in the field of immunometabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering and Biotechnology, Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Ramya Sivakumar
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Anton A Titov
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Seung-Chul Choi
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Laurence Morel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
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33
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Yan L, de Leur K, Hendriks RW, van der Laan LJW, Shi Y, Wang L, Baan CC. T Follicular Helper Cells As a New Target for Immunosuppressive Therapies. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1510. [PMID: 29163552 PMCID: PMC5681999 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, antibody-mediated (humoral) rejection has been recognized as a common cause of graft dysfunction after organ transplantation and an important determinant for graft loss. In humoral alloimmunity, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play a crucial role, because they help naïve B cells to differentiate into memory B cells and alloantibody-producing plasma cells within germinal centers. In this way, they contribute to the induction of donor-specific antibodies, which are responsible for the humoral immune response to the allograft. In this article, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the effects of immunosuppressive therapies on Tfh cell development and function, and discuss possible new approaches to influence the activity of Tfh cells. In addition, we discuss the potential use of Tfh cells as a pharmacodynamic biomarker to improve alloimmune-risk stratification and tailoring of immunosuppression to individualize therapy after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kitty de Leur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yunying Shi
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lanlan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Carla C Baan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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34
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Yang G, Yang X, Zhang J, Li G, Zheng D, Peng A, Hu J, Xu L, Yang B, Yang H, Zhou W, Tuzun E, Li J. Transcriptional repressor Blimp1 regulates follicular regulatory T-cell homeostasis and function. Immunology 2017; 153:105-117. [PMID: 28833081 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp1) regulates T-cell homeostasis and function. Loss of Blimp1 could double the proportion of follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells. However, the effects that Blimp1 may have on the function of Tfr cells remain unknown. Here we document the function for Blimp1 in Tfr cells in vitro and in vivo. Data presented in this study demonstrate that Tfr cells indirectly inhibit the activation and differentiation of B cells by negatively regulating follicular helper T cells, so lowering the secretion of antibody. Lack of Blimp1 makes the immune suppression function of Tfr cells impaired in vitro. In the in vivo study, adoptive transfer of Tfr cells could reduce immune responses in germinal centres and relieve the muscle weakness symptoms of mice with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Blimp1 deficiency resulted in reduced suppressive ability of Tfr cells. This study identifies that Tfr cells are potent suppressors of immunity and are controlled by Blimp1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaosu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junmei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guancheng Li
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Anjiao Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jue Hu
- Department of Neurology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Liqun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Baifeng Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbin Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Erdem Tuzun
- Department of Neurology, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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35
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T cell specific Cxcr5 deficiency prevents rheumatoid arthritis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8933. [PMID: 28827539 PMCID: PMC5567121 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08935-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR5 is primarily expressed on B cells and Tfh cells and facilitates their migration towards B cell follicles. In the present study we investigated the role of the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and specifically addressed the impact of CXCR5-mediated T and B cell migration in this disease. Employing collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) we identify CXCR5 as an absolutely essential factor for the induction of inflammatory autoimmune arthritis. Cxcr5-deficient mice and mice selectively lacking Cxcr5 on T cells were completely resistant to CIA, showed impaired germinal center responses and failed to mount an IgG1 antibody response to collagen II. Selective ablation of CXCR5 expression in B cells also led to suppression of CIA owing to diminished GC responses in secondary lymphoid organs (SLO) and impaired anti-collagen II antibody production. Chimeric mice harboring Cxcr5-proficient and Cxcr5-deficient immune cells revealed SLO and not the synovial tissue as the compartment where CXCR5-mediated cell migration induces autoimmune inflammation in arthritis. Thus our data demonstrate that CXCR5-mediated co-localization of Tfh cells and B cells in SLOs is absolutely essential for the induction of RA and identify CXCR5 and Tfh cells as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of RA.
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36
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Wang D, Wang S, Huang S, Zhang Z, Yuan X, Feng X, Lu L, Sun L. Serum IFN-γ Predicts the Therapeutic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients. Stem Cells Transl Med 2017; 6:1777-1785. [PMID: 28755405 PMCID: PMC5689761 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.17-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord (UC)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show immunoregulatory properties on various immune cells and display therapeutic effects on various autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the SLE environment on UC MSCs and to identify a potential serum biomarker to predict the therapeutic effect. UC MSCs were cocultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from active lupus patients, and the proliferation, apoptosis and surface markers of UC MSCs were observed. UC MSC functional molecules were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the signaling pathways were analyzed by Western blot. The clinical effect of MSC transplantation (MSCT) for lupus patients was followed-up, whereas baseline serum cytokines were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The coculture of PBMC from lupus patients promoted MSC proliferation. Lupus PBMCs were more potent in stimulating UC MSCs to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CXCL-12. Furthermore, lupus PBMCs activated Akt, IκB, and Stat5 signaling pathways in UC MSCs but did not affect Erk1/2 and Smad1/5/8 pathways. Moreover, our clinical study showed that higher baseline levels of IFN-γ might predict a good response to MSCT in active lupus patients. Baseline IFN-γ levels may predict clinical response to MSC therapy for active lupus patients, which will help to choose suitable patients for clinical transplantation. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:1777-1785.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiying Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Saisai Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuoya Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinran Yuan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuebing Feng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology and Center of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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37
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Gensous N, Schmitt N, Richez C, Ueno H, Blanco P. T follicular helper cells, interleukin-21 and systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 56:516-523. [PMID: 27498357 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kew297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SLE is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by a breakdown of tolerance to nuclear antigens and generation of high-affinity pathogenic autoantibodies. These autoantibodies form, with autoantigens, immune complexes that are involved in organ and tissue damages. Understanding how the production of these pathogenic autoantibodies arises is of prime importance. T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and IL-21 have emerged as central players in this process. This article reviews the pathogenic role of Tfh cells and IL-21 in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hideki Ueno
- Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
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38
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Zhang Z, Feng R, Niu L, Huang S, Deng W, Shi B, Yao G, Chen W, Tang X, Gao X, Feng X, Sun L. Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit T Follicular Helper Cell Expansion Through the Activation of iNOS in Lupus-Prone B6.MRL- Faslpr Mice. Cell Transplant 2017; 26:1031-1042. [PMID: 28105982 DOI: 10.3727/096368917x694660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aberrant generation or activation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells contributes to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet little is known about how these cells are regulated. In this study, we demonstrated that the frequency of Tfh cells was increased in lupus-prone B6.MRL-Faslpr (B6.lpr) mice and positively correlated to plasma cell proportions and serum total IgG as well as anti-dsDNA antibody levels. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton's jelly of human umbilical cords (hUC-MSCs) ameliorated lupus symptoms in B6.lpr mice, along with decreased percentages of Tfh cells. In vitro studies showed that the differentiation and proliferation of Tfh cells were markedly suppressed by hUC-MSCs. The production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was dramatically upregulated in hUC-MSCs when cocultured with CD4+ T cells directly, while adding the specific inhibitor of iNOS into the coculture system significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of hUC-MSCs on Tfh cell generation. Interestingly, the efficacy of hUC-MSCs in inhibiting Tfh cells was impaired in the Transwell system, with the reduction of iNOS in both mRNA and protein levels. Taken together, our findings suggest that hUC-MSCs could effectively inhibit Tfh cell expansion through the activation of iNOS in lupus-prone B6.lpr mice, which is highly dependent on cell-to-cell contacts.
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39
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Shi X, Qu Z, Zhang L, Zhang N, Liu Y, Li M, Qiu J, Jiang Y. Increased ratio of ICOS(+) /PD-1(+) follicular helper T cells positively correlates with the development of human idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 43:410-6. [PMID: 26845249 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
To identify the frequencies of different subsets of peripheral blood follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in human idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), 39 patients with new onset IMN and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled for this study. The frequency of Tfh cells in venous blood were measured by flow cytometry, while concentration of serum IL-21 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation between the clinical features of IMN and Tfh cells was assessed by Spearman's rank correlation test. Overall, the frequencies of total, ICOS(+) , and PD-1(+) Tfh cells were increased in IMN patients, while the ratio of ICOS(+) /PD-1(+) Tfh cells positively correlated with IMN progression. However, the elevated serum IL-21 level in three subgroups of IMN patients, stratified based on 24-h urine protein levels, was not statistically significant compared to HC. Nonetheless, intracellular IL-21 in Tfh cells was generally increased in all IMN patients, and closely correlated with IMN development. Finally, the frequency of IL-21(+) Tfh cells and the ratio of ICOS(+) /PD-1(+) Tfh cells were positively correlated with the estimated 24-h urine protein of IMN patients. The data indicated that Tfh cells contribute to the pathogenicity of IMN. The ratio of ICOS(+) /PD-1(+) Tfh cells and the frequency of IL-21(+) Tfh cells may be indicators for evaluating the IMN development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Shi
- Genetic Diagnosis Centre, Central Laboratory, Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhihui Qu
- Department of Nephrology, Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Genetic Diagnosis Centre, Central Laboratory, Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Genetic Diagnosis Centre, Central Laboratory, Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Man Li
- Genetic Diagnosis Centre, Central Laboratory, Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinpeng Qiu
- Genetic Diagnosis Centre, Central Laboratory, Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanfang Jiang
- Genetic Diagnosis Centre, Central Laboratory, Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
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40
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Development of T follicular helper cells and their role in disease and immune system. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 84:1668-1678. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.10.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Wali S, Sahoo A, Puri S, Alekseev A, Nurieva R. Insights into the development and regulation of T follicular helper cells. Cytokine 2016; 87:9-19. [PMID: 27339151 PMCID: PMC5108526 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are specialized subset of T helper (Th) cells necessary for germinal center reaction, affinity maturation and the differentiation of germinal center B cells to antibody-producing plasma B cells and memory B cells. The differentiation of Tfh cells is a multistage, multifactorial process involving a variety of cytokines, surface molecules and transcription factors. While Tfh cells are critical components of protective immune responses against pathogens, regulation of these cells is crucial to prevent autoimmunity and airway inflammation. Recently, it has been noted that Tfh cells could be potentially implicated either in cancer progression or prevention. Thus, the elucidation of the mechanisms that regulate Tfh cell differentiation, function and fate should highlight potential targets for novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the regulation of Tfh cell differentiation and their role in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Wali
- Department of Immunology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anupama Sahoo
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Sushant Puri
- Department of Immunology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Andrei Alekseev
- Department of Immunology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roza Nurieva
- Department of Immunology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, TX, USA.
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42
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Activated Circulating T Follicular Helper Cells Are Associated with Disease Severity in Patients with Psoriasis. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:7346030. [PMID: 27774460 PMCID: PMC5059604 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7346030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) cells are known to be involved in numerous immune-mediated diseases, but their pathological role in psoriasis is less fully investigated. Herein, we aimed to identify whether cTfh cells contributed to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The frequency and function of cTfh cells were compared between patients with psoriasis vulgaris and healthy controls, and the infiltration of Tfh cells was detected between lesional and nonlesional skin tissues of psoriasis patients. Moreover, the dynamic change of cTfh cells before and after acitretin treatment was evaluated. Our results showed both increased frequency and activation (indicated by higher expression of ICOS, PD-1, HLA-DR, and Ki-67 and increased production of IL-21, IL-17, and IFN-γ) of cTfh cells in psoriasis patients. Compared with nonlesional skin tissues of psoriasis patients, the number of infiltrated Tfh cells was significantly increased in psoriasis lesions. In addition, positive correlations between the percentage of cTfh, functional markers on cTfh cells in peripheral blood and disease severity were noted. Furthermore, the frequency of cTfh cells and the levels of cytokines secreted by cTfh cells were all significantly decreased after 1-month treatment.
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43
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Follicular Helper T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Why Should They Be Considered as Interesting Therapeutic Targets? J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:5767106. [PMID: 27635407 PMCID: PMC5011227 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5767106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by B cell hyperactivity leading to the production of autoantibodies, some of which having a deleterious effect. Reducing autoantibody production thus represents a way of controlling lupus pathogenesis, and a better understanding of the molecular and cellular factors involved in the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells could allow identifying new therapeutic targets. Follicular helper T cells (TFH) represent a distinct subset of CD4+ T cells specialized in providing help to B cells. They are required for the formation of germinal centers and the generation of long-lived serological memory and, as such, are suspected to play a central role in SLE. Recent advances in the field of TFH biology have allowed the identification of important molecular factors involved in TFH differentiation, regulation, and function. Interestingly, some of these TFH-related molecules have been described to be dysregulated in lupus patients. In the present review, we give an overview of the aberrant expression and/or function of such key players in lupus, and we highlight their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Grammer AC, Ryals MM, Heuer SE, Robl RD, Madamanchi S, Davis LS, Lauwerys B, Catalina MD, Lipsky PE. Drug repositioning in SLE: crowd-sourcing, literature-mining and Big Data analysis. Lupus 2016; 25:1150-70. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203316657437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lupus patients are in need of modern drugs to treat specific manifestations of their disease effectively and safely. In the past half century, only one new treatment has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In 2014–2015, the FDA approved 71 new drugs, only one of which targeted a rheumatic disease and none of which was approved for use in SLE. Repositioning/repurposing drugs approved for other diseases using multiple approaches is one possible means to find new treatment options for lupus patients. “Big Data” analysis approaches this challenge from an unbiased standpoint whereas literature mining and crowd sourcing for candidates assessed by the CoLTs (Combined Lupus Treatment Scoring) system provide a hypothesis-based approach to rank potential therapeutic candidates for possible clinical application. Both approaches mitigate risk since the candidates assessed have largely been extensively tested in clinical trials for other indications. The usefulness of a multi-pronged approach to drug repositioning in lupus is highlighted by orthogonal confirmation of hypothesis-based drug repositioning predictions by “Big Data” analysis of differentially expressed genes from lupus patient samples. The goal is to identify novel therapies that have the potential to affect disease processes specifically. Involvement of SLE patients and the scientists that study this disease in thinking about new drugs that may be effective in lupus though crowd-sourcing sites such as LRxL-STAT ( www.linkedin.com/in/lrxlstat ) is important in stimulating the momentum needed to test these novel drug targets for efficacy in lupus rapidly in small, proof-of-concept trials conducted by LuCIN, the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network ( www.linkedin.com/in/lucinstat ).
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Grammer
- AMPEL BioSolutions and RILITE Foundation, University of Virginia Research Park, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - M M Ryals
- AMPEL BioSolutions and RILITE Foundation, University of Virginia Research Park, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - S E Heuer
- AMPEL BioSolutions and RILITE Foundation, University of Virginia Research Park, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - R D Robl
- AMPEL BioSolutions and RILITE Foundation, University of Virginia Research Park, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - S Madamanchi
- AMPEL BioSolutions and RILITE Foundation, University of Virginia Research Park, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - L S Davis
- Department of Internal Medicine, UTSW Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - B Lauwerys
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M D Catalina
- AMPEL BioSolutions and RILITE Foundation, University of Virginia Research Park, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - P E Lipsky
- AMPEL BioSolutions and RILITE Foundation, University of Virginia Research Park, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Long H, Yin H, Wang L, Gershwin ME, Lu Q. The critical role of epigenetics in systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmunity. J Autoimmun 2016; 74:118-138. [PMID: 27396525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
One of the major disappointments in human autoimmunity has been the relative failure on genome-wide association studies to provide "smoking genetic guns" that would explain the critical role of genetic susceptibility to loss of tolerance. It is well known that autoimmunity refers to the abnormal state that the dysregulated immune system attacks the healthy cells and tissues due to the loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigens. Its clinical outcomes are generally characterized by the presence of autoreactive immune cells and (or) the development of autoantibodies, leading to various types of autoimmune disorders. The etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases are highly complex. Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as nutrition, infection, and chemicals are implicated in the pathogenic process of autoimmunity, however, how much and by what mechanisms each of these factors contribute to the development of autoimmunity remain unclear. Epigenetics, which refers to potentially heritable changes in gene expression and function that do not involve alterations of the DNA sequence, has provided us with a brand new key to answer these questions. In the recent decades, increasing evidence have demonstrated the roles of epigenetic dysregulation, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA, in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which have shed light on a new era for autoimmunity research. Notably, DNA hypomethylation and reactivation of the inactive X chromosome are two epigenetic hallmarks of SLE. We will herein discuss briefly how genetic studies fail to completely elucidate the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and present a comprehensive review on landmark epigenetic findings in autoimmune diseases, taking SLE as an extensively studied example. The epigenetics of other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatic arthritis, systemic sclerosis and primary biliary cirrhosis will also be summarized. Importantly we emphasize that the stochastic processes that lead to DNA modification may be the lynch pins that drive the initial break in tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Long
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China
| | - Heng Yin
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, China.
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The key culprit in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus: Aberrant DNA methylation. Autoimmun Rev 2016; 15:684-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Noble A, Zhao J. Follicular helper T cells are responsible for IgE responses to Der p 1 following house dust mite sensitization in mice. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:1075-82. [PMID: 27138589 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Th2 cells have long been considered responsible for the switching of B cells to production of IgE during cognate interaction, primarily due to their expression of CD40L and secretion of IL-4. This concept has been challenged by the more recent definition of follicular helper T cells (Tfh) as the key T cell subset in B cell isotype switching, due to their physical location at the boundary of T cell:B cell areas in lymphoid follicles and ability to express IL-4 and CD40L. OBJECTIVE To determine whether Tfh cells are responsible for IgE responses to Der p 1 allergen after house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic sensitization. METHODS Mice deficient in Tfh cells were sensitized to HDM and Der p 1-specific IgE measured by ELISA. RESULTS Mice with a mutation in T cell-expressed IL-6R were unable to expand Tfh populations after HDM sensitization, and their anti-Der p 1 IgE, IgG1 and total IgE responses were reduced by 80-90% compared with wild-type mice. These animals displayed unaltered lung Th2 and eosinophilic responses after intranasal HDM challenge and normal IL-4 production, but B cell infiltration of the airways was abrogated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our data indicate that Tfh cells are largely responsible for switching B cells to IgE synthesis, most likely via an IgG1(+) intermediate. However, Th2 cells are the major source of IL-4 during HDM sensitization and this might contribute to IgE synthesis at a stage distal to Tfh-mediated isotype switching. The IL-6/follicular helper T cell pathway is a potential therapeutic target in allergic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Noble
- MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, London, UK
| | - J Zhao
- MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, London, UK
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Wiener A, Schippers A, Wagner N, Tacke F, Ostendorf T, Honke N, Tenbrock K, Ohl K. CXCR5 is critically involved in progression of lupus through regulation of B cell and double-negative T cell trafficking. Clin Exp Immunol 2016; 185:22-32. [PMID: 26990531 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The recruitment of immune cells to sites of tissue inflammation is orchestrated by chemokine/chemokine receptor networks. Among these, the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis is thought to be involved critically in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis pathogenesis. Beyond B cell abnormalities, another hallmark of SLE disease is the occurrence of aberrant T cell responses. In particular, double-negative (DN) T cells are expanded in the peripheral blood of patients with SLE and in lupus-prone mice. DN T cells induce immunoglobulin production, secrete proinflammatory cytokines and infiltrate inflamed tissue, including kidneys. We aimed to investigate how CXCR5 deficiency changes immune cell trafficking in murine lupus. We therefore crossed CXCR5(-/-) mice with B6/lpr mice, a well-established murine lupus model. B cell numbers and B cellular immune responses were diminished in CXCR5-deficient B6/lpr mice. In addition, we observed reduced accumulation of DN T cells in spleen and lymph nodes, paralleled by reduced splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. In-vivo migration assays revealed reduced migration of CXCR5-deficient DN T cells into lymph nodes, and ex-vivo-activated CXCR5-deficient DN T cells failed to infiltrate kidneys of recipients. Moreover, DN T cells and B cells of CXCR5-deficient B6/lpr mice failed to migrate towards CXCL13 in vitro. We propose that CXCR5 is involved critically in B cell trafficking and germinal cell (GC) formation in murine lupus and in guiding pathogenic DN T cells into lymphoid organs and kidneys, and we therefore describe new pathomechanisms for the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - F Tacke
- Department of Internal Medicine III
| | - T Ostendorf
- Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH, Aachen, Germany
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Circulating Memory T Follicular Helper Cells in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica/Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:3678152. [PMID: 27057097 PMCID: PMC4804098 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3678152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the potential role of memory T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in patients with neuromyelitis optica/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMO/NMOSD). METHODS The percentages of different subsets of circulating memory Tfh cells in 25 NMO/NMOSD patients before and after treatment as well as in 17 healthy controls were examined by flow cytometry. The levels of IL-21 and AQP4 Ab in plasma and CSF were measured by ELISA. RESULTS The percentages and numbers of circulating memory Tfh cells, ICOS(+), CCR7(-), CCR7(-)ICOS(+), CCR7(+), CCR7(+)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells, and the levels of IL-21 in plasma and CSF were significantly increased in NMO/NMOSD patients. The percentages of CCR7(-) and CCR7(-)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells were positively correlated with ARR, plasma IL-21, and AQP4 Ab levels. The percentages of CCR7(+) and CCR7(+)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells were positively correlated with CSF white blood cell counts, proteins, and IL-21 levels. Treatment with corticosteroids significantly reduced the numbers of CCR7(-)ICOS(+) and CCR7(+)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells as well as plasma IL-21 levels in patients with partial remission. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that circulating memory Tfh cells may participate in the relapse and development of NMO/NMOSD and may serve as a new therapeutic target.
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50
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Circulating T follicular helper cells with increased function during chronic graft-versus-host disease. Blood 2016; 127:2489-97. [PMID: 26944544 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-12-688895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) remains a major late complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Previous studies have established that both donor B and T cells contribute to immune pathology in cGVHD but the mechanisms responsible for coordinated B- and T-cell responses directed against recipient antigens have not been understood. T follicular helper cells (TFH) play an important role in the regulation of B-cell immunity. We performed extensive phenotypic and functional analysis of circulating TFH (cTFH) and B cells in 66 patients after HSCT. Patients with active cGVHD had a significantly lower frequency of cTFH compared with patients without cGVHD. This was associated with higher CXCL13 plasma levels suggesting increased homing of TFH to secondary lymphoid organs. In patients with active cGVHD, cTFH phenotype was skewed toward a highly activated profile with predominance of T helper 2 (Th2)/Th17 subsets. Activated cTFH in patients with cGVHD demonstrated increased functional ability to promote B-cell immunoglobulin secretion and maturation. Moreover, the activation signature of cTFH was highly correlated with increased B-cell activation and plasmablast maturation in patients after transplant. These studies provide new insights into the immune pathogenesis of human cGVHD and identify TFH as a key coordinating element supporting B-cell involvement in this disease.
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