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Galipeau HJ, Hinterleitner R, Leonard MM, Caminero A. Non-Host Factors Influencing Onset and Severity of Celiac Disease. Gastroenterology 2024; 167:34-50. [PMID: 38286392 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic autoimmune condition driven by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals, resulting in inflammatory lesions in the proximal small intestine. Although the presence of specific HLA-linked haplotypes and gluten consumption are necessary for disease development, they alone do not account for the variable onset of CeD in susceptible individuals. This review explores the multifaceted role of non-host factors in CeD development, including dietary and microbial influences. We discuss clinical associations and observations highlighting the impact of these factors on disease onset and severity. Furthermore, we discuss studies in CeD-relevant animal models that offer mechanistic insights into how diet, the microbiome, and enteric infections modulate CeD pathogenesis. Finally, we address the clinical implications and therapeutic potential of understanding these cofactors offering a promising avenue for preventive and therapeutic interventions in CeD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather J Galipeau
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Reinhard Hinterleitner
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Maureen M Leonard
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alberto Caminero
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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2
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D'heedene M, Vanuytsel T, Wauters L. Celiac disease: Hope for new treatments beyond a gluten-free diet. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:1240-1249. [PMID: 38648685 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.04.014] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the small intestine induced and maintained by gluten ingestion in susceptible individuals. Current treatment consists of strict adherence to a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD) which is considered safe and effective in the large majority of patients. However, since adherence to a GFD is difficult and has a negative impact on quality of life, an increasing interest in other treatment options has emerged. Moreover, in some individuals a GFD is not sufficiently effective, necessitating alternative treatments. METHODS By performing a systematic search, we constructed a detailed narrative review. Only treatment options considered relevant and conducted in a phase I, II or III clinical trial were included. RESULTS Based on the pathophysiology of CD, four major therapeutic approaches can be distinguished: firstly, by focusing on intraluminal gluten detoxification before absorption occurs, secondly, by modulating intestinal permeability and preventing paracellular uptake, thirdly, by enhancing immunological tolerance to gluten and finally, by regulating gluten auto-immunity. CONCLUSIONS Despite significant efforts, no treatment has yet completed a phase III clinical trial. Future studies will likely focus on the use of supplemental drugs in conjunction to a GFD, with ALV003 and ZED-1227 currently being the most promising therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim Vanuytsel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat, 49 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucas Wauters
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat, 49 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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3
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Noori E, Hashemi N, Rezaee D, Maleki R, Shams F, Kazemi B, Bandepour M, Rahimi F. Potential therapeutic options for celiac Disease: An update on Current evidence from Gluten-Free diet to cell therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112020. [PMID: 38608449 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112020] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune enteropathy and multifactorial disease caused by inappropriate immune responses to gluten in the small intestine. Weight loss, anemia, osteoporosis, arthritis, and hepatitis are among the extraintestinal manifestations of active CD. Currently, a strict lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only safe, effective, and available treatment. Despite the social burden, high expenses, and challenges of following a GFD, 2 to 5 percent of patients do not demonstrate clinical or pathophysiological improvement. Therefore, we need novel and alternative therapeutic approaches for patients. Innovative approaches encompass a broad spectrum of strategies, including enzymatic degradation of gluten, inhibition of intestinal permeability, modulation of the immune response, inhibition of the transglutaminase 2 (TG2) enzyme, blocking antigen presentation by HLA-DQ2/8, and induction of tolerance. Hence, this review is focused on comprehensive therapeutic strategies ranging from dietary approaches to novel methods such as antigen-based immunotherapy, cell and gene therapy, and the usage of nanoparticles for CD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effat Noori
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nader Hashemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delsuz Rezaee
- School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Reza Maleki
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Forough Shams
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bandepour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Rahimi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Mules TC, Lavender B, Maclean K, Vacca F, Noble SL, Yumnam B, Te Kawa T, Cait A, Tang J, O’Sullivan D, Gasser O, Stanley J, Le Gros G, Camberis M, Inns S. Controlled Hookworm Infection for Medication-free Maintenance in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Pilot, Double-blind, Randomized Control Trial. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024; 30:735-745. [PMID: 37318363 PMCID: PMC11063543 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human hookworm has been proposed as a treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). This pilot study assessed the feasibility of a full-scale randomized control trial examining hookworm to maintain clinical remission in patients with UC. METHODS Twenty patients with UC in disease remission (Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index [SCCAI] ≤4 and fecal calprotectin (fCal) <100 ug/g) and only on 5-aminosalicylate received 30 hookworm larvae or placebo. Participants stopped 5-aminosalicylate after 12 weeks. Participants were monitored for up to 52 weeks and exited the study if they had a UC flare (SCCAI ≥5 and fCal ≥200 µg/g). The primary outcome was difference in rates of clinical remission at week 52. Differences were assessed for quality of life (QoL) and feasibility aspects including recruitment, safety, effectiveness of blinding, and viability of the hookworm infection. RESULTS At 52 weeks, 4 of 10 (40%) participants in the hookworm group and 5 of 10 (50%) participants in the placebo group had maintained clinical remission (odds ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.11-3.92). Median time to flare in the hookworm group was 231 days (interquartile range [IQR], 98-365) and 259 days for placebo (IQR, 132-365). Blinding was quite successful in the placebo group (Bang's blinding index 0.22; 95% CI, -0.21 to 1) but less successful in the hookworm group (0.70; 95% CI, 0.37-1.0). Almost all participants in the hookworm group had detectable eggs in their faeces (90%; 95% CI, 0.60-0.98), and all participants in this group developed eosinophilia (peak eosinophilia 4.35 × 10^9/L; IQR, 2.80-6.68). Adverse events experienced were generally mild, and there was no significant difference in QoL. CONCLUSIONS A full-scale randomized control trial examining hookworm therapy as a maintenance treatment in patients with UC appears feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Mules
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, Otago University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Kate Maclean
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Francesco Vacca
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sophia-Louise Noble
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, Otago University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Bibek Yumnam
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Tama Te Kawa
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alissa Cait
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeffry Tang
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Olivier Gasser
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - James Stanley
- Biostatistics Group, Otago University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Graham Le Gros
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mali Camberis
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Inns
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, Otago University, Wellington, New Zealand
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5
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Mules TC, Inns S, Le Gros G. Helminths' therapeutic potential to treat intestinal barrier dysfunction. Allergy 2023; 78:2892-2905. [PMID: 37449458 DOI: 10.1111/all.15812] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal barrier is a dynamic multi-layered structure which can adapt to environmental changes within the intestinal lumen. It has the complex task of allowing nutrient absorption while limiting entry of harmful microbes and microbial antigens present in the intestinal lumen. Excessive entry of microbial antigens via microbial translocation due to 'intestinal barrier dysfunction' is hypothesised to contribute to the increasing incidence of allergic, autoimmune and metabolic diseases, a concept referred to as the 'epithelial barrier theory'. Helminths reside in the intestinal tract are in intimate contact with the mucosal surfaces and induce a range of local immunological changes which affect the layers of the intestinal barrier. Helminths are proposed to prevent, or even treat, many of the diseases implicated in the epithelial barrier theory. This review will focus on the effect of helminths on intestinal barrier function and explore whether this could explain the proposed health benefits delivered by helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Mules
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Graham Le Gros
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
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6
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Pierce DR, McDonald M, Merone L, Becker L, Thompson F, Lewis C, Ryan RYM, Hii SF, Zendejas-Heredia PA, Traub RJ, Field MA, Rahman T, Croese J, Loukas A, McDermott R, Giacomin PR. Effect of experimental hookworm infection on insulin resistance in people at risk of type 2 diabetes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4503. [PMID: 37495576 PMCID: PMC10372076 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The reduced prevalence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in countries with endemic parasitic worm infections suggests a protective role for worms against metabolic disorders, however clinical evidence has been non-existent. This 2-year randomised, double-blinded clinical trial in Australia of hookworm infection in 40 male and female adults at risk of type 2 diabetes assessed the safety and potential metabolic benefits of treatment with either 20 (n = 14) or 40 (n = 13) Necator americanus larvae (L3) or Placebo (n = 13) (Registration ACTRN12617000818336). Primary outcome was safety defined by adverse events and completion rate. Homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose and body mass were key secondary outcomes. Adverse events were more frequent in hookworm-treated participants, where 44% experienced expected gastrointestinal symptoms, but completion rates were comparable to Placebo. Fasting glucose and insulin resistance were lowered in both hookworm-treated groups at 1 year, and body mass was reduced after L3-20 treatment at 2 years. This study suggests hookworm infection is safe in people at risk of type 2 diabetes and associated with improved insulin resistance, warranting further exploration of the benefits of hookworms on metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris R Pierce
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Malcolm McDonald
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Lea Merone
- College of Health Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Fintan Thompson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Chris Lewis
- College of Health Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachael Y M Ryan
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Sze Fui Hii
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Patsy A Zendejas-Heredia
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew A Field
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Immunogenomics Laboratory, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Tony Rahman
- The Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - John Croese
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Robyn McDermott
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Paul R Giacomin
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.
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Chakraborty P, Aravindhan V, Mukherjee S. Helminth-derived biomacromolecules as therapeutic agents for treating inflammatory and infectious diseases: What lessons do we get from recent findings? Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 241:124649. [PMID: 37119907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the tremendous progress in healthcare sectors, a number of life-threatening infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases are continuously challenging mankind throughout the globe. In this context, recent successes in utilizing helminth parasite-derived bioactive macromolecules viz. glycoproteins, enzymes, polysaccharides, lipids/lipoproteins, nucleic acids/nucleotides, and small organic molecules for treating various disorders primarily resulted from inflammation. Among the several parasites that infect humans, helminths (cestodes, nematodes, and trematodes) are known as efficient immune manipulators owing to their explicit ability to modulate and modify the innate and adaptive immune responses of humans. These molecules selectively bind to immune receptors on innate and adaptive immune cells and trigger multiple signaling pathways to elicit anti-inflammatory cytokines, expansion of alternatively activated macrophages, T-helper 2, and immunoregulatory T regulatory cell types to induce an anti-inflammatory milieu. Reduction of pro-inflammatory responses and repair of tissue damage by these anti-inflammatory mediators have been exploited for treating a number of autoimmune, allergic, and metabolic diseases. Herein, the potential and promises of different helminths/helminth-derived products as therapeutic agents in ameliorating immunopathology of different human diseases and their mechanistic insights of function at cell and molecular level alongside the molecular signaling cross-talks have been reviewed by incorporating up-to-date findings achieved in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritha Chakraborty
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol 713340, India
| | | | - Suprabhat Mukherjee
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol 713340, India.
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Atagozli T, Elliott DE, Ince MN. Helminth Lessons in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Biomedicines 2023; 11:1200. [PMID: 37189818 PMCID: PMC10135676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Helminths are multicellular invertebrates that colonize the gut of many vertebrate animals including humans. This colonization can result in pathology, which requires treatment. It can also lead to a commensal and possibly even a symbiotic relationship where the helminth and the host benefit from each other's presence. Epidemiological data have linked helminth exposure to protection from immune disorders that include a wide range of diseases, such as allergies, autoimmune illnesses, and idiopathic inflammatory disorders of the gut, which are grouped as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Treatment of moderate to severe IBD involves the use of immune modulators and biologics, which can cause life-threatening complications. In this setting, their safety profile makes helminths or helminth products attractive as novel therapeutic approaches to treat IBD or other immune disorders. Helminths stimulate T helper-2 (Th2) and immune regulatory pathways, which are targeted in IBD treatment. Epidemiological explorations, basic science studies, and clinical research on helminths can lead to the development of safe, potent, and novel therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat IBD in addition to other immune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Atagozli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - David E. Elliott
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Mirac Nedim Ince
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
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9
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Machado MV. New Developments in Celiac Disease Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020945. [PMID: 36674460 PMCID: PMC9862998 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Celiac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune disease affecting around 1% of the population. It consists of an immune-mediated enteropathy, triggered by gluten exposure in susceptible patients. All patients with CD, irrespective of the presence of symptoms, must endure a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD). This is not an easy task due to a lack of awareness of the gluten content in foods and the extensive incorporation of gluten in processed foods. Furthermore, a GFD imposes a sense of limitation and might be associated with decreased quality of life in CD patients. This results in gluten contamination in the diet of four out of five celiac patients adhering to a GFD. Furthermore, one in three adult patients will report persistent symptoms and two in three will not achieve full histological recovery when on a GFD. In recent years, there has been extensive research conducted in the quest to find the holy grail of pharmacological treatment for CD. This review will present a concise description of the current rationale and main clinical trials related to CD drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Verdelho Machado
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira, Estrada Carlos Lima Costa, Nª 2, 2600-009 Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal; ; Tel.: +351-263-006-500
- Clínica Universitária de Gastrenterologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
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10
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Novel Drug Therapeutics in Celiac Disease: A Pipeline Review. Drugs 2022; 82:1515-1526. [PMID: 36251239 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01784-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic, autoimmune systemic disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in foods such as wheat, rye, and barley. The only effective treatment for CeD is complete removal of gluten from the diet. A strict gluten-free diet (GFD) results in symptomatic, serologic, and histologic remission in most patients. However, GFD may fail to induce clinical or histologic improvement and some patients may alternatively have difficulty strictly adhering to the GFD for other reasons. Despite this, there are currently no FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of CeD. The complex pathogenic process of CeD is becoming increasingly studied and better understood, enabling the identification of various targets for future therapies. Mechanisms under evaluation include probiotics, digestion of peptides, gluten sensitization, tight junction modulation, deamidation, and immune targets. Multiple investigational drugs are in the pipeline, and several drug candidates have entered late-phase clinical trials. Indeed, current and future studies are needed to target specific etiological mechanisms and provide an alternative to GFD alone. This review provides a broad overview of the various investigative treatment approaches for CeD, summarizing the latest progress in the pipeline.
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Abstract
Parasitic helminth infections, while a major cause of neglected tropical disease burden, negatively correlate with the incidence of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). To evade expulsion, helminths have developed sophisticated mechanisms to regulate their host's immune responses. Controlled experimental human helminth infections have been assessed clinically for treating inflammatory conditions; however, such a radical therapeutic modality has challenges. An alternative approach is to harness the immunomodulatory properties within the worm's excretory-secretory (ES) complement, its secretome. Here, we report a biologics discovery and validation pipeline to generate and screen in vivo a recombinant cell-free secretome library of helminth-derived immunomodulatory proteins. We successfully expressed 78 recombinant ES proteins from gastrointestinal hookworms and screened the crude in vitro translation reactions for anti-IBD properties in a mouse model of acute colitis. After statistical filtering and ranking, 20 proteins conferred significant protection against various parameters of colitis. Lead candidates from distinct protein families, including annexins, transthyretins, nematode-specific retinol-binding proteins, and SCP/TAPS were identified. Representative proteins were produced in mammalian cells and further validated, including ex vivo suppression of inflammatory cytokine secretion by T cells from IBD patient colon biopsies. Proteins identified herein offer promise as novel, safe, and mechanistically differentiated biologics for treating the globally increasing burden of inflammatory diseases.
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Chapman PR, Llewellyn S, Jennings H, Becker L, Giacomin P, McDougall R, Robson J, Loukas A, McCarthy J. The production of Necator americanus larvae for use in experimental human infection. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:242. [PMID: 35804460 PMCID: PMC9264692 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05371-y] [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: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although there is unprecedented interest in experimental human hookworm infection, details of hookworm manufacture and characterisation have been sparsely reported. In this report, we detail the production and characterisation of Necator americanus larvae for use in a recently published clinical trial. Methods Faeces was obtained from an experimentally infected donor. Faecal hookworm DNA was determined by quantitative PCR. Paired samples were incubated in either sterile water or sterile water mixed with antimicrobials (amphotericin and gentamicin). Coproculture was performed by modified Harada-Mori method. The harvested larvae were then processed in either sterile water or antiseptic solution. Larval yield was then calculated (larvae per gram), larval viability was determined by thermally induced motility assay and microbial burden was determined at the day of harvest, at 48 h and at 7 days. Results Twenty-eight faecal cultures were performed over 16 months. The faecal hookworm DNA content was variable over this time. There was no association of larval yield with faecal hookworm DNA content. Pre-treatment of faeces with antimicrobials did not influence larval yield. Larval motility was 85.3% (95% CI 79.3–91.3%). Incubation of larvae in antiseptics did not reduce viability at 14 days with a marginal mean of 68.6% (95% CI 59.1–78.1%) washed in water vs. 63.3% (95% CI 53.8 – 72.9%) when incubated in betadine (p = 0.38). Larvae washed in sterile water did not meet microbial bioburden criteria. Incubation in antiseptic resulted in acceptable microbial bioburden at 48 h but not at 7 days. Although the addition of gentamicin did reduce the microbial bio-burden acceptable levels, it was found to significantly lower larval motility at 7 days compared to incubation in sterile water and motility at 7 days 37.8% (95% CI 4.7–70.9%) vs. 67.3% (95% CI 35.2–99.3%, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions Despite standardised culture methodologies and the use of a single donor, larval yield varied considerably between batches and had no association with faecal hookworm DNA. Larval viability decreases over time and the age of larvae at time of use are likely to be important. Microbial bioburden maybe temporarily reduced by incubation in antiseptics and has little effect on viability. Incubation of larvae in gentamicin is effective at reducing microbial bioburden but is deleterious to larval viability. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05371-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Chapman
- Clinical Tropical Medicine, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia. .,RBWH Infectious Diseases, Bowen Hills and Herston, Australia.
| | - Stacey Llewellyn
- Statistics Unit, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Helen Jennings
- Clinical Tropical Medicine, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul Giacomin
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Rodney McDougall
- Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Bowen Hills and Herston, Australia
| | - Jennifer Robson
- Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Bowen Hills and Herston, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - James McCarthy
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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The yin and yang of human soil-transmitted helminth infections. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1243-1253. [PMID: 34774540 PMCID: PMC9145206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The major soil-transmitted helminths that infect humans are the roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. Soil-transmitted helminth infections rank among the most important neglected tropical diseases in terms of morbidity, and almost one billion people are still infected with at least one species. While anthelmintic drugs are available, they do not offer long term protection against reinfection, precipitating the need for vaccines that provide long-term immunologic defense. Vaccine discovery and development is in advanced clinical development for hookworm infection, with a bivalent human hookworm vaccine in clinical trials in Brazil and Africa, but is in its infancy for both roundworm (ascariasis) and whipworm (trichuriasis) infections. One of the greatest hurdles to developing soil-transmitted helminth vaccines is the potent immunoregulatory properties of these helminths, creating a barrier to the induction of meaningful long-term protective immunity. While challenging for vaccinologists, this phenomenon presents unique opportunities to develop an entirely new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that capitalise on these immunomodulatory strategies. Epidemiologic studies and clinical trials employing experimental soil-transmitted helminth challenge models, when coupled with findings from animal models, show that at least some soil-transmitted helminth-derived molecules can protect against the onset of autoimmune, allergic and metabolic disorders, and several natural products with the desired bioactivity have been isolated and tested in pre-clinical settings. The yin and yang of soil-transmitted helminth infections reflect both the urgency for effective vaccines and the potential for new immunoregulatory molecules from parasite products.
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Chapman PR, Giacomin P, Loukas A, McCarthy JS. Experimental human hookworm infection: a narrative historical review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009908. [PMID: 34882670 PMCID: PMC8659326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1896, a serendipitous laboratory accident led to the understanding that hookworms propagate infection by penetrating skin, a theory that was then confirmed with the first experimental human infection, reported in 1901. Experimental human infections undertaken in the 20th century enabled understanding of the natural history of infection and the immune response. More recently, experimental hookworm infection has been performed to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of hookworm infection and for the evaluation of hookworm vaccines and chemotherapeutic interventions. Experimental human hookworm infection has been proven to be safe, with no deaths observed in over 500 participants (although early reports predate systematic adverse event reporting) and no serious adverse events described in over 200 participants enrolled in contemporary clinical trials. While experimental human hookworm infection holds significant promise, as both a challenge model for testing anti-hookworm therapies and for treating various diseases of modernity, there are many challenges that present. These challenges include preparation and storage of larvae, which has not significantly changed since Harada and Mori first described their coproculture method in 1955. In vitro methods of hookworm larval culture, storage, and the development of meaningful potency or release assays are required. Surrogate markers of intestinal infection intensity are required because faecal egg counts or hookworm faecal DNA intensity lack the fidelity required for exploration of hookworm infection as a vaccine/drug testing platform or as a regulated therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Chapman
- Clinical Tropical Medicine, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia
| | - Paul Giacomin
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - James S. McCarthy
- Clinical Tropical Medicine, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia
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Adewale B, Heintz JR, Pastore CF, Rossi HL, Hung LY, Rahman N, Bethony J, Diemert D, Babatunde JA, Herbert DR. Parasitic helminth infections in humans modulate Trefoil Factor levels in a manner dependent on the species of parasite and age of the host. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009550. [PMID: 34662329 PMCID: PMC8553090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections, including hookworms and Schistosomes, can cause severe disability and death. Infection management and control would benefit from identification of biomarkers for early detection and prognosis. While animal models suggest that Trefoil Factor Family proteins (TFF2 and TFF3) and interleukin-33 (IL-33) -driven type 2 immune responses are critical mediators of tissue repair and worm clearance in the context of hookworm infection, very little is known about how they are modulated in the context of human helminth infection. We measured TFF2, TFF3, and IL-33 levels in serum from patients in Brazil infected with Hookworm and/or Schistosomes, and compared them to endemic and non-endemic controls. TFF2 was specifically elevated by Hookworm infection in females, not Schistosoma or co-infection. This elevation was correlated with age, but not worm burden. TFF3 was elevated by Schistosoma infection and found to be generally higher in females. IL-33 was not significantly altered by infection. To determine if this might apply more broadly to other species or regions, we measured TFFs and cytokine levels (IFNγ, TNFα, IL-33, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-22, and IL-10) in both the serum and urine of Nigerian school children infected with S. haematobium. We found that serum levels of TFF2 and 3 were reduced by infection, likely in an age dependent manner. In the serum, only IL-10 and IL-13 were significantly increased, while in urine IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-22, and IL-10 were significantly increased in by infection. Taken together, these data support a role for TFF proteins in human helminth infection. Billions of people are infected with parasitic helminths across the globe, especially in resource poor regions. These infections can result in severe developmental delay, disability, and death. Adequate management of helminth infection would benefit from the identification of host biomarkers in easily obtained samples (e.g. serum or urine) that correlate to infection state. Our goal was to determine if specific proteins involved in tissue repair and immune modulation are altered by infection with specific helminth species in Brazil (hookworm and S. mansoni species of blood fluke) or Nigeria (S. haematobium species of blood fluke). One of these proteins, Trefoil Factor 2 (TFF2), was elevated in the serum of hookworm infected women from Brazil, while another, TFF3 is higher in women than men, but also increased by S. mansoni blood fluke infection. In contrast, both TFFs were decreased in the serum of Nigerian children infected by S. haematobium, while many pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in the urine, where the eggs emerge from host tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatunde Adewale
- Public Health Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Jonathan R. Heintz
- University of Pennsylvania, Perlman School of Medicine Biostatistics Analysis Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christopher F. Pastore
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of Amerca
| | - Heather L. Rossi
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of Amerca
| | - Li-Yin Hung
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of Amerca
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of Amerca
| | - Nurudeen Rahman
- Public Health Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Jeff Bethony
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of Amerca
| | - David Diemert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of Amerca
| | - James Ayorinde Babatunde
- Department of Biochemistry & Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - De’Broski R. Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of Amerca
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of Amerca
- * E-mail:
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Eosinophils and helminth infection: protective or pathogenic? Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:363-381. [PMID: 34165616 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the earliest descriptions of this enigmatic cell, eosinophils have been implicated in both protective and pathogenic immune responses to helminth infection. Nevertheless, despite substantial data from in vitro studies, human infections, and animal models, their precise role in helminth infection remains incompletely understood. This is due to a number of factors, including the heterogeneity of the many parasites included in the designation "helminth," the complexity and redundancy in the host immune response to helminths, and the pleiotropic functions of eosinophils themselves. This review examines the consequences of helminth-associated eosinophilia in the context of protective immunity, pathogenesis, and immunoregulation.
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Douglas B, Oyesola O, Cooper MM, Posey A, Tait Wojno E, Giacomin PR, Herbert DR. Immune System Investigation Using Parasitic Helminths. Annu Rev Immunol 2021; 39:639-665. [PMID: 33646858 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-093019-122827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coevolutionary adaptation between humans and helminths has developed a finely tuned balance between host immunity and chronic parasitism due to immunoregulation. Given that these reciprocal forces drive selection, experimental models of helminth infection are ideally suited for discovering how host protective immune responses adapt to the unique tissue niches inhabited by these large metazoan parasites. This review highlights the key discoveries in the immunology of helminth infection made over the last decade, from innate lymphoid cells to the emerging importance of neuroimmune connections. A particular emphasis is placed on the emerging areas within helminth immunology where the most growth is possible, including the advent of genetic manipulation of parasites to study immunology and the use of engineered T cells for therapeutic options. Lastly,we cover the status of human challenge trials with helminths as treatment for autoimmune disease, which taken together, stand to keep the study of parasitic worms at the forefront of immunology for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Douglas
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
| | - Oyebola Oyesola
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA; ,
| | - Martha M Cooper
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; ,
| | - Avery Posey
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; .,Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.,Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Elia Tait Wojno
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA; ,
| | - Paul R Giacomin
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; ,
| | - De'Broski R Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
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