1
|
Kim J, Ha S, Son M, Kim D, Kim MJ, Kim B, Kim D, Chung HY, Chung KW. TLR7 activation by miR-21 promotes renal fibrosis by activating the pro-inflammatory signaling pathway in tubule epithelial cells. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:215. [PMID: 37596656 PMCID: PMC10439664 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01234-w] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is an endosomal TLR activated by single-stranded RNA, including endogenous microRNAs. Although TLR7 is known to promote inflammatory responses in pathophysiological conditions, its role in renal fibrosis has not been investigated. Here, we aim to investigate the inflammatory roles of TLR7 in kidney inflammation and fibrosis. METHODS TLR7 knockout mice (Tlr7 -/-) subjected to AD-induced kidney injury were utilized to examine the role of TLR7 in kidney fibrosis. To elucidate the role of TLR7 in renal epithelial cells, NRK52E rat renal tubule epithelial cells were employed. RESULTS Under fibrotic conditions induced by an adenine diet (AD), TLR7 was significantly increased in damaged tubule epithelial cells, where macrophages were highly infiltrated. TLR7 deficiency protected against AD-induced tubular damage, inflammation, and renal fibrosis. Under in vitro conditions, TLR7 activation increased NF-κB activity and induced chemokine expression, whereas TLR7 inhibition effectively blocked NF-κB activation. Furthermore, among the known TLR7 endogenous ligands, miR-21 was significantly upregulated in the tubular epithelial regions. In NRK52E cells, miR-21 treatment induced pro-inflammatory responses, which could be blocked by a TLR7 inhibitor. When the TLR7 inhibitor, M5049, was administered to the AD-induced renal fibrosis model, TLR7 inhibition significantly attenuated AD-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Overall, activation of TLR7 by endogenous miR-21 in renal epithelial cells contributes to inflammatory responses in a renal fibrosis model, suggesting a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of renal fibrosis. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeongwon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sugyeong Ha
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjung Son
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Jeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumseok Kim
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54596, Korea
| | - Donghwan Kim
- Functional Food Materials Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-Gun, 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Young Chung
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Wung Chung
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Enteric Toll-like receptor 7 stimulation causes acute exacerbation in lupus-susceptible mice. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:1185-1194. [PMID: 36515794 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06467-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are often accompanied by acute exacerbation. However, the mechanism underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares remains unclear. We investigated whether short-term enteric Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) stimulation can exacerbate SLE using B6SKG mice, which spontaneously develop SLE due to a mutation in the zeta‒chain‒associated protein kinase 70 (Zap70) gene. Imiquimod (IMQ) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were orally administered on B6WT and B6SKG mice every other day for 2 weeks. SLE exacerbation was assessed via fluorescent immunohistochemical staining of glomeruli for IgG and C3, hematoxylin and eosin staining of kidneys, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antinuclear antibody (ANA). Flow cytometry was used to evaluate germinal center B cells (GCBs), plasma cells, follicular helper T cells (Tfhs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), effector T cells (Th1s and Th17s), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), and macrophages (Mφs) in spleens. Oral administration of IMQ every other day for 2 weeks resulted in exacerbation of splenomegaly, increased IgG and C3 deposition in glomeruli, and increased ANA production in the B6SKG IMQ (SKG-IMQ) group compared to the B6SKG PBS (SKG-PBS) group; the percentages of GCBs, plasma cells, Tfhs, Th1s, pDCs, and Mφs were also increased in the SKG-IMQ group. Splenomegaly, IgG, and C3 deposition in glomeruli, and the percentages of GCBs, plasma cells, Tfhs, and Th1s were enhanced in SKG-IMQ mice compared with B6SKG mice topically treated with IMQ (SKG-ear-IMQ). Oral TLR7 stimulation in a Zap70 genetic mutation background can cause acute exacerbations of SLE. Key Points • The mechanism of SLE flares is not well understood. • We have created a model that causes short-term SLE exacerbations in mice with a genetic background. • IMQ administered orally causes more SLE in mice than transdermally.
Collapse
|
3
|
Scindia Y, Mehrad B, Morel L. Labile iron accumulation augments T follicular helper cell differentiation. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:159472. [PMID: 35499081 PMCID: PMC9057622 DOI: 10.1172/jci159472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a subset of CD4+ T cells that are essential in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Notably, iron is required for activated CD4+ T lymphocytes to sustain high proliferation and metabolism. In this issue of the JCI, Gao et al. showed that CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE accumulated iron, augmenting their differentiation into Tfh cells and correlating with disease activity. Using human cells and murine models, the authors demonstrated that miR-21 was overexpressed in lupus T cells and inhibited 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase-2 (BDH2). The subsequent loss of BDH2 drove labile iron to accumulate in the cytoplasm and promoted TET enzyme activity, BCL6 gene demethylation, and Tfh cell differentiation. This work identifies a role for iron in CD4+ T cell biology and the development of pathogenic effectors in SLE. We await future investigations that could determine whether modulating iron levels could regulate Tfh cells in human health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Scindia
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine and
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Borna Mehrad
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Laurence Morel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine and
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fernandes M, Marques H, Teixeira AL, Medeiros R. Competitive Endogenous RNA Network Involving miRNA and lncRNA in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Current Advances and Clinical Perspectives. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1934. [PMID: 34944752 PMCID: PMC8698845 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous malignancy with variable patient outcomes. There is still a lack of understanding about the different players involved in lymphomagenesis, and the identification of new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is urgent. MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs emerged as master regulators of B-cell development, and their deregulation has been associated with the initiation and progression of lymphomagenesis. They can function by acting alone or, as recently proposed, by creating competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Most studies have focused on individual miRNAs/lncRNAs function in lymphoma, and there is still limited data regarding their interactions in lymphoma progression. The study of miRNAs' and lncRNAs' deregulation in NHL, either alone or as ceRNAs networks, offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying lymphoma pathogenesis and opens a window of opportunity to identify potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge regarding the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in B-cell lymphoma, including their interactions and regulatory networks. Finally, we summarized the studies investigating the potential of miRNAs and lncRNAs as clinical biomarkers, with a special focus on the circulating profiles, to be applied as a non-invasive, easy-to-obtain, and reproducible liquid biopsy for dynamic management of NHL patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Fernandes
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (M.F.); (A.L.T.)
- Research Department of the Portuguese League against Cancer Regional Nucleus of the North (LPCC-NRN), 4200-177 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Herlander Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s–PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Department of Oncology, Hospital de Braga, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal
- CINTESIS, Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Teixeira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (M.F.); (A.L.T.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (M.F.); (A.L.T.)
- Research Department of the Portuguese League against Cancer Regional Nucleus of the North (LPCC-NRN), 4200-177 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Biomedical Research Center (CEBIMED), Faculty of Health Sciences of Fernando Pessoa University (UFP), 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schell SL, Rahman ZSM. miRNA-Mediated Control of B Cell Responses in Immunity and SLE. Front Immunol 2021; 12:683710. [PMID: 34079558 PMCID: PMC8165268 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.683710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of B cell tolerance is central to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As such, the mechanisms involved in B cell development, maturation, activation, and function that are aberrantly regulated in SLE are of interest in the design of targeted therapeutics. While many factors are involved in the generation and regulation of B cell responses, miRNAs have emerged as critical regulators of these responses within the last decade. To date, miRNA involvement in B cell responses has largely been studied in non-autoimmune, immunization-based systems. However, miRNA profiles have also been strongly associated with SLE in human patients and these molecules have proven critical in both the promotion and regulation of disease in mouse models and in the formation of autoreactive B cell responses. Functionally, miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that bind to complementary sequences located in target mRNA transcripts to mediate transcript degradation or translational repression, invoking a post-transcriptional level of genetic regulation. Due to their capacity to target a diverse range of transcripts and pathways in different immune cell types and throughout the various stages of development and response, targeting miRNAs is an interesting potential therapeutic avenue. Herein, we focus on what is currently known about miRNA function in both normal and SLE B cell responses, primarily highlighting miRNAs with confirmed functions in mouse models. We also discuss areas that should be addressed in future studies and whether the development of miRNA-centric therapeutics may be a viable alternative for the treatment of SLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Schell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Ziaur S M Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|