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Shao KM, Shao WH. Transcription Factors in the Pathogenesis of Lupus Nephritis and Their Targeted Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1084. [PMID: 38256157 PMCID: PMC10816397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021084] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype inflammatory autoimmune disease, characterized by breakdown of immunotolerance to self-antigens. Renal involvement, known as lupus nephritis (LN), is one of the leading causes of morbidity and a significant contributor to mortality in SLE. Despite current pathophysiological advances, further studies are needed to fully understand complex mechanisms underlying the development and progression of LN. Transcription factors (TFs) are proteins that regulate the expression of genes and play a crucial role in the development and progression of LN. The mechanisms of TF promoting or inhibiting gene expression are complex, and studies have just begun to reveal the pathological roles of TFs in LN. Understanding TFs in the pathogenesis of LN can provide valuable insights into this disease's mechanisms and potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies for its management. This review will focus on recent findings on TFs in the pathogenesis of LN and newly developed TF-targeted therapy in renal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey M. Shao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Wen-Hai Shao
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Lu C, Ma H, Song L, Wang H, Wang L, Li S, Lagana SM, Sepulveda AR, Hoebe K, Pan SS, Yang YG, Lentzsch S, Mapara MY. IFN-γR/STAT1 signaling in recipient hematopoietic antigen-presenting cells suppresses graft-versus-host disease. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:125986. [PMID: 36445781 PMCID: PMC9888368 DOI: 10.1172/jci125986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR) or STAT1 signaling in donor cells has been shown to result in reduced induction of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this study, we unexpectedly observed increased activation and expansion of donor lymphocytes in both lymphohematopoietic organs and GVHD target tissues of IFN-γR/STAT1-deficient recipient mice, leading to rapid mortality following the induction of GVHD. LPS-matured, BM-derived Ifngr1-/- Stat1-/- DCs (BMDCs) were more potent allogeneic stimulators and expressed increased levels of MHC II and costimulatory molecules. Similar effects were observed in human antigen-presenting cells (APCs) with knockdown of Stat1 by CRISPR/Cas9 and treatment with a JAK1/2 inhibitor. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the absence of IFN-γR/STAT1 signaling in hematopoietic APCs impaired the presentation of exogenous antigens, while promoting the presentation of endogenous antigens. Thus, the indirect presentation of host antigens to donor lymphocytes was defective in IFN-γR/STAT1-deficient, donor-derived APCs in fully donor chimeric mice. The differential effects of IFN-γR/STAT1 signaling on endogenous and exogenous antigen presentation could provide further insight into the roles of the IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of GVHD, organ rejection, and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caisheng Lu
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology and
| | - Huihui Ma
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology and
| | | | - Hui Wang
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology and
| | - Lily Wang
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology and
| | - Shirong Li
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stephen M. Lagana
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Antonia R. Sepulveda
- Department of Pathology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA
| | - Kasper Hoebe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samuel S. Pan
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Suzanne Lentzsch
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Markus Y. Mapara
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology and,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Liu L, Hu L, Long H, Zheng M, Hu Z, He Y, Gao X, Du P, Zhao H, Yu D, Lu Q, Zhao M. LncRNA IL21-AS1 interacts with hnRNPU protein to promote IL21 overexpression and aberrant differentiation of Tfh cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1117. [PMID: 36447054 PMCID: PMC9708910 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1117] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aberrant differentiation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the mechanism of regulating Tfh cells differentiation remains unclear. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as important regulators in the processes of innate and adaptive immune response. Whether lncRNAs are involved in regulating Tfh cell differentiation and autoimmune responses need to be further identified. METHODS The characters and functions of human IL21-AS1 and its mouse homologous lncRNA (mIl21-AS) were investigated by a series of biochemical assays and cell transfection assay. mIl21-AS1 regulating humoral immune response in vivo was explored by keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) and chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) model. RESULTS Human IL21-AS1 and its mouse homologous lncRNA (mIl21-AS) were identified and cloned. We uncovered that IL21-AS1 was highly expressed in CD4+ T cells of SLE patients and Tfh cells, which promoted differentiation of Tfh cells. Mechanistically, IL21-AS1 bound heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U and recruited acetyltransferases CREB-binding protein to the promoter of IL21, leading to the transcriptional activation of IL21 and Tfh cells differentiation through increasing Histone H3 acetylation level on IL21 promoter. Moreover, Tfh proportion and antibodies production were significantly increased in mIl21-AS knock-in mice immunized with KLH. mIl21-AS1 overexpression also exacerbated the lupus-like phenotype in cGVHD mice model. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that IL21-AS1 activates IL21 transcription via epigenetic mechanism to promote germinal centre response, adding insight into the molecular regulation of autoimmune pathogenesis and providing a novel target for SLE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- Department of Medical Science Laboratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Longyuan Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Haojun Long
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Meiling Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Ye He
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaofei Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Pei Du
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Hongjun Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Di Yu
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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Khaledi M, Sameni F, Yahyazade S, Radandish M, Owlia P, Bagheri N, Afkhami H, Mahjoor M, Esmaelpour Z, Kohansal M, Aghaei F. COVID-19 and the potential of Janus family kinase (JAK) pathway inhibition: A novel treatment strategy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:961027. [PMID: 36111104 PMCID: PMC9469902 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.961027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence proposed that the severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients is a consequence of cytokine storm, characterized by increased IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Hence, managing the cytokine storm by drugs has been suggested for the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19. Several of the proinflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection recruit a distinct intracellular signaling pathway mediated by JAKs. Consequently, JAK inhibitors, including baricitinib, pacritinib, ruxolitinib, and tofacitinib, may represent an effective therapeutic strategy for controlling the JAK to treat COVID-19. This study indicates the mechanism of cytokine storm and JAK/STAT pathway in COVID-19 as well as the medications used for JAK/STAT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoor Khaledi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sameni
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sheida Yahyazade
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maedeh Radandish
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parviz Owlia
- Molecular Microbiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Parviz Owlia ;
| | - Nader Bagheri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Nader Bagheri
| | | | - Mohamad Mahjoor
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Esmaelpour
- Reference Laboratory for Bovine Tuberculosis, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Kohansal
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Farzad Aghaei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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An JN, Ryu S, Kim YC, Yoo KD, Lee J, Kim HY, Lee H, Lee JP, Lee JW, Jeon US, Kim DK, Kim YS, Yang SH. NK1.1 - natural killer T cells upregulate interleukin-17 expression in experimental lupus nephritis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 320:F772-F788. [PMID: 33719574 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00252.2020] [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] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-17-secreting invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells are involved in several inflammatory diseases. However, their role in lupus nephritis (LN) has not been fully characterized. Samples from patients with LN or glomerulonephritis and healthy controls were obtained, and elevated IL-17+ NKT cell numbers and IL-17 expression were observed in blood cells and kidneys, respectively, in patients with LN. Comparison of a mouse model of experimental autoimmune LN with the parental strain (NKT-deficient B6.CD1d-/- mice) revealed improved proteinuria, disease severity, and histopathology and decreased levels of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 16 and T cell receptor-α variable 14 expression. Spleens and kidneys of B6.CD1d-/- mice also showed downregulation of inflammatory markers and IL-17. In coculture with renal mesangial and NKT cells, inflammatory markers and IL-17 were upregulated following α-galactosylceramide treatment and downregulated after treatment with IL-17-blocking antibodies. This was most prominent with killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily B member 1 C (NK1.1)- NKT cells. Thus, IL-17 is upregulated in LN. Activation of NKT cells regulates IL-17-related immune responses systemically and in the kidneys, primarily via NK1.1- NKT cells. IL-17-secreting NK1.1- NKT cells could serve as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for LN.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because our results indicate that IL-17 is upregulated in lupus nephritis and that natural killer T (NKT) cells are involved in its pathogenesis. Activation of NKT cells regulates IL-17-related immune responses, both systemically and in the kidney, and this mainly involves NK1.1- NKT cells. Furthermore, IL-17-secreting NK1.1- NKT cells could serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Nam An
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Korea
| | - Seungwon Ryu
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Chul Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Don Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Jangwook Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Young Kim
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hajeong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Pyo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Wook Lee
- Nephrology Clinic, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Un Sil Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dong Ki Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yon Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hee Yang
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Wang H, Teng X, Abboud G, Li W, Ye S, Morel L. D-mannose ameliorates autoimmune phenotypes in mouse models of lupus. BMC Immunol 2021; 22:1. [PMID: 33402096 PMCID: PMC7786459 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-020-00392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by an overproduction of autoantibodies resulting from dysregulation in multiple immune cell types. D-mannose is a C- 2 epimer of glucose that exhibits immunoregulatory effects in models of autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, induced rheumatoid arthritis, and airway inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of D-mannose treatment in mouse models of lupus. RESULTS Firstly, the effect of D-Mannose was evaluated by flow cytometry on the in vitro activation of non-autoimmune C57BL/6 (B6) bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and their ability to induce antigen-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation and activation. D-mannose inhibited the maturation of BMDCs and their induction of antigen-specific T cell proliferation and activation. In vivo, D-mannose increased the frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in unmanipulated B6 mice. To assess the effect of D-mannose in mouse models of lupus, we used the graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) induced model and the B6.lpr spontaneous model. In the cGVHD model, D-mannose treatment decreased autoantibody production, with a concomitant reduction of the frequency of effector memory and follicular helper T cells as well as germinal center B cells and plasma cells. These results were partially validated in the B6.lpr model of spontaneous lupus. CONCLUSION Overall, our results suggest that D-mannose ameliorates autoimmune activation in models of lupus, at least partially due to its expansion of Treg cells, the induction of immature conventional dendritic cells and the downregulation of effector T cells activation. D-Mannose showed however a weaker immunomodulatory effect in lupus than in other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiting Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, RenJi Hospital South Campus, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Teng
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, JHMHC 275, Box 100275, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0275, USA
| | - Georges Abboud
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, JHMHC 275, Box 100275, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0275, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, JHMHC 275, Box 100275, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0275, USA
| | - Shuang Ye
- Department of Rheumatology, RenJi Hospital South Campus, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Laurence Morel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, JHMHC 275, Box 100275, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0275, USA.
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Matsuyama T, Kubli SP, Yoshinaga SK, Pfeffer K, Mak TW. An aberrant STAT pathway is central to COVID-19. Cell Death Differ 2020. [PMID: 33037393 DOI: 10.1038/s41418‐020‐00633‐7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and characterized by diverse clinical symptoms. Type I interferon (IFN-I) production is impaired and severe cases lead to ARDS and widespread coagulopathy. We propose that COVID-19 pathophysiology is initiated by SARS-CoV-2 gene products, the NSP1 and ORF6 proteins, leading to a catastrophic cascade of failures. These viral components induce signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) dysfunction and compensatory hyperactivation of STAT3. In SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, a positive feedback loop established between STAT3 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) may lead to an escalating cycle of activation in common with the interdependent signaling networks affected in COVID-19. Specifically, PAI-1 upregulation leads to coagulopathy characterized by intravascular thrombi. Overproduced PAI-1 binds to TLR4 on macrophages, inducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The recruitment and subsequent activation of innate immune cells within an infected lung drives the destruction of lung architecture, which leads to the infection of regional endothelial cells and produces a hypoxic environment that further stimulates PAI-1 production. Acute lung injury also activates EGFR and leads to the phosphorylation of STAT3. COVID-19 patients' autopsies frequently exhibit diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and increased hyaluronan (HA) production which also leads to higher levels of PAI-1. COVID-19 risk factors are consistent with this scenario, as PAI-1 levels are increased in hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and old age. We discuss the possibility of using various approved drugs, or drugs currently in clinical development, to treat COVID-19. This perspective suggests to enhance STAT1 activity and/or inhibit STAT3 functions for COVID-19 treatment. This might derail the escalating STAT3/PAI-1 cycle central to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Matsuyama
- Department of Pathology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shawn P Kubli
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | | | - Klaus Pfeffer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tak W Mak
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada. .,Department of Medical Biophysics and Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, 999077, Hong Kong.
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8
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An aberrant STAT pathway is central to COVID-19. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:3209-3225. [PMID: 33037393 PMCID: PMC7545020 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and characterized by diverse clinical symptoms. Type I interferon (IFN-I) production is impaired and severe cases lead to ARDS and widespread coagulopathy. We propose that COVID-19 pathophysiology is initiated by SARS-CoV-2 gene products, the NSP1 and ORF6 proteins, leading to a catastrophic cascade of failures. These viral components induce signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) dysfunction and compensatory hyperactivation of STAT3. In SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, a positive feedback loop established between STAT3 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) may lead to an escalating cycle of activation in common with the interdependent signaling networks affected in COVID-19. Specifically, PAI-1 upregulation leads to coagulopathy characterized by intravascular thrombi. Overproduced PAI-1 binds to TLR4 on macrophages, inducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The recruitment and subsequent activation of innate immune cells within an infected lung drives the destruction of lung architecture, which leads to the infection of regional endothelial cells and produces a hypoxic environment that further stimulates PAI-1 production. Acute lung injury also activates EGFR and leads to the phosphorylation of STAT3. COVID-19 patients' autopsies frequently exhibit diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and increased hyaluronan (HA) production which also leads to higher levels of PAI-1. COVID-19 risk factors are consistent with this scenario, as PAI-1 levels are increased in hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and old age. We discuss the possibility of using various approved drugs, or drugs currently in clinical development, to treat COVID-19. This perspective suggests to enhance STAT1 activity and/or inhibit STAT3 functions for COVID-19 treatment. This might derail the escalating STAT3/PAI-1 cycle central to COVID-19.
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9
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Zhen Y, Smith RD, Finkelman FD, Shao WH. Ezh2-mediated epigenetic modification is required for allogeneic T cell-induced lupus disease. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:133. [PMID: 32503684 PMCID: PMC7275547 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), have not been fully elucidated. Some of these mechanisms involve epigenetic regulation of gene expression. The histone methyltransferase Ezh2 contributes to epigenetic regulation of gene expression, is highly expressed in germinal center (GC) B cells and follicular T helper (TFH) cells, and may be involved in lupus pathogenesis. METHODS The murine bm12 model of lupus-like chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of negatively isolated allogeneic CD4+ T cells. Lupus-like disease development was monitored by ELISA determination of serum anti-dsDNA and anti-chromatin antibody titers. Immune cell activation and Ezh2 expression were evaluated by flow cytometry and Western blotting. RESULTS Decreased autoantibody production and GC formation are observed when Ezh2-deficient CD4+ T cells are used instead of wild-type (WT) to induce cGVHD and when mice that receive allogeneic WT donor T cells to induce cGVHD are treated with GSK503, an Ezh2-specific inhibitor. In the bm12 cGVHD model, WT donor T cells are normally fully activated 1 week after infusion into an allogeneic host, exhibit a TFH cell (PD-1hi/CXCR5hi) phenotype with upregulated Ezh2, and activate B cells to form germinal centers (GCs). In contrast, Ezh2-deficient donor T cells generate fewer TFH cells that fail to activate B cells or promote GC formation. Despite similar T-independent, LPS-induced B cell responses, OVA-immunized CD4.Ezh2-KO mice had a skewed low-affinity IgM phenotype in comparison to similarly treated WT mice. In addition, early after OVA immunization, more CD4+ T cells from B6.CD4.Ezh2-KO mice had a CD44lo/CD62Llo phenotype, which suggests arrested or delayed activation, than CD4+ T cells from ovalbumin-immunized B6.WT mice. CONCLUSION Ezh2 gene deletion or pharmacological Ezh2 inhibition suppresses autoantibody production and GC formation in bm12 lupus-like cGVHD and decreases affinity maturation and isotype switching in response to immunization with a T cell-dependent antigen. Ezh2 inhibition may be useful for the treatment of lupus and other autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhen
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Roger D Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Fred D Finkelman
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.,Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Wen-Hai Shao
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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Wang C, Ming B, Wu X, Wu T, Cai S, Hu P, Tang J, Tan Z, Liu C, Zhong J, Zheng F, Dong L. Sphingomyelin synthase 1 enhances BCR signaling to promote lupus-like autoimmune response. EBioMedicine 2019; 45:578-587. [PMID: 31262710 PMCID: PMC6642282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sphingomyelin synthase 1 (SMS1) has been reported to participate in hepatitis and atherosclerosis. However, its role in autoimmune response is not clear. This study investigates the possible involvement of SMS1 in B-cell activation and lupus-like autoimmunity. METHODS SMS1 knockout lupus-like animal model and SLE patient samples were utilized. B-cell activation and associated signal transduction were detected by flow cytometry, confocal analysis and western blotting. The SMS1 expression in B cells was measured by real-time qPCR. FINDINGS SMS1 deficiency suppressed B-cell activation in culture, which was restored by exogenous SM supplementation. The BCR-mediated early signal transduction including the colocalization of BCR with F-actin or pY/pBtk, and the phosphorylation of intracellular Fyn and Syk were impaired in SMS1 knockout B cells. Furthermore, SMS1 knockout mice showed reduced production and deposition of autoantibodies, accompanied by less severe kidney pathological changes after pristane induction. SMS1 deficiency also displayed lower autoantibody titers and 24 h urine protein excretion in bm12-induced lupus, which were associated with reduced B-cell activation. Adoptively transferred wide-type B cells partially recovered B-cell activation and autoantibody production in SMS1 deficient bm12-induced lupus mice. Moreover, the SMS1 mRNA level in B cells of SLE patients was increased and positively correlated with the serum anti-dsDNA level, IgG and globulin titers. INTERPRETATION These data suggest that SMS1 is involved in lupus-like autoimmunity via regulating BCR signal transduction and B cell activation. (Word count for the abstract: 230).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenqiong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, HuBei, China
| | - Bingxia Ming
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, HuBei, China
| | - Xuefen Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, HuBei, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, HuBei, China
| | - Shaozhe Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, HuBei, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, HuBei, China
| | - Jungen Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, HuBei, China
| | - Zheng Tan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, HuBei, China
| | - Jixin Zhong
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Fang Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Lingli Dong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, HuBei, China.
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Sun G, Zhu P, Dai Y, Chen W. Bioinformatics Analysis of the Core Genes Related to Lupus Nephritis Through a Network and Pathway-Based Approach. DNA Cell Biol 2019; 38:639-650. [PMID: 31090450 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.4631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we explored the genes genetically associated with lupus nephritis (LN), and their function by bioinformatics analysis. We collected genes potentially associated with LN from National Center for Biotechnology Information Center (NCBI-Gene) and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. The major bioinformatics analysis linked with genes was then revealed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), crosstalk analysis, functional analysis, and Pivot algorithm. Two hundred twenty-three LN-related genes were obtained by intersecting NCBI-Gene and OMIM databases. Two thousand five hundred sixty-eight LN-related proteins and 23 modules were excavated by String protein interaction network and WGCNA co-expression analysis, respectively. Pivot algorithm included no coding RNA, transcription factor and drug indicated the high-count correlation-associated modules related to cancer, kidney pathophysiological changes, and kidney injury, respectively. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis based on 23 modules revealed LN-related genes mainly involved in immune response. Moreover, 19 genes that came from intersection of LN, arthritis, pleurisy, and myocarditis have close relationship with immune diseases and immune processes. Our results from this research may have important implications for understanding the genes underlying LN. Also, the framework proposed in this work can be used to research pathological molecular network and genes related to LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoping Sun
- 1 Central Lab of Shenzhen Pingshan People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- 1 Central Lab of Shenzhen Pingshan People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Dai
- 2 Clinical Medical Research Center, Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenbiao Chen
- 3 State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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12
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T-bet +CD11c + B cells are critical for antichromatin immunoglobulin G production in the development of lupus. Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:225. [PMID: 28982388 PMCID: PMC5629756 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1438-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus is high titers of circulating autoantibodies. Recently, a novel CD11c+ B-cell subset has been identified that is critical for the development of autoimmunity. However, the role of CD11c+ B cells in the development of lupus is unclear. Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a lupus-like syndrome with high autoantibody production. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of CD11c+ B cells in the pathogenesis of lupus in cGVHD mice. Methods cGVHD was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 5 × 107 Bm12 splenocytes into B6 mice. Flow cytometry was used to analyze mice splenocytes and human samples. Magnetic beads were used to isolate mice B cells. Gene expression was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies in serum and supernatants. Results The percentage and absolute number of CD11c+ B cells was increased in cGVHD-induced lupus, with elevated levels of antichromatin immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgG2a in sera. CD11c+ plasma cells from cGVHD mice produced large amounts of antichromatin IgG2a upon stimulation. Depletion of CD11c+ B cells reduced antichromatin IgG and IgG2a production. T-bet was upregulated in CD11c+ B cells. Knockout of T-bet in B cells alleviated cGVHD-induced lupus. Importantly, the percentage of T-bet+CD11c+ B cells increased in lupus patients and positively correlated with serum antichromatin levels. Conclusion T-bet+CD11c+ B cells promoted high antichromatin IgG production in the lupus-like disease model cGVHD. In lupus patients, the percentage of T-bet+CD11c+ B cells was elevated and positively correlated with antichromatin antibodies. The findings provide potential therapeutic insight into lupus disease treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-017-1438-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Wang P, Yang J, Tong F, Duan Z, Liu X, Xia L, Li K, Xia Y. Anti-Double-Stranded DNA IgG Participates in Renal Fibrosis through Suppressing the Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Signals. Front Immunol 2017; 8:610. [PMID: 28620377 PMCID: PMC5449454 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) participates in renal fibrosis by downregulating Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)-mediated cytokine signaling. Recently, it was found that anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) IgG induces the synthesis of profibrotic cytokines by renal cells. To explore the potential effect of anti-dsDNA IgG on SOCS1-mediated renal fibrosis, kidney tissues were collected from patients with lupus nephritis (LN) as well as MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice. The SOCS1 expression was evaluated in tissue samples. In addition, SCID mice were injected with anti-dsDNA IgG, followed by evaluation of SOCS1 levels. Renal resident cells were cultured in vitro, receiving the stimulation of anti-dsDNA IgG and then the measurement of SOCS1, JAK2, STAT1α, and profibrotic cytokines. Moreover, the binding of anti-dsDNA IgG to SOCS1 kinase inhibitory region (KIR) peptide was analyzed by surface plasmon resonance. We found that SOCS1 expression was inhibited, but JAK2/STAT1 activation was prominent in the kidney tissues of patients with LN, MRL/lpr mice, or anti-dsDNA IgG-injected SCID mice. The cultured renal cells also showed SOCS1 downregulation, JAK2/STAT1 activation, and profibrotic cytokine promotion upon anti-dsDNA IgG stimulation. Surprisingly, anti-dsDNA IgG showed high affinity to KIR peptide and competed with JAK2 loop for KIR. Additionally, a DNA-mimicking peptide (ALW) blocked the binding of anti-dsDNA IgG to KIR, and even partially abrogated the activation of JAK2/STAT1α signals and the expression of profibrotic cytokines in SCID mice. In conclusion, anti-dsDNA IgG downregulates SOCS1 expression, activates JAK2/STAT1 signals, and contributes to renal fibrosis; its peptide blockade may restore the SOCS1 inhibitory effect on the production of profibrotic cytokine, and finally ameliorate renal fibrosis in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fang Tong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhaoyang Duan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xingyin Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linlin Xia
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ke Li
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yumin Xia
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Zhang L, Zhu H, Li Y, Dai X, Zhou B, Li Q, Zuo X, Luo H. The role of IFI35 in lupus nephritis and related mechanisms. Mod Rheumatol 2017; 27:1010-1018. [PMID: 28064541 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2016.1270387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It's reported that multiple genes in the IFN-γ/STAT1 pathway were hypomethylated and associated with the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN). Our previous study using microarray analysis suggested that interferon induced 35-kDa protein (IFI35) was hypomethylated and increased in LN. However, the role of IFI35 in LN and related mechanism remains to be elucidate. METHODS The expressions of IFNγR, STAT1, IFI35 and MBD2 in the human kidneys tissues was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. The protein levels of IFI35 in the human kidney tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. The methylation status of IFNγR, STAT1 and IFI35 were detected by methylation specific PCR. Cell proliferation assay was evaluated using cell counting kit 8; pcDNA-IFI35 (pcDNA-MBD2) or IFI35 RNAi (MBD2 RNAi) was used to upregulated or downregulated the expression of the IFI35 and MBD2. RESULTS The expressions of IFNγR, STAT1 and IFI35 in the LN kidneys were significantly higher than controls. IFI35 was expressed in mesangial cells, and positively correlated with the proliferation of mesangial cells. IFNγR, STAT1and IFI35 was hypomethylated and MBD2 was increased in LN kidneys. In vitro data confirmed those findings: after stimulating with the serum from LN patients, the proliferation of human renal mesangial cells (HRMCs) was increased. The expressions of the three members of IFNγ signal pathway were hypomethylated and upregulated. However, this effect was reversed by MBD2 knockdown. IFI35 promoted the proliferation of HRMCs and was regulated by MBD2. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that IFI35 enhances the proliferation of mesangial cells and was regulated by MBD2 in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Zhang
- a Department of Rheumatology , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , People's Republic of China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- a Department of Rheumatology , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , People's Republic of China
| | - Yisha Li
- a Department of Rheumatology , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodan Dai
- a Department of Rheumatology , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhou
- a Department of Rheumatology , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , People's Republic of China
| | - Quanzhen Li
- b Department of Immunology and Internal Medicine , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
| | - Xiaoxia Zuo
- a Department of Rheumatology , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Luo
- a Department of Rheumatology , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , People's Republic of China
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Goswami R, Kaplan M. STAT Transcription Factors in T Cell Control of Health and Disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 331:123-180. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Zhen Y, Priest SO, Shao WH. Opposing Roles of Tyrosine Kinase Receptors Mer and Axl Determine Clinical Outcomes in Experimental Immune-Mediated Nephritis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:2187-94. [PMID: 27527599 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Glomerulonephritis is one of the most severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus, with considerable morbidity and mortality. There remains a major unmet need for successful management of lupus nephritis. TAM family receptor tyrosine kinases (Mer and Axl) play an important role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis in the kidney. Mer is constitutively expressed in the glomeruli; Axl expression is inducible in glomeruli under inflammatory conditions. To investigate the distinct functions of Axl and Mer in lupus nephritis, we compared the severity of nephrotoxic serum glomerulonephritis in wild-type (WT), Axl-knockout (KO), Mer-KO, and Axl/Mer-KO mice. Mer-KO mice developed severe glomerulonephritis, with significantly decreased survival and increased blood urea nitrogen levels compared with WT mice given the same treatment. However, nephrotoxic serum-treated Axl-KO mice had significantly increased survival rates and improved renal function compared with similarly treated WT, Mer-KO, and Axl/Mer-KO mice. Interestingly, mice lacking both Axl and Mer developed kidney inflammation comparable to WT mice. Western blot analysis revealed significantly increased Stat3 phosphorylation and caspase-1 activation in the kidneys of nephritic Mer-KO mice. In contrast, Axl-deficient nephrotoxic serum-injected mice showed decreased Akt phosphorylation and Bcl-xL upregulation. Thus, the reciprocal activation of Axl and Mer receptor tyrosine kinases has a major impact on the outcome of renal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhen
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140
| | - Stephen O Priest
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140
| | - Wen-Hai Shao
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140
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