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Sachinidis A, Lamprinou M, Dimitroulas T, Garyfallos A. Targeting T-bet expressing B cells for therapeutic interventions in autoimmunity. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 217:159-166. [PMID: 38647337 PMCID: PMC11239558 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxae036] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Apart from serving as a Th1 lineage commitment regulator, transcription factor T-bet is also expressed in other immune cell types and thus orchestrates their functions. In case of B cells, more specifically, T-bet is responsible for their isotype switching to specific IgG sub-classes (IgG2a/c in mice and IgG1/3 in humans). In various autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and/or rheumatoid arthritis, subsets of T-bet expressing B cells, known as age-associated B cells (CD19+CD11c+CD21-T-bet+) and/or double-negative B cells (CD19+IgD-CD27-T-bet+), display an expansion and seem to drive disease pathogenesis. According to data, mostly derived from mice models of autoimmunity, the targeting of these specific B-cell populations is capable of ameliorating the general health status of the autoimmune subjects. Here, in this review article, we present a variety of therapeutic approaches for both mice and humans, suffering from an autoimmune disease, and we discuss the effects of each approach on T-bet+ B cells. In general, we highlight the importance of specifically targeting T-bet+ B cells for therapeutic interventions in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Sachinidis
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Malamatenia Lamprinou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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2
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Ghorbani M, Khoshdoozmasouleh N. Distinct oral DNA viral signatures in rheumatoid arthritis: a Pilot study. J Oral Microbiol 2024; 16:2348260. [PMID: 38698892 PMCID: PMC11064737 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2024.2348260] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite evidence linking viruses and oral microbiome to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), limited whole genome sequencing research has been conducted on the oral virome (a viral component of the microbiome) of untreated RA patients. This pilot research seeks to address this knowledge gap by comparing the oral virome of untreated rheumatoid arthritis patients (RAs) and healthy individuals (HCs). Method Whole genome DNA sequence of saliva samples from 45 participants including 21 RAs and 24 age and gender matched HCs was obtained from the BioProject: PRJEB6997. Metaphlan3 pipeline and LEfSe analysis were used for the viral signature detection. Wilcoxon pairwise test and ROC analysis were used to validate and predict signatures. Results RA exhibits higher alpha diversity compared to HCs. Callitrichine gammaherpesvirus 3, Human gammaherpesvirus 4 (EBV), Murid betaherpesvirus 8, and Suid alphaherpesvirus 1 were enriched in RAs, while Aotine betaherpesvirus 1 from the Cytomegalovirus genus was enriched in HCs. In addition, Saccharomyces cerevisiae killer virus M1 (ScV-M1) was found to be enriched in RAs, whereas bacteriophage Hk97virus (Siphoviridae) and Cd119virus (Myoviridae) were enriched in HCs. Conclusion This study identifies significant DNA oral viral signatures at species level as potential biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Ghorbani
- Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nooshin Khoshdoozmasouleh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Genomics, Buffalo, NY, USA
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3
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Borghol AH, Bitar ER, Hanna A, Naim G, Rahal EA. The role of Epstein-Barr virus in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38634723 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2344114] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a dsDNA herpesvirus, is believed to play a significant role in exacerbating and potentially triggering autoimmune and autoinflammatory maladies. Around 90% of the world is infected with the virus, which establishes latency within lymphocytes. EBV is also known to cause infectious mononucleosis, a self-limited flu-like illness, in adolescents. EBV is often reactivated and it employs several mechanisms of evading the host immune system. It has also been implicated in inducing host immune dysfunction potentially resulting in exacerbation or triggering of inflammatory processes. EBV has therefore been linked to a number of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome. The review examines the molecular mechanisms through which the virus alters host immune system components thus possibly resulting in autoimmune processes. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning EBV-associated autoimmunity is pivotal; however, the precise causal pathways remain elusive. Research on therapeutic agents and vaccines for EBV has been stagnant for a long number of years until recent advances shed light on potential therapeutic targets. The implications of EBV in autoimmunity underscore the importance of developing targeted therapeutic strategies and, potentially, vaccines to mitigate the autoimmune burden associated with this ubiquitous virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Hamid Borghol
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elio R Bitar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aya Hanna
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Naim
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elias A Rahal
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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4
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Ramirez De Oleo I, Kim V, Atisha-Fregoso Y, Shih AJ, Lee K, Diamond B, Kim SJ. Phenotypic and functional characteristics of murine CD11c+ B cells which is suppressed by metformin. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1241531. [PMID: 37744368 PMCID: PMC10512061 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1241531] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the description of age-associated or autoimmune-associated B cells (ABCs), there has been a growing interest in the role of these cells in autoimmunity. ABCs are differently defined depending on the research group and are heterogenous subsets. Here, we sought to characterize ABCs in Sle1/2/3 triple congenic (TC) mice, which is a well accepted mouse model of lupus. Compared to follicular (FO) B cells, ABCs have many distinct functional properties, including antigen presentation. They express key costimulatory molecules for T cell activation and a distinct profile of cytokines. Moreover, they exhibit an increased capacity for antigen uptake. ABCs were also compared with germinal center (GC) B cells, which are antigen activated B cell population. There are several phenotypic similarities between ABCs and GC B cells, but GC B cells do not produce proinflammatory cytokines or take up antigen. While T cell proliferation and activation is induced by both FO B and ABCs in an antigen-dependent manner, ABCs induce stronger T cell receptor signaling in naïve CD4+ T cells and preferentially induce differentiation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. We found that ABCs exhibit a distinct transcriptomic profile which is focused on metabolism, cytokine signaling and antigen uptake and processing. ABCs exhibit an increase in both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation compared to FO B cells. Treatment of ABCs with metformin suppresses antigen presentation by decreasing antigen uptake, resulting in decreased Tfh differentiation. Taken together, these findings define a fundamental connection between metabolism and function within ABCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Ramirez De Oleo
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Vera Kim
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Yemil Atisha-Fregoso
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Andrew J. Shih
- Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Kyungwoo Lee
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Department of Biology at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Betty Diamond
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Sun Jung Kim
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
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5
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Bogers L, Kuiper KL, Smolders J, Rip J, van Luijn MM. Epstein-Barr virus and genetic risk variants as determinants of T-bet + B cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Immunol Lett 2023; 261:66-74. [PMID: 37451321 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
B cells expressing the transcription factor T-bet are found to have a protective role in viral infections, but are also considered major players in the onset of different types of autoimmune diseases. Currently, the exact mechanisms driving such 'atypical' memory B cells to contribute to protective immunity or autoimmunity are unclear. In addition to general autoimmune-related factors including sex and age, the ways T-bet+ B cells instigate autoimmune diseases may be determined by the close interplay between genetic risk variants and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The impact of EBV on T-bet+ B cells likely relies on the type of risk variants associated with each autoimmune disease, which may affect their differentiation, migratory routes and effector function. In this hypothesis-driven review, we discuss the lines of evidence pointing to such genetic and/or EBV-mediated influence on T-bet+ B cells in a range of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). We provide examples of how genetic risk variants can be linked to certain signaling pathways and are differentially affected by EBV to shape T-bet+ B-cells. Finally, we propose options to improve current treatment of B cell-related autoimmune diseases by more selective targeting of pathways that are critical for pathogenic T-bet+ B-cell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens Bogers
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten L Kuiper
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Smolders
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands; MS Center ErasMS, Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology research group, Amsterdam 1105 BA, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper Rip
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Marvin M van Luijn
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands.
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Sadighi Akha AA, Csomós K, Ujházi B, Walter JE, Kumánovics A. Evolving Approach to Clinical Cytometry for Immunodeficiencies and Other Immune Disorders. Clin Lab Med 2023; 43:467-483. [PMID: 37481324 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2023.05.002] [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: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiencies were initially identified on the basis of recurrent, severe or unusual infections. Subsequently, it was noted that these diseases can also manifest with autoimmunity, autoinflammation, allergy, lymphoproliferation and malignancy, hence a conceptual change and their renaming as inborn errors of immunity. Ongoing advances in flow cytometry provide the opportunity to expand or modify the utility and scope of existing laboratory tests in this field to mirror this conceptual change. Here we have used the B cell subset, variably known as CD21low B cells, age-associated B cells and T-bet+ B cells, as an example to demonstrate this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir A Sadighi Akha
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Krisztián Csomós
- Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology, University of South Florida, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Boglárka Ujházi
- Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology, University of South Florida, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Jolán E Walter
- Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology, University of South Florida, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Attila Kumánovics
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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7
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Trier NH, Houen G. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies as biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:895-911. [PMID: 37578277 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2247986] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The serological biomarker anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) may have several functions but is especially important for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) along with clinical symptoms. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of ACPAs, which are useful in RA diagnostics and may improve our understanding of disease etiology. PubMed was searched with combinations of words related to antibodies recognizing epitopes containing the post-translationally modified amino acid citrulline in combination with rheumatoid arthritis; cyclic citrullinated peptide, CCP, anti-CCP, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, ACPA, citrullination, peptide/protein arginine deiminase, PAD, filaggrin, vimentin, keratin, collagen, perinuclear factor, EBNA1, EBNA2, and others. From this search, we made a qualitative extract of publications relevant to the discovery, characterization, and clinical use of these antibodies in relation to RA. We highlight significant findings and identify areas for improvement. EXPERT OPINION ACPAs have high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for RA and recognize citrullinated epitopes from several proteins. The best-performing single epitope originates from Epstein-Barr Virus nuclear antigen 2 and contains a central Cit-Gly motif, which is recognized by ACPAS when located in a flexible peptide structure. In addition, ACPAs may also have prognostic value, especially in relation to early treatment, although ACPAs' main function is to aid in the diagnosis of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gunnar Houen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
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8
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Sundaresan B, Shirafkan F, Ripperger K, Rattay K. The Role of Viral Infections in the Onset of Autoimmune Diseases. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030782. [PMID: 36992490 PMCID: PMC10051805 DOI: 10.3390/v15030782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are the consequence of a breach in immune tolerance, leading to the inability to sufficiently differentiate between self and non-self. Immune reactions that are targeted towards self-antigens can ultimately lead to the destruction of the host's cells and the development of autoimmune diseases. Although autoimmune disorders are comparatively rare, the worldwide incidence and prevalence is increasing, and they have major adverse implications for mortality and morbidity. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to be the major factors contributing to the development of autoimmunity. Viral infections are one of the environmental triggers that can lead to autoimmunity. Current research suggests that several mechanisms, such as molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, and bystander activation, can cause viral-induced autoimmunity. Here we describe the latest insights into the pathomechanisms of viral-induced autoimmune diseases and discuss recent findings on COVID-19 infections and the development of AIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhargavi Sundaresan
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Shirafkan
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Ripperger
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Rattay
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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9
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Long A, Kleiner A, Looney RJ. Immune dysregulation. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:70-80. [PMID: 36608984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.11.001] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of immune dysregulation in many different diseases continues to grow. There is increasing evidence that altered microbiome and gut barrier dysfunction contribute to systemic inflammation in patients with primary immunodeficiency and in patients with rheumatic disease. Recent research provides insight into the process of induction and maturation of pathogenic age-associated B cells and highlights the role of age-associated B cells in creating tissue inflammation. T follicular regulatory cells are shown to help maintain B-cell tolerance, and therapeutic approaches to increase or promote T follicular regulatory cells may help prevent or decrease immune dysregulation. Meanwhile, novel studies of systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis reveal a strong HLA association with interstitial lung disease and identify key aspects of the pathogenesis of macrophage activation syndrome. Studies of hyperinflammatory syndromes, including the recently described multisystem inflammatory syndrome of children, characterize similarities and differences in cytokine profiles and T-cell activation. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of immune dysregulation and describes potential key factors that may function as biomarkers for disease or targets for therapeutic interventions. Future trials are necessary to address the many remaining questions with regards to pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory, and immunodeficiency syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Long
- Allergy Immunology Rheumatology Division, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | - Anatole Kleiner
- Allergy Immunology Rheumatology Division, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | - R John Looney
- Allergy Immunology Rheumatology Division, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY.
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10
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Li ZY, Cai ML, Qin Y, Chen Z. Age/autoimmunity-associated B cells in inflammatory arthritis: An emerging therapeutic target. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1103307. [PMID: 36817481 PMCID: PMC9933781 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1103307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Age/autoimmunity-associated B cells (ABCs) are a novel B cell subpopulation with a unique transcriptional signature and cell surface phenotype. They are not sensitive to BCR but rely on TLR7 or TLR9 in the context of T cell-derived cytokines for the differentiation. It has been established that aberrant expansion of ABCs is linked to the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Recently, we and other groups have shown that increased ABCs is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity and have demonstrated their pathogenic role in RA, indicating that targeting specific B cell subsets is a promising strategy for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of ABCs, focusing on their emerging role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis. A deep understanding of the biology of ABCs in the context of inflammatory settings in vivo will ultimately contribute to the development of novel targeted therapies for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yu Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ming-Long Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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11
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Mouat IC, Allanach JR, Fettig NM, Fan V, Girard AM, Shanina I, Osborne LC, Vorobeychik G, Horwitz MS. Gammaherpesvirus infection drives age-associated B cells toward pathogenicity in EAE and MS. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eade6844. [PMID: 36427301 PMCID: PMC9699667 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade6844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
While age-associated B cells (ABCs) are known to expand and persist following viral infection and during autoimmunity, their interactions are yet to be studied together in these contexts. Here, we directly compared CD11c+T-bet+ ABCs using models of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68), multiple sclerosis (MS), and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and found that each drives the ABC population to opposing phenotypes. EBV infection has long been implicated in MS, and we have previously shown that latent γHV68 infection exacerbates EAE. Here, we demonstrate that ABCs are required for γHV68-enhanced disease. We then show that the circulating ABC population is expanded and phenotypically altered in people with relapsing MS. In this study, we show that viral infection and autoimmunity differentially affect the phenotype of ABCs in humans and mice, and we identify ABCs as functional mediators of viral-enhanced autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel C. Mouat
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jessica R. Allanach
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Naomi M. Fettig
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Vina Fan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anna M. Girard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Iryna Shanina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lisa C. Osborne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Galina Vorobeychik
- Fraser Health Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marc S. Horwitz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Corresponding author.
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Muralidharan S, Ali S, Yang L, Badshah J, Zahir SF, Ali RA, Chandra J, Frazer IH, Thomas R, Mehdi AM. Environmental pathways affecting gene expression (E.PAGE) as an R package to predict gene-environment associations. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18710. [PMID: 36333579 PMCID: PMC9636158 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21988-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to manually and semi-automatically curate a database and develop an R package that will act as a comprehensive resource to understand how biological processes are dysregulated due to interactions with environmental factors. The initial database search run on the Gene Expression Omnibus and the Molecular Signature Database retrieved a total of 90,018 articles. After title and abstract screening against pre-set criteria, a total of 237 datasets were selected and 522 gene modules were manually annotated. We then curated a database containing four environmental factors, cigarette smoking, diet, infections and toxic chemicals, along with a total of 25,789 genes that had an association with one or more of gene modules. The database and statistical analysis package was then tested with the differentially expressed genes obtained from the published literature related to type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, small cell lung cancer, COVID-19, cobalt exposure and smoking. On testing, we uncovered statistically enriched biological processes, which revealed pathways associated with environmental factors and the genes. The curated database and enrichment tool are available as R packages at https://github.com/AhmedMehdiLab/E.PATH and https://github.com/AhmedMehdiLab/E.PAGE respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Muralidharan
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Sarah Ali
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Lilin Yang
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Joshua Badshah
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Syeda Farah Zahir
- QCIF Facility for Advanced Bioinformatics, Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation Ltd, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Rubbiya A. Ali
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Janin Chandra
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Ian H. Frazer
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Ranjeny Thomas
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Ahmed M. Mehdi
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia ,QCIF Facility for Advanced Bioinformatics, Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation Ltd, Brisbane, QLD Australia
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SoRelle ED, Reinoso-Vizcaino NM, Horn GQ, Luftig MA. Epstein-Barr virus perpetuates B cell germinal center dynamics and generation of autoimmune-associated phenotypes in vitro. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1001145. [PMID: 36248899 PMCID: PMC9554744 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1001145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human B cells encompass functionally diverse lineages and phenotypic states that contribute to protective as well as pathogenic responses. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) provides a unique lens for studying heterogeneous B cell responses, given its adaptation to manipulate intrinsic cell programming. EBV promotes the activation, proliferation, and eventual outgrowth of host B cells as immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) in vitro, which provide a foundational model of viral latency and lymphomagenesis. Although cellular responses and outcomes of infection can vary significantly within populations, investigations that capture genome-wide perspectives of this variation at single-cell resolution are in nascent stages. We have recently used single-cell approaches to identify EBV-mediated B cell heterogeneity in de novo infection and within LCLs, underscoring the dynamic and complex qualities of latent infection rather than a singular, static infection state. Here, we expand upon these findings with functional characterizations of EBV-induced dynamic phenotypes that mimic B cell immune responses. We found that distinct subpopulations isolated from LCLs could completely reconstitute the full phenotypic spectrum of their parental lines. In conjunction with conserved patterns of cell state diversity identified within scRNA-seq data, these data support a model in which EBV continuously drives recurrent B cell entry, progression through, and egress from the Germinal Center (GC) reaction. This "perpetual GC" also generates tangent cell fate trajectories including terminal plasmablast differentiation, which constitutes a replicative cul-de-sac for EBV from which lytic reactivation provides escape. Furthermore, we found that both established EBV latency and de novo infection support the development of cells with features of atypical memory B cells, which have been broadly associated with autoimmune disorders. Treatment of LCLs with TLR7 agonist or IL-21 was sufficient to generate an increased frequency of IgD-/CD27-/CD23-/CD38+/CD138+ plasmablasts. Separately, de novo EBV infection led to the development of CXCR3+/CD11c+/FCRL4+ B cells within days, providing evidence for possible T cell-independent origins of a recently described EBV-associated neuroinvasive CXCR3+ B cell subset in patients with multiple sclerosis. Collectively, this work reveals unexpected virus-driven complexity across infected cell populations and highlights potential roles of EBV in mediating or priming foundational aspects of virus-associated immune cell dysfunction in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott D. SoRelle
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Gillian Q. Horn
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Micah A. Luftig
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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Mouat IC, Goldberg E, Horwitz MS. Age-associated B cells in autoimmune diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:402. [PMID: 35798993 PMCID: PMC9263041 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Age-associated B cells (ABCs) are a transcriptionally and functionally unique B cell population. In addition to arising with age and following infection, ABCs are expanded during autoimmune disease, including those with systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The exact nature of how ABCs impact disease remains unclear. Here, we review what is known regarding ABC development and distribution during diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. We discuss possible mechanisms by which ABCs could contribute to disease, including the production of cytokines and autoantibodies or stimulation of T cells. Finally, we speculate on how ABCs might act as mediators between sex, infection, and autoimmune disease, and discuss avenues for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel C Mouat
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erin Goldberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marc S Horwitz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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15
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Sachinidis A, Garyfallos A. Involvement of age-associated B cells in EBV-triggered autoimmunity. Immunol Res 2022; 70:546-549. [PMID: 35575824 PMCID: PMC9109436 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-022-09291-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract EBV infection has long been suspected to play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, a recently published study has provided the strongest evidence to date that EBV is truly a trigger for multiple sclerosis, a well known inflammatory and neurodegenerative autoimmune disorder. Taking into account the data derived from mice models of autoimmune diseases that were also infected with a murine analog of EBV, in this commentary, we highlight the involvement of age-associated B cells, a B cell population defined as CD19+CD11c+CD21−T-bet+, in the process of EBV-triggered autoimmunity. Of note, the aforementioned B cell subset expands continuously with age in healthy individuals, whereas displays a premature strong accumulation in cases of autoimmune diseases. These cells contribute to autoimmune disease pathogenesis via a variety of functions, such as the production of autoantibodies and/or the formation of spontaneous germinal centers. Latent form of EBV seems to modify these B cells, so as to function pathogenically in cases of autoimmunity. Targeting of ABCs, as well as the elimination of EBV, may both be potential treatments for autoimmunity. Highlights Latent form of EBV potentially triggers autoimmune diseases ABCs expand in autoimmunity and contribute to disease pathogenesis EBV modifies ABCs, so as to function pathogenically in autoimmune diseases Apart from EBV elimination, targeting of ABCs may also bring therapeutic benefits to autoimmune patients
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Sachinidis
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Abstract
Age-associated B cells (ABCs) are a recently identified, unique B cell population that displays both protective and pathogenic characteristics, depending on the context. A major role of ABCs is to protect from viral infection. ABCs expand during an array of viral infections and display various functional capacities, including secretion of antibodies and activation of T cells. Following resolution of infection, ABCs appear to persist and play a crucial role in memory and recall responses. Here, we review the currently understanding of ABCs in the antiviral response in both humans and mice. We discuss avenues for future research, including the impact of sex on the ABC population and heterogeneity of ABCs between contexts.
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17
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Abstract
A mouse model supports the hypothesis that latent Epstein-Barr virus exacerbates the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Taussig
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yariv Wine
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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