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Estaleen RA, Reilly CM, Luo XM. A double-edged sword: interactions of CX 3CL1/CX 3CR1 and gut microbiota in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1330500. [PMID: 38299151 PMCID: PMC10828040 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1330500] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic chronic disease initiated by an abnormal immune response to self and can affect multiple organs. SLE is characterized by the production of autoantibodies and the deposition of immune complexes. In regard to the clinical observations assessed by rheumatologists, several chemokines and cytokines also contribute to disease progression. One such chemokine and adhesion molecule is CX3CL1 (otherwise known as fractalkine). CX3CL1 is involved in cell trafficking and inflammation through recognition by its receptor, CX3CR1. The CX3CL1 protein consists of a chemokine domain and a mucin-like stalk that allows it to function both as a chemoattractant and as an adhesion molecule. In inflammation and specifically lupus, the literature displays contradictory evidence for the functions of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 interactions. In addition, the gut microbiota has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. This review highlights current studies that illustrate the interactions of the gut microbiota and CX3CR1 in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana A. Estaleen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virgnia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Christopher M. Reilly
- Biomedical Sciences, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Xin M. Luo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virgnia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Cabana-Puig X, Lu R, Geng S, Michaelis JS, Oakes V, Armstrong C, Testerman JC, Liao X, Alajoleen R, Appiah M, Zhang Y, Reilly CM, Li L, Luo XM. CX 3CR1 modulates SLE-associated glomerulonephritis and cardiovascular disease in MRL/lpr mice. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:1083-1097. [PMID: 37060359 PMCID: PMC10748465 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01731-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often develop multi-organ damages including heart and kidney complications. We sought to better define the underlying mechanisms with a focus on the chemokine receptor CX3CR1. METHODS We generated Cx3cr1-deficient MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice through backcrossing. We then employed heterozygous intercross to generate MRL/lpr littermates that were either sufficient or deficient of CX3CR1. The mice were also treated with either Lactobacillus spp. or a high-fat diet (HFD) followed by assessments of the kidney and heart, respectively. RESULTS Cx3cr1-/- MRL/lpr mice exhibited a distinct phenotype of exacerbated glomerulonephritis compared to Cx3cr1+/+ littermates, which was associated with a decrease of spleen tolerogenic marginal zone macrophages and an increase of double-negative T cells. Interestingly, upon correction of the gut microbiota with Lactobacillus administration, the phenotype of exacerbated glomerulonephritis was reversed, suggesting that CX3CR1 controls glomerulonephritis in MRL/lpr mice through a gut microbiota-dependent mechanism. Upon treatment with HFD, Cx3cr1-/- MRL/lpr mice developed significantly more atherosclerotic plaques that were promoted by Ly6C+ monocytes. Activated monocytes expressed ICOS-L that interacted with ICOS-expressing follicular T-helper cells, which in turn facilitated a germinal center reaction to produce more autoantibodies. Through a positive feedback mechanism, the increased circulatory autoantibodies further promoted the activation of Ly6C+ monocytes and their display of ICOS-L. CONCLUSIONS We uncovered novel, Cx3cr1 deficiency-mediated pathogenic mechanisms contributing to SLE-associated glomerulonephritis and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Cabana-Puig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ran Lu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Shuo Geng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jacquelyn S Michaelis
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Vanessa Oakes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Caitlin Armstrong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - James C Testerman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Liao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Razan Alajoleen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Michael Appiah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Liwu Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Xin M Luo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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Hamdan D, Robinson LA. Role of the CX 3CL1-CX 3CR1 axis in renal disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 321:F121-F134. [PMID: 34121453 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00059.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive infiltration of immune cells into the kidney is a key feature of acute and chronic kidney diseases. The family of chemokines comprises key drivers of this process. Fractalkine [chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1)] is one of two unique chemokines synthesized as a transmembrane protein that undergoes proteolytic cleavage to generate a soluble species. Through interacting with its cognate receptor, chemokine (C-X3-C motif) receptor 1 (CX3CR1), CX3CL1 was originally shown to act as a conventional chemoattractant in the soluble form and as an adhesion molecule in the transmembrane form. Since then, other functions of CX3CL1 beyond leukocyte recruitment have been described, including cell survival, immunosurveillance, and cell-mediated cytotoxicity. This review summarizes diverse roles of CX3CL1 in kidney disease and potential uses as a therapeutic target and novel biomarker. As the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis has been shown to contribute to both detrimental and protective effects in various kidney diseases, a thorough understanding of how the expression and function of CX3CL1 are regulated is needed to unlock its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Hamdan
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa A Robinson
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Cormican S, Griffin MD. Fractalkine (CX3CL1) and Its Receptor CX3CR1: A Promising Therapeutic Target in Chronic Kidney Disease? Front Immunol 2021; 12:664202. [PMID: 34163473 PMCID: PMC8215706 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.664202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells are key contributors to kidney inflammation and fibrosis. Infiltration of the renal parenchyma by innate immune cells is governed by multiple signalling pathways. Since the discovery of the chemokine fractalkine (CX3CL1) and its receptor, CX3CR1 over twenty years ago, a wealth of evidence has emerged linking CX3CL1-CX3CR1 signalling to renal pathologies in both acute and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). However, despite the extent of data indicating a pathogenic role for this pathway in kidney disease and its complications, no human trials of targeted therapeutic agents have been reported. Although acute autoimmune kidney disease is often successfully treated with immunomodulatory medications, there is a notable lack of treatment options for patients with progressive fibrotic CKD. In this article we revisit the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis and its functional roles. Furthermore we review the accumulating evidence that CX3CL1-CX3CR1 interactions mediate important events in the intra-renal pathophysiology of CKD progression, particularly via recruitment of innate immune cells into the kidney. We also consider the role that systemic activation of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis in renal disease contributes to CKD-associated cardiovascular disease. Based on this evidence, we highlight the potential for therapies targeting CX3CL1 or CX3CR1 to benefit people living with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cormican
- Regenerative Medical Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- Nephrology Services, Galway University Hospitals, Saolta University Health Group, Galway, Ireland
| | - Matthew D. Griffin
- Regenerative Medical Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- Nephrology Services, Galway University Hospitals, Saolta University Health Group, Galway, Ireland
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CX3CR1 at V249M and T280M Gene Polymorphism and Its Potential Risk for End-Stage Renal Diseases in Egyptian Patients. Int J Nephrol 2021; 2021:6634365. [PMID: 33986961 PMCID: PMC8093072 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6634365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CX3CL1-CX3CR1 pathway may be one of the future treatment targets to delay the progression of end-stage renal diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the CX3CR gene polymorphism in Egyptian patients with ESRD and its relation to fractalkine blood level. The study included 100 patients with ESRD on dialysis, 61 males and 39 females with mean age 51.02 ± 7.8 years. The V2491 genotype revealed a significant increase in the frequency of GG genotype in healthy control (83%) compared to patients [69%] with a significant increase in GA in patients [30%] compared to control subjects [15%], P = 0.03. T280M study showed a statistically significant prevalence of TT genotype in healthy control subjects [86%-OR 95% CI 1.7] compared to patients [70%] with a significant increase in the prevalence of TA in patients [29%] compared to control subjects [13%], P = 0.01. There was a significant increase in fractalkine levels in genotypes GA + AA [503.04±224.1] pg/ml compared to genotype GG [423.6 210.3], P = 0.03. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the blood level of fractalkine in genotype TA + AA [498.8 219.6] compared to genotype TT [426.8±212.8], P = 0.05. In conclusion, our study showed that both V2491-GA genotype and T280M-TA are associated with potential risk for end-stage renal disease in Egyptian patients.
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Woźny Ł, Żywiec J, Gosek K, Kuźniewicz R, Górczyńska-Kosiorz S, Trautsolt W, Śnit M, Grzeszczak W. Association of CX3CR1 Gene Polymorphisms with Fractalkine, Fractalkine Receptor, and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Kidney Failure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18042202. [PMID: 33672355 PMCID: PMC7926901 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fractalkine (CX3CL1) is a chemokine that plays a significant role in inflammation, one of the pathophysiological processes underlying end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Genetic factors are significantly involved in cytokine expression and have been studied as potential risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: We aimed to elucidate the association of CX3CR1 gene polymorphisms rs3732378 and rs3732379 with the levels of CX3CL1, CX3CL1 receptor (CX3CR1), as well as C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients and methods: We enrolled 198 participants, including 106 patients with ESRD and 92 controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected from each patient for genetic (rs3732378 and rs3732379 polymorphisms) and immunoenzymatic (fractalkine, CX3CR1, CRP) tests. Results: CX3CR1 and CRP levels were higher in patients with ESRD than in controls (p < 0.05). Fractalkine levels were significantly higher in ESRD patients who were homozygous for the G allele of the rs3732378 polymorphism and for the C allele of the rs3732379 polymorphism than in homozygous controls. Moreover, carriers of these alleles among patients with ESRD had significantly higher CX3CR1 levels than controls. Conclusions: The G allele of the rs3732378 polymorphism and the C allele of the rs3732379 polymorphism of the CX3CR1 gene are associated with higher CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 levels. Our study suggests that CX3CR1 gene polymorphisms could be potentially involved in the pathogenesis of ESRD, but the study needs to be replicated in a larger population with a longitudinal follow-up study. Identification of genetic factors associated with inflammation in ESRD may contribute to the development of targeted gene therapies in the future.
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New mechanisms of CCR5-Δ32 carriers' advantage - Impact on progenitor cells and renal function. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 108:92-97. [PMID: 30648621 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CCR5 is a chemokine receptor expressed by various populations including leukocytes, smooth muscle cells and endothelium. Δ32 polymorphism of CCR5 gene has been connected with, inter alia, cardiovascular disease development. The aim of our study was to evaluate impact of CCR5 variant on CD34+ and CD34+VEGFR2+ cells - populations involved in cardiovascular system homeostasis and regeneration. METHODS AND RESULTS We have examined 170 Polish subjects from Pomeranian region. The analysis concerned CCR5 polymorphism and flow cytometry evaluation of whole blood cells. Our results indicate that individuals with at least one CCR5-Δ32 allele are characterized by greater number of CD34+CXCR4+, CD34+VEGFR2+ and CD34+VEGFR2+c-Kit + cells than their wild type counterparts. This group also exhibits more beneficial values of renal function parameters. CONCLUSION Maintaining greater size of CD34+ and CD34+VEGFR2+ populations as well as proper kidney function may constitute mechanisms that connect chemokine receptor polymorphism with cardiovascular system health.
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