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Thuner J, Cognard J, Belot A. How to treat monogenic SLE? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2024:101962. [PMID: 38876818 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2024.101962] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare and life-threatening autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibodies against double-stranded DNA, with an immunopathology that remains partially unclear. New insights into the disease have been provided by the discovery of key mutations leading to the development of monogenic SLE, occurring in the context of early-onset disease, syndromic lupus, or familial clustering. The increased frequency of discovering these mutations in recent years, thanks to the advent of genetic screening, has greatly enhanced our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of SLE. These monogenic defects include defective clearance of apoptotic bodies, abnormalities in nucleic acid sensing, activation of the type-I interferon pathway, and the breakdown of tolerance through B or T cell activation or lymphocyte proliferation due to anomalies in TLR signalling and/or NFκB pathway overactivation. The translation of genetic discoveries into therapeutic strategies is presented here, within the framework of personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Thuner
- Internal Medicine Department, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite, France; CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie/International Center for Infectiology Research, Université de Lyon, INSERM, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Jade Cognard
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Nephrology, Dermatology Department, CMR RAISE, Women-Mother-Child Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France; CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie/International Center for Infectiology Research, Université de Lyon, INSERM, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandre Belot
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Nephrology, Dermatology Department, CMR RAISE, Women-Mother-Child Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France; CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie/International Center for Infectiology Research, Université de Lyon, INSERM, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; CNRS, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, UMR5308, Lyon, France.
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Stea ED, D'Ettorre G, Mitrotti A, Gesualdo L. The complement system in the pathogenesis and progression of kidney diseases: What doesn't kill you makes you older. Eur J Intern Med 2024; 124:22-31. [PMID: 38461065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The Complement System is an evolutionarily conserved component of immunity that plays a key role in host defense against infections and tissue homeostasis. However, the dysfunction of the Complement System can result in tissue damage and inflammation, thereby contributing to the development and progression of various renal diseases, ranging from atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome to glomerulonephritis. Therapeutic interventions targeting the complement system have demonstrated promising results in both preclinical and clinical studies. Currently, several complement inhibitors are being developed for the treatment of complement-mediated renal diseases. This review aims to summarize the most recent insights into complement activation and therapeutic inhibition in renal diseases. Furthermore, it offers potential directions for the future rational use of complement inhibitor drugs in the context of renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Diletta Stea
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), Nephrology and Urology Units, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Adele Mitrotti
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), Nephrology and Urology Units, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Loreto Gesualdo
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), Nephrology and Urology Units, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
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Zhang K, Tang Y, Yu H, Yang J, Tao L, Xiang P. Discovery of lupus nephritis targeted inhibitors based on De novo molecular design: comprehensive application of vinardo scoring, ADMET analysis, and molecular dynamics simulation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38501728 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2329293] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Lupus Nephritis (LN) is an autoimmune disease affecting the kidneys, and conventional drug studies have limitations due to its imprecise and complex pathogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to design a novel Lupus Nephritis-targeted drug with good clinical due potential, high potency and selectivity by computer-assisted approach.NIK belongs to the serine/threonine protein kinase, which is gaining attention as a drug target for Lupus Nephritis. we used bioinformatics, homology modelling and sequence comparison analysis, small molecule ab initio design, ADMET analysis, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and MM/PBSA analysis to design and explore the selectivity and efficiency of a novel Lupus Nephritis-targeting drug, ClImYnib, and a classical NIK inhibitor, NIK SMI1. We used bioinformatics techniques to determine the correlation between lupus nephritis and the NF-κB signaling pathway. De novo drugs design was used to create a NIK-targeted inhibitor, ClImYnib, with lower toxicity, after which we used molecular dynamics to simulate NIK SMI1 against ClImYnib, and the simulation results showed that ClImYnib had better selectivity and efficiency. Our research delves into the molecular mechanism of protein ligands, and we have designed and validated an excellent NIK inhibitor using multiple computational simulation methods. More importantly, it provides an idea of target designing small molecules.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, China
| | - Yingkai Tang
- Department of Anatomy, School of basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, China
| | - Haiyue Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, China
| | - Jingtao Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, China
| | - Lu Tao
- Central Laboratory, The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Central Laboratory, The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
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Miwa T, Sato S, Golla M, Song WC. Expansion of Anticomplement Therapy Indications from Rare Genetic Disorders to Common Kidney Diseases. Annu Rev Med 2024; 75:189-204. [PMID: 37669567 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-042921-102405] [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] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Complement constitutes a major part of the innate immune system. The study of complement in human health has historically focused on infection risks associated with complement protein deficiencies; however, recent interest in the field has focused on overactivation of complement as a cause of immune injury and the development of anticomplement therapies to treat human diseases. The kidneys are particularly sensitive to complement injury, and anticomplement therapies for several kidney diseases have been investigated. Overactivation of complement can result from loss-of-function mutations in complement regulators; gain-of-function mutations in key complement proteins such as C3 and factor B; or autoantibody production, infection, or tissue stresses, such as ischemia and reperfusion, that perturb the balance of complement activation and regulation. Here, we provide a high-level review of the status of anticomplement therapies, with an emphasis on the transition from rare diseases to more common kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Miwa
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; , , ,
| | - Sayaka Sato
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; , , ,
| | - Madhu Golla
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; , , ,
| | - Wen-Chao Song
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; , , ,
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Wang S, Broder A, Shao D, Kesarwani V, Boderman B, Aguilan J, Sidoli S, Suzuki M, Greally JM, Saenger YM, Rovin BH, Michelle Kahlenberg J. Urine Proteomics Link Complement Activation with Interstitial Fibrosis/Tubular Atrophy in Lupus Nephritis Patients. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 63:152263. [PMID: 37802003 PMCID: PMC10783434 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrarenal complement activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in lupus nephritis (LN) based on prior animal studies. The assembly of the membrane attack complex (MAC) by complement C5b to C9 on the cell membrane leads to cytotoxic pores and cell lysis, while CD59 inhibits MAC formation by preventing C9 from joining the complex. We hypothesize that complement activation and imbalance between complement activation and inhibition, as defined by increased production of individual complement components and uncontrolled MAC activation relative to CD59 inhibition, are associated with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) in LN and correlate with the key mediators of kidney fibrosis- transforming growth factor receptors beta (TGFRβ), platelet-derived growth factor beta (PDGFβ) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ). METHODS We included urine samples from 46 adults and pediatric biopsy-proven lupus nephritis patients who underwent clinically indicated kidney biopsies between 2010 and 2019. We compared individual urinary complement components and the urinary C9-to-CD59 ratio between LN patients with moderate/severe IFTA and none/mild IFTA. IFTA was defined as none/mild (<25% of interstitium affected) versus moderate/severe (≥ 25% of interstitium affected). Proteomics analysis was performed using mass spectrometry (Orbitrap Fusion Lumos, Thermo Scientific) and processed by the Proteome Discoverer. Urinary complement proteins enriched in LN patients with moderate/severe IFTA were correlated with serum creatinine, TGFβR1, TGFβR2, PDGFβ, and PDGFRβ. RESULTS Of the 46 LN patients included in the study, 41 (89.1%) were women, 20 (43.5%) self-identified as Hispanic or Latino, and 26 (56.5%) self-identified as Black or African American. Ten of the 46 (21.7%) LN patients had moderate/severe IFTA on kidney biopsy. LN patients with moderate/severe IFTA had an increased urinary C9-to-CD59 ratio [median 0.91 (0.83-1.05) vs 0.81 (0.76-0.91), p=0.01]. Urinary C3 and CFI levels in LN patients with moderate/severe IFTA were higher compared to those with none/mild IFTA [C3 median (IQR) 24.4(23.5-25.5) vs. 20.2 (18.5-22.2), p= 0.02], [CFI medium (IQR) 28.8 (21.8-30.6) vs. 20.4 (18.5-22.9), p=0.01]. Complement C9, CD59, C3 and CFI correlated with TGFβR1, PDGFβ, and PDGFRβ, while C9, CD59 and C3 correlated with TGFβR2. CONCLUSION This study is one of the first to compare the urinary complement profile in LN patients with moderate/severe IFTA and none/mild IFTA in human tissues. This study identified C3, CFI, and C9-to-CD59 ratio as potential markers of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudan Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Anna Broder
- Division of Rheumatology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Daming Shao
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Vartika Kesarwani
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, WI, USA
| | - Brianna Boderman
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, CT, USA
| | - Jennifer Aguilan
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Masako Suzuki
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - John M Greally
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Yvonne M Saenger
- Department of Oncology and Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Brad H Rovin
- Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Sharafaldin ENK, Huri HZ, Sim MS, Lim SK. Potential immunological and genetic markers associated with lupus nephritis: From pathogenicity to therapeutic drug target. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103406. [PMID: 37574180 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hasniza Zaman Huri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; Clinical Investigation Centre, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Maw Shin Sim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Soo Kun Lim
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Dixon BP, Greenbaum LA, Huang L, Rajan S, Ke C, Zhang Y, Li L. Clinical Safety and Efficacy of Pegcetacoplan in a Phase 2 Study of Patients with C3 Glomerulopathy and Other Complement-Mediated Glomerular Diseases. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2284-2293. [PMID: 38025230 PMCID: PMC10658235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dysregulated complement activation is likely the primary driver of disease in C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and contributes to other complement-mediated diseases, including immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), lupus nephritis (LN), and primary membranous nephropathy (PMN). No complement inhibitors are proven to halt disease progression in these diseases. Pegcetacoplan, a targeted C3 and C3b inhibitor, may mitigate complement-mediated kidney damage in C3G and other glomerular diseases in which complement may have a pathogenic role. Methods This open-label, phase 2, 48-week study evaluated the preliminary efficacy and safety of subcutaneous pegcetacoplan for patients with complement-mediated glomerular diseases. The primary end point was proteinuria reduction, measured as 24-hour urine protein-to-creatinine ratio. Secondary end points included remission status, changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were monitored. Results Efficacy results for the C3G cohort are reported herein, along with safety results for the study population. In the C3G cohort, mean proteinuria reduction from baseline to week 48 was 50.9% in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (n = 7) and 65.4% in the per-protocol (PP) population (n = 4). Mean serum albumin normalized and mean eGFR was stable over 48 weeks. Mean serum C3 levels increased 6-fold and mean soluble C5b-9 levels decreased by 57.3% at week 48. The most common adverse events (AEs) were upper respiratory tract infection, injection site erythema, nausea, and headache. No meningitis or sepsis cases were reported, and no serious treatment-related AEs were observed. Conclusion Pegcetacoplan may provide therapeutic benefit for C3G and has a favorable safety profile across the 4 glomerular diseases studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley P. Dixon
- Renal Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Larry A. Greenbaum
- Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Liwei Huang
- Tidewater Kidney Specialists, Inc, Chesapeake, Virginia, USA
| | - Sandeep Rajan
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chunlei Ke
- Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Li Li
- Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
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Lewis EL, Reichenberger ER, Anton L, Gonzalez MV, Taylor DM, Porrett PM, Elovitz MA. Regulatory T cell adoptive transfer alters uterine immune populations, increasing a novel MHC-II low macrophage associated with healthy pregnancy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1256453. [PMID: 37901247 PMCID: PMC10611509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256453] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) - fetal loss after 20 weeks - affects 6 pregnancies per 1,000 live births in the United States, and the majority are of unknown etiology. Maternal systemic regulatory T cell (Treg) deficits have been implicated in fetal loss, but whether mucosal immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface contribute to fetal loss is under-explored. We hypothesized that the immune cell composition and function of the uterine mucosa would contribute to the pathogenesis of IUFD. To investigate local immune mechanisms of IUFD, we used the CBA mouse strain, which naturally has mid-late gestation fetal loss. We performed a Treg adoptive transfer and interrogated both pregnancy outcomes and the impact of systemic maternal Tregs on mucosal immune populations at the maternal-fetal interface. Treg transfer prevented fetal loss and increased an MHC-IIlow population of uterine macrophages. Single-cell RNA-sequencing was utilized to precisely evaluate the impact of systemic Tregs on uterine myeloid populations. A population of C1q+, Trem2+, MHC-IIlow uterine macrophages were increased in Treg-recipient mice. The transcriptional signature of this novel uterine macrophage subtype is enriched in multiple studies of human healthy decidual macrophages, suggesting a conserved role for these macrophages in preventing fetal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Lewis
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Erin R. Reichenberger
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lauren Anton
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael V. Gonzalez
- Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment & Laboratory, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Deanne M. Taylor
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Paige M. Porrett
- Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michal A. Elovitz
- Women’s Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Holers VM. Complement therapeutics are coming of age in rheumatology. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:470-485. [PMID: 37337038 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00981-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
The complement system was described over 100 years ago, and it is well established that activation of this pathway accompanies the great majority of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In addition, over three decades of work in murine models of human disease have nearly universally demonstrated that complement activation is upstream of tissue injury and the engagement of pro-inflammatory mechanisms such as the elaboration of cytokines and chemokines, as well as myeloid cell recruitment and activation. With that background, and taking advantage of advances in the development of biologic and small-molecule therapeutics, the creation and clinical evaluation of complement therapeutics is now rapidly expanding. This article reviews the current state of the complement therapeutics field, with a focus on their use in diseases cared for or consulted upon by rheumatologists. Included is an overview of the activation mechanisms and components of the system, in addition to the mechanisms by which the complement system interacts with other immune system constituents. The various therapeutic approaches to modulating the system in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases are reviewed. To understand how best to clinically assess the complement system, methods of its evaluation are described. Finally, next-generation therapeutic and diagnostic advances that can be envisioned for the future are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Michael Holers
- Medicine/Rheumatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Cheung CK, Dormer JP, Barratt J. The role of complement in glomerulonephritis-are novel therapies ready for prime time? Nephrol Dial Transplant 2023; 38:1789-1797. [PMID: 36307926 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfac296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system plays a key pathogenic role in glomerular diseases with a diverse range of aetiologies, including C3 glomerulopathy, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, ANCA-associated vasculitis and lupus nephritis. Several novel therapies targeting complement activity have recently been developed, which have now been approved or are in the late stages of clinical development. In this review, potential benefits and challenges of targeting the complement system in glomerular disease are discussed. We summarize current understanding of the role of complement, and the novel targeted therapies that are being developed for the treatment of glomerular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Kay Cheung
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - John P Dormer
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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Mohan C, Zhang T, Putterman C. Pathogenic cellular and molecular mediators in lupus nephritis. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023:10.1038/s41581-023-00722-z. [PMID: 37225921 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00722-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Kidney involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus - lupus nephritis (LN) - is one of the most important and common clinical manifestations of this disease and occurs in 40-60% of patients. Current treatment regimens achieve a complete kidney response in only a minority of affected individuals, and 10-15% of patients with LN develop kidney failure, with its attendant morbidity and considerable prognostic implications. Moreover, the medications most often used to treat LN - corticosteroids in combination with immunosuppressive or cytotoxic drugs - are associated with substantial side effects. Advances in proteomics, flow cytometry and RNA sequencing have led to important new insights into immune cells, molecules and mechanistic pathways that are instrumental in the pathogenesis of LN. These insights, together with a renewed focus on the study of human LN kidney tissue, suggest new therapeutic targets that are already being tested in lupus animal models and early-phase clinical trials and, as such, are hoped to eventually lead to meaningful improvements in the care of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus-associated kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Mohan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ting Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaim Putterman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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12
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Wang G, Sun Y, Jiang Y, Li S, Liu Y, Yuan Y, Nie H. CXCR3 deficiency decreases autoantibody production by inhibiting aberrant activated T follicular helper cells and B cells in lupus mice. Mol Immunol 2023; 156:39-47. [PMID: 36889185 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.02.009] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a high level of autoantibody production. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and B cells participate in the development of SLE. Several studies have shown that CXCR3+ cells are increased in SLE patients. However, the mechanism through which CXCR3 influences lupus development remains unclear. In this study, we established lupus models to determine the role of CXCR3 in lupus pathogenesis. The concentration of autoantibodies was detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the percentages of Tfh cells and B cells were measured using flow cytometry. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to detect the differentially expressed genes in CD4+ T cells from wild-type (WT) and CXCR3 knock-out (KO) lupus mice. Migration of CD4+ T cells in spleen section was assessed using immunofluorescence. CD4+ T cell function in helping B cells produce antibodies was determined using a co-culture experiment and supernatant IgG ELISA. Lupus mice were treated with a CXCR3 antagonist to confirm the therapeutic effects. We found that the expression of CXCR3 was increased in CD4+ T cells from lupus mice. CXCR3 deficiency reduced autoantibody production with decreased proportions of Tfh cells, germinal center (GC) B cells, and plasma cells. Expression of Tfh-related genes was downregulated in CD4+ T cells from CXCR3 KO lupus mice. Migration to B cell follicles and T-helper function of CD4+ T cells were reduced in CXCR3 KO lupus mice. CXCR3 antagonist AMG487 decreased the level of serum anti-dsDNA IgG in lupus mice. We clarify that CXCR3 may play an important role in autoantibody production by increasing the percentages of aberrant activated Tfh cells and B cells and promoting the migration and T-helper function of CD4+ T cells in lupus mice. Thus, CXCR3 may be a potential target for lupus therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojue Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongshuai Jiang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengzhe Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunhui Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyang Yuan
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hong Nie
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Holers VM. Contributions of animal models to mechanistic understandings of antibody-dependent disease and roles of the amplification loop. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:181-193. [PMID: 36111456 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13136] [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] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The complement system plays an important pathophysiologic role in human diseases associated with immune or ischemic insults. In addition to understanding the effector mechanisms that are important for the biological effects of the system, substantial efforts have gone into understanding which specific complement activation pathways generate these potent effects. These approaches include the use of gene-targeted mice and specific pathway inhibitors, as well as the integration of human disease genetic and biomarker studies. In some disease states, it is quite clear that the alternate pathway plays a unique role in the initiation of the complement system. However, although initially a widely unexpected finding, it has now been shown in many tissue-based disease models and in initial human studies that engagement of the amplification loop is also essential for tissue injury when the classical and/or lectin pathways initiate pathway activation through pathogenic autoantibodies. This review provides evidence for such a conclusion through animal models, focusing on pathogenic antibody passive transfer models but also other relevant experimental systems. These data, along with initial biomarkers and clinical trial outcomes in human diseases that are associated with pathogenic autoantibodies, suggest that targeting the alternative pathway amplification loop may have near-universal therapeutic utility for tissue-based diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Michael Holers
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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14
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Lichtnekert J, Anders HJ, Lech M. Lupus Nephritis: Current Perspectives and Moving Forward. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:6533-6552. [PMID: 36483271 PMCID: PMC9726217 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s363722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis is a severe organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, and its pathogenesis involves complex etiology and mechanisms. Despite significant knowledge gains and extensive efforts put into understanding the development and relapsing disease activity, lupus nephritis remains a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in lupus patients. Current therapies retain a significant unmet medical need regarding rates of complete response, preventing relapse of lupus nephritis, progression of chronic kidney disease to kidney failure, drug toxicity, and pill burden-related drug non-adherence. Connected to progression of chronic kidney disease are the associated risks for disabling or even lethal cardiovascular events, as well as chronic kidney disease-related secondary immunodeficiency and serious infections. In this regard, biomarkers are needed that can predict treatment response to specific drugs to enable personalized precision medicine. A series of clinical trials with innovative immunomodulatory drugs are ongoing and raise expectations for improvements in the management of lupus nephritis. Here, we review how new developments in pathogenesis connect with current and future perspectives for the management of lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lichtnekert
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Maciej Lech
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
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15
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Koopman JJE, Rennke HG, McMahon GM, Waikar SS, Costenbader KH. Associations between renal deposits of complement factors, disease activity and loss of renal function in lupus nephritis. J Clin Pathol 2022; 75:789-790. [PMID: 34969783 PMCID: PMC10015506 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2021-207788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J E Koopman
- Section of Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands .,Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helmut G Rennke
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gearoid M McMahon
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sushrut S Waikar
- Section of Nephrology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen H Costenbader
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Intertwined pathways of complement activation command the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. Transl Res 2022; 245:18-29. [PMID: 35296451 PMCID: PMC9167748 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is involved in the origin of autoimmunity and systemic lupus erythematosus. Both genetic deficiency of complement components and excessive activation are involved in primary and secondary renal diseases, including lupus nephritis. Among the pathways, the classical pathway has long been accepted as the main pathway of complement activation in systemic lupus erythematosus. However, more recent studies have shown the contribution of factors B and D which implies the involvement of the alternative pathway. While there is evidence on the role of the lectin pathway in systemic lupus erythematosus, it is yet to be demonstrated whether this pathway is protective or harmful in lupus nephritis. Complement is being explored for the development of disease biomarkers and therapeutic targeting. In the current review we discuss the involvement of complement in lupus nephritis.
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Fernandez-Ruiz R, Belmont HM. The role of anticomplement therapy in lupus nephritis. Transl Res 2022; 245:1-17. [PMID: 35158097 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.02.001] [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] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The complement system plays crucial roles in homeostasis and host defense against microbes. Deficiency of early complement cascade components has been associated with increased susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), whereas excessive complement consumption is a hallmark of this disease. Although enhanced classical pathway activation by immune complexes was initially thought to be the main contributor to lupus nephritis (LN) pathogenesis, an increasing body of evidence has suggested the alternative and the lectin pathways are also involved. Therapeutic agents targeting complement activation have been used in LN patients and clinical trials are ongoing. We review the mechanisms by which complement system dysregulation contributes to renal injury in SLE and summarize the latest evidence on the use of anticomplement agents to manage this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Fernandez-Ruiz
- Division of Rheumatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
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18
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Tassinari S, Moreno S, Komber H, Carloni R, Cangiotti M, Ottaviani MF, Appelhans D. Synthesis and biological and physico-chemical characterization of glycodendrimers and oligopeptides for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:4654-4670. [PMID: 35262128 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr06583a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anti-(ds)-DNA antibodies are the serological hallmark of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). They assemble in the bloodstream with (ds)-DNA, forming immunocomplexes, which spread all over the body causing, among the other symptoms, lupic glomerulonephritis. Pathological manifestations of the disease may be reduced by destabilizing or inhibiting the formation of the immunocomplexes. In this respect, glycodendrimers showed peculiar interacting abilities towards this kind of biomolecule. Various generations of open-shell maltose-decorated poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) and poly(propyleneimine) (PPI) dendrimers and two oligopeptides with different polyethylene glycol units were synthesized and characterized, and then tested for their anti-SLE activity. The activity of glycodendrimers and oligopeptides was evaluated in human plasma from patients with SLE, compared to healthy plasma, by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) characterization using spin-label and spin-probe techniques. Different strategies for the immunocomplex formation were tested. The results show that both kinds of glycodendrimers and oligopeptides inhibited the formation of immunocomplexes. Also, a partial breakdown of preformed immunocomplexes was observed. Both ELISA and EPR analyses indicated a better activity of glycodendrimers compared to oligopeptides, the 3rd generation PPI dendrimer being the most promising against SLE. This study highlights the possibility to develop a new class of dendritic therapeutics for the treatment of Lupus in pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Tassinari
- Department of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Università degli studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino 61029, Italy
| | - Silvia Moreno
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, D-01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Hartmut Komber
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, D-01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Riccardo Carloni
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Università degli studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino 61029, Italy
- Knight Cancer Institute, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR), Oregon Health and Science University, USA
| | - Michela Cangiotti
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Università degli studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino 61029, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Ottaviani
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Università degli studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino 61029, Italy
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, D-01069 Dresden, Germany.
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Venkatadri R, Sabapathy V, Dogan M, Sharma R. Targeting Regulatory T Cells for Therapy of Lupus Nephritis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:806612. [PMID: 35069220 PMCID: PMC8775001 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.806612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus glomerulonephritis (LN) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by circulating autoantibodies, immune-complex deposition, immune dysregulation and defects in regulatory T cell (Tregs). Treatment options rely on general immunosuppressants and steroids that have serious side effects. Approaches to target immune cells, such as B cells in particular, has had limited success and new approaches are being investigated. Defects in Tregs in the setting of autoimmunity is well known and Treg-replacement strategies are currently being explored. The aim of this minireview is to rekindle interest on Treg-targeting strategies. We discuss the existing evidences for Treg-enhancement strategies using key cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-33 and IL-6 that have shown to provide remission in LN. We also discuss strategies for indirect Treg-modulation for protection from LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkumar Venkatadri
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Vikram Sabapathy
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Murat Dogan
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Rahul Sharma
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Cantarelli C, Leventhal J, Cravedi P. Complement in Lupus: Biomarker, Therapeutic Target, or a Little Bit of Both? Kidney Int Rep 2021; 6:2031-2032. [PMID: 34386652 PMCID: PMC8344109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cantarelli
- UO Nefrologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Jeremy Leventhal
- Division of Nephrology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, New York, USA
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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