1
|
Zhang Y, Yang Y, Gao X, Gao W, Zhang L. Research progress on mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes in systemic sclerosis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1263839. [PMID: 37693906 PMCID: PMC10485262 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1263839] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease with an unknown etiology. Clinically, it is characterized by localized or diffuse skin thickening and fibrosis. The pathogenesis of SSc includes microvascular injury, autoimmune-mediated inflammation, and fibroblast activation. These processes interact and contribute to the diverse clinicopathology and presentation of SSc. Given the limited effectiveness and substantial side effects of traditional treatments, the treatment strategy for SSc has several disadvantages. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are expected to serve as effective treatment options owing to their significant immunomodulatory, antifibrotic, and pro-angiogenic effects. Exosomes, secreted by MSCs via paracrine signaling, mirror the effect of MSCs as well as offer the benefit of targeted delivery, minimal immunogenicity, robust reparability, good safety and stability, and easy storage and transport. This enables them to circumvent the limitations of the MSCs. When using exosomes, it is crucial to consider preparation methods, quality standards, and suitable drug delivery systems, among other technical issues. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the latest research progress on MSCs and exosomes in SSc, offering novel ideas for treating SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Liyun Zhang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kardum Ž, Milas-Ahić J, Šahinović I, Masle AM, Uršić D, Kos M. Serum levels of interleukin 17 and 22 in patients with systemic sclerosis: a single-center cross-sectional study. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:345-354. [PMID: 36416900 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05250-w] [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: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Immunological response in SSc is still poorly understood. Cytokines play a significant role in this process leading to vasculopathy and fibrosis. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate serum levels of Th-17-related cytokines, IL-17 and IL-22, and to determine their correlation to the clinical association in SSc patients. Serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels were examined in 42 SSc patients and 29 healthy individuals. Associations between serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels and the duration of the disease, the extent of skin fibrosis, capillaroscopic findings, and involvement of the internal organs were explored. Serum IL-17 levels were not different in SSc and the control group. Serum IL-22 levels were significantly elevated in SSc patients compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.04). A positive correlation was found between the IL-22 sera levels and interstitial lung disease (p = 0.007). These results suggest IL-22 as a potential biomarker in SSc-related interstitial lung disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Željka Kardum
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia. .,School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Jasminka Milas-Ahić
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ines Šahinović
- School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ana Marija Masle
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dora Uršić
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Martina Kos
- School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Role of T Cells in Systemic Sclerosis: An Update. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease characterized by microvasculopathy, autoantibodies (autoAbs), and fibrosis. The pathogenesis of the disease is incompletely understood. Microvasculopathy and autoAbs appear very early in the disease process. AutoAbs, such as those directed against DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I), are disease specific and associated with disease manifestations, and indicate activation of the adaptive immune system. B cells are involved in fibrosis in SSc. T cells are also involved in disease pathogenesis. T cells show signs of antigen-induced activation; T cells of TH2 type are increased and produce profibrotic cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-31; CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes are increased in skin lesions, and cause fibrosis and endothelial cell apoptosis; circulating T follicular helper (TFH) cells are increased in SSc produce IL-21 and promote plasmablast antibody production. On the other hand, regulatory T cells are impaired in SSc. These findings provide strong circumstantial evidence for T cell implication in SSc pathogenesis and encourage new T cell-directed therapeutic strategies for the disease.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kobayashi S, Nagafuchi Y, Shoda H, Fujio K. The Pathophysiological Roles of Regulatory T Cells in the Early Phase of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:900638. [PMID: 35686127 PMCID: PMC9172592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.900638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis. Both clinical manifestations and immunological disturbances are diverse according to the disease duration. Particularly, changes in immunological processes are prominent in the early phase of SSc. The orchestration of several subsets of immune cells promotes autoimmune responses and inflammation, and eventually stimulates pro-fibrotic processes. Many reports have indicated that CD4+ T cells play pivotal roles in pathogenesis in the early phase of SSc. In particular, the pathogenic roles of regulatory T (Treg) cells have been investigated. Although the results were controversial, recent reports suggested an increase of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc patients. Treg cells secrete transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which promotes myofibroblast activation and fibrosis. In addition, the dysfunction of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc was reported, which results in the development of autoimmunity and inflammation. Notably, Treg cells have the plasticity to convert to T-helper17 (Th17) cells under pro-inflammatory conditions. Th17 cells secrete IL-17A, which could also promote myofibroblast transformation and fibrosis and contributes to vasculopathy, although the issue is still controversial. Our recent transcriptomic comparison between the early and late phases of SSc revealed a clear difference of gene expression patterns only in Treg cells. The gene signature of an activated Treg cell subpopulation was expanded in the early phase of SSc and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was enhanced, which can promote Th17 differentiation. And this result was accompanied by the increase in Th17 cells frequency. Therefore, an imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells could also have an important role in the pathogenesis of the early phase of SSc. In this review, we outlined the roles of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc, summarizing the data of both human and mouse models. The contributions of Treg cells to autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis were revealed, based on the dysfunction and imbalance of Treg cells. We also referred to the potential development in treatment strategies in SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Kobayashi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan.,Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Itabashi-ku, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nagafuchi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan.,Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shoda
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wohlrab J, Gerloff D, Gebhardt K. Expression and activity of IL-17 receptor subunits in human cutaneous cells as targets for anti-IL-17 therapeutic antibodies. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 146:112569. [PMID: 35062060 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The key players in different chronic inflammatory skin diseases are cytokines belonging to the IL-17 group, IL-17 receptors and a T helper cell population, Th17 cells. Successful therapeutic strategies that target either IL-17 or the major IL-17 receptor IL-17RA have confirmed the immune-pathogenic pathway. To study the IL-17-ligand - receptor axis at the molecular level, a number of cutaneous cell types from healthy human subjects has been cultured and analyzed for the expression of IL-17 receptors. IL-17RA was the most abundantly expressed receptor type in keratinocytes, epidermal stem cells, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, hemo- and lymphovascular endothelial cells. IL-17RC and IL-17RD showed moderate expression, while the genes for IL-17RB and IL-17RE were poorly expressed. In none of the investigated cell types, IL-17 ligands caused an increased expression level of the five receptor types in time- and dose-dependent experiments. No evidence for IL-17A, -C, -E or -F induced signal transduction cascades could be obtained by a qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. Further studies are necessary to identify relevant co-stimulating factors from IL-17 subtypes under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Wohlrab
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Institute of Applied Dermatopharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Dennis Gerloff
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kathleen Gebhardt
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wei L, Abraham D, Ong V. The Yin and Yang of IL-17 in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:885609. [PMID: 35603223 PMCID: PMC9116143 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.885609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-17 (IL-17A) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by a sub-set of T helper cells termed Th17 cells primarily in response to cytokines like TGF-β and IL-23 and play an important role in host defense. IL-17 signals via the IL-17RA/RC heterodimer and the adaptor protein Act1 to activate both canonical and non-canonical pathways inducing transcriptional activation and stabilization of mRNAs. IL-17 appears to act not directly on immune cells but stimulates stromal cells such as endothelial and epithelial cells and fibroblasts to secrete other immunomodulatory factors. Fibroblast activated by IL-17 can support the growth and differentiation of immune cells. Studies have begun to uncover a dual role for IL-17; on one hand enhancing immune reactions and promoting inflammatory diseases and on the other decreasing responses and immune activity in established disease settings. The balance of double-edged sword effect of IL-17 and autoimmunity is illustrated in a variety of human diseases and experimental models of diseases. Specifically, the emerging interest in autoimmunity in systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma, SSc) has led to potential role of IL-17A as a target therapy in this disease.
Collapse
|
7
|
Hinchcliff M, Garcia-Milian R, Di Donato S, Dill K, Bundschuh E, Galdo FD. Cellular and Molecular Diversity in Scleroderma. Semin Immunol 2021; 58:101648. [PMID: 35940960 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing armamentarium of high-throughput tools available at manageable cost, it is attractive and informative to determine the molecular underpinnings of patient heterogeneity in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Given the highly variable clinical outcomes of patients labelled with the same diagnosis, unravelling the cellular and molecular basis of disease heterogeneity will be crucial to predicting disease risk, stratifying management and ultimately informing a patient-centered precision medicine approach. Herein, we summarise the findings of the past several years in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics that contribute to unraveling the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of SSc. Expansion of these findings and their routine integration with quantitative analysis of histopathology and imaging studies into clinical care promise to inform a scientifically driven patient-centred personalized medicine approach to SSc in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Hinchcliff
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, USA.
| | | | - Stefano Di Donato
- Raynaud's and Scleroderma Programme, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leeds, UK
| | | | - Elizabeth Bundschuh
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, USA
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Raynaud's and Scleroderma Programme, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leeds, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao S, Li Y, Cao M, Yang N, Hu J, Xue T, Li C, Fu Q. The CC and CXC chemokine receptors in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) and their response to Aeromonas salmonicida infection. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 123:104155. [PMID: 34081943 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chemokines are crucial regulators of cell mobilization for development, homeostasis, and immunity. Chemokines signal through binding to chemokine receptors, a superfamily of seven-transmembrane domain G-coupled receptors. In the present study, eleven CC chemokine receptors (CCRs) and seven CXC chemokine receptors (CXCRs) were identified from turbot genome. Phylogenetic and syntenic analyses were performed to annotate these genes, indicating the closest relationship between the turbot chemokine receptors and their counterparts of Japanese flounders (Paralichthys olivaceus). Evolutionary analyses revealed that the tandem duplications of CCR8 and CXCR3, the whole genome duplications of CCR6, CCR9, CCR12, and CXCR4, and the teleost-specific CCR12 led to the expansion of turbot chemokine receptors. In addition, turbot chemokine receptors were ubiquitously expressed in nine examined healthy tissues, with high expression levels observed in spleen, gill, and head kidney. Moreover, most turbot chemokine receptors were significantly differentially expressed in spleen and gill after Aeromonas salmonicida infection, and exhibited general down-regulations at early time points and then gradually up-regulated. Finally, protein-protein interaction network (PPI) analyses indicated that chemokine receptors interacted with a few immune-related genes such as interleukins, Grk genes, CD genes, etc. These results should be valuable for comparative immunological studies and provide insights for further functional characterization of chemokine receptors in turbots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shoucong Zhao
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Min Cao
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Ning Yang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Jie Hu
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Ting Xue
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Chao Li
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Worrell JC, O'Reilly S. Bi-directional communication: Conversations between fibroblasts and immune cells in systemic sclerosis. J Autoimmun 2020; 113:102526. [PMID: 32713676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune idiopathic connective tissue disease, characterized by aberrant fibro-proliferative and inflammatory responses, causing fibrosis of multiple organs. In recent years the interactions between innate and adaptive immune cells with resident fibroblasts have been uncovered. Cross-talk between immune and stromal cells mediates activation of stromal cells to myofibroblasts; key cells in the pathophysiology of fibrosis. These cells and their cytokines appear to mediate their effects in both a paracrine and autocrine fashion. This review examines the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in SSc, focusing on recent advances that have illuminated our understanding of ongoing bi-directional communication between immune and stromal cells. Finally, we appraise current and future therapies and how these may be useful in a disease that currently has no specific disease modifying treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Worrell
- Insititute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Durham University, Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Durham, UK. steven.o'
| |
Collapse
|