1
|
Greenman R, Snir T, Katav A, Aricha R, Mishalian I, Hay O, Frankel M, Lawler J, Saffioti F, Pinzani M, Thorburn D, Peled A, Mor A, Vaknin I. The Role of CCL24 in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Bridging Patient Serum Proteomics to Preclinical Data. Cells 2024; 13:209. [PMID: 38334601 PMCID: PMC10854794 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030209] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an inflammatory and fibrotic biliary disease lacking approved treatment. We studied CCL24, a chemokine shown to be overexpressed in damaged bile ducts, and its involvement in key disease-related mechanisms. Serum proteomics of PSC patients and healthy controls (HC) were analyzed using the Olink® proximity extension assay and compared based on disease presence, fibrosis severity, and CCL24 levels. Disease-related canonical pathways, upstream regulators, and toxicity functions were elevated in PSC patients compared to HC and further elevated in patients with high CCL24 levels. In vitro, a protein signature in CCL24-treated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) differentiated patients by disease severity. In mice, CCL24 intraperitoneal injection selectively recruited neutrophils and monocytes. Treatment with CM-101, a CCL24-neutralizing antibody, in an α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis mouse model effectively inhibited accumulation of peribiliary neutrophils and macrophages while reducing biliary hyperplasia and fibrosis. Furthermore, in PSC patients, CCL24 levels were correlated with upregulation of monocyte and neutrophil chemotaxis pathways. Collectively, these findings highlight the distinct role of CCL24 in PSC, influencing disease-related mechanisms, affecting immune cells trafficking and HSC activation. Its blockade with CM-101 reduces inflammation and fibrosis and positions CCL24 as a promising therapeutic target in PSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom Snir
- Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv 6158002, Israel
| | - Avi Katav
- Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv 6158002, Israel
| | | | - Inbal Mishalian
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hebrew University Hospital Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Ophir Hay
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hebrew University Hospital Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | | | - John Lawler
- Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv 6158002, Israel
| | - Francesca Saffioti
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College of London, London NW3 2PF, UK
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College of London, London NW3 2PF, UK
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College of London, London NW3 2PF, UK
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Amnon Peled
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hebrew University Hospital Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Adi Mor
- Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv 6158002, Israel
| | - Ilan Vaknin
- Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv 6158002, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Greenman R, Segal-Salto M, Barashi N, Hay O, Katav A, Levi O, Vaknin I, Aricha R, Aharoni S, Snir T, Mishalian I, Olam D, Amer J, Salhab A, Safadi R, Maor Y, Trivedi P, Weston CJ, Saffioti F, Hall A, Pinzani M, Thorburn D, Peled A, Mor A. CCL24 regulates biliary inflammation and fibrosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e162270. [PMID: 37345655 PMCID: PMC10371243 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.162270] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
ˆCCL24 is a pro-fibrotic, pro-inflammatory chemokine expressed in several chronic fibrotic diseases. In the liver, CCL24 plays a role in fibrosis and inflammation, and blocking CCL24 led to reduced liver injury in experimental models. We studied the role of CCL24 in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and evaluated the potential therapeutic effect of blocking CCL24 in this disease. Multidrug resistance gene 2-knockout (Mdr2-/-) mice demonstrated CCL24 expression in liver macrophages and were used as a relevant experimental PSC model. CCL24-neutralizing monoclonal antibody, CM-101, significantly improved inflammation, fibrosis, and cholestasis-related markers in the biliary area. Moreover, using spatial transcriptomics, we observed reduced proliferation and senescence of cholangiocytes following CCL24 neutralization. Next, we demonstrated that CCL24 expression was elevated under pro-fibrotic conditions in primary human cholangiocytes and macrophages, and it induced proliferation of primary human hepatic stellate cells and cholangiocytes, which was attenuated following CCL24 inhibition. Correspondingly, CCL24 was found to be highly expressed in liver biopsies of patients with PSC. CCL24 serum levels correlated with Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score, most notably in patients with high alkaline phosphatase levels. These results suggest that blocking CCL24 may have a therapeutic effect in patients with PSC by reducing liver inflammation, fibrosis, and cholestasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ophir Hay
- Gene Therapy Institute, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avi Katav
- Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Omer Levi
- Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ilan Vaknin
- Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Tom Snir
- Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbal Mishalian
- Gene Therapy Institute, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Devorah Olam
- Gene Therapy Institute, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Johnny Amer
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ahmad Salhab
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rifaat Safadi
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yaakov Maor
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Palak Trivedi
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Weston
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Saffioti
- University College London Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, London, United Kingdom
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Hall
- University College London Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, London, United Kingdom
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- University College London Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, London, United Kingdom
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- University College London Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, London, United Kingdom
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amnon Peled
- Gene Therapy Institute, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Mor
- Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Segal-Salto M, Barashi N, Katav A, Edelshtein V, Aharon A, Hashmueli S, George J, Maor Y, Pinzani M, Haberman D, Hall A, Friedman S, Mor A. A blocking monoclonal antibody to CCL24 alleviates liver fibrosis and inflammation in experimental models of liver damage. JHEP Rep 2020; 2:100064. [PMID: 32039405 PMCID: PMC7005554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2019.100064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims C-C motif chemokine ligand 24 (CCL24) is a chemokine that regulates inflammatory and fibrotic activities through its receptor, C-C motif chemokine receptor (CCR3). The aim of the study was to evaluate the involvement of the CCL24-CCR3 axis in liver fibrosis and inflammation and to assess the potential of its blockade, by a monoclonal anti-CCL24 antibody, as a therapeutic strategy for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis. Methods Expression of CCL24 and CCR3 was evaluated in liver biopsies and blood samples. CCL24 involvement in NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis was assessed in Ccl24 knockout mouse using the methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet experimental model. Antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of CM-101 were tested in the MCD and STAM mouse models and in the thioacetamide (TAA) model in rats. Liver enzymes, liver morphology, histology and collagen deposition, as well as fibrosis- and inflammation-related protein expression were assessed. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was evaluated in the human LX2 cell line. Results Patients with NASH and advanced NAFLD exhibited significant expression of both CCL24 and CCR3 in liver and blood samples. In the experimental MCD-diet model, Ccl24 knockout mice showed an attenuated liver damage response compared to wild-type mice, exhibiting reduced histological NAFLD activity scores and fibrosis, as well as lower levels of liver enzymes. Blocking CCL24 using CM-101 robustly reduced liver damage in 3 experimental animal models (MCD, STAM and TAA), as demonstrated by attenuation of liver fibrosis and NAFLD activity score. Furthermore, blocking CCL24 by CM-101 significantly inhibited CCL24-induced HSC motility, α-SMA expression and pro-collagen I secretion. Conclusion Our results reveal that blocking CCL24 significantly attenuates liver fibrosis and inflammation and may have a potential therapeutic effect in patients with NASH and/or liver fibrosis. Lay summary CCL24 is a chemokine that regulates inflammation and fibrosis. It was found to be significantly expressed in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, in whom it regulates profibrotic processes in the liver. Herein, we show that blockade of CCL24 using a monoclonal antibody robustly attenuated liver fibrosis and inflammation in animal models, thus suggesting a potential therapeutic role for an anti-CCL24 agent. CCL24 is a chemokine that regulates inflammatory and fibrotic activities through its receptor, CCR3. Significant expression of CCL24 and CCR3 were found in liver biopsies and blood samples from patients with NAFLD/NASH. CM-101, a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets CCL24, significantly attenuates fibrotic and inflammatory processes. Blocking CCL24 may have a potential therapeutic effect in NASH and liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- Antibody
- C-C motif chemokine ligand 24
- CCL24
- CCL24, C-C motif chemokine ligand 24
- CCR3, C-C motif chemokine receptor 3
- CM-101
- Fibrosis
- HSCs, hepatic stellate cells
- IL-6, interleukin-6
- MCD, methionine-choline deficient
- MFI, median fluorescence intensity
- MMP, matrix metallopeptidase
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NAS, NAFLD activity score
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- TAA, thioacetamide
- WT, wild-type
- α-SMA, α-smooth muscle actin
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jacob George
- Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yaakov Maor
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College of London, London, UK.,Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dan Haberman
- Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Andrew Hall
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College of London, London, UK.,Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Scott Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mor A, Segal Salto M, Katav A, Barashi N, Edelshtein V, Manetti M, Levi Y, George J, Matucci-Cerinic M. Blockade of CCL24 with a monoclonal antibody ameliorates experimental dermal and pulmonary fibrosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:1260-1268. [PMID: 31129606 PMCID: PMC6788878 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives We aimed to assess the expression of the CCL24 chemokine in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to evaluate the possible pathogenic implications of the CCL24/CCR3 axis using both in vitro and in vivo models. We further investigated the efficacy of an anti-CCL24 monoclonal antibody (mAb), CM-101, in inhibiting cell activation as well as dermal and pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in experimental animal models. Methods We used ELISA and fluorescence immunohistochemistry to determine CCL24 levels in serum and CCL24/CCR3 expression in skin biopsies of SSc patients. Skin fibroblasts and endothelial cells treated with CCL24 or SSc serum with or without CM-101 were used to follow cell activation and differentiation. Prevention and treatment in vivo bleomycin (BLM)-induced models were used to evaluate experimental dermal and pulmonary fibrosis progression following treatment with the CM-101 mAb. Results CCL24 circulating levels were significantly elevated in SSc patients. CCL24/CCR3 expression was strongly increased in SSc skin. Blockade of CCL24 with CM-101 significantly reduced the activation of dermal fibroblasts and their transition to myofibroblasts induced by SSc serum. CM-101 was also able to significantly inhibit endothelial cell activation induced by CCL24. In BLM-induced experimental animal models, CM-101 profoundly inhibited both dermal and pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. Conclusions CCL24 plays an important role in pathological processes of skin and lung inflammation and fibrosis. Inhibition of CCL24 by CM-101 mAb can be potentially beneficial for therapeutic use in SSc patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adi Mor
- R&D, ChemomAb Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Yair Levi
- Department of Internal Medicine E, Meir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Israel
| | - Jacob George
- Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Unit, AOUC, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Peled M, Shaish A, Katav A, Greenberger S, Barshack I, Tal R, Bangio L, Breitbart E, Harats D. Systemic Administration of a Conditionally Replicating Adenovirus, Targeted to Angiogenesis, Reduced Lung Metastases Burden in Cotton Rats. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:1664-73. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-1670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|