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Yang H, Liu Q, Liu H, Kang X, Tian H, Kang Y, Li L, Yang X, Ren P, Kuang X, Wang X, Guo L, Tong M, Ma J, Fan W. Berberine alleviates concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice by modulating the gut microbiota. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0381. [PMID: 38466881 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated liver disease of unknown etiology accompanied by intestinal dysbiosis and a damaged intestinal barrier. Berberine (BBR) is a traditional antibacterial medicine that has a variety of pharmacological properties. It has been reported that BBR alleviates AIH, but relevant mechanisms remain to be fully explored. METHODS BBR was orally administered at doses of 100 mg⋅kg-1⋅d-1 for 7 days to mice before concanavalin A-induced AIH model establishment. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence, western blotting, ELISA, 16S rRNA analysis, flow cytometry, real-time quantitative PCR, and fecal microbiota transplantation studies were performed to ascertain BBR effects and mechanisms in AIH mice. RESULTS We found that liver necrosis and apoptosis were decreased upon BBR administration; the levels of serum transaminase, serum lipopolysaccharide, liver proinflammatory factors TNF-α, interferon-γ, IL-1β, and IL-17A, and the proportion of Th17 cells in spleen cells were all reduced, while the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and regulatory T cell proportions were increased. Moreover, BBR treatment increased beneficial and reduced harmful bacteria in the gut. BBR also strengthened ileal barrier function by increasing the expression of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and occludin, thereby blocking lipopolysaccharide translocation, preventing lipopolysaccharide/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/ NF-κB pathway activation, and inhibiting inflammatory factor production in the liver. Fecal microbiota transplantation from BBR to model mice also showed that BBR potentially alleviated AIH by altering the gut microbiota. CONCLUSIONS BBR alleviated concanavalin A-induced AIH by modulating the gut microbiota and related immune regulation. These results shed more light on potential BBR therapeutic strategies for AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qingqing Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xing Kang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Haixia Tian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yongbo Kang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, and Shanxi Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, and Shanxi Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaodan Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Peng Ren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Kuang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, and Shanxi Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Taiyuan, China
- Laboratory of Morphology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong 030619, China
| | - Linzhi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, and Shanxi Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Taiyuan, China
- Laboratory of Morphology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong 030619, China
| | - Mingwei Tong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, and Shanxi Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jieqiong Ma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, and Shanxi Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Weiping Fan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, and Shanxi Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Taiyuan, China
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Kim JW, Kim YJ. The evidence-based multifaceted roles of hepatic stellate cells in liver diseases: A concise review. Life Sci 2024; 344:122547. [PMID: 38460810 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play central roles in liver disease pathogenesis, spanning steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. These cells, located in the liver's sinusoidal space of Disse, transition from a quiescent, vitamin A-rich state to an activated, myofibroblast-like phenotype in response to liver injury. This activation results from a complex interplay of cytokines, growth factors, and oxidative stress, leading to excessive collagen deposition and liver fibrosis, a hallmark of chronic liver diseases. Recently, HSCs have gained recognition for their dynamic, multifaceted roles in liver health and disease. Attention has shifted toward their involvement in various liver conditions, including acute liver injury, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver regeneration. This review aims to explore diverse functions of HSCs in these acute or chronic liver pathologies, with a focus on their roles beyond fibrogenesis. HSCs exhibit a wide range of actions, including lipid storage, immunomodulation, and interactions with other hepatic and extrahepatic cells, making them pivotal in the hepatic microenvironment. Understanding HSC involvement in the progression of liver diseases can offer novel insights into pathogenic mechanisms and guide targeted therapeutic strategies for various liver conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Won Kim
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Yu Ji Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Jeonbuk National University, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University - Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea.
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Lei Y, Chen Y, Wang S, Lin Z, Han P, Tian D, Wang H, Liu M. L-lysine supplementation attenuates experimental autoimmune hepatitis in a chronic murine model. Exp Anim 2024; 73:83-92. [PMID: 37648521 PMCID: PMC10877156 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.23-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has increased significantly worldwide. The present study aims to explore the protective effect of L-lysine supplementation against AIH and to investigate its potential underlying mechanisms. A chronic experimental AIH mouse model was established by repeated tail vein injection of human cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) plasmid. Starting from day 14 of the modeling, mice in the CYP2D6-AIH +L-lysine group were given 200 µl of purified water containing 10 mg/kg L-lysine by gavage until day27, once a day, and mice in the healthy control group and model group were given an equal volume of purified water by gavage. Our results showed that L-lysine supplementation partially reversed the liver injury mediated by CYP2D6 overexpression. These effects were consistent with the restraining impacts of L-lysine supplementation on decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines expression level and CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes infiltration, as well as curbing hepatic oxidative stress. Furthermore, L-lysine supplement relieved liver fibrosis in the context of AIH. In conclusion, L-lysine supplementation attenuates CYP2D6-induced immune liver injury in mice, which may serve as a novel nutrition support approach for AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Shuhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Zhuoying Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shangrao People's Hospital, Shangrao 334000, Jiangxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, P.R. China
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Zhang L, Liu M, Sun Q, Cheng S, Chi Y, Zhang J, Wang B, Zhou L, Zhao J. Engineering M2 type macrophage-derived exosomes for autoimmune hepatitis immunotherapy via loading siRIPK3. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116161. [PMID: 38244330 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive liver disease mediated by the immune system that involves an imbalance in pro-inflammatory and regulatory mechanisms including regulatory T cells (Tregs), T helper 17 (Th17) cells, Th1, macrophages, and many other immune cells. Current steroid therapy for AIH has significant systemic side effects and is poorly tolerated by some individuals. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative treatments. Maintaining homeostasis in macrophage differentiation and activation is crucial for regulating immune responses in hepatitis. In this study, we loaded small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) into M2-type macrophage-derived exosomes (M2 Exos) to create functionalized exosomes called M2 Exos/siRIPK3. These exosomes demonstrated a natural ability to target the liver in mice, as they were efficiently taken up by hepatic macrophages and showed significant and stable accumulation. M2 Exos/siRIPK3 effectively mitigated immune-mediated hepatitis by suppressing the expression of RIPK3, resulting in a reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in both liver tissues and serum. Additionally, M2 Exos/siRIPK3 exhibited immunomodulatory effects, as its administration resulted in a decreased proportion of hepatic and splenic Th17 cells, along with an increased ratio of Tregs. Overall, this study suggests that loading small molecule drugs onto M2 Exos could be a promising approach for developing immunomodulators that specifically target liver macrophages to treat AIH. This strategy has the potential to provide a safer and more effective alternative to current therapy for AIH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, No. 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, No. 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Qiu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, No. 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Shuqin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, No. 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yirong Chi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, No. 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, No. 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Bangmao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, No. 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, No. 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin 300052, China.
| | - Jingwen Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, No. 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin 300052, China.
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Liu Y, Tang Y, Jiang H, Zhang X, Chen X, Guo J, Jin C, Wu M. Exosome-Related FTCD Facilitates M1 Macrophage Polarization and Impacts the Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2023; 14:41. [PMID: 38254641 PMCID: PMC10813691 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomes are essential for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and have garnered significant interest as novel targets for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches. This study aims to identify potential exosome-related biomarkers for the development of useful strategies for HCC diagnosis and therapy. METHODS Three datasets obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC. Through Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, overall survival (OS) analysis, Cox analyses, and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model detection, exosome-related hub gene was screened out, followed by a prognostic value assessment and immune-correlates analysis based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The hub gene-containing exosomes derived from Hepa1-6 cells were isolated and characterized using differential ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy scanning, and Western blot. Ultrasound-guided intrahepatic injection, cell co-culture, CCK-8, and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the effects of the hub gene on macrophage infiltration and polarization in HCC. RESULTS A total of 83 DEGs enriched in the extracellular exosome term, among which, FTCD, HRA, and C8B showed the strongest association with the progression of HCC. FTCD was independently associated with a protective effect in HCC and selected as the hub gene. The presence of FTCD in exosomes was confirmed. FTCD-stimulated macrophages were polarized towards the M1 type and suppressed HCC cells proliferation. CONCLUSIONS FTCD is a potential exosome-related biomarker for HCC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The crosstalk between FTCD-containing exosomes and macrophages in HCC progression deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyi Liu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.L.); (Y.T.); (H.J.); (X.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Yifei Tang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.L.); (Y.T.); (H.J.); (X.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Hongliang Jiang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.L.); (Y.T.); (H.J.); (X.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Xiading Zhang
- Wuxi Higher Health Vocational Technology School, Wuxi 214000, China;
| | - Xingyi Chen
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.L.); (Y.T.); (H.J.); (X.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Jingrou Guo
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.L.); (Y.T.); (H.J.); (X.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Cheng Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214041, China
| | - Minchen Wu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.L.); (Y.T.); (H.J.); (X.C.); (J.G.)
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Kado A, Tsutsumi T, Yotsuyanagi H, Ikeuchi K, Okushin K, Moriya K, Koike K, Fujishiro M. Noninvasive approach to indicate risk factors of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis overlapping autoimmune hepatitis based on peripheral lymphocyte pattern. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:1237-1251. [PMID: 37707595 PMCID: PMC10657798 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02038-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) clinically includes autoimmunity as indicated by antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity and overlap of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Discriminating AIH-overlap NASH from NAFLD/NASH is required for proper treatment, and typically involves pathological diagnosis by invasive liver biopsy. Differential patterns of peripheral lymphocytes in NAFLD and AIH were assessed to noninvasively indicate risk factors of AIH-overlap NASH by flow cytometry (FCM). METHODS We assessed the differential frequencies of peripheral lymphocytes in 115 patients: 70 NASH (ANA negative:positive:AIH-overlap = 36:20:14), 18 NAFL, and 27 AIH (acute:chronic = 12:15) patients diagnosed by FCM. We focused on the following populations of lymphocytes: T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, helper T cell (Th) subsets (Th1, Th2, and Th17), and regulatory T cells; we also examined programmed cell death (PD) 1 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen levels. RESULTS Several significant differences in laboratory parameters and peripheral lymphocyte frequencies were found among the NAFLD and AIH subgroups. In univariate and multivariate analyses, hyaluronic acid level, liver stiffness, and the frequencies of Th17 and CD8+ PD1+ T cells were independent risk factors of NASH in NAFLD. Regarding overlap of AIH, only the frequency of CD8+ PD1+ T cells (odds ratio, 0.01; 95% CI 0.00-38.9, p = 0.004) was an independent risk factor in NASH and significantly decreased in AIH. CONCLUSIONS The decreased frequency of peripheral CD8+ PD1+ T cells is an independent risk factor of NASH overlapping with AIH in the present cohort. Our findings will facilitate development of a new noninvasive FCM method for indicating risk factors of NASH, including autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kado
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Division for Health Service Promotion, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takeya Tsutsumi
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ikeuchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuya Okushin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoji Moriya
- Division for Health Service Promotion, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanto Central Hospital, 6-25-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 158-8531, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Fujishiro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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Kustrimovic N, Gallo D, Piantanida E, Bartalena L, Lai A, Zerbinati N, Tanda ML, Mortara L. Regulatory T Cells in the Pathogenesis of Graves' Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16432. [PMID: 38003622 PMCID: PMC10671795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining a delicate balance between the prompt immune response to pathogens and tolerance towards self-antigens and commensals is crucial for health. T regulatory (Treg) cells are pivotal in preserving self-tolerance, serving as negative regulators of inflammation through the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-2 neutralization, and direct suppression of effector T cells. Graves' disease (GD) is a thyroid-specific autoimmune disorder primarily attributed to the breakdown of tolerance to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor. Given the limitations of currently available GD treatments, identifying potential pathogenetic factors for pharmacological targeting is of paramount importance. Both functional impairment and frequency reduction of Tregs seem likely in GD pathogenesis. Genome-wide association studies in GD have identified polymorphisms of genes involved in Tregs' functions, such as CD25 (interleukin 2 receptor), and Forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3). Clinical studies have reported both functional impairment and a reduction in Treg frequency or suppressive actions in GD, although their precise involvement remains a subject of debate. This review begins with an overview of Treg phenotype and functions, subsequently delves into the pathophysiology of GD and into the existing literature concerning the role of Tregs and the balance between Tregs and T helper 17 cells in GD, and finally explores the ongoing studies on target therapies for GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Kustrimovic
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Disease—CAAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Daniela Gallo
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy (M.L.T.)
| | - Eliana Piantanida
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy (M.L.T.)
| | - Luigi Bartalena
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy (M.L.T.)
| | - Adriana Lai
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy (M.L.T.)
| | - Nicola Zerbinati
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Tanda
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy (M.L.T.)
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Ji W, Wang W, Li P, Liu Y, Zhang B, Qi F. sFgl2 gene-modified MSCs regulate the differentiation of CD4 + T cells in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:316. [PMID: 37924141 PMCID: PMC10625288 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03550-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune liver disease that can lead to liver injury and has a poor long-term prognosis. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have immunosuppressive effects and can treat AIH. CD4+ T cells express the unique inhibitory Fcγ receptor (FcγRIIB), which is the only receptor for the immunosuppressive factor soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFgl2). This study aimed to examine the therapeutic effect of sFgl2 gene-modified MSCs (sFgl2-MSCs) on AIH. METHODS MSCs were obtained from the inguinal fat of mice and cocultured with CD4+ T cells sorted from mouse spleens. FcγRIIB expression on CD4+ T cells was determined by flow cytometry. sFgl2 expression in MSCs transfected with lentiviral vectors carrying the Fgl2 gene and a green fluorescent protein-encoding sequence was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The percentages of Th1 cells Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were determined by flow cytometry And the levels of p-SHP2 and p-SMAD2/3 were detected by Western blotting after the cells were cocultured with MSCs for 72 h. After locating MSCs by in vivo imaging Con A-induced experimental AIH mice were randomly divided into 4 groups and administered different treatments. After 24 h histopathological scores liver function and cytokine levels were examined and the proportions of CD4+ T cells CD8+ T cells Tregs Th17 cells and Th1 cells in the spleen and liver were determined by flow cytometry. In addition immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the liver infiltration of T-bet-, Foxp3- and RORγ-positive cells. RESULTS FcγRIIB expression on CD4+ T cells was upregulated after coculture with MSCs. After coculture with sFgl2-MSCs, the proportion of Tregs among CD4+ T cells increased, the proportion of Th17 and Th1 cells decreased, and the levels of p-SHP2 and p-SMAD2/3 increased. In vivo, sFgl2-MSCs significantly improved liver function, decreased liver necrosis area, decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 expression, increased IL-10 expression, reduced liver infiltration of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells, increased the proportion of Tregs and reduced the proportions of Th17 and Th1 cells in mice. CONCLUSION By promoting Tregs differentiation and inhibiting Th17 and Th1 cell differentiation, sFgl2 gene-modified MSCs have a more powerful therapeutic effect on Con A-induced experimental AIH and may represent a strategy for the clinical treatment of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Baodi Clinical College, Guangchuan Road, Baodi, Tianjin, 301800, China
| | - Peiyuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of General Surgery in Construction, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Baotong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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Chen H, Han Z, Fan Y, Chen L, Peng F, Cheng X, Wang Y, Su J, Li D. CD4+ T-cell subsets in autoimmune hepatitis: A review. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0269. [PMID: 37695088 PMCID: PMC10497257 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease that can lead to hepatocyte destruction, inflammation, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. The diagnosis of AIH requires the identification of lymphoblast cell interface hepatitis and serum biochemical abnormalities, as well as the exclusion of related diseases. According to different specific autoantibodies, AIH can be divided into AIH-1 and AIH-2. The first-line treatment for AIH is a corticosteroid and azathioprine regimen, and patients with liver failure require liver transplantation. However, the long-term use of corticosteroids has obvious side effects, and patients are prone to relapse after drug withdrawal. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by an imbalance in immune tolerance of self-antigens, activation of autoreactive T cells, overactivity of B cells, and increased production of autoantibodies. CD4+ T cells are key players in adaptive immunity and can secrete cytokines, activate B cells to produce antibodies, and influence the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells. According to their characteristics, CD4+ T cells can be divided into different subsets. In this review, we discuss the changes in T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17, Th9, Th22, regulatory T cell, T follicular helper, and T peripheral helper cells and their related factors in AIH and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting CD4+ T-cell subsets in AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhongyu Han
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiyue Fan
- Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Liuyan Chen
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Peng
- Chengdu Xinhua Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Yi Wang
- Chengdu Xinhua Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Junyan Su
- The First People’s Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu, China
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10
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Yang X, Hou X, Zhang J, Liu Z, Wang G. Research progress on the application of single-cell sequencing in autoimmune diseases. Genes Immun 2023; 24:220-235. [PMID: 37550409 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-023-00216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are caused by immune tolerance deficiency or abnormal immune regulation, leading to damage to host organs. The complicated pathogenesis and varied clinical symptoms of AIDs pose great challenges in diagnosing and monitoring this disease. Regrettably, the etiological factors and pathogenesis of AIDs are still not completely understood. It is noteworthy that the development of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology provides a new tool for analyzing the transcriptome of AIDs. In this essay, we have summarized the development of scRNA-seq technology, and made a relatively systematic review of the current research progress of scRNA-seq technology in the field of AIDs, providing a reference to preferably understand the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of AIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Yang
- Central Laboratory, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Xianliang Hou
- Central Laboratory, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China.
| | - Junning Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Zhenyu Liu
- Central Laboratory, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Guangyu Wang
- Central Laboratory, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
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11
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Fang J, Hou P, Liu S, Zuo M, Liu Z, Chen W, Han Y, Li Y, Wang T, Feng C, Li P, Shao C, Shi Y. NAD + salvage governs the immunosuppressive capacity of mesenchymal stem cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1171-1185. [PMID: 37580400 PMCID: PMC10541442 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01073-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) possess robust immunoregulatory functions and are promising therapeutics for inflammatory disorders. This capacity is not innate but is activated or 'licensed' by inflammatory cytokines. The licensing mechanism remains unclear. Here, we examined whether inflammatory cytokines metabolically reprogrammed MSCs to confer this immunoregulatory capacity. In response to stimulation by inflammatory cytokines, MSCs exhibited a dramatic increase in the consumption of glucose, which was accompanied by an enhanced use of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and increased expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), a central enzyme in the salvage pathway for NAD+ production. When NAD+ synthesis was blocked by inhibiting or depleting NAMPT, the immunosuppressive function of MSCs induced by inflammatory cytokines was greatly attenuated. Consequently, when NAD+ metabolism in MSCs was perturbed, their therapeutic benefit was decreased in mice suffering from inflammatory bowel disease and acute liver injury. Further analysis revealed that NAMPT-driven production of NAD+ was critical for the inflammatory cytokine-induced increase in glycolysis in MSCs. Furthermore, the increase in glycolysis led to succinate accumulation in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which led to hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) stabilization and subsequently increased the transcription of key glycolytic genes, thereby persistently maintaining glycolytic flux. This study demonstrated that unlike its proinflammatory role in immune cells, NAD+ metabolism governs the anti-inflammatory function of MSCs during inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankai Fang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Pengbo Hou
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Shisong Liu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Muqiu Zuo
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhanhong Liu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Wangwang Chen
- Laboratory Animal Center, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuyi Han
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Yanan Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Tingting Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chao Feng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Peishan Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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Yilmaz K, Haeberle S, Kim YO, Fritzler MJ, Weng SY, Goeppert B, Raker VK, Steinbrink K, Schuppan D, Enk A, Hadaschik EN. Regulatory T-cell deficiency leads to features of autoimmune liver disease overlap syndrome in scurfy mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1253649. [PMID: 37818371 PMCID: PMC10561387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1253649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Scurfy mice have a complete deficiency of functional regulatory T cells (Treg) due to a frameshift mutation in the Foxp3 gene. The impaired immune homeostasis results in a lethal lymphoproliferative disorder affecting multiple organs, including the liver. The autoimmune pathology in scurfy mice is in part accompanied by autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA). ANA are serological hallmarks of several autoimmune disorders including autoimmune liver diseases (AILD). However, the underlying pathogenesis and the role of Treg in AILD remain to be elucidated. The present study therefore aimed to characterize the liver disease in scurfy mice. Methods Sera from scurfy mice were screened for ANA by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and tested for a wide range of AILD-associated autoantibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, line immunoassay, and addressable laser bead immunoassay. CD4+ T cells of scurfy mice were transferred into T cell-deficient B6/nude mice. Monoclonal autoantibodies from scurfy mice and recipient B6/nude mice were tested for ANA by IFA. Liver tissue of scurfy mice was analyzed by conventional histology. Collagen deposition in scurfy liver was quantified via hepatic hydroxyproline content. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine fibrosis-related hepatic gene expression. Hepatic immune cells were differentiated by flow cytometry. Results All scurfy mice produced ANA. AILD-associated autoantibodies, predominantly antimitochondrial antibodies, were detected at significantly higher levels in scurfy sera. CD4+ T cells from scurfy mice were sufficient to induce anti-dsDNA autoantibodies and ANA with an AILD-related nuclear envelope staining pattern. Liver histology revealed portal inflammation with bile duct damage and proliferation, as in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and interface hepatitis with portal-parenchymal necroinflammation, as found in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). In scurfy liver, TNFα and fibrosis-related transcripts including Col1a1, Timp1, Acta2, Mmp2, and Mmp9 were upregulated. The level of proinflammatory monocytic macrophages (Ly-6Chi) was increased, while M2-type macrophages (CD206+) were downregulated compared to wildtype controls. Despite severe hepatic inflammation, fibrosis did not develop within 25 days, which is close to the lifespan of scurfy mice. Discussion Our findings suggest that Treg-deficient scurfy mice spontaneously develop clinical, serological, and immunopathological characteristics of AILD with overlapping features of PBC and AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Yilmaz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stefanie Haeberle
- Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yong Ook Kim
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marvin J. Fritzler
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shih-Yen Weng
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Smart Healthcare Interdisciplinary College, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Benjamin Goeppert
- Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, RKH Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Verena K. Raker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Kerstin Steinbrink
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alexander Enk
- Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva N. Hadaschik
- Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
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Zhao Z, Li Y, Guo S, Chen Y, Yin H, Li Y, Cheng G, Tian L. Oryza sativa L. Indica Seed Coat Ameliorated Concanavalin A-Induced Acute Hepatitis in Mice via MDM2/p53 and PKCα/MAPK1 Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14503. [PMID: 37833954 PMCID: PMC10572155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute hepatitis (AH) is a common liver disease with an increasing number of patients each year, requiring the development of new treatments. Hence, our work aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Oryza sativa L. indica (purple rice) seed coat on concanavalin A (ConA)-induced AH and further reveal its potential mechanisms. Purple rice seed coat extract (PRE) was extracted with hydrochloric acid ethanol and analyzed through a widely targeted components method. We evaluated the effects of PRE on AH through histopathological examination, liver function, gut microbiota composition, and the intestinal barrier. The potential targets of PRE on AH were predicted by bioinformatics. Western blotting, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining, and corresponding kits were used to investigate PRE effects on predicting targets and associated signaling pathways in AH mice. In AH model mice, PRE treatment increased transformed mouse 3T3 cell double minute 2 (MDM2) expression to inhibit apoptosis; it also markedly downregulated protein kinase C alpha (PKCα), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 (PTGS1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) activity to alleviate inflammation. Thus, PRE treatment also recovered the intestinal barrier, decreased the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels of plasma and the liver, enhanced liver function, and improved the composition of intestinal microbiota. In general, PRE targeting MDM2, PKCα, MAPK1, and PTGS1 ameliorated ConA-induced AH by attenuating inflammation and apoptosis, restoring the intestinal barrier, enhancing the liver function, and improving the gut microbiota, which revealed that the purple rice seed coat might hold possibilities as a therapeutic option for AH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiye Zhao
- Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Ye Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
| | - Shancheng Guo
- Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuxu Chen
- Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Haiaolong Yin
- Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yaxian Li
- Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Guiguang Cheng
- Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
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14
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Huang Z, Nie S, Wang H, Yan W, Tian D, Liu M. The proportion of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of patients with autoimmune hepatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110576. [PMID: 37390643 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many researches have reported the impairment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), whilst the change of Tregs in peripheral blood remains controversial. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the numerical change of circulating Tregs in AIH patients compared with healthy individuals. METHODS Relevant studies were identified from Medline, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang Data. Twenty-nine studies involving 968 AIH patients and 583 healthy controls were included. Subgroup analysis stratified by Treg definition or ethnicity was performed, and analysis of active-phase AIH was conducted. RESULTS The proportions of Tregs among CD4 T cells and PBMCs were generally decreased in AIH patients compared with healthy controls. Subgroup analysis showed that circulating Tregs identified by CD4+CD25+/high, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+, CD4+CD25+/highCD127-/low, and Tregs in Asian population were decreased among CD4 T cells in AIH patients. No significant change of CD4+CD25+/highFoxp3+CD127-/low Tregs and Tregs in Caucasian population among CD4 T cells were found in AIH patients, whereas the number of studies was limited in these subgroups. Moreover, analysis of the active-phase AIH patients showed that Treg proportions were decreased generally, whereas no significant differences in Tregs/CD4 T cells were observed when markers CD4+CD25+Foxp3+, CD4+CD25+/highFoxp3+CD127-/low were used or in Caucasian population. CONCLUSIONS The proportions of Tregs among CD4 T cells and PBMCs were decreased in AIH patients compared with healthy controls generally, whereas Treg definition markers, ethnicity, and disease activity had influence on the results. Further large-scale and rigorous study is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shangshu Nie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China.
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15
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Zhu J, Chen H, Cui J, Zhang X, Liu G. Oroxylin A inhibited autoimmune hepatitis-induced liver injury and shifted Treg/Th17 balance to Treg differentiation. Exp Anim 2023; 72:367-378. [PMID: 36927981 PMCID: PMC10435359 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.22-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a kind of autoimmune disease mediated by T cells, and its incidence is gradually increasing in the world. Oroxylin A (OA) is one of the major bioactive flavonoids that has been reported to inhibit inflammatory. Here, an AIH model of mouse was induced by Concanavalin A (Con A). It found that serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were decreased in mice with the treatment of OA. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the liver injury was attenuated by OA, and TUNEL staining indicated that the cells apoptosis of liver was weakened in mice with OA treatment. ELISA analysis of cytokines and chemokines suggested that OA reduced the expression of IL-6, IL-17A, chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) and CXCL10, but promoted the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in mice. The mRNA levels of Il-17a in liver and spleen tissues were also significantly decreased, on the contrary, the mRNA levels of Il-10 in liver and spleen tissues were increased. The proportion of Treg/Th17 detected by flow cytometry revealed that OA promoted the differentiation of Treg and inhibited the differentiation of Th17 both in the liver and spleen. The results of this study demonstrated the inhibitory effects of OA on AIH-induced liver injury and the inflammatory response of AIH, and revealed that OA affected the balance of Treg/Th17 and shifted the balance toward Treg differentiation. It provided new potential drugs for the prevention of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, P.R. China
| | - Hongxiu Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, P.R. China
| | - Jianjiao Cui
- Spleen, Stomach and Hepatobiliary Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 19, Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaorui Zhang
- Spleen, Stomach and Hepatobiliary Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 19, Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, P.R. China
| | - Guangwei Liu
- Spleen, Stomach and Hepatobiliary Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 19, Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, P.R. China
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Zhang Y, Hong L, Li X, Li Y, Zhang X, Jiang J, Shi F, Diao H. M1 macrophage-derived exosomes promote autoimmune liver injury by transferring long noncoding RNA H19 to hepatocytes. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e303. [PMID: 37398637 PMCID: PMC10310975 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes mediate intercellular communication by transmitting active molecules. The function of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in autoimmune liver injury is unclear. Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced liver injury is well-characterized immune-mediated hepatitis. Here, we showed that lncRNA H19 expression was increased in the liver after ConA treatment, accompanied by increased exosome secretion. Moreover, injection of AAV-H19 aggravated ConA-induced hepatitis, with an increase in hepatocyte apoptosis. However, GW4869, an exosome inhibitor, alleviated ConA-induced liver injury and inhibited the upregulation of lncRNA H19. Intriguingly, lncRNA H19 expression in the liver was significantly downregulated, after macrophage depletion. Importantly, the lncRNA H19 was primarily expressed in type I macrophage (M1) and encapsulated in M1-derived exosomes. Furthermore, H19 was transported from M1 to hepatocytes via exosomes, and exosomal H19 dramatically induced hepatocytes apoptosis both in vitro and vivo. Mechanistically, H19 upregulated the transcription of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), which accumulated in the cytoplasm and mediated hepatocyte apoptosis by upregulating p53. M1-derived exosomal lncRNA H19 plays a pivotal role in ConA-induced hepatitis through the HIF-1α-p53 signaling pathway. These findings identify M1 macrophage-derived exosomal H19 as a novel target for the treatment of autoimmune liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Liang Hong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xuehui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yuyu Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xujun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jingjing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Fan Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Hongyan Diao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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Yi Q, Yang J, Wu Y, Wang Y, Cao Q, Wen W. Immune microenvironment changes of liver cirrhosis: emerging role of mesenchymal stromal cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1204524. [PMID: 37539053 PMCID: PMC10395751 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1204524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a progressive and diffuse liver disease characterized by liver tissue fibrosis and impaired liver function. This condition is brought about by several factors, including chronic hepatitis, hepatic steatosis, alcohol abuse, and other immunological injuries. The pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis is a complex process that involves the interaction of various immune cells and cytokines, which work together to create the hepatic homeostasis imbalance in the liver. Some studies have indicated that alterations in the immune microenvironment of liver cirrhosis are closely linked to the development and prognosis of the disease. The noteworthy function of mesenchymal stem cells and their paracrine secretion lies in their ability to promote the production of cytokines, which in turn enhance the self-repairing capabilities of tissues. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the alterations in liver homeostasis and to discuss intercellular communication within the organ. Recent research on MSCs is yielding a blueprint for cell typing and biomarker immunoregulation. Hopefully, as MSCs researches continue to progress, novel therapeutic approaches will emerge to address cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyun Yi
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxian Yang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqi Cao
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Wen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
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18
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Zhang T, Rao Q, Dai M, Wu ZE, Zhao Q, Li F. Tripterygium wilfordii protects against an animal model of autoimmune hepatitis. J Ethnopharmacol 2023; 309:116365. [PMID: 36907478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tripterygium wilfordii tablets (TWT) is widely used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Celastrol, one main active ingredient in TWT, has been shown to produce a variety of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory. However, whether TWT could protect against Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis remains unclear. THE AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the protective effect of TWT against Con A-induced hepatitis and elucidate the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Metabolomic analysis, pathological analysis, biochemical analysis, qPCR and Western blot analysis and the Pxr-null mice were used in this study. RESULTS The results indicated that TWT and its active ingredient celastrol could protect against Con A-induced acute hepatitis. Plasma metabolomics analysis revealed that metabolic perturbations related to bile acid and fatty acid metabolism induced by Con A were reversed by celastrol. The level of itaconate in the liver was increased by celastrol and speculated as an active endogenous compound mediating the protective effect of celastrol. Administration of 4-octanyl itaconate (4-OI) as a cell-permeable itaconate mimicker was found to attenuate Con A-induced liver injury through activation of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and enhancement of the transcription factor EB (TFEB)-mediated autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Celastrol increased itaconate and 4-OI promoted activation of TFEB-mediated lysosomal autophagy to protect against Con A-induced liver injury in a PXR-dependent manner. Our study reported a protective effect of celastrol against Con A-induced AIH via an increased production of itaconate and upregulation of TFEB. The results highlighted that PXR and TFEB-mediated lysosomal autophagic pathway may offer promising therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qianru Rao
- Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Manyun Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhanxuan E Wu
- Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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19
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Li Y, Wang Q, Li J, Li A, Wang Q, Zhang Q, Chen Y. Therapeutic modulation of V Set and Ig domain-containing 4 (VSIG4) signaling in immune and inflammatory diseases. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:561-572. [PMID: 36642683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is the result of acute and chronic stresses, caused by emotional or physical trauma, or nutritional or environmental pollutants, and brings serious harm to human life and health. As an important cellular component of the innate immune barrier, the macrophage plays a key role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and promoting tissue repair by controlling infection and resolving inflammation. Several studies suggest that V Set and Ig domain-containing 4 is specifically expressed in tissue macrophages and is associated with a variety of inflammatory diseases. In this paper, we mainly summarize the recent research on V Set and Ig domain-containing 4 structures, functions, function and roles in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, and provide a novel therapeutic avenue for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including nervous system, urinary, respiratory and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Li
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Engineering Technology Research Center for the Utilization of Functional Components of Organic Natural Products, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Engineering Technology Research Center for the Utilization of Functional Components of Organic Natural Products, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Engineering Technology Research Center for the Utilization of Functional Components of Organic Natural Products, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Aohan Li
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Engineering Technology Research Center for the Utilization of Functional Components of Organic Natural Products, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Engineering Technology Research Center for the Utilization of Functional Components of Organic Natural Products, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qinggao Zhang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Engineering Technology Research Center for the Utilization of Functional Components of Organic Natural Products, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Yingqing Chen
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Engineering Technology Research Center for the Utilization of Functional Components of Organic Natural Products, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
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20
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Zhang F, Fan L, Liu Q, Tang S, Zhang S, Xiao L, Zhang L, Li Q, Maihemuti N, Li L. Comprehensive immune cell analysis of human menstrual-blood-derived stem cells therapy to concanavalin A hepatitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:974387. [PMID: 36248904 PMCID: PMC9559565 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.974387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is an autoimmune disease with increasing occurrence worldwide. The most common and convenient mouse model is the concanavalin A (ConA) mouse model. Human menstrual-blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) have shown great potential as a type of mesenchymal stem cell for treating various diseases. Time-of-flight mass cytometry was performed in phosphate-buffered saline control (NC) group and ConA injection with or without MenSCs treatment groups, and conventional flow cytometry was used for further validation. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and H&E staining depicted that MenSCs treatment could significantly alleviate ConA-induced hepatitis. The t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) analysis of nine liver samples displayed favorable cell clustering, and the NC group was significantly different from the other two groups. The proportions of CD69+ T cells, NKT cells, and PD-L1+ macrophages were notably increased by ConA injection, while MenSCs could decrease ConA-induced macrophage percentage and M1 polarization in the liver tissue. The analysis of proinflammatory factors carried out by cytometric bead array demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-12p70, IL-6, IL-2, IL-1b, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were upregulated after ConA injection and then rapidly decreased at 12 h. MenSCs also played an important role in downregulating these cytokines. Here, we described the comprehensive changes in leukocytes in the liver tissue of ConA-induced hepatitis at 12 h after ConA injection and found that MenSCs rescued ConA-induced hepatitis mostly by inhibiting macrophages and M1 polarization in mouse liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linxiao Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiuhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shima Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sainan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University, Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanlan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingjian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nueraili Maihemuti
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lanjuan Li,
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21
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic immune-mediated liver disease distributed globally in all ethnicities with increasing prevalence. If left untreated, the disease will lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or death. The intestinal microbiota is a complex ecosystem located in the human intestine, which extensively affects the human physiological and pathological processes. With more and more in-depth understandings of intestinal microbiota, a substantial body of studies have verified that the intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in a variety of digestive system diseases, including alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, only a few studies have paid attention to evaluate the relationship between AIH and the intestinal microbiota. While AIH pathogenesis is not fully elucidated yet, some studies have indicated that intestinal microbiota putatively made significant contributions to the occurrence and the development of AIH by triggering several specific signaling pathways, altering the metabolism of intestinal microbiota, as well as modulating the immune response in the intestine and liver. By collecting the latest related literatures, this review summarized the increasing trend of the aerobic bacteria abundance in both AIH patients and AIH mice models. Moreover, the combination of specific bacteria species was found distinct to AIH patients, which could be a promising tool for diagnosing AIH. In addition, there were alterations of luminal metabolites and immune responses, including decreased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), increased pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), imbalanced regulatory T (Treg)/Th17 cells, follicular regulatory T (TFR)/follicular helper T (TFH) cells, and activated natural killer T (NKT) cells. These alterations participate in the onset and the progression of AIH via multiple mechanisms. Therefore, some therapeutic methods based on restoration of intestinal microbiota composition, including probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), as well as targeted intestinal microbiota-associated signaling pathways, confer novel insights into the treatment for AIH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ling Yang
- *Correspondence: Huikuan Chu, ; Ling Yang, ;
| | - Huikuan Chu
- *Correspondence: Huikuan Chu, ; Ling Yang, ;
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22
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Yao X, Jin G, Liu D, Zhang X, Yang Y, Chen Y, Duan Z, Bi Y, Yan F, Yang Y, Zhang H, Dong G, Li S, Cheng S, Tang H, Hong F, Si C. Inducible nitric oxide synthase regulates macrophage polarization via the MAPK signals in concanavalin A-induced hepatitis. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e643. [PMID: 35759238 PMCID: PMC9168548 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute liver inflammatory reactions contribute to many health problems; thus, it is critical to understand the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of acute hepatitis. In this study, an experimental in vivo model of concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced hepatitis was used. Materials and Methods C57BL/6 (wild‐type, WT) or inducible nitric oxide synthase‐deficient (iNOS−/−) mice were injected with PBS or 15 mg/kg ConA via tail vein. Detection of liver injury by histological examination and apoptosis, and flow cytometry to detect the effect of immune cells on liver injury. Results iNOS−/− mice had lower levels of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, suggesting that they were protected against ConA‐induced pathological liver injury and that iNOS participated in the regulation of hepatitis. Furthermore, iNOS deficiency was found to lower CD86 expression and suppressed the messenger RNA levels of inflammatory factors in the liver. In vitro experiments also demonstrated that iNOS deficiency suppressed the sequential phosphorylation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway cascade, thereby inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages and consequently suppressing the transcription of inflammation factors. Conclusion iNOS may contribute to ConA‐induced inflammation by promoting the activation of proinflammatory macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Yao
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Institute of Immune Precision Diagnosis and Therapy & Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Guiyuan Jin
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Institute of Immune Precision Diagnosis and Therapy & Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaobei Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yonghong Yang
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Fourth Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Fourth Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanzhen Bi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Fenglian Yan
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yanli Yang
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Guanjun Dong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Fourth Liver Disease Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shumin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Jia Xiang, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Huixin Tang
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Hong
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Institute of Immune Precision Diagnosis and Therapy & Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Chuanping Si
- Institute of Immune Precision Diagnosis and Therapy & Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
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23
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Yu Q, Tu H, Yin X, Peng C, Dou C, Yang W, Wu W, Guan X, Li J, Yan H, Zang Y, Jiang H, Xia Q. Targeting Glutamine Metabolism Ameliorates Autoimmune Hepatitis via Inhibiting T Cell Activation and Differentiation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:880262. [PMID: 35663990 PMCID: PMC9160195 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.880262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is mediated by a cascade of T cell-mediated events directed at liver cells and persistent inflammation within the liver can eventually result in liver cirrhosis. Targeting glutamine metabolism has an impact on T cell activation and differentiation. However, the effect of glutamine metabolism blocking upon AIH remains unknown. We use glutaminase antagonist 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) for in vitro assays and its prodrug 2-(2-amino-4-methylpentanamido)-DON (JHU083) for in vivo assays to investigate the potential therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of glutamine metabolism blocking in an AIH murine model. Methods AIH mice were treated with JHU083 or vehicle before concanavalin A (ConA) administration, and disease severity was examined. Then activation and differentiation [including Th1/Th17 cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL)] of T cells from Vehicle-WT, JHU083-AIH and Vehicle-AIH mice were tested. Furthermore, in vitro T cell activation and differentiation were measured using separated splenocytes stimulated with ConA with or without DON. The activation and differentiation of T cells were tested using flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and ELISA. Phosphorylation level of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and 70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (P70S6K) were examined by western blotting. Results JHU083 and DON significantly suppressed the activation of T cells and inhibited the differentiation of Th1/Th17 cells and CTL in vivo and in vitro. Besides, we demonstrated that glutamine metabolism blocking inhibited T cells activation and differentiation through decreasing the mRNA expression of amino acid transporter solute carrier family 7 member 5 (SLC7A5) and mitigating the activation of mTOR signaling. Conclusions We proved that targeting glutamine metabolism represents a potential new treatment strategy for patients with AIH and other T cell-mediated disease. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that glutamine metabolism blocking inhibits T cells activation and suppresses the differentiation of Th1/Th17 cells and CTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Honghu Tu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyi Yin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanyun Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbiao Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaotong Guan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hexin Yan
- Department of Anesthesia, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Hangzhou, China
| | - Haowen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
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24
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Cannon AS, Holloman BL, Wilson K, Miranda K, Dopkins N, Nagarkatti P, Nagarkatti M. AhR Activation Leads to Attenuation of Murine Autoimmune Hepatitis: Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Unique Immune Cell Phenotypes and Gene Expression Changes in the Liver. Front Immunol 2022; 13:899609. [PMID: 35720411 PMCID: PMC9204231 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.899609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ubiquitously expressed ligand-activated transcription factor. While initially identified as an environmental sensor, this receptor has been shown more recently to regulate a variety of immune functions. AhR ligands vary in structure and source from environmental chemicals such as 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and indoles found in cruciferous vegetables to endogenous ligands derived from tryptophan metabolism. In the current study, we used TCDD, a high affinity AhR ligand to study the impact of AhR activation in the murine model of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Primarily, we used single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology to study the nature of changes occurring in the immune cells in the liver at the cellular and molecular level. We found that AhR activation attenuated concanavalin A (ConA)-induced AIH by limiting chemotaxis of pro-inflammatory immune cell subsets, promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine production, and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. scRNA-seq analysis showed some unusual events upon ConA injection such as increased presence of mature B cells, natural killer (NK) T cells, CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, Kupffer cells, memory CD8+ T cells, and activated T cells while TCDD treatment led to the reversal of most of these events. Additionally, the immune cells showed significant alterations in the gene expression profiles. Specifically, we observed downregulation of inflammation-associated genes including Ptma, Hspe1, and CD52 in TCDD-treated AIH mice as well as alterations in the expression of migratory markers such as CXCR2. Together, the current study characterizes the nature of inflammatory changes occurring in the liver during AIH, and sheds light on how AhR activation during AIH attenuates liver inflammation by inducing phenotypic and genotypic changes in immune cells found in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
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25
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Jiang R, Tang J, Zhang X, He Y, Yu Z, Chen S, Xia J, Lin J, Ou Q. CCN1 Promotes Inflammation by Inducing IL-6 Production via α6β1/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Pathway in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:810671. [PMID: 35547732 PMCID: PMC9084230 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.810671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease with unknown etiology. CCN1, an extracellular matrix-associated protein, is associated with carcinoma, inflammation, liver fibrosis, and even autoimmune diseases. However, the role that CCN1 plays in AIH has remained undetermined. In this study, expression of CCN1 in liver was detected by real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). CCN1 level in serum was detected by ELISA. Diagnostic value of CCN1 was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. CCN1 conditional knockout (CCN1fl/flCre+) mice were generated by mating CCN1fl/fl C57BL/6J and CAG-Cre-ERT C57BL/6J mice. Autoimmune hepatitis mice model was induced by concanavalin A (ConA). IKKα/β, IκBα, NF-κB p65 and Akt phosphorylation were determined by western blot. NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation was examined by immunofluorescence. Here, we found that CCN1 was over-expressed in hepatocytes of AIH patients. CCN1 level also increased in serum of AIH patients compared to healthy controls (HC). ROC curve analysis results showed that serum CCN1 was able to distinguish AIH patients from HD. In ConA induced hepatitis mice model, CCN1 conditional knockout (CCN1fl/flCre+) attenuated inflammation by reducing ALT/AST level and IL-6 expression. In vitro, CCN1 treatment dramatically induced IL-6 production in LO2 cells. Moreover, the production of IL-6 was attenuated by CCN1 knockdown. Furthermore, we showed that CCN1 could activate IL-6 production via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway by binding to α6β1 receptor. In summary, our results reveal a novel role of CCN1 in promoting inflammation by upregulation of IL-6 production in AIH. Our study also suggests that targeting of CCN1 may represent a novel strategy in AIH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renquan Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gene Diagnosis Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jifeng Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gene Diagnosis Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xuehao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gene Diagnosis Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yujue He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gene Diagnosis Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ziqing Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gene Diagnosis Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuhui Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gene Diagnosis Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinfang Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gene Diagnosis Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinpiao Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gene Diagnosis Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qishui Ou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gene Diagnosis Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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26
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Wang S, Huang Z, Lei Y, Han X, Tian D, Gong J, Liu M. Celastrol Alleviates Autoimmune Hepatitis Through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Based on Network Pharmacology and Experiments. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:816350. [PMID: 35359864 PMCID: PMC8960436 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.816350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This work aims to explore the potential targets and underlying therapeutic mechanisms of celastrol in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) through network pharmacology and experiments on Laboratory Animals. Methods: A drug-target interaction network was constructed to predict the possible targets of celastrol and their potential relationship with the drug; docking studies were also performed for validation. This study used both acute and chronic rodent models of autoimmune hepatitis. Gross appearance of liver and spleen were obtained from murine models, hematoxylin-eosin staining and Sirius red staining were performed to examine hepatic inflammation and fibrosis respectively. By combining molecular docking and enrichment analysis results, the most prominent signaling pathway was selected and further confirmed by Western blot in AIH models administered with celastrol. Results: In total, 82 common targets of celastrol and AIH were obtained from databases, identified by network pharmacology, and adequately enriched. Among them, PIK3R1, SRC, MAPK1, AKT1, and HRAS were selected as the top 5 closely related targets to celastrol. They all performed effectively in molecular docking, with AKT1 and PIK3R1 exhibiting more-prominent binding energy. Subsequently, celastrol administration significantly ameliorated hepatitis and liver fibrosis by reducing AKT1 and PI3K phosphorylation in both acute liver injury and chronic models of autoimmune hepatitis. Conclusion: In summary, celastrol significantly attenuates autoimmune hepatitis by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, confirmed by validated animal models. These findings may help identify the mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory action of celastrol in autoimmune hepatitis and provide ideas for future comprehensive studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jin Gong
- *Correspondence: Jin Gong, ; Mei Liu,
| | - Mei Liu
- *Correspondence: Jin Gong, ; Mei Liu,
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27
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Sirbe C, Simu G, Szabo I, Grama A, Pop TL. Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Hepatitis-Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13578. [PMID: 34948375 PMCID: PMC8703580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric autoimmune liver disorders include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), and de novo AIH after liver transplantation. AIH is an idiopathic disease characterized by immune-mediated hepatocyte injury associated with the destruction of liver cells, causing inflammation, liver failure, and fibrosis, typically associated with autoantibodies. The etiology of AIH is not entirely unraveled, but evidence supports an intricate interaction among genetic variants, environmental factors, and epigenetic modifications. The pathogenesis of AIH comprises the interaction between specific genetic traits and molecular mimicry for disease development, impaired immunoregulatory mechanisms, including CD4+ T cell population and Treg cells, alongside other contributory roles played by CD8+ cytotoxicity and autoantibody production by B cells. These findings delineate an intricate pathway that includes gene to gene and gene to environment interactions with various drugs, viral infections, and the complex microbiome. Epigenetics emphasizes gene expression through hereditary and reversible modifications of the chromatin architecture without interfering with the DNA sequence. These alterations comprise DNA methylation, histone transformations, and non-coding small (miRNA) and long (lncRNA) RNA transcriptions. The current first-line therapy comprises prednisolone plus azathioprine to induce clinical and biochemical remission. Further understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms encountered in AIH may depict their impact on clinical aspects, detect biomarkers, and guide toward novel, effective, and better-targeted therapies with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sirbe
- 2nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.S.); (T.L.P.)
- 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400177 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gelu Simu
- Cardiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Cardiology Department, Rehabilitation Hospital, 400066 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iulia Szabo
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Alina Grama
- 2nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.S.); (T.L.P.)
- 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400177 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tudor Lucian Pop
- 2nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.S.); (T.L.P.)
- 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400177 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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28
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Wang H, Zhao Y, Ren B, Qin Y, Li G, Kong D, Qin H, Hao J, Sun D, Wang H. Endometrial regenerative cells with galectin-9 high-expression attenuate experimental autoimmune hepatitis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:541. [PMID: 34654474 PMCID: PMC8518235 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02604-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a T cell-mediated immune disease that activates abnormally against hepatic antigens. We have previously reported that endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs) were a novel source of adult stem cells, which exhibiting with powerful immunomodulatory effects. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is expressed in ERCs and plays an important role in regulating T cell response. This study aims to explore the role of ERCs in attenuation of AIH and to determine the potential mechanism of Gal-9 in ERC-mediated immune regulation. Methods ERCs were obtained from menstrual blood of healthy female volunteers. In vitro, ERCs were transfected with lentivirus vectors carrying LGALS9 gene and encoding green fluoresce protein (GFP-Gal-9-LVs) at a MOI 50, Gal-9 expression in ERCs was detected by ELISA and Q-PCR. CD4+ T cells isolated from C57BL/6 mouse spleen were co-cultured with ERCs. The proliferation of CD4+ T cells was detected by CCK-8 kit and the level of Lck/zap-70/LAT protein was measured by western blot. Furthermore, AIH was induced by ConA in C57BL/6 mice which were randomly assigned to untreated, unmodified ERC-treated and Gal-9 high-expressing ERC-treated groups. Histopathological score, liver function, CD4+/CD8+ cell infiltration in liver tissues, the proportion of immune cells in the spleen and liver, and ERC tracking were performed accordingly to assess the progression degree of AIH. Results After transfecting with GFP-Gal-9-LVs, Gal-9 expression in ERCs was significantly increased. Additionally, Gal-9 high-expressing ERCs effectively inhibited CD4+ T cell proliferation and downregulated CD4+ T cell active related proteins p-Lck/p-ZAP70/p-LAT in vitro. Furthermore, treatment with Gal-9 high-expressing ERCs restored liver function, ameliorated liver pathological damage, inhibit CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation and suppress Th1 and Th17 cell response in the hepatitis mice. In addition, Gal-9 high-expressing ERCs further markedly enhanced the level of IL-10 but reduced the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-4 in mouse sera and liver. Cell tracking also showed that ERCs could migrate to the damaged liver organs. Conclusions The results suggested that Gal-9 was an essential modulator, which was required by ERCs in regulating T cell response and attenuating ConA-induced experimental hepatitis. And also, it provides a novel idea for the clinical treatment of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongda Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingbing Ren
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yafei Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangming Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Dejun Kong
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingpeng Hao
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China.,Department of Anorectal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Daqing Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China. .,Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China.
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29
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Huang C, Shen Y, Shen M, Fan X, Men R, Ye T, Yang L. Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming of Regulatory T Cells in Concanavalin A-Induced Hepatitis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:726128. [PMID: 34531750 PMCID: PMC8438122 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.726128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory liver disease caused by a dysregulated immune response. Although the pathogenesis of AIH remains unclear, impaired regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been considered a driver of AIH development. Unlike autoreactive T cells, Tregs mainly utilize oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) as their energy supply. Elevated glycolysis has been reported to limit the suppressive functions of Tregs. However, whether glucose metabolism reprogramming in Tregs is involved in AIH etiology remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine alternations in Treg numbers and functions in AIH patients and concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis, while exploring associations between impaired Tregs and glucose metabolism. The frequency of Tregs was decreased in the peripheral blood but increased in liver biopsies of AIH patients. Moreover, immunosuppressive therapy rescued circulating Tregs in AIH. In Con A-induced immune hepatitis, enhanced intrahepatic Treg accumulation was observed over time, accompanied by reduced splenic Treg numbers. To investigate whether functional impairment of Tregs occurs in AIH, Tregs were isolated from experimental AIH (EAH) model mice and normal controls and the former displayed downregulated mRNA levels of FOXP3, CTLA4, CD103, TIGIT, CD39, and CD73. EAH model-derived Tregs also produced fewer anti-inflammatory mediators (TGF-β and IL-35) than control Tregs. Moreover, enhanced glycolysis and reduced OXPHOS were found in Tregs from EAH model mice, as reflected by elevated levels of key glycolytic enzymes (HK2, PK-M2, and LDH-A) and a decreased ATP concentration. This study revealed a decreased peripheral Treg frequency and abnormal intrahepatic Treg infiltration in AIH. It is first reported that glucose metabolism reprogramming is associated with decreases and functional impairments in the Treg population, promoting AIH development. Targeting glucose metabolism may provide novel insights for the treatment of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengyi Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoli Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruoting Men
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Laboratory of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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30
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Domerecka W, Kowalska-Kępczyńska A, Michalak A, Homa-Mlak I, Mlak R, Cichoż-Lach H, Małecka-Massalska T. Etiopathogenesis and Diagnostic Strategies in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11081418. [PMID: 34441353 PMCID: PMC8393562 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease with the incidence of 10 to 17 per 100,000 people in Europe. It affects people of any age, but most often occurs in the 40-60 age group. The clinical picture is varied, from asymptomatic to severe acute hepatitis or liver failure. The disease onset is probably associated with the impaired function of T lymphocytes, the development of molecular mimicry, intestinal dysbiosis, or infiltration with low density neutrophils, which, alongside autoantibodies (i.e., ANA, ASMA), implicate the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), as a component of the disease process, and mediate the inappropriate immune response. AIH is characterized with an increased activity of aminotransferases, elevated concentration of serum immunoglobulin G, the presence of circulating autoantibodies and liver inflammation. The result of the histological examination of the liver and the presence of autoantibodies, although not pathognomonic, still remain a distinguishing feature. The diagnosis of AIH determines lifelong treatment in most patients. The treatment is implemented to prevent the development of cirrhosis and end-stage liver failure. This work focuses mainly on the etiopathogenesis and diagnosis of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Domerecka
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Kowalska-Kępczyńska
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Chair of Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata Michalak
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Homa-Mlak
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Radosław Mlak
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Halina Cichoż-Lach
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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Aghabi YO, Yasin A, Kennedy JI, Davies SP, Butler AE, Stamataki Z. Targeting Enclysis in Liver Autoimmunity, Transplantation, Viral Infection and Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:662134. [PMID: 33953725 PMCID: PMC8089374 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.662134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent liver inflammation can lead to cirrhosis, which associates with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are no curative treatments beyond transplantation, followed by long-term immunosuppression. The global burden of end stage liver disease has been increasing and there is a shortage of donor organs, therefore new therapies are desperately needed. Harnessing the power of the immune system has shown promise in certain autoimmunity and cancer settings. In the context of the liver, regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies are in development. The hypothesis is that these specialized lymphocytes that dampen inflammation may reduce liver injury in patients with chronic, progressive diseases, and promote transplant tolerance. Various strategies including intrinsic and extracorporeal expansion of Treg cells, aim to increase their abundance to suppress immune responses. We recently discovered that hepatocytes engulf and delete Treg cells by enclysis. Herein, we propose that inhibition of enclysis may potentiate existing regulatory T cell therapeutic approaches in patients with autoimmune liver diseases and in patients receiving a transplant. Moreover, in settings where the abundance of Treg cells could hinder beneficial immunity, such us in chronic viral infection or liver cancer, enhancement of enclysis could result in transient, localized reduction of Treg cell numbers and tip the balance towards antiviral and anti-tumor immunity. We describe enclysis as is a natural process of liver immune regulation that lends itself to therapeutic targeting, particularly in combination with current Treg cell approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zania Stamataki
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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