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Yang Y, Shen Z, Shi F, Wang F, Wen N. Efgartigimod as a novel FcRn inhibitor for autoimmune disease. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:4229-4241. [PMID: 38644454 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies can lead to the formation of autoimmune diseases through Fab and/or Fc-mediated interactions with host molecules as well as activated T cells. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) binds at acidic pH IgG and albumin, and the mechanism for prolonging serum IgG half-life is making IgG re-entry into circulation by prompting it not to be degraded by lysosomes and back to the cell surface. Given the FcRn receptor's essential role in IgG homeostasis, one of the strategies to promote the quick degradation of endogenous IgG is to suppress the function of FcRn, which is beneficial to the treatment of IgG-driven autoimmune disorders like myasthenia gravis (MG), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), stiff person syndrome, and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). We elaborately read the literature about efgartigimod and systematically reviewed the research progress and clinical application of this novel FcRn inhibitor in autoimmune diseases. Efgartigimod is the firstly FcRn antagonist developed and was approved on 17 December 2021 by the United States for the therapy of acetylcholine receptor-positive MG. In January 2022, efgartigimod received its second regulatory approval in Japan. In addition, the market authorization application in Europe was submitted and validated in August 2021. China's National Medical Products Administration officially accepted the marketing application of efgartigimod on July 13, 2022. To suppress the function of FcRn, which is beneficial to the treatment of IgG-driven autoimmune disorders like MG, CIDP, ITP, and stiff person syndrome. We review the rationale, clinical evidence, and future perspectives of efgartigimod for the treatment of autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- Department of Stomatology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Zhengxuan Shen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Fan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Shan'xi, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China.
| | - Ning Wen
- Department of Orthodontics, Hangzhou Dental Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People's Republic of China.
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Tedbirt B, Maho-Vaillant M, Houivet E, Mignard C, Golinski ML, Calbo S, Prost-Squarcioni C, Labeille B, Picard-Dahan C, Chaby G, Richard MA, Tancrede-Bohin E, Duvert-Lehembre S, Delaporte E, Bernard P, Caux F, Alexandre M, Musette P, Ingen-Housz-Oro S, Vabres P, Quereux G, Dupuy A, Debarbieux S, Avenel-Audran M, D’Incan M, Bédane C, Bénéton N, Jullien D, Dupin N, Misery L, Machet L, Beylot-Barry M, Dereure O, Sassolas B, Benichou J, Joly P, Hébert V. Sustained Remission Without Corticosteroids Among Patients With Pemphigus Who Had Rituximab as First-Line Therapy: Follow-Up of the Ritux 3 Trial. JAMA Dermatol 2024; 160:290-296. [PMID: 38265821 PMCID: PMC10809134 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.5679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Importance The Ritux 3 trial demonstrated the short-term efficacy and safety of first-line treatment with rituximab compared with a standard corticosteroid regimen in pemphigus. No data on the long-term follow-up of patients who received rituximab as first line are available. Objective To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of the Ritux 3 treatment regimen. Design, Setting, and Participants This 7-year follow-up study of the Ritux 3 trial included patients with pemphigus from 25 dermatology departments in France from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2015. Exposure Patients were initially randomized in the rituximab plus prednisone group or prednisone-alone group. Main outcomes and measures The primary outcome was the 5- and 7-year disease-free survival (DFS) without corticosteroids, assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves. Secondary outcomes were occurrence of relapse, occurrence of severe adverse events (SAEs), and evolution of antidesmoglein (Dsg) antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay values to predict long-term relapse. Results Of the 90 patients in the Ritux 3 trial, 83 were evaluated at the end of follow-up study visit (44 in the rituximab plus prednisone group; 39 in the prednisone-alone group) with a median (IQR) follow-up of 87.3 (79.1-97.5) months. Forty-three patients (93%) from the rituximab plus prednisone and 17 patients (39%) from the prednisone-alone group had achieved complete remission without corticosteroids at any time during the follow-up. Patients from the rituximab group had much longer 5- and 7-year DFS without corticosteroids than patients from the prednisone-alone group (76.7% and 72.1% vs 35.3% and 35.3%, respectively; P < .001), and had about half the relapses (42.2% vs 83.7%; P < .001). Patients who received rituximab as second-line treatment had shorter DFS than patients treated as first line (P = .007). Fewer SAEs were reported in the rituximab plus prednisone group compared with the prednisone-alone group, 31 vs 58 respectively, corresponding to 0.67 and 1.32 SAEs per patient, respectively (P = .003). The combination of anti-Dsg1 values of 20 or more IU/mL and/or anti-Dsg3 values of 48 or more IU/mL yielded 0.83 positive predictive value and 0.94 negative predictive value to predict long-term relapse. Conclusions and Relevance In this secondary analysis of the Ritux 3 trail, first-line treatment of patients with pemphigus with the Ritux 3 regimen was associated with long-term sustained complete remission without corticosteroid therapy without any additional maintenance infusion of rituximab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billal Tedbirt
- Department of Dermatology, CHU Rouen and INSERM U1234, Normandie University, Rouen, France
| | - Maud Maho-Vaillant
- Department of Dermatology, CHU Rouen and INSERM U1234, Normandie University, Rouen, France
| | - Estelle Houivet
- Department of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, CHU Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Claire Mignard
- Department of Dermatology, CHU Rouen and INSERM U1234, Normandie University, Rouen, France
| | - Marie-Laure Golinski
- Department of Dermatology, CHU Rouen and INSERM U1234, Normandie University, Rouen, France
| | - Sébastien Calbo
- Department of Dermatology, CHU Rouen and INSERM U1234, Normandie University, Rouen, France
| | - Catherine Prost-Squarcioni
- Department of Dermatology, Centre de référence des maladies bulleuses auto-immunes, Avicenne Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University of Paris 13, Bobigny, France
| | - Bruno Labeille
- Department of Dermatology, University of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
| | | | - Guillaume Chaby
- Department of Dermatology, University of Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Marie-Aleth Richard
- CEReSS-EA 3279, Research Centre in Health Services and Quality of Life Aix Marseille University, Dermatology Department, Universitaire Hospital Timone, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, APHM, 13385, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Frédéric Caux
- Department of Dermatology, Centre de référence des maladies bulleuses auto-immunes, Avicenne Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University of Paris 13, Bobigny, France
| | - Marina Alexandre
- Department of Dermatology, Centre de référence des maladies bulleuses auto-immunes, Avicenne Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University of Paris 13, Bobigny, France
| | - Philippe Musette
- Department of Dermatology, Centre de référence des maladies bulleuses auto-immunes, Avicenne Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University of Paris 13, Bobigny, France
| | - Saskia Ingen-Housz-Oro
- Department of Dermatology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Henri Mondor Hospital, Univ Paris Est Créteil EpiDermE, Créteil, France
| | - Pierre Vabres
- Department of Dermatology, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Gaëlle Quereux
- Department of Dermatology, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Alain Dupuy
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Sébastien Debarbieux
- Department of Dermatology, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, Lyon, France
| | | | - Michel D’Incan
- Department of Dermatology, University of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Nathalie Bénéton
- Department of Dermatology, Le Mans General Hospital, Le Mans, France
| | - Denis Jullien
- Department of Dermatology, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon Claude Bernard University, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Dupin
- Department of Dermatology, APHP and University of Paris cité, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Misery
- Department of Dermatology, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - Laurent Machet
- Department of Dermatology, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France
| | | | - Olivier Dereure
- Department of Dermatology, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Bruno Sassolas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - Jacques Benichou
- Department of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, CHU Rouen and Inserm U1018, Université Paris-Saclay and Université de Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Pascal Joly
- Department of Dermatology, CHU Rouen and INSERM U1234, Normandie University, Rouen, France
| | - Vivien Hébert
- Department of Dermatology, CHU Rouen and INSERM U1234, Normandie University, Rouen, France
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Perico L, Casiraghi F, Sônego F, Todeschini M, Corna D, Cerullo D, Pezzotta A, Isnard-Petit P, Faravelli S, Forneris F, Thiam K, Benigni A, Remuzzi G. Bi-specific autoantigen-T cell engagers as targeted immunotherapy for autoreactive B cell depletion in autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335998. [PMID: 38469301 PMCID: PMC10926275 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In autoimmune diseases, autoreactive B cells comprise only the 0.1-0.5% of total circulating B cells. However, current first-line treatments rely on non-specific and general suppression of the immune system, exposing patients to severe side effects. For this reason, identification of targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases is an unmet clinical need. Methods Here, we designed a novel class of immunotherapeutic molecules, Bi-specific AutoAntigen-T cell Engagers (BiAATEs), as a potential approach for targeting the small subset of autoreactive B cells. To test this approach, we focused on a prototype autoimmune disease of the kidney, membranous nephropathy (MN), in which phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) serves as primary nephritogenic antigen. Specifically, we developed a BiAATE consisting of the immunodominant Cysteine-Rich (CysR) domain of PLA2R and the single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of an antibody against the T cell antigen CD3, connected by a small flexible linker. Results BiAATE creates an immunological synapse between autoreactive B cells bearing an CysR-specific surface Ig+ and T cells. Ex vivo, the BiAATE successfully induced T cell-dependent depletion of PLA2R-specific B cells isolated form MN patients, sparing normal B cells. Systemic administration of BiAATE to mice transgenic for human CD3 reduced anti-PLA2R antibody levels following active immunization with PLA2R. Discussion Should this approach be confirmed for other autoimmune diseases, BiAATEs could represent a promising off-the-shelf therapy for precision medicine in virtually all antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases for which the pathogenic autoantigen is known, leading to a paradigm shift in the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Perico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federica Casiraghi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Marta Todeschini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Corna
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Domenico Cerullo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Anna Pezzotta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Faravelli
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federico Forneris
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Kader Thiam
- Preclinical Models & Services, genOway, Lyon, France
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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Lee EG, Oh JE. From neglect to spotlight: the underappreciated role of B cells in cutaneous inflammatory diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1328785. [PMID: 38426103 PMCID: PMC10902158 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1328785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The skin, covering our entire body as its largest organ, manifests enormous complexities and a profound interplay of systemic and local responses. In this heterogeneous domain, B cells were considered strangers. Yet, recent studies have highlighted their existence in the skin and their distinct role in modulating cutaneous immunity across various immune contexts. Accumulating evidence is progressively shedding light on the significance of B cells in maintaining skin health and in skin disorders. Herein, we integrate current insights on the systemic and local contributions of B cells in three prevalent inflammatory skin conditions: Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Atopic Dermatitis (AD), underscoring the previously underappreciated importance of B cells within skin immunity. Moreover, we address the potential adverse effects of current treatments used for skin diseases, emphasizing their unintentional consequences on B cells. These comprehensive approaches may pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that effectively address the intricate nature of skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Gang Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Oh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- BioMedical Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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5
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Egami S, Watanabe T, Fukushima-Nomura A, Nomura H, Takahashi H, Yamagami J, Ohara O, Amagai M. Desmoglein-Specific B-Cell-Targeted Single-Cell Analysis Revealing Unique Gene Regulation in Patients with Pemphigus. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:1919-1928.e16. [PMID: 36997112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.03.1661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Autoreactive B cells are assumed to play a critical role in pemphigus; however, the characteristics of these cells are not yet fully understood. In this study, 23 pemphigus vulgaris or pemphigus foliaceus samples were used to isolate circulating desmoglein (DSG)-specific B cells. Transcriptome analysis of the samples was performed at the single-cell level to detect genes involved in disease activity. DSG1- or DSG3-specific B cells from three patients' differentially expressed genes related to T cell costimulation (CD137L) as well as B-cell differentiation (CD9, BATF, TIMP1) and inflammation (S100A8, S100A9, CCR3), compared with nonspecific B cells from the same patients. When the DSG1-specific B cells before and after treatment transcriptomes of the patient with pemphigus foliaceus were compared, there were changes in several B-cell activation pathways not detected in non-DSG1-specific B cells. This study clarifies the transcriptomic profile of autoreactive B cells in patients with pemphigus and documents the gene expression related to disease activity. Our approach can be applied to other autoimmune diseases and has the potential for future detection of disease-specific autoimmune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Egami
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Laboratory for Skin Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Watanabe
- Laboratory for integrative genomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hisashi Nomura
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hayato Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Yamagami
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Ohara
- Laboratory for integrative genomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Amagai
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Laboratory for Skin Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Tokyo, Japan.
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Araghi F, Dadkhahfar S, Robati RM, Tabary M, Shahidi-Dadras M. The emerging role of T cells in pemphigus vulgaris: a systematic review. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:1045-1054. [PMID: 35925475 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00855-8] [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: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris is a potential life-threatening autoimmune bullous disorder. The significant role of autoreactive B cells in the pathogenesis of PV has been explained extensively by producing autoantibodies. Recently, attention has been directed toward the role of T cells in the pathogenesis of PV; in other words, the underlying etiology of PV depends on the interaction between T cells and B cells resulting in antibody secretion. Herein, we systematically review the current literature on the emerging role of T cells in PV. To perform this systematic review, an extensive search through EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and ISI databases was performed from 1976 through 2021. Articles investigating the function of T cell subgroups in the pathogenesis or treatment of pemphigus vulgaris were included and reviewed. It is evidenced that T cells play a pivotal role in PV pathogenesis. Th1 and Th2 dichotomy including Th1 suppression and Th2 elevation may induce antibody production against desmoglein in keratinocytes. Furthermore, increased level of Th17 and decreased level of regulatory T cells have been detected in PV patients. However, further studies on the exact role of γδ-T cells in PV are required in order to clarify the pathogenesis of PV. T cells and their subtypes can be involved in the pathogenesis of PV. Thus, they can be considered as tentative targets of novel therapies for PV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Araghi
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Dadkhahfar
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza M Robati
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Dermatology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Tabary
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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7
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Mei Y, Xin Y, Li X, Yin H, Xiong F, Yang M, Wu H. Aberrant expression of JMJD3 in SLE promotes B-cell differentiation. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152347. [PMID: 36791533 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical autoimmune disease distinguished by multiple organ dysfunction, which is related to a variety of causative factors. B-cell overactivation is a key factor in SLE. However, the pathogenesis underlying anomalous B cells has not been well elucidated. B-cell fate is regulated in diverse epigenetic ways apart from traditional ways. As one of the mechanisms of epigenetics, histone modification mainly affects transcription and translation by changing the chemical groups on histones by histone modification enzymes. JMJD3, a histone demethylase, can promote T-cell proliferation in SLE patients, which exacerbates SLE. However, the mechanism of JMJD3 in B cells in SLE has not been studied. Here, we found that the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of JMJD3 in classical memory B cells (CMBs) was higher than that in naïve B cells (NBs) from human tonsil tissue; JMJD3 was overexpressed in B cells from the peripheral blood of SLE patients compared with healthy controls (HCs). In vitro, our experiment showed that JMJD3 could regulate B-cell differentiation by promoting naïve B-cell differentiation into CD27+ B cells, and Blimp-1 and Bcl-6 also decreased after inhibitor treatment. These findings provide a new direction for the pathogenesis of SLE and may supply a new idea for subsequent drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Mei
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Xin
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Heng Yin
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Feng Xiong
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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8
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Cole C, Amber KT. Off-Label Uses of Rituximab in Dermatology. CURRENT DERMATOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 11:209-220. [PMID: 36217351 PMCID: PMC9534735 DOI: 10.1007/s13671-022-00375-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Rituximab has transformed the treatment of B-cell malignancies and rheumatoid arthritis in the past 2 decades. More recently, this anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody has seen increasing usage in the field of dermatology. This review highlights the evidence supporting its use in several important dermatologic conditions. Recent Findings Key recent findings include the 2018 FDA approval of rituximab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pemphigus. Summary Data from randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of rituximab in pemphigus, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. More limited data suggests its use in recalcitrant cases of diseases such as pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and dermatomyositis. There is scarce evidence and mixed results for rituximab when studied in cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa and cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Cole
- Division of Dermatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kyle T. Amber
- Division of Dermatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
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9
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Wu T, Kong M, Xin XJ, Liu RQ, Wang HD, Song MZ, Xu WP, Yuan YB, Yang YY, Xiao PX. Epigenetic repression of THBD transcription by BRG1 contributes to deep vein thrombosis. Thromb Res 2022; 219:121-132. [PMID: 36162255 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2022.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with its major complication, pulmonary embolism, is a global health problem. Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of DVT. We have previously demonstrated that endothelial specific deletion of Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) ameliorates atherosclerosis and aneurysm in animal models. Whether endothelial BRG1 contributes to DVT development remains undetermined. METHODS DVT was induced in mice by ligation of inferior vena cava. Deletion of BRG1 in endothelial cells was achieved by crossing the Cdh5-ERT-Cre mice with the Brg1loxp/loxp mice. RESULTS Here we report that compared to the wild type mice, BRG1 conditional knockout (CKO) mice displayed substantially decreased DVT susceptibility characterized by decreased weight and size of thrombus and reduced immune infiltration. In endothelial cells, thrombomodulin (THBD) expression was significantly decreased by TNF-α stimulation, while BRG1 knockdown or inhibition recovered THBD expression. Further analysis revealed that BRG1 deficiency decreased the CpG methylation levels of the THBD promoter induced by TNF-α. Mechanistically, BRG1 directly upregulated DNMT1 expression after TNF-α treatment in endothelial cells. More importantly, administration of a small-molecule BRG1 inhibitor PFI-3 displayed potent preventive and therapeutic potentials in the DVT model. CONCLUSIONS Our findings implicate BRG1 as an important regulator of DVT pathogenesis likely through epigenetic regulation of THBD expression in endothelial cells and provide translational proof-of-concept for targeting BRG1 in DVT intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center for Experimental Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma, Ministry of Education, College of Emergency and Trauma, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Xin
- Department of Cardiology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui-Qi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui-di Wang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming-Zi Song
- Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine and Department of Clinical Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Ping Xu
- Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine and Department of Clinical Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Biao Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center for Experimental Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yu-Yu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ping-Xi Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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10
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Pemphigus for the Inpatient Dermatologist. CURRENT DERMATOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13671-022-00369-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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11
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Maho-Vaillant M, Sips M, Golinski ML, Vidarsson G, Goebeler M, Stoevesandt J, Bata-Csörgő Z, Balbino B, Verheesen P, Joly P, Hertl M, Calbo S. FcRn Antagonism Leads to a Decrease of Desmoglein-Specific B Cells: Secondary Analysis of a Phase 2 Study of Efgartigimod in Pemphigus Vulgaris and Pemphigus Foliaceus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:863095. [PMID: 35663943 PMCID: PMC9157593 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.863095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels are maintained by the IgG-recycling neonatal Fc-receptor (FcRn). Pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus are debilitating autoimmune disorders triggered by IgG autoantibodies against mucosal and epidermal desmogleins. Recently, a phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03334058; https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT03334058) was completed in participants with pemphigus using efgartigimod, an FcRn inhibitor, in combination with prednisone. Efgartigimod demonstrated an early effect on diease activity and was well tolerated. In addition to the safety and efficacy assessment, clinical trials present an opportunity to gain more insights into the mechanism of disease, the mode of action of treatment, and potential for corticosteroid-sparing activity. Objective The aim of our study was to assess the impact of FcRn antagonism by efgartigimod on immunological parameters known to be directly involved in pemphigus pathology, such as cellular and serological responses. Methods We investigated total and antigen-specific IgG subclass level kinetics during and after treatment, assessed antigen-specific B-cell responses, followed T- and B-cell immunophenotypes, and analyzed how different immunophenotypes link to clinical response. Results Treatment resulted in reduction of total IgG as well as autoreactive IgG antibody levels. Surprisingly, unlike total IgG and vaccine- or natural-infection-elicited IgG, which returned to baseline levels after stopping efgartigimod treatment, autoreactive antibody levels remained low in several study participants. Efgartigimod showed no effect on total leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, or lymphocytes in patients treated with extended efgartigimod therapy. Intriguingly, antigen-specific analyses revealed a loss of desmoglein-specific B cells in several participants responding to efgartigimod, in line with prolonged reduction of pathogenic IgG levels. Conclusions Efgartigimod treatment of participants with pemphigus improved their conditions and exerted an immunomodulatory effect beyond the blockade of IgG recycling. Further studies in larger populations with an appropriate placebo control are needed to confirm these potentially important observations to establish long-term clinical responses in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Maho-Vaillant
- Department of Dermatology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
- INSERM U1234, Normandie University, Rouen, France
| | | | - Marie-Laure Golinski
- Department of Dermatology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
- INSERM U1234, Normandie University, Rouen, France
| | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matthias Goebeler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Stoevesandt
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Pascal Joly
- Department of Dermatology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Michael Hertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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12
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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] [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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Koneczny
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Inga Koneczny,
| | - 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
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13
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Fukasawa T, Yoshizaki A, Ebata S, Yoshizaki-Ogawa A, Asano Y, Enomoto A, Miyagawa K, Kazoe Y, Mawatari K, Kitamori T, Sato S. Single-cell-level protein analysis revealing the roles of autoantigen-reactive B lymphocytes in autoimmune disease and the murine model. eLife 2021; 10:e67209. [PMID: 34854378 PMCID: PMC8639144 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite antigen affinity of B cells varying from cell to cell, functional analyses of antigen-reactive B cells on individual B cells are missing due to technical difficulties. Especially in the field of autoimmune diseases, promising pathogenic B cells have not been adequately studied to date because of its rarity. In this study, functions of autoantigen-reactive B cells in autoimmune disease were analyzed at the single-cell level. Since topoisomerase I is a distinct autoantigen, we targeted systemic sclerosis as autoimmune disease. Decreased and increased affinities for topoisomerase I of topoisomerase I-reactive B cells led to anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokine production associated with the inhibition and development of fibrosis, which is the major symptom of systemic sclerosis. Furthermore, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and increased affinity of topoisomerase I-reactive B cells suppressed fibrosis. These results indicate that autoantigen-reactive B cells contribute to the disease manifestations in autoimmune disease through their antigen affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takemichi Fukasawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Satoshi Ebata
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Asako Yoshizaki-Ogawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Laboratory of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kiyoshi Miyagawa
- Laboratory of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yutaka Kazoe
- Department of System Design Engineering, Keio university, Faculty of Science and technologyTokyoJapan
| | - Kazuma Mawatari
- Department of Applied Chemistry, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of EngineeringTokyoJapan
| | - Takehiko Kitamori
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of EngineeringTokyoJapan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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Bonasia CG, Abdulahad WH, Rutgers A, Heeringa P, Bos NA. B Cell Activation and Escape of Tolerance Checkpoints: Recent Insights from Studying Autoreactive B Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051190. [PMID: 34068035 PMCID: PMC8152463 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoreactive B cells are key drivers of pathogenic processes in autoimmune diseases by the production of autoantibodies, secretion of cytokines, and presentation of autoantigens to T cells. However, the mechanisms that underlie the development of autoreactive B cells are not well understood. Here, we review recent studies leveraging novel techniques to identify and characterize (auto)antigen-specific B cells. The insights gained from such studies pertaining to the mechanisms involved in the escape of tolerance checkpoints and the activation of autoreactive B cells are discussed. In addition, we briefly highlight potential therapeutic strategies to target and eliminate autoreactive B cells in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo G. Bonasia
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 Groningen, GZ, The Netherlands; (C.G.B.); (W.H.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Wayel H. Abdulahad
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 Groningen, GZ, The Netherlands; (C.G.B.); (W.H.A.); (A.R.)
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 Groningen, GZ, The Netherlands;
| | - Abraham Rutgers
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 Groningen, GZ, The Netherlands; (C.G.B.); (W.H.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 Groningen, GZ, The Netherlands;
| | - Nicolaas A. Bos
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 Groningen, GZ, The Netherlands; (C.G.B.); (W.H.A.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Rituximab and Corticosteroid Effect on Desmoglein-Specific B Cells and Desmoglein-Specific T Follicular Helper Cells in Pemphigus. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:2132-2140.e1. [PMID: 33766510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease mediated by autoantibodies directed against desmogleins (DSGs). We recently showed that first-line treatment with rituximab (RTX) enables more patients to achieve long-lasting remission off therapy than corticosteroids alone. To understand the immunological mechanisms that mediate long-lasting clinical remission after RTX treatment, we analyzed the phenotype of DSG-specific memory B cells and DSG-specific T follicular helper cells by flow cytometry and measured antibody-secreting cells by enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot in patients treated with corticosteroids alone or RTX. This post hoc analysis of the RITUX3 trial showed that RTX induced a significant decrease of IgG-switched DSG-specific memory B cells. Accordingly, anti-DSG antibody-secreting cells were no longer detected in patients in complete remission after RTX. In contrast, corticosteroids did not modify the frequency or the phenotype of DSG-specific memory B cells, and anti-DSG antibody-secreting cells were still detected after treatment, even in patients in remission. Using peptide-HLADRB1∗0402 tetramer staining, we identified DSG-3-specific T follicular helper cells, which dramatically decreased after RTX, while remaining stable after corticosteroid treatment. Our findings suggest that long-lasting response to RTX in pemphigus relies on the decrease of DSG-specific circulating T follicular helper cells, which correlates with a sustained depletion of IgG-switched memory autoreactive B cells, leading to the disappearance of anti-DSG antibody-secreting cells.
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16
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Bohelay G, Caux F, Musette P. Clinical and biological activity of rituximab in the treatment of pemphigus. Immunotherapy 2021; 13:35-53. [PMID: 33045883 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
B-cells are major effector cells in autoimmunity since they differentiate into plasmocytes that produce pathogenic auto-antibody such as anti-desmoglein antibodies in pemphigus patients. Major advances were obtained using whole B-cell depleting therapies including anti-CD20 antibodies in refractory pemphigus patients that lead to rituximab approval in pemphigus patients in EU and USA. This review summarizes the data supporting the efficacy of rituximab in pemphigus and provides an overview of the reported immunological changes underlying its therapeutic action. Short and long-term remission in pemphigus is explained by the removal of autoreactive B-cells involved in the production of pathogenic IgG auto-antibodies and by enhancement of the appearance of regulatory B-cells that could maintain long term immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérôme Bohelay
- Department of Dermatology, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, AP-HP & INSERM UMR1125, Bobigny, France
| | - Frédéric Caux
- Department of Dermatology, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, AP-HP & INSERM UMR1125, Bobigny, France
| | - Philippe Musette
- Department of Dermatology, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, AP-HP & INSERM UMR1125, Bobigny, France
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17
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Skin-Associated B Cells in the Pathogenesis of Cutaneous Autoimmune Diseases-Implications for Therapeutic Approaches. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122627. [PMID: 33297481 PMCID: PMC7762338 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
B lymphocytes are crucial mediators of systemic immune responses and are known to be substantial in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases with cutaneous manifestations. Amongst them are lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis and psoriasis, and particularly those driven by autoantibodies such as pemphigus and pemphigoid. However, the concept of autoreactive skin-associated B cells, which may reside in the skin and locally contribute to chronic inflammation, is gradually evolving. These cells are believed to differ from B cells of primary and secondary lymphoid organs and may provide additional features besides autoantibody production, including cytokine expression and crosstalk to autoreactive T cells in an antigen-presenting manner. In chronically inflamed skin, B cells may appear in tertiary lymphoid structures. Those abnormal lymph node-like structures comprise a network of immune and stromal cells possibly enriched by vascular structures and thus constitute an ideal niche for local autoimmune responses. In this review, we describe current considerations of different B cell subsets and their assumed role in skin autoimmunity. Moreover, we discuss traditional and B cell-associated approaches for the treatment of autoimmune skin diseases, including drugs targeting B cells (e.g., CD19- and CD20-antibodies), plasma cells (e.g., proteasome inhibitors, CXCR4 antagonists), activated pathways (such as BTK- and PI3K-inhibitors) and associated activator molecules (BLyS, APRIL).
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18
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Holstein J, Solimani F, Baum C, Meier K, Pollmann R, Didona D, Tekath T, Dugas M, Casadei N, Hudemann C, Polakova A, Matthes J, Schäfer I, Yazdi AS, Eming R, Hertl M, Pfützner W, Ghoreschi K, Möbs C. Immunophenotyping in pemphigus reveals a T H17/T FH17 cell-dominated immune response promoting desmoglein1/3-specific autoantibody production. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 147:2358-2369. [PMID: 33221382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TH2 cells were thought to be a pivotal factor for initiation of the autoimmune blistering disease pemphigus. However, the role of other T-cell subsets in pemphigus pathogenesis remained unclear. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize the exact phenotype of T cells responsible for the development of pemphigus. METHODS Whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing was performed to determine differential gene expression in pemphigus lesions and skin of healthy individuals. The cutaneous cytokine signature was further evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR. In peripheral blood, the distribution of TH cell and folliclular helper (TFH) cell subsets was analyzed by flow cytometry. Finally, the capacity of TH and TFH cell subsets to induce desmoglein (Dsg)-specific autoantibodies by memory B cells was evaluated in coculture experiments. RESULTS Transcriptome analysis of skin samples identified an IL-17A-dominated immune signature in patients with pemphigus, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis confirmed the dominance of the IL-17A signaling pathway. Increased expression of IL17A and associated cytokines was also detected by real-time quantitative PCR comparing lesional with perilesional or healthy skin. Interestingly, utilization of flow cytometry showed that patients with active pemphigus had elevated levels of circulating IL-17+, TH17, TFH17, and TFH17.1 cells. Notably, levels of TH17 and TFH17 cells correlated with levels of Dsg-specific CD19+CD27+ memory B cells, and patients with acute pemphigus showed higher levels of Dsg3-autoreactive TFH17 cells. Coculture experiments revealed TFH17 cells as primarily responsible for inducing Dsg-specific autoantibody production by B cells. CONCLUSION Our findings show that TFH17 cells are critically involved in the pathogenesis of pemphigus and offer novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Holstein
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Farzan Solimani
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Baum
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Meier
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Pollmann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Dario Didona
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Tekath
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Dugas
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Hudemann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Polakova
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Matthes
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Iris Schäfer
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Amir S Yazdi
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Eming
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Pfützner
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kamran Ghoreschi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christian Möbs
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Scarsella L, Pollmann R, Amber KT. Autoreactive T cells in pemphigus: perpetrator and target. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2020; 156:124-133. [PMID: 33179878 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.20.06706-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease, in which autoantibodies against epidermal cadherins, such as desmoglein (Dsg)1 and Dsg3, lead to the development of blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes. Autoreactive CD4+ T cells are essential for the induction and perpetuation of the disease by interaction with B cells producing autoantibodies. PV has a strong genetic association with certain human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles with HLA-DRB1*04:02 and LA-DQB1*05:03 being the most prevalent in patients. Recently, genome-wide association studies have provided a new approach to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms, alongside the known association with HLA alleles. Loss of tolerance against Dsgs and other autoantigens is a critical event in the pathogenesis of PV. Epitope spreading contributes to the progression of PV, leading to an extension of the Dsg-specific autoimmune response to other molecular epitopes of autoantigens, such as desmocollins or muscarinic receptors. Alterations in CD4+CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells are thought to contribute to the development of PV representing a suitable target for therapeutic interventions. Several CD4+ T-cell subsets and cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of PV, while Th2 cells are the extensively studied population. Recently, other T cell subsets like T follicular helper cells and Th17 have gained attention as new potential players in PV pathogenesis. The involvement of local autoantibody production in the lesional skin of PV patients in tertiary lymphoid organs is currently discussed but not yet clarified. In this study, we reviewed the current knowledge about the development, characteristics and function of autoreactive T cells in pemphigus and present current new T cell-targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Scarsella
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Robert Pollmann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany -
| | - Kyle T Amber
- Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
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20
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Wang WM, Guo L, Jin HZ. Role of B cells in immune-mediated dermatoses. Mol Immunol 2020; 126:95-100. [PMID: 32795664 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.07.016] [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: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although T cells are considered as the central component in immune-mediated diseases, supportive evidence has demonstrated that B cells also contribute to the progression of these diseases. B cells are divided into various subsets according to their secreted cytokines. Different B cell subsets play diverse roles in immune-mediated dermatoses. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are defined functionally by their ability to secrete IL-10, which has been revealed to contribute to immunological tolerance. Drugs that deplete B cells, such as rituximab, are now used for the treatment of several immune-mediated dermatoses. In this review, we present and discuss the current knowledge on the roles of B cells in several immune-mediate dermatoses including psoriasis, pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and dermatomyositis, atopic dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ming Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Zhong Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Vitamin D, autoimmunity and immune-related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Arch Dermatol Res 2020; 313:1-10. [PMID: 32519001 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-020-02094-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In addition to its quintessential role in bone homeostasis, vitamin D also plays an important role in regulating the immune system. As such, many studies have demonstrated the therapeutic benefit of vitamin D in treating autoimmune diseases. This immunomodulatory activity of vitamin D has recently attracted more attention due to the rapid development of immunotherapies for cancers, including melanoma. Patients on cancer immunotherapies can suffer from immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can involve any organ system and range from common dermatological reactions to extremely severe cases of fatal myocarditis in metastatic melanoma patients. Since there are currently no effective approaches to predict or prevent irAEs, it is attractive to potentially leverage the intriguing immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D within this context. This review will discuss recent research investigating the possibility of using vitamin D to alleviate autoimmunity and irAEs with the hope of improving outcomes for patients on cancer immunotherapies, especially within the context of dermatology.
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