1
|
Wang W, Ge W, Feng J, Huang M, Zhang X, Xia J, Wang L, Li C. Mendelian randomization analyses of known and suspected risk factors and biomarkers for myasthenia gravis overall and by subtypes. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:33. [PMID: 38238684 PMCID: PMC10795466 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03529-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that affects neuromuscular junction. The literature suggests the involvement of circulating cytokines (CK), gut microbiota (GM), and serum metabolites (SM) with MG. However, this research is limited to observational trials, and comprehensive causal relationship studies have not been conducted. Based on published datasets, this investigation employed Mendelian Randomization (MR) to analyze the known and suspected risk factors and biomarkers causal association of MG and its subtypes. METHODS This research used two-sample MR and linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression of multiple datasets to aggregate datasets acquired from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to assess the association of MG with 41-CK, 221-GM, and 486-SM. For sensitivity analysis and to validate the robustness of the acquired data, six methods were utilized, including MR-Egger regression, inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, and MR-PRESSO. RESULTS The MR method identified 20 factors significantly associated with MG, including 2 CKs, 6 GMs, and 9 SMs. Further analysis of the factors related to the two MG subtypes, early-onset MG (EOMG) and late-onset MG (LOMG), showed that EOMG had a high overlap with MG in the intestinal flora, while LOMG had a greater similarity in CKs and SMs. Furthermore, LDSC regression analysis indicated that Peptococcaceae, oxidized biliverdin, and Kynurenine had significant genetic correlations with general MG, whereas EOMG was highly correlated with Intestinibacter, while LOMG had significant genetic associations with Kynurenine and Glucose. CONCLUSION This research furnishes evidence for the potential causal associations of various risk factors with MG and indicates a heterogeneous relationship between CKs, GMs, and SMs with MG subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Wang
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, No.169 Changlexilu Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710042, P. R. China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Field and Disaster Nursing, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Junling Feng
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, No.169 Changlexilu Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710042, P. R. China
| | - Manli Huang
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, No.169 Changlexilu Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710042, P. R. China
| | - Xihua Zhang
- Department of Neurological Intensive Care Rehabilitation, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710000, China
| | - Jielai Xia
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, No.169 Changlexilu Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710042, P. R. China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, No.169 Changlexilu Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710042, P. R. China.
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, No.169 Changlexilu Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710042, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li S, Zhang Z, Liu Z. Therapeutic effect of ofatumumab in patients with myasthenia gravis: immunoregulation of follicular T helper cells and T helper type 17 cells. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1278250. [PMID: 38146439 PMCID: PMC10749496 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1278250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to study the therapeutic effects of ofatumumab in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) in addition to the immunomodulatory effects on peripheral follicular T helper (Tfh) cells and T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. Methods Thirty-one patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive MG were included in this study. At weeks 0, 1, 2, and 4, an initial dose of 20 mg of ofatumumab was injected subcutaneously, with a 2-month follow-up after completing this first cycle. At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months, we assessed the Quantitative MG (QMG), 15-item MG-Quality of Life (MG-QOL15), and MG-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scales and measured the frequencies of Tfh, Th17, and B cells and the levels of anti-AChR antibody, IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17 in the peripheral blood. Results At 1 month and 3 months, the QMG, MG-QOL15, and MG-ADL scores were all significantly reduced. At 3 months, doses of prednisone were reduced by an average of 37%. Decreased frequencies of Tfh and Th17 cells, depletion of B cells, and reduced levels of IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17 were all observed at 1 month or 3 months. Discussion Therefore, the therapeutic effect of ofatumumab could be detected after one cycle of treatment, which was maintained for 2 months. The immunomodulatory effect of ofatumumab during the observation period may involve depletion of B cells, reduction of Tfh and Th17 cells frequencies, and reduced levels of IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17. The findings provide novel data for the potential application of ofatumumab in MG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Li
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoxu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zunjing Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vakrakou AG, Karachaliou E, Chroni E, Zouvelou V, Tzanetakos D, Salakou S, Papadopoulou M, Tzartos S, Voumvourakis K, Kilidireas C, Giannopoulos S, Tsivgoulis G, Tzartos J. Immunotherapies in MuSK-positive Myasthenia Gravis; an IgG4 antibody-mediated disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212757. [PMID: 37564637 PMCID: PMC10410455 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) Myasthenia Gravis (MG) represents a prototypical antibody-mediated disease characterized by predominantly focal muscle weakness (neck, facial, and bulbar muscles) and fatigability. The pathogenic antibodies mostly belong to the immunoglobulin subclass (Ig)G4, a feature which attributes them their specific properties and pathogenic profile. On the other hand, acetylcholine receptor (AChR) MG, the most prevalent form of MG, is characterized by immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 and IgG3 antibodies to the AChR. IgG4 class autoantibodies are impotent to fix complement and only weakly bind Fc-receptors expressed on immune cells and exert their pathogenicity via interfering with the interaction between their targets and binding partners (e.g. between MuSK and LRP4). Cardinal differences between AChR and MuSK-MG are the thymus involvement (not prominent in MuSK-MG), the distinct HLA alleles, and core immunopathological patterns of pathology in neuromuscular junction, structure, and function. In MuSK-MG, classical treatment options are usually less effective (e.g. IVIG) with the need for prolonged and high doses of steroids difficult to be tapered to control symptoms. Exceptional clinical response to plasmapheresis and rituximab has been particularly observed in these patients. Reduction of antibody titers follows the clinical efficacy of anti-CD20 therapies, a feature implying the role of short-lived plasma cells (SLPB) in autoantibody production. Novel therapeutic monoclonal against B cells at different stages of their maturation (like plasmablasts), or against molecules involved in B cell activation, represent promising therapeutic targets. A revolution in autoantibody-mediated diseases is pharmacological interference with the neonatal Fc receptor, leading to a rapid reduction of circulating IgGs (including autoantibodies), an approach already suitable for AChR-MG and promising for MuSK-MG. New precision medicine approaches involve Chimeric autoantibody receptor T (CAAR-T) cells that are engineered to target antigen-specific B cells in MuSK-MG and represent a milestone in the development of targeted immunotherapies. This review aims to provide a detailed update on the pathomechanisms involved in MuSK-MG (cellular and humoral aberrations), fostering the understanding of the latest indications regarding the efficacy of different treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aigli G. Vakrakou
- First Department of Neurology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Karachaliou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Chroni
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Zouvelou
- First Department of Neurology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tzanetakos
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Salakou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Papadopoulou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Socrates Tzartos
- Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Voumvourakis
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Kilidireas
- First Department of Neurology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neurology, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Giannopoulos
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - John Tzartos
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schirò G, Iacono S, Balistreri CR. The Role of Human Microbiota in Myasthenia Gravis: A Narrative Review. Neurol Int 2023; 15:392-404. [PMID: 36976669 PMCID: PMC10053295 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by fluctuating weakness of the skeletal muscles. Although antibodies against the neuromuscular junction components are recognized, the MG pathogenesis remains unclear, even if with a well-known multifactorial character. However, the perturbations of human microbiota have been recently suggested to contribute to MG pathogenesis and clinical course. Accordingly, some products derived from commensal flora have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects, while other have been shown to possess pro-inflammatory properties. In addition, patients with MG when compared with age-matched controls showed a distinctive composition in the oral and gut microbiota, with a typical increase in Streptococcus and Bacteroides and a reduction in Clostridia as well as short-chain fatty acid reduction. Moreover, restoring the gut microbiota perturbation has been evidenced after the administration of probiotics followed by an improvement of symptoms in MG cases. To highlight the role of the oral and gut microbiota in MG pathogenesis and clinical course, here, the current evidence has been summarized and reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Schirò
- Neurology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Iacono
- Neurology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Cellular and Molecular Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vergoossen DLE, Ruiter AM, Keene KR, Niks EH, Tannemaat MR, Strijbos E, Lipka AF, van der Zijde ECJ, van Tol MJD, Bakker JA, Wevers BA, Westerberg E, Borges LS, Tong OC, Richman DP, Illa I, Punga AR, Evoli A, van der Maarel SM, Verschuuren JJ, Huijbers MG. Enrichment of serum IgG4 in MuSK myasthenia gravis patients. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 373:577978. [PMID: 36240543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577978] [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: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular autoimmune disease belonging to a growing group of IgG4 autoimmune diseases (IgG4-AIDs), in which the majority of pathogenic autoantibodies are of the IgG4 subclass. The more prevalent form of MG with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies is caused by IgG1-3 autoantibodies. A dominant role for IgG4 in autoimmune disease is intriguing due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics. It is unclear why MuSK autoantibodies are predominantly IgG4. We hypothesized that MuSK MG patients have a general predisposition to generate IgG4 responses, therefore resulting in high levels of circulating IgG4. To investigate this, we quantified serum Ig isotypes and IgG subclasses using nephelometric and turbidimetric assays in MuSK MG and AChR MG patients not under influence of immunosuppressive treatment. Absolute serum IgG1 was increased in both MuSK and AChR MG patients compared to healthy donors. In addition, only MuSK MG patients on average had significantly increased and enriched serum IgG4. Although more MuSK MG patients had elevated serum IgG4, for most the IgG4 serum levels fell within the normal range. Correlation analyses suggest MuSK-specific antibodies do not solely explain the variation in IgG4 levels. In conclusion, although serum IgG4 levels are slightly increased, the levels do not support ubiquitous IgG4 responses in MuSK MG patients as the underlying cause of dominant IgG4 MuSK antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana L E Vergoossen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Annabel M Ruiter
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin R Keene
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Erik H Niks
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn R Tannemaat
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen Strijbos
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander F Lipka
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Els C Jol van der Zijde
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten J D van Tol
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap A Bakker
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Brigitte A Wevers
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabet Westerberg
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Akademiska sjukhuset, Ingång 85, 3rd floor, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lúcia S Borges
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, 1515 Newton Court, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Olivia C Tong
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, 1515 Newton Court, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - David P Richman
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, 1515 Newton Court, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Isabel Illa
- Neuromuscular diseases Neurology department, Hospital Sant Pau UAB, Avenida Pare Claret N° 167, Barcelona 08025, Spain
| | - Anna Rostedt Punga
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Akademiska sjukhuset, Ingång 85, 3rd floor, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amelia Evoli
- Department of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvère M van der Maarel
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J Verschuuren
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maartje G Huijbers
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The effect of immunosuppression or thymectomy on the response to tetanus revaccination in myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 370:577930. [PMID: 35905614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577930] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of tetanus toxoid (TT) revaccination on circulating B-, T- and NK-cell compartments in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. METHODS Lymphocyte (sub)populations and differentiation stages were assessed by flow cytometry in 50 TT revaccinated MG patients. TT-specific proliferative responses were explored in PBMC cultures. RESULTS In patients treated with azathioprine B- and NK cell numbers were strongly decreased. Lymphocyte (sub)populations remained unaffected upon TT revaccination. t All patients showed a significant TT-induced proliferative response. CONCLUSION TT revaccination is effective in MG patients with stable disease irrespective of their thymectomy status and medication and does not alter the composition of the lymphocyte compartment.
Collapse
|
7
|
Huang C, Gao F, Zhou H, Zhang L, Shang D, Ji Y, Duan Z. Oral Microbiota Profile in a Group of Anti-AChR Antibody–Positive Myasthenia Gravis Patients. Front Neurol 2022; 13:938360. [PMID: 35873770 PMCID: PMC9301194 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.938360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies directed against the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. Perturbation of gut microbiota is thought to contribute to the development of MG, as reflected by fecal metabolomic signatures in humans, but there have been few studies on the relationship between oral microbiota profile and MG. The current study evaluated the correlation between oral microbiota composition and diversity and anti-acetylcholinereceptor (AChR) antibody–positive MG by comparing oral microbiota communities of patients (n = 20) and healthy controls (HCs; n = 20) by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Principal coordinate analysis and Adonis analysis revealed significant differences in oral microflora profile between the twogroups. Compared to HCs, the abundance of the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and genera Streptococcus, Rothia, and Lachnoanerobaculum was significantly increased whereas that of phyla Proteobacteria and Spirochaetotaand genera Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Treponema was significantly decreased in MG patients. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that the biosynthesis of ansamycins and amino acid metabolism pathways were altered in MG. These results indicate that oral microbiota composition is perturbed in patients with anti-AChR antibody–positive MG, providing new potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Huang
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke) Clinical Medical Research Center, Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases of Henan Province, Luoyang, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haitao Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke) Clinical Medical Research Center, Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases of Henan Province, Luoyang, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke) Clinical Medical Research Center, Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases of Henan Province, Luoyang, China
| | - Dandan Shang
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke) Clinical Medical Research Center, Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases of Henan Province, Luoyang, China
| | - Ying Ji
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Duan
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke) Clinical Medical Research Center, Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases of Henan Province, Luoyang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhihui Duan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Koneczny I, Tzartos J, Mané-Damas M, Yilmaz V, Huijbers MG, Lazaridis K, Höftberger R, Tüzün E, Martinez-Martinez P, Tzartos S, Leypoldt F. IgG4 Autoantibodies in Organ-Specific Autoimmunopathies: Reviewing Class Switching, Antibody-Producing Cells, and Specific Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:834342. [PMID: 35401530 PMCID: PMC8986991 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.834342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ-specific autoimmunity is often characterized by autoantibodies targeting proteins expressed in the affected tissue. A subgroup of autoimmunopathies has recently emerged that is characterized by predominant autoantibodies of the IgG4 subclass (IgG4-autoimmune diseases; IgG4-AID). This group includes pemphigus vulgaris, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, subtypes of autoimmune encephalitis, inflammatory neuropathies, myasthenia gravis and membranous nephropathy. Although the associated autoantibodies target specific antigens in different organs and thus cause diverse syndromes and diseases, they share surprising similarities in genetic predisposition, disease mechanisms, clinical course and response to therapies. IgG4-AID appear to be distinct from another group of rare immune diseases associated with IgG4, which are the IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RLD), such as IgG4-related which have distinct clinical and serological properties and are not characterized by antigen-specific IgG4. Importantly, IgG4-AID differ significantly from diseases associated with IgG1 autoantibodies targeting the same organ. This may be due to the unique functional characteristics of IgG4 autoantibodies (e.g. anti-inflammatory and functionally monovalent) that affect how the antibodies cause disease, and the differential response to immunotherapies of the IgG4 producing B cells/plasmablasts. These clinical and pathophysiological clues give important insight in the immunopathogenesis of IgG4-AID. Understanding IgG4 immunobiology is a key step towards the development of novel, IgG4 specific treatments. In this review we therefore summarize current knowledge on IgG4 regulation, the relevance of class switching in the context of health and disease, describe the cellular mechanisms involved in IgG4 production and provide an overview of treatment responses in IgG4-AID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inga Koneczny
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - John Tzartos
- Neuroimmunology, Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece
- 2nd Department of Neurology, “Attikon” University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marina Mané-Damas
- Research Group Neuroinflammation and Autoimmunity, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Vuslat Yilmaz
- Department of Neuroscience, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Maartje G. Huijbers
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Konstantinos Lazaridis
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Romana Höftberger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erdem Tüzün
- Department of Neuroscience, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Research Group Neuroinflammation and Autoimmunity, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Socrates Tzartos
- Neuroimmunology, Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Frank Leypoldt
- Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Department of Neurology, UKSH Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sun X, Xue Z, Yasin A, He Y, Chai Y, Li J, Zhang K. Colorectal Cancer and Adjacent Normal Mucosa Differ in Apoptotic and Inflammatory Protein Expression. ENGINEERED REGENERATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
10
|
Saleki K, Banazadeh M, Miri NS, Azadmehr A. Triangle of cytokine storm, central nervous system involvement, and viral infection in COVID-19: the role of sFasL and neuropilin-1. Rev Neurosci 2021; 33:147-160. [PMID: 34225390 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is identified as the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and is often linked to extreme inflammatory responses by over activation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), cytokine storm, and sepsis. These are robust causes for multi-organ damage. In particular, potential routes of SARS-CoV2 entry, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), have been linked to central nervous system (CNS) involvement. CNS has been recognized as one of the most susceptible compartments to cytokine storm, which can be affected by neuropilin-1 (NRP-1). ACE2 is widely-recognized as a SARS-CoV2 entry pathway; However, NRP-1 has been recently introduced as a novel path of viral entry. Apoptosis of cells invaded by this virus involves Fas receptor-Fas ligand (FasL) signaling; moreover, Fas receptor may function as a controller of inflammation. Furthermore, NRP-1 may influence FasL and modulate cytokine profile. The neuroimmunological insult by SARS-CoV2 infection may be inhibited by therapeutic approaches targeting soluble Fas ligand (sFasL), cytokine storm elements, or related viral entry pathways. In the current review, we explain pivotal players behind the activation of cytokine storm that are associated with vast CNS injury. We also hypothesize that sFasL may affect neuroinflammatory processes and trigger the cytokine storm in COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiarash Saleki
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, 47176-47745, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, 47176-47745, Iran
- National Elite Foundation, Mazandaran Province Branch, Tehran, 48157-66435, Iran
| | - Mohammad Banazadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, 76169-13555, Iran
| | - Niloufar Sadat Miri
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, 47176-47745, Iran
| | - Abbas Azadmehr
- National Elite Foundation, Mazandaran Province Branch, Tehran, 48157-66435, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, 47176-47745, Iran
- Medical Immunology Department, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, 47176-47745, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Koneczny I, Yilmaz V, Lazaridis K, Tzartos J, Lenz TL, Tzartos S, Tüzün E, Leypoldt F. Common Denominators in the Immunobiology of IgG4 Autoimmune Diseases: What Do Glomerulonephritis, Pemphigus Vulgaris, Myasthenia Gravis, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Autoimmune Encephalitis Have in Common? Front Immunol 2021; 11:605214. [PMID: 33584677 PMCID: PMC7878376 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.605214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IgG4 autoimmune diseases (IgG4-AID) are an emerging group of autoimmune diseases that are caused by pathogenic autoantibodies of the IgG4 subclass. It has only recently been appreciated, that members of this group share relevant immunobiological and therapeutic aspects even though different antigens, tissues and organs are affected: glomerulonephritis (kidney), pemphigus vulgaris (skin), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (hematologic system) muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) in myasthenia gravis (peripheral nervous system) and autoimmune encephalitis (central nervous system) to give some examples. In all these diseases, patients’ IgG4 subclass autoantibodies block protein-protein interactions instead of causing complement mediated tissue injury, patients respond favorably to rituximab and share a genetic predisposition: at least five HLA class II genes have been reported in individual studies to be associated with several different IgG4-AID. This suggests a role for the HLA class II region and specifically the DRβ1 chain for aberrant priming of autoreactive T-cells toward a chronic immune response skewed toward the production of IgG4 subclass autoantibodies. The aim of this review is to provide an update on findings arguing for a common pathogenic mechanism in IgG4-AID in general and to provide hypotheses about the role of distinct HLA haplotypes, T-cells and cytokines in IgG4-AID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inga Koneczny
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vuslat Yilmaz
- Department of Neuroscience, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Konstantinos Lazaridis
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - John Tzartos
- Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece.,1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Tobias L Lenz
- Research Group for Evolutionary Immunogenomics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Socrates Tzartos
- Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece.,Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Erdem Tüzün
- Department of Neuroscience, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Frank Leypoldt
- Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nygaard UC, Ulriksen ES, Hjertholm H, Sonnet F, Bølling AK, Andreassen M, Husøy T, Dirven H. Immune cell profiles associated with measured exposure to phthalates in the Norwegian EuroMix biomonitoring study - A mass cytometry approach in toxicology. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106283. [PMID: 33395934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalate exposure has been associated with immune-related diseases such as asthma and allergies, but there is limited knowledge on mechanisms, effect biomarkers and thus biological support of causality. OBJECTIVES To investigate associations between exposure to the phthalates DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) and DiNP (diisononyl phthalate) and functional immune cell profiles. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 32 healthy adult Norwegian participants in the EuroMix biomonitoring study were selected based on high or low (n = 16) levels of urine metabolites of DEHP and DiNP. High-dimensional immune cell profiling including phenotyping and functional markers was performed by mass cytometry (CyTOF) using two broad antibody panels after PMA/ionomycin-stimulation. The CITRUS algorithm with unsupervised clustering was used to identify group differences in cell subsets and expression of functional markers, verified by manual gating. RESULTS The group of participants with high phthalate exposure had a higher proportion of some particular innate immune cells, including CD11c positive NK-cell and intermediate monocyte subpopulations. The percentage of IFNγ TNFα double positive NK cells and CD11b expression in other NK cell subsets were higher in the high exposure group. Among adaptive immune cells, however, the percentage of IL-6 and TNFα expressing naïve B cell subpopulations and the percentage of particular naïve cytotoxic T cell populations were lower in the high exposure group. DISCUSSION Cell subset percentages and expression of functional markers suggest that DEHP and DiNP phthalate exposure may stimulate subsets of innate immune cells and suppress adaptive immune cell subsets. By revealing significant immunological differences even in small groups, this study illustrates the promise of the broad and deep information obtained by high-dimensional single cell analyses of human samples to answer toxicological questions regarding health effects of environmental exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Unni C Nygaard
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Emilie S Ulriksen
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hege Hjertholm
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8 Oslo, Norway
| | - Friederike Sonnet
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8 Oslo, Norway; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anette K Bølling
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8 Oslo, Norway
| | - Monica Andreassen
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8 Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine Husøy
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hubert Dirven
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yilmaz V, Tuzun E, Durmus H, Oflazer P, Aysal F, Parman Y, Gungor-Tuncer O, Deymeer F, Saruhan-Direskeneli G. The treatment effect on peripheral B cell markers in antibody positive myasthenia gravis patients. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 349:577402. [PMID: 32977248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
B cells play a major role in the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis (MG) with their ability to produce disease specific, pathogenic antibodies. However, their status during disease development and follow-up stages of the disease in the peripheral blood may need further studies to determine useful markers. In this study, we aimed to detect B cell associated factors concerning immunosuppressive treatment in generalized non-thymomatous MG patients. Although CD19+ B cell distribution did not vary among disease subgroups, expressions of both CD38 and BAFFR were altered on B cells in MG patients under immunosuppressive therapy. Serum levels of BAFF were elevated in untreated MG patients as compared to treated MG patients and healthy controls. B cell activation factors may show profound alterations due to immunosuppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Yilmaz
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul University, Turkey; Department of Neuroscience, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey..
| | - E Tuzun
- Department of Neuroscience, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - H Durmus
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - P Oflazer
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - F Aysal
- Department of Neurology, Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases, Turkey
| | - Y Parman
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - O Gungor-Tuncer
- Department of Neurology, Sisli Florence Nightingale Hospital, Demiroglu Bilim University, Turkey
| | - F Deymeer
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Howlett-Prieto Q, Langer C, Rezania K, Soliven B. Modulation of immune responses by bile acid receptor agonists in myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 349:577397. [PMID: 32979707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Bile acids bind to multiple receptors, including Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) and farnesoid-X-receptors alpha (FXRα). We compared the response of PBMCs to the activation of these receptors in healthy controls and myasthenic patients. We found that TGR5 is a more potent negative regulator of T cell cytokine response than FXRα in both groups. In contrast, TGR5 and FXRα agonists elicit distinct B cell responses in myasthenia compared to controls, specifically on the frequency of IL-6+ B cells and regulatory B cells, as well as IL-10 secretion from PBMCs. We propose that TGR5 is a potential therapeutic target in myasthenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Howlett-Prieto
- Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States of America
| | - Collin Langer
- Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States of America
| | - Kourosh Rezania
- Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States of America
| | - Betty Soliven
- Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Uzawa A, Kuwabara S, Suzuki S, Imai T, Murai H, Ozawa Y, Yasuda M, Nagane Y, Utsugisawa K. Roles of cytokines and T cells in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 203:366-374. [PMID: 33184844 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue caused by the presence of autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or the muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). Activated T, B and plasma cells, as well as cytokines, play important roles in the production of pathogenic autoantibodies and the induction of inflammation at the neuromuscular junction in MG. Many studies have focused on the role of cytokines and lymphocytes in anti-AChR antibody-positive MG. Chronic inflammation mediated by T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, the promotion of autoantibody production from B cells and plasma cells by follicular Th (Tfh) cells and the activation of the immune response by dysfunction of regulatory T (Treg ) cells may contribute to the exacerbation of the MG pathogenesis. In fact, an increased number of Th17 cells and Tfh cells and dysfunction of Treg cells have been reported in patients with anti-AChR antibody-positive MG; moreover, the number of these cells was correlated with clinical parameters in patients with MG. Regarding cytokines, interleukin (IL)-17; a Th17-related cytokine, IL-21 (a Tfh-related cytokine), the B-cell-activating factor (BAFF; a B cell-related cytokine) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL; a B cell-related cytokine) have been reported to be up-regulated and associated with clinical parameters of MG. This review focuses on the current understanding of the involvement of cytokines and lymphocytes in the immunological pathogenesis of MG, which may lead to the development of novel therapies for this disease in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Uzawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - S Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - S Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Imai
- Department of Neurology, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - H Murai
- Department of Neurology, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan
| | - Y Ozawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - M Yasuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Y Nagane
- Department of Neurology, Hanamaki General Hospital, Hanamaki, Japan
| | - K Utsugisawa
- Department of Neurology, Hanamaki General Hospital, Hanamaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang XM, Liu CY, Shao ZH. Advances in the role of helper T cells in autoimmune diseases. Chin Med J (Engl) 2020; 133:968-974. [PMID: 32187054 PMCID: PMC7176439 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are primary immune diseases in which autoreactive antibodies or sensitized lymphocytes destroy and damage tissue and cellular components, resulting in tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Helper T cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases under certain conditions. This review summarizes recent research on the role of helper T cells in autoimmune diseases from two aspects, helper T cell-mediated production of autoantibodies by B cells and helper T cell-induced activation of abnormal lymphocytes, and provides ideas for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The abnormal expression of helper T cells promotes the differentiation of B cells that produce autoantibodies, which leads to the development of different diseases. Among them, abnormal expression of Th2 cells and T follicular helper cells is more likely to cause antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. In addition, abnormal activation of helper T cells also mediates autoimmune diseases through the production of abnormal cytokines and chemokines. Helper T cells play an essential role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, and a full understanding of their role in autoimmune diseases is helpful for providing ideas for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Mei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hu Y, Wang J, Rao J, Xu X, Cheng Y, Yan L, Wu Y, Wu N, Wu X. Comparison of peripheral blood B cell subset ratios and B cell-related cytokine levels between ocular and generalized myasthenia gravis. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 80:106130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
18
|
Myasthenia Gravis: Pathogenic Effects of Autoantibodies on Neuromuscular Architecture. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070671. [PMID: 31269763 PMCID: PMC6678492 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Autoantibodies target key molecules at the NMJ, such as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR), muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp4), that lead by a range of different pathogenic mechanisms to altered tissue architecture and reduced densities or functionality of AChRs, reduced neuromuscular transmission, and therefore a severe fatigable skeletal muscle weakness. In this review, we give an overview of the history and clinical aspects of MG, with a focus on the structure and function of myasthenic autoantigens at the NMJ and how they are affected by the autoantibodies' pathogenic mechanisms. Furthermore, we give a short overview of the cells that are implicated in the production of the autoantibodies and briefly discuss diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies.
Collapse
|
19
|
Onesti E, Frasca V, Ceccanti M, Tartaglia G, Gori MC, Cambieri C, Libonati L, Palma E, Inghilleri M. Short-Term Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide Therapy in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: a Pilot Study to Possible Future Implications of Treatment. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2019; 18:232-238. [DOI: 10.2174/1871527318666190131121827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: The cannabinoid system may be involved in the humoral mechanisms at the
neuromuscular junction. Ultramicronized-palmitoylethanolamide (μm-PEA) has recently been
shown to reduce the desensitization of Acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked currents in denervated patients
modifying the stability of ACh receptor (AChR) function.
<p>
Objective: To analyze the possible beneficial effects of μm-PEA in patients with myasthenia gravis
(MG) on muscular fatigue and neurophysiological changes.
<p>
Method: The duration of this open pilot study, which included an intra-individual control, was three
weeks. Each patient was assigned to a 1-week treatment period with μm-PEA 600 mg twice a day. A
neurophysiological examination based on repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) of the masseteric and the
axillary nerves was performed, and the quantitative MG (QMG) score was calculated in 22 MG patients
every week in a three-week follow-up period. AChR antibody titer was investigated to analyze a
possible immunomodulatory effect of PEA in MG patients.
<p>
Results: PEA had a significant effect on the QMG score (p=0.03418) and on RNS of the masseteric
nerve (p=0.01763), thus indicating that PEA reduces the level of disability and decremental muscle response.
Antibody titers did not change significantly after treatment.
<p>
Conclusion: According to our observations, μm-PEA as an add-on therapy could improve muscular
response to fatigue in MG. The possible modulation of AChR currents as a means of eliciting a direct
effect from PEA on the conformation of ACh receptors should be investigated. The co-role of cytokines
also warrants an analysis. Given the rapidity and reversibility of the response, we suppose that
PEA acts directly on AChR, though further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Onesti
- Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Frasca
- Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Tartaglia
- Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gori
- Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cambieri
- Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Libonati
- Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute Pasteur- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhao M, Duan N, Wang Y, Zhu H, Liu H, Wang H, Xing L, Shao Z. CD5+ B lymphocytes secrete IL-10 rather than TGF-β1 which control the immune response in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia/Evans syndrome. Autoimmunity 2019; 52:12-20. [PMID: 30784322 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2019.1576644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manjun Zhao
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ningning Duan
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongli Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Jining No. 1 People’s Hospital, Shandong, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huaquan Wang
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Limin Xing
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zonghong Shao
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hocaoğlu M, Durmuş H, Özkan B, Yentür SP, Doğan Ö, Parman Y, Deymeer F, Saruhan-Direskeneli G. Increased costimulatory molecule expression of thymic and peripheral B cells and a sensitivity to IL-21 in myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol 2018; 323:36-42. [PMID: 30196831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
B cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis with anti-acetylcholine antibodies (AChR+ MG) by co-stimulation or selection of T cells. In this study, we investigated costimulatory molecules on B cells in the blood and in the thymus as well as by TLR9 and IL-21 stimulations in AChR+ MG patients with or without immunosuppressive treatment and controls. CD80 and CD86 expression on B cells was increased in the peripheral blood and in the thymus of untreated patients. CD86 was further amplified by IL-21. A role for activated B cells, active thymic environment and IL-21 is implicated in MG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Hocaoğlu
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hacer Durmuş
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berker Özkan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sibel P Yentür
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Öner Doğan
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yeşim Parman
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feza Deymeer
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Huijbers MG, Plomp JJ, van der Maarel SM, Verschuuren JJ. IgG4-mediated autoimmune diseases: a niche of antibody-mediated disorders. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1413:92-103. [PMID: 29377160 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin 4 (IgG4) is one of four human IgG subclasses and has several unique functional characteristics. It exhibits low affinity for complement and for most Fc receptors. It furthermore has generally high affinity for its antigen, with binding occurring in a monovalent fashion, as IgG4 can exchange Fab-arms with other IgG4 molecules. Because of these characteristics, IgG4 is believed to block its targets and prevent inflammation, which, depending on the setting, can have a protective or pathogenic effect. One example of IgG4 pathogenicity is muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) myasthenia gravis (MG), in which patients develop IgG4 MuSK autoantibodies, resulting in muscle weakness. As a consequence of the distinct IgG4 characteristics, the pathomechanism of MuSK MG is very different from IgG1-and IgG3-mediated autoimmune diseases, such as acetylcholine receptor MG. In recent years, new autoantibodies in a spectrum of autoimmune diseases have been discovered. Interestingly, some were found to be predominantly IgG4. These IgG4-mediated autoimmune diseases share many pathomechanistic aspects with MuSK MG, suggesting that IgG4-mediated autoimmunity forms a separate niche among the antibody-mediated disorders. In this review, we summarize the group of IgG4-mediated autoimmune diseases, discuss the role of IgG4 in MuSK MG, and highlight interesting future research questions for IgG4-mediated autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maartje G Huijbers
- Departments of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap J Plomp
- Departments of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jan J Verschuuren
- Departments of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Changes in inflammatory cytokine networks in myasthenia gravis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25886. [PMID: 27172995 PMCID: PMC4865732 DOI: 10.1038/srep25886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmunological inflammatory disorder of the neuromuscular junction. Inflammation could be a key player for understanding the pathogenesis of MG. We measured the serum levels of 24 inflammatory cytokines in 43 patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG and 25 healthy controls. In patients with MG, serum levels of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), IL-19, IL-20, IL-28A and IL-35 were significantly increased as compared with controls (p < 0.05). Among them, IL-20, IL-28A and IL-35 were significantly decreased after treatment (p < 0.05). In clinical subtype analyses, APRIL and IL-20 were increased in patients with late-onset MG and IL-28A levels were increased in patients with thymoma-associated MG compared with healthy controls (p < 0.01). The results of the present study demonstrate both anti-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines are upregulated in MG, reflecting the importance of cytokine-mediated inflammation and its regulation in MG pathophysiology.
Collapse
|
24
|
Sheng JR, Rezania K, Soliven B. Impaired regulatory B cells in myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol 2016; 297:38-45. [PMID: 27397074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory B cells (Bregs) attenuate the severity of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) in an interleukin-10 (IL-10)-dependent manner. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of human Bregs in MG focusing on CD19(+)CD1d(hi) CD5(+) and CD19(+)CD24(hi)CD38(hi) subsets. We found that MG patients exhibited a decrease in the frequency of both Breg subsets and IL-10 producing B cells within each subset, which correlated with disease severity. In addition, there was impaired suppression of Th1 polarization in MG. These findings, taken together with EAMG data, indicate that Bregs play an important role in regulating the severity of MG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Rong Sheng
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Kourosh Rezania
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Betty Soliven
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sheng JR, Quan S, Soliven B. IL-10 derived from CD1dhiCD5⁺ B cells regulates experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol 2015; 289:130-8. [PMID: 26616882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
IL-10-competent subset within CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells, also known as B10 cells, has been shown to regulate autoimmune diseases. In our previous study, adoptive transfer of CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells expanded in vivo by GM-CSF prevented and suppressed experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). The goal of this study was to further examine the role and mechanism of IL-10 in the regulatory function of B10 cells in EAMG. We found that only IL-10 competent CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells sorted from WT mice, but not IL-10 deficient CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells exhibited regulatory function in vitro and in vivo. Adoptive transfer of IL-10 competent CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells led to higher frequency of Tregs and B10 cells, and low levels of proinflammatory cytokines and autoantibody production. We conclude that IL-10 production within CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells plays an important role in immune regulation of EAMG.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer/methods
- Animals
- Antigens, CD1d/metabolism
- B-Lymphocyte Subsets/chemistry
- CD5 Antigens/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation/physiology
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Interleukin-10/genetics
- Interleukin-10/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Myasthenia Gravis, Autoimmune, Experimental/chemically induced
- Myasthenia Gravis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Myasthenia Gravis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Myasthenia Gravis, Autoimmune, Experimental/physiopathology
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Receptors, Nicotinic/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Rong Sheng
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Songhua Quan
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Betty Soliven
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Differential Cytokine Changes in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis with Antibodies against AChR and MuSK. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123546. [PMID: 25893403 PMCID: PMC4403992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular transmission failure in myasthenia gravis (MG) is most commonly elicited by autoantibodies (ab) to the acetylcholine receptor or the muscle-specific kinase, constituting AChR-MG and MuSK-MG. It is controversial whether these MG subtypes arise through different T helper (Th) 1, Th2 or Th17 polarized immune reactions and how these reactions are blunted by immunosuppression. To address these questions, plasma levels of cytokines related to various Th subtypes were determined in patients with AChR-MG, MuSK-MG and healthy controls (CON). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were activated in vitro by anti-CD3, and cytokines were quantified in supernatants. In purified blood CD4+ T cells, RNA of various cytokines, Th subtype specific transcription factors and the co-stimulatory molecule, CD40L, were quantified by qRT-PCR. Plasma levels of Th1, Th2 and Th17 related cytokines were overall not significantly different between MG subtypes and CON. By contrast, in vitro stimulated PBMC from MuSK-MG but not AChR-MG patients showed significantly increased secretion of the Th1, Th17 and T follicular helper cell related cytokines, IFN-γ, IL-17A and IL-21. Stimulated expression of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13 was not significantly different. At the RNA level, expression of CD40L by CD4+ T cells was reduced in both AChR-MG and MuSK-MG patients while expression of Th subset related cytokines and transcription factors were normal. Immunosuppression treatment had two effects: First, it reduced levels of IL12p40 in the plasma of AChR-MG and MuSK-MG patients, leaving other cytokine levels unchanged; second, it reduced spontaneous secretion of IFN-γ and increased secretion of IL-6 and IL-10 by cultured PBMC from AChR-MG, but not MuSK-MG patients. We conclude that Th1 and Th17 immune reactions play a role in MuSK-MG. Immunosuppression attenuates the Th1 response in AChR-MG and MuSK-MG, but otherwise modulates immune responses in AChR-MG and MuSK-MG patients differentially.
Collapse
|