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Lupancu TJ, Lee KM, Eivazitork M, Hor C, Fleetwood AJ, Cook AD, Olshansky M, Turner SJ, de Steiger R, Lim K, Hamilton JA, Achuthan AA. Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of CCL17 production by glucocorticoids in arthritis. iScience 2023; 26:108079. [PMID: 37860753 PMCID: PMC10583050 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are potent anti-inflammatory agents and are broadly used in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, albeit with adverse side effects associated with long-term usage. The negative consequences of GC therapy provide an impetus for research into gaining insights into the molecular mechanisms of GC action. We have previously reported that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-induced CCL17 has a non-redundant role in inflammatory arthritis. Here, we provide molecular evidence that GCs can suppress GM-CSF-mediated upregulation of IRF4 and CCL17 expression via downregulating JMJD3 expression and activity. In mouse models of inflammatory arthritis, GC treatment inhibited CCL17 expression and ameliorated arthritic pain-like behavior and disease. Significantly, GC treatment of RA patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells ex vivo resulted in decreased CCL17 production. This delineated pathway potentially provides new therapeutic options for the treatment of many inflammatory conditions, where GCs are used as an anti-inflammatory drug but without the associated adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya J. Lupancu
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Kevin M.C. Lee
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Mahtab Eivazitork
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Cecil Hor
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Fleetwood
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Haematopoiesis and Leukocyte Biology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Andrew D. Cook
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Moshe Olshansky
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Stephen J. Turner
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Richard de Steiger
- Department of Surgery, Epworth HealthCare, The University of Melbourne, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
| | - Keith Lim
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - John A. Hamilton
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Adrian A. Achuthan
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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Wang Z, Zhang J, An F, Zhang J, Meng X, Liu S, Xia R, Wang G, Yan C. The mechanism of dendritic cell-T cell crosstalk in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:193. [PMID: 37798668 PMCID: PMC10552435 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03159-8] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by joint pain and swelling, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage damage, and bone destruction. The mechanisms of dendritic cell (DC) and T cell-mediated crosstalk have gradually become a focus of attention. DCs regulate the proliferation and differentiation of CD4+ T cell subtypes through different cytokines, surface molecules, and antigen presentation. DC-T cell crosstalk also blocks antigen presentation by DCs, ultimately maintaining immune tolerance. DC-T cell crosstalk mainly involves chemokines, surface molecules (TonEBP, NFATc1), the PD-L1/PD-1 signalling axis, and the TGF-β signalling axis. In addition, DC-T cell crosstalk in RA is affected by glycolysis, reactive oxygen species, vitamin D, and other factors. These factors lead to the formation of an extremely complex regulatory network involving various mechanisms. This article reviews the key immune targets of DC-T cell crosstalk and elucidates the mechanism of DC-T cell crosstalk in RA to provide a basis for the treatment of patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhandong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Fangyu An
- Teaching Experiment Training Center, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Xiangrui Meng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Shiqing Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Ruoliu Xia
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Rheumatism and Orthopaedics Department, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
| | - Chunlu Yan
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
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Lupancu TJ, Eivazitork M, Hamilton JA, Achuthan AA, Lee KMC. CCL17/TARC in autoimmunity and inflammation-not just a T-cell chemokine. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:600-609. [PMID: 36975092 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Chemokine (C-C) ligand 17 (CCL17) was first identified as thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine when it was found to be constitutively expressed in the thymus and identified as a T-cell chemokine. This chemoattractant molecule has subsequently been found at elevated levels in a range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as in cancer. CCL17 is a C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) ligand, with chemokine (C-C) ligand 22 being the other major ligand and, as CCR4 is highly expressed on helper T cells, CCL17 can play a role in T-cell-driven diseases, usually considered to be via its chemotactic activity on T helper 2 cells; however, given that CCR4 is also expressed by other cell types and there is elevated expression of CCL17 in many diseases, a broader CCL17 biology is suggested. In this review, we summarize the biology of CCL17, its regulation and its potential contribution to the pathogenesis of various preclinical models. Reference is made, for example, to recent literature indicating a role for CCL17 in the control of pain as part of a granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor/CCL17 pathway in lymphocyte-independent models and thus not as a T-cell chemokine. The review also discusses the potential for CCL17 to be a biomarker and a therapeutic target in human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya J Lupancu
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mahtab Eivazitork
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - John A Hamilton
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, VIC, Australia
| | - Adrian A Achuthan
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kevin M-C Lee
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Zhang Y, Liu D, Vithran DTA, Kwabena BR, Xiao W, Li Y. CC chemokines and receptors in osteoarthritis: new insights and potential targets. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:113. [PMID: 37400871 PMCID: PMC10316577 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative disease accompanied by the activation of innate and adaptive immune systems-associated inflammatory responses. Due to the local inflammation, the expression of various cytokines was altered in affected joints, including CC motif chemokine ligands (CCLs) and their receptors (CCRs). As essential members of chemokines, CCLs and CCRs played an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of OA. The bindings between CCLs and CCRs on the chondrocyte membrane promoted chondrocyte apoptosis and the release of multiple matrix-degrading enzymes, which resulted in cartilage degradation. In addition, CCLs and CCRs had chemoattractant functions to attract various immune cells to osteoarthritic joints, further leading to the aggravation of local inflammation. Furthermore, in the nerve endings of joints, CCLs and CCRs, along with several cellular factors, contributed to pain hypersensitivity by releasing neurotransmitters in the spinal cord. Given this family's diverse and complex functions, targeting the functional network of CCLs and CCRs is a promising strategy for the prognosis and treatment of OA in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | | | - Bosomtwe Richmond Kwabena
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Wenfeng Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Yusheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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O'Byrne PM, Panettieri RA, Taube C, Brindicci C, Fleming M, Altman P. Development of an inhaled anti-TSLP therapy for asthma. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2023; 78:102184. [PMID: 36535465 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2022.102184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cell-derived cytokine, acts as a key mediator in airway inflammation and modulates the function of multiple cell types, including dendritic cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells. TSLP plays a role in asthma pathogenesis as an upstream cytokine, and data suggest that TSLP blockade with the anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody, tezepelumab, could be efficacious in a broad asthma population. Currently approved asthma biologic therapies target allergic or eosinophilic disease and require phenotyping; therefore, an unmet need exists for a therapy that can address Type 2 (T2)-high and T2-low inflammation in asthma. All currently approved biologic treatments are delivered intravenously or subcutaneously; an inhaled therapy route that allows direct targeting of the lung with reduced systemic impact may offer advantages. Currently in development, ecleralimab (CSJ117) represents the first inhaled anti-TSLP antibody fragment that binds soluble TSLP and prevents TSLP receptor activation, thereby inhibiting further inflammatory signalling cascades. This anti-TSLP antibody fragment is being developed for patients with severe uncontrolled asthma despite standard of care inhaled therapy. A Phase IIa proof of concept study, using allergen bronchoprovocation as a model for asthma exacerbations, found that ecleralimab was well-tolerated and reduced allergen-induced bronchoconstriction in adult patients with mild asthma. These results suggest ecleralimab may be a promising, new therapeutic class for asthma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M O'Byrne
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Christian Taube
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Germany
| | | | | | - Pablo Altman
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, New Jersey, USA.
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Murayama MA, Shimizu J, Miyabe C, Yudo K, Miyabe Y. Chemokines and chemokine receptors as promising targets in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1100869. [PMID: 36860872 PMCID: PMC9968812 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that commonly causes inflammation and bone destruction in multiple joints. Inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, play important roles in RA development and pathogenesis. Biological therapies targeting these cytokines have revolutionized RA therapy. However, approximately 50% of the patients are non-responders to these therapies. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to identify new therapeutic targets and therapies for patients with RA. In this review, we focus on the pathogenic roles of chemokines and their G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in RA. Inflamed tissues in RA, such as the synovium, highly express various chemokines to promote leukocyte migration, tightly controlled by chemokine ligand-receptor interactions. Because the inhibition of these signaling pathways results in inflammatory response regulation, chemokines and their receptors could be promising targets for RA therapy. The blockade of various chemokines and/or their receptors has yielded prospective results in preclinical trials using animal models of inflammatory arthritis. However, some of these strategies have failed in clinical trials. Nonetheless, some blockades showed promising results in early-phase clinical trials, suggesting that chemokine ligand-receptor interactions remain a promising therapeutic target for RA and other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori A Murayama
- Department of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Shimizu
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Chie Miyabe
- Department of Frontier Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yudo
- Department of Frontier Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshishige Miyabe
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
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Genovese MC, Berkowitz M, Conaghan PG, Peterfy C, Davy K, Fisheleva E, Gupta A, Inman D, Janiczek R, Layton M, Mitchell N, Patel J, Roberts A, Saurigny D, Smith JE, Williamson R, Tak PP. MRI of the joint and evaluation of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-CCL17 axis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving otilimab: a phase 2a randomised mechanistic study. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2020; 2:e666-e676. [PMID: 38279363 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(20)30224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Otilimab is a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a driver in many immune-mediated inflammatory conditions. We evaluated the effect of otilimab on the GM-CSF-chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 17 (CCL17) axis and synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS This phase 2a, randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was done at nine sites across the USA, Poland, and Germany. Patients aged 18 years or older with rheumatoid arthritis per American College of Rheumatology-European League Against Rheumatism 2010 criteria and receiving stable methotrexate were randomly assigned (3:1) by an interactive response technology system to either subcutaneous otilimab 180 mg or placebo once weekly for 5 weeks, then every other week until week 10 (within a 12-week treatment period), followed by a 10-week safety follow-up. Randomisation was stratified by early rheumatoid arthritis (≤2 years since diagnosis) and established rheumatoid arthritis (>2 years since diagnosis). Patients and study personnel (except for an unblinded coordinator or nurse who prepared and administered the study drug) were blinded to treatment assignment; the syringe was shielded during administration. Patients were enrolled by study investigators and allocated to a treatment by central randomisation on the basis of a schedule generated by the sponsor. The primary endpoint was change over time (assessed at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 22 of follow-up) in 112 biomarkers, including target engagement biomarkers and those that may be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and response to otilimab. Secondary endpoints were change from baseline in synovitis, osteitis and erosion assessed by rheumatoid arthritis MRI scoring system (RAMRIS) and rheumatoid arthritis MRI quantitative score (RAMRIQ), and safety evaluation. The primary, secondary, and safety endpoints were assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Biomarker and MRI endpoints were analysed for differences between treatment groups using a repeated measures model. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02799472. FINDINGS Between Aug 9, 2016, and Oct 30, 2017, 39 patients were randomly assigned and included in the analysis (otilimab n=28; placebo n=11). In the otilimab group, mean serum concentrations of GM-CSF-otilimab complex peaked at week 4 (138·4 ng/L, 95% CI 90·0-212·9) but decreased from week 6-12. CCL17 concentrations decreased from baseline to week 1, remained stable to week 8, and returned to baseline at week 12; least-squares mean ratio to baseline was 0·65 (95% CI 0·49-0·86; coefficient of variation 13·60) at week 2, 0·68 (0·53-0·88; 12·51) at week 4, 0·78 (0·60-1·00; 12·48) at week 6, and 0·68 (0·54-0·85; 11·21) at week 8. No meaningful change in CCL17 concentrations was observed with placebo. In the otilimab group, the least-squares mean ratio to baseline in MMP-degraded type I collagen was 0·86-0·91 over weeks 1-8, returning to baseline at week 12; concentrations remained above baseline at all timepoints in the placebo group. There were no observable differences between otilimab and placebo for all other biomarkers. At week 12, least-squares mean change in RAMRIS synovitis score from baseline was -1·3 (standard error [SE] 0·6) in the otilimab group and 0·8 (1·2) with placebo; RAMRIQ synovitis score showed a least-squares mean change from baseline of -1417·0 μl (671·5) in the otilimab group and -912·3 μl (1405·8) with placebo. Compared with placebo, otilimab did not show significant reductions from baseline to week 12 in RAMRIS synovitis, osteitis and bone erosion, or in RAMRIQ synovitis and erosion damage. Adverse events were reported in 11 (39%) of 28 otilimab-treated and four (36%) of 11 placebo-treated patients, most commonly cough in the otilimab group (2 [7%] of 28; not reported in placebo group), and pain in extremity (four [36%] of 11) and rheumatoid arthritis (two [18%] of 11) in the placebo group (not reported in otilimab group). There were no serious adverse events or deaths. INTERPRETATION Serum concentrations of GM-CSF-otilimab complex indicated that target engagement was achieved with initial weekly dosing, but not sustained with every other week dosing. CCL17 might be a pharmacodynamic biomarker for otilimab activity in future studies. Otilimab was well tolerated and, despite suboptimal exposure, showed some evidence for improved synovitis over 12 weeks in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. FUNDING GlaxoSmithKline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Genovese
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | | | - Philip G Conaghan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; National Institute for Health Research Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Katherine Davy
- Statistics, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Elena Fisheleva
- ImmunoInflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Anubha Gupta
- Clinical Pharmacology Modeling and Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - David Inman
- Statistics, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Robert Janiczek
- Experimental Medicine Imaging, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Mark Layton
- ImmunoInflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Nina Mitchell
- ImmunoInflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Jatin Patel
- ImmunoInflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK
| | - Alexandra Roberts
- Experimental Medicine Imaging, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Didier Saurigny
- ImmunoInflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Julia E Smith
- ImmunoInflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Russell Williamson
- ImmunoInflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK
| | - Paul P Tak
- Research and Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
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Lee MC, Saleh R, Achuthan A, Fleetwood AJ, Förster I, Hamilton JA, Cook AD. CCL17 blockade as a therapy for osteoarthritis pain and disease. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:62. [PMID: 29622035 PMCID: PMC5887260 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1560-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory diseases and in osteoarthritis (OA). We identified previously a new GM-CSF→Jmjd3→interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4)→chemokine (c-c motif) ligand 17 (CCL17) pathway, which is important for the development of inflammatory arthritis pain and disease. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) can also be linked with this pathway. Here we investigated the involvement of the pathway in OA pain and disease development using the GM-CSF-dependent collagenase-induced OA (CiOA) model. Methods CiOA was induced in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), Irf4−/−, Ccl17E/E, Ccr4−/−, Tnf−/− and GM-CSF−/− mice. Additionally, therapeutic targeting of CCL17, Jmjd3 and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) was evaluated. Development of pain (assessment of weight distribution) and OA disease (histologic scoring of synovitis, cartilage destruction and osteophyte size) were assessed. Synovial joint cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts and endothelial cells, were isolated (cell sorting) and gene expression analyzed (quantitative PCR). Results Studies in the gene-deficient mice indicated that IRF4, CCL17 and the CCL17 receptor, CCR4, but not TNF, were required for CiOA pain and optimal cartilage destruction and osteophyte size. Therapeutic neutralization of CCL17 and Jmjd3 ameliorated both pain and disease, whereas the COX-2 inhibitor only ameliorated pain. In the synovium Ccl17 mRNA was expressed only in the macrophages in a GM-CSF-dependent and IRF4-dependent manner. Conclusions The GM-CSF→Jmjd3→IRF4→CCL17 pathway is important for the development of CiOA, with CCL17 thus being a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of both OA pain and disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1560-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chin Lee
- The University of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Reem Saleh
- The University of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Adrian Achuthan
- The University of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Andrew J Fleetwood
- The University of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Irmgard Förster
- Immunology and Environment, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - John A Hamilton
- The University of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Andrew D Cook
- The University of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
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