1
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Moura MC, Thompson GE, Nelson DR, Fussner LA, Hummel AM, Jenne DE, Emerling D, Fervenza FC, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, McCune WJ, Merkel PA, Monach PA, Seo P, Spiera RF, St. Clair EW, Ytterberg SR, Stone JH, Robinson WH, Specks U. Activation of a Latent Epitope Causing Differential Binding of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies to Proteinase 3. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:748-759. [PMID: 36515151 PMCID: PMC10191989 DOI: 10.1002/art.42418] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Proteinase 3 (PR3) is the major antigen for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) in the systemic autoimmune vasculitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). PR3-targeting ANCAs (PR3-ANCAs) recognize different epitopes on PR3. This study was undertaken to study the effect of mutations on PR3 antigenicity. METHODS The recombinant PR3 variants, iPR3 (clinically used to detect PR3-ANCAs) and iHm5 (containing 3 point mutations in epitopes 1 and 5 generated for epitope mapping studies) immunoassays and serum samples from patients enrolled in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) trials were used to screen for differential PR3-ANCA binding. A patient-derived monoclonal ANCA 518 (moANCA518) that selectively binds to iHm5 within the mutation-free epitope 3 and is distant from the point mutations of iHm5 was used as a gauge for remote epitope activation. Selective binding was determined using inhibition experiments. RESULTS Rather than reduced binding of PR3-ANCAs to iHm5, we found substantially increased binding of the majority of PR3-ANCAs to iHm5 compared to iPR3. This differential binding of PR3-ANCA to iHm5 is similar to the selective moANCA518 binding to iHm5. Binding of iPR3 to monoclonal antibody MCPR3-2 also induced recognition by moANCA518. CONCLUSION The preferential binding of PR3-ANCAs from patients, such as the selective binding of moANCA518 to iHm5, is conferred by increased antigenicity of epitope 3 on iHm5. This can also be induced on iPR3 when captured by monoclonal antibody MCPR2. This previously unrecognized characteristic of PR3-ANCA interactions with its target antigen has implications for studying antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases, understanding variable performance characteristics of immunoassays, and design of potential novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Casal Moura
- Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | - Lynn A. Fussner
- Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
- Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Dieter E. Jenne
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biological Intelligence, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul A. Monach
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Rheumatology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Berti A, Hillion S, Konig MF, Moura MC, Hummel AM, Carmona E, Peikert T, Fervenza FC, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Merkel PA, Monach PA, Seo P, Spiera RF, Brunetta P, Clair EW, Harris KM, Stone JH, Grandi G, Pers JO, Specks U, Cornec D. Autoreactive Plasmablasts After B Cell Depletion With Rituximab and Relapses in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:736-747. [PMID: 36281741 PMCID: PMC10280646 DOI: 10.1002/art.42388] [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: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autoreactive B cells are responsible for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) production in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Rituximab (RTX) depletes circulating B cells, including autoreactive B cells. We aimed to evaluate changes and associations with relapse of the circulating autoreactive B cell pool following therapeutic B cell depletion in AAV. METHODS Sequential flow cytometry was performed on 148 samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 23 patients with proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA-positive AAV who were treated with RTX for remission induction and monitored after stopping therapy during long-term follow-up in a prospective clinical trial. PR3 was used as a ligand to target autoreactive PR3-specific (PR3+) B cells. B cell recurrence was considered as the first blood sample with ≥10 B cells/μl after RTX treatment. RESULTS At B cell recurrence, PR3+ B cell frequency among B cells was higher than baseline (P < 0.01). Within both PR3+ and total B cells, frequencies of transitional and naive subsets were higher at B cell recurrence than at baseline, while memory subsets were lower (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). At B cell recurrence, frequencies of B cells and subsets did not differ between patients who experienced relapse and patients who remained in remission. In contrast, the plasmablast frequency within the PR3+ B cell pool was higher in patients who experienced relapse and associated with a shorter time to relapse. Frequencies of PR3+ plasmablasts higher than baseline were more likely to be found in patients who experienced relapse within the following 12 months compared to those in sustained remission (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The composition of the autoreactive B cell pool varies significantly following RTX treatment in AAV, and early plasmablast enrichment within the autoreactive pool is associated with future relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvise Berti
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, and Center for Medical Sciences (CISMed), Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy, and Rheumatology Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, Italy
| | - Sophie Hillion
- Jacques-Olivier Pers, DDS, PhD, Divi Cornec, MD, PhD: Université de Bretagne Occidendale, Brest, Bretagne, France
| | - Maximilian F. Konig
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marta Casal Moura
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Amber M. Hummel
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Eva Carmona
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Tobias Peikert
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Cees G. M. Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Peter A. Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | - Philip Seo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert F. Spiera
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
| | | | | | | | - John H. Stone
- Massachusetts General Hospital Rheumatology Unit, Boston
| | - Guido Grandi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy
| | - Jacques-Olivier Pers
- Jacques-Olivier Pers, DDS, PhD, Divi Cornec, MD, PhD: Université de Bretagne Occidendale, Brest, Bretagne, France
| | - Ulrich Specks
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Divi Cornec
- Jacques-Olivier Pers, DDS, PhD, Divi Cornec, MD, PhD: Université de Bretagne Occidendale, Brest, Bretagne, France
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3
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Casal Moura M, Deng Z, Brooks SR, Tew W, Fervenza FC, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Merkel PA, Monach PA, Seo P, Spiera RF, St Clair EW, Stone JH, Prunotto M, Grayson PC, Specks U. Risk of relapse of ANCA-associated vasculitis among patients homozygous for the proteinase 3 gene Val119Ile polymorphism. RMD Open 2023; 9:e002935. [PMID: 36990659 PMCID: PMC10069578 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002935] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency of proteinase 3 gene (PRTN3) polymorphisms in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is not fully characterised. We hypothesise that the presence of a PRTN3 gene polymorphism (single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs351111) is relevant for clinical outcomes. METHODS DNA variant calling for SNP rs351111 (chr.19:844020, c.355G>A) in PRTN3 gene assessed the allelic frequency in patients with PR3-AAV included in the Rituximab in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis trial. This was followed by RNA-seq variant calling to characterise the mRNA expression. We compared clinical outcomes between patients homozygous for PRTN3-Ile119 or PRTN3-Val119. RESULTS Whole blood samples for DNA calling were available in 188 patients. 75 patients with PR3-AAV had the allelic variant: 62 heterozygous PRTN3-Val119Ile and 13 homozygous for PRTN3-Ile119. RNA-seq was available for 89 patients and mRNA corresponding to the allelic variant was found in 32 patients with PR3-AAV: 25 heterozygous PRTN3-Val119Ile and 7 homozygous for PRTN3-Ile119. The agreement between the DNA calling results and mRNA expression of the 86 patients analysed by both methods was 100%. We compared the clinical outcomes of 64 patients with PR3-AAV: 51 homozygous for PRTN3-Val119 and 13 homozygous for PRTN3-Ile119. The frequency of severe flares at 18 months in homozygous PRTN3-Ile119 was significantly higher when compared with homozygous PRTN3-Val119 (46.2% vs 19.6%, p=0.048). Multivariate analysis identified homozygous PR3-Ile119 as main predictor of severe relapse (HR 4.67, 95% CI 1.16 to 18.86, p=0.030). CONCLUSION In patients with PR3-AAV, homozygosity for PRTN3-Val119Ile polymorphism appears associated with higher frequency of severe relapse. Further studies are necessary to better understand the association of this observation with the risk of severe relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Casal Moura
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Zuoming Deng
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen R Brooks
- Office of Science and Technology, Biodata Mining and Discovery Section, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Wei Tew
- ITGR Diagnostics Discovery, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Fernando C Fervenza
- Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carol A Langford
- Rheumatic and Immunologic Disease, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul A Monach
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Philip Seo
- Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert F Spiera
- Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - John H Stone
- Vasculitis and Glomerulonephritis Center, Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marco Prunotto
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Peter C Grayson
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ulrich Specks
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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4
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Monach PA, Warner RL, Lew R, Tómasson G, Specks U, Stone JH, Fervenza FC, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Seo P, St Clair EW, Spiera R, Johnson KJ, Merkel PA. Serum Biomarkers of Disease Activity in Longitudinal Assessment of Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis. ACR Open Rheumatol 2021; 4:168-176. [PMID: 34792864 PMCID: PMC8843765 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Improved biomarkers of current disease activity and prediction of relapse are needed in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). For clinical relevance, biomarkers must perform well longitudinally in patients on treatment and in patients with nonsevere flares. METHODS Twenty-two proteins were measured in 347 serum samples from 74 patients with AAV enrolled in a clinical trial. Samples were collected at Month 6 after remission induction, then every 3 months until Month 18, or at the time of flare. Associations of protein concentrations with concurrent disease activity and with future flare were analyzed using mixed-effects models, Cox proportional hazards models, and conditional logistic regression. RESULTS Forty-two patients had flares during the 12-month follow-up period, and 32 remained in remission. Twenty-two patients had severe flares. Six experimental markers (CXCL13, IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, IL-18BP, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 [MMP-3]) and ESR were associated with disease activity using all three methods (P < 0.05, with P < 0.01 in at least one method). A rise in IL-8, IL-15, or IL-18BP was associated temporally with flare. Combining C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-18BP, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and sIL-2Rα improved association with active AAV. CXCL13 and MMP-3 were increased during treatment with prednisone, independent of disease activity. Marker concentrations during remission were not predictive of future flare. CONCLUSION Serum biomarkers of inflammation and tissue damage and repair have been previously shown to be strongly associated with severe active AAV were less strongly associated with active AAV in a longitudinal study that included mild flares and varying treatment. Markers rising contemporaneously with flare or with an improved association in combination merit further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Monach
- Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,VA Boston Healthcare System, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Robert Lew
- Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - John H Stone
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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5
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Kronbichler A, Leierer J, Shin JI, Merkel PA, Spiera R, Seo P, Langford CA, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, St Clair EW, Brunetta P, Fervenza FC, Geetha D, Keogh KA, Monach PA, Ytterberg SR, Mayer G, Specks U, Stone JH. Association of Pulmonary Hemorrhage, Positive Proteinase 3, and Urinary Red Blood Cell Casts With Venous Thromboembolism in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 71:1888-1893. [PMID: 31216123 PMCID: PMC6899947 DOI: 10.1002/art.41017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency of venous thromboembolism (VTE) events in the Rituximab in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis (RAVE) trial and identify novel potential risk factors. METHODS VTE events in 197 patients enrolled in the RAVE trial were analyzed. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with VTE in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). RESULTS VTE occurred in 16 patients (8.1%) with an overall average time to event of 1.5 months (range 1.0-2.75). In univariate analyses with calculation of hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), heart involvement (HR 17.408 [95% CI 2.247-134.842]; P = 0.006), positive proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA (HR 7.731 [95% CI 1.021-58.545]; P = 0.048), pulmonary hemorrhage (HR 3.889 [95% CI 1.448-10.448]; P = 0.008), and the presence of red blood cell casts (HR 15.617 [95% CI 3.491-69.854]; P < 0.001) were associated with the onset of VTE. In multivariate models adjusted for age and sex, the significant associations between VTE events and heart involvement (HR 21.836 [95% CI 2.566-185.805]; P = 0.005), PR3-ANCA (HR 9.12 [95% CI 1.158-71.839]; P = 0.036), pulmonary hemorrhage (HR 3.91 [95% CI 1.453-10.522]; P = 0.007), and urinary red blood cell casts (HR 16.455 [95% CI 3.607-75.075]; P < 0.001) remained. CONCLUSION Patients diagnosed as having AAV with pulmonary hemorrhage, positive PR3-ANCA, heart involvement, and the presence of red blood cell casts are at an increased risk to develop VTE. Further studies are needed to confirm and expand these findings and to explore the mechanisms of hypercoagulability in these patients with the aim of informing potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jae Il Shin
- Yonsei University College of Medicine and Severance Children's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carol A Langford
- Center for Vasculitis Care and Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Gary S Hoffman
- Center for Vasculitis Care and Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gert Mayer
- Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ulrich Specks
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - John H Stone
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
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6
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Wallace ZS, Fu X, Liao K, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Merkel PA, Monach P, Seo P, Specks U, Spiera R, St Clair EW, Zhang Y, Choi H, Stone JH. Disease Activity, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Type, and Lipid Levels in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 71:1879-1887. [PMID: 31162829 DOI: 10.1002/art.41006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was undertaken to develop a clearer understanding of the association between changes in disease activity and lipid levels in AAV, which may inform CVD risk stratification in this population. METHODS Lipid levels were assessed in stored serum samples (obtained at baseline and month 6) from the Rituximab for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (RAVE) trial, which randomized patients to receive either rituximab or cyclophosphamide followed by azathioprine. Paired t-tests and multivariable linear regression were used to assess changes in lipid levels. RESULTS Of the 142 patients with serum samples available, the mean ± SD age was 52.3 ± 14.7 years, 72 (51%) were male, 95 (67%) were proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA positive, 72 (51%) had received a new diagnosis of AAV, and 75 (53%) were treated with rituximab. Several lipid levels increased between baseline and month 6, including total cholesterol (+12.4 mg/dl [95% confidence interval (95% CI) +7.1, +21.0]), low-density lipoprotein (+10.3 mg/dl [95% CI +6.1, +17.1]), and apolipoprotein B (+3.5 mg/dl [95% CI +1.0, +8.3]). These changes were observed among newly diagnosed and PR3-ANCA-positive patients but not among those with relapsing disease or myeloperoxidase-ANCA-positive patients. There was no difference in change in lipid levels between rituximab-treated patients and cyclophosphamide-treated patients. Changes in lipid levels correlated with changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate but not with other inflammatory markers or glucocorticoid exposure. CONCLUSION Lipid levels increased during remission induction among patients with newly diagnosed AAV and those who were PR3-ANCA positive. Disease activity and ANCA type should be considered when assessing lipid profiles to stratify CVD risk in patients with AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Monach
- VA Boston Health Care System Boston Vet Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | - Hyon Choi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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7
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Berti A, Warner R, Johnson K, Cornec D, Schroeder DR, Kabat BF, Langford CA, Kallenberg CGM, Seo P, Spiera RF, St Clair EW, Fervenza FC, Stone JH, Monach PA, Specks U, Merkel PA. The association of serum interleukin-6 levels with clinical outcomes in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. J Autoimmun 2019; 105:102302. [PMID: 31320177 PMCID: PMC7217333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate serum IL-6 (sIL-6) levels during active disease, complete remission (CR), and relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), and to explore the association of changes in sIL-6 with clinical outcomes. METHODS sIL-6 levels were measured at baseline and longitudinally over 18 months, in 78 patients with AAV enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing treatment with either rituximab (RTX) or cyclophosphamide (CYC)/azathioprine (AZA). Outcome variables included baseline clinical features, ANCA specificity, disease activity (active disease versus CR), time to relapse events, B cell repopulation, and ANCA titer increases. RESULTS At baseline, sIL6 levels were detectable in 81% of patients; 73% (n = 57) of subjects were proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA positive, sIL-6 levels were higher in subjects with PR3-ANCAs and positively correlated with their levels (rs = 0.36,p < 0.01), but not with levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA (rs = -0.17,p = 0.47). Higher baseline sIL-6 levels were associated with PR3-ANCA positivity, fever, pulmonary nodules/cavities, conductive deafness, and absence of urinary red blood cell casts (p < 0.05). Baseline sIL6 levels did not predict CR at month 6 (p = 0.71), and the median sIL-6 level declined from baseline with induction therapy, regardless of CR achievement. An increase in sIL-6 during CR was a predictor for subsequent severe relapse in RTX-treated patients (hazard ratio (HR):7.24,p = 0.01), but not in CYC/AZA-treated patients (HR:0.62,p = 0.50). In contrast, a sIL-6 increase did not predict B cell repopulation or ANCA titer increase in either treatment arm (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION At baseline, sIL-6 concentrations correlate with PR3-ANCA titers and are associated with specific clinical manifestations of AAV. Baseline sIL6 concentrations do not predict CR at 6 months, but the increase in sIL-6 concentrations during CR is associated with subsequent severe relapse among RTX-treated patients. Further investigation into the mechanistic role of IL6 in AAV might lead to identifying this pathway as a potential therapeutic target in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roscoe Warner
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kent Johnson
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul A Monach
- Boston University and VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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van der Geest KSM, Brouwer E, Sanders JS, Sandovici M, Bos NA, Boots AMH, Abdulahad WH, Stegeman CA, Kallenberg CGM, Heeringa P, Rutgers A. Towards precision medicine in ANCA-associated vasculitis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:1332-1339. [PMID: 29045715 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is characterized by inflammation and destruction of small and medium-sized vessels. Current management strategies for AAV have been validated in large groups of patients. However, recent insights indicate that distinct patient subsets may actually exist within AAV, thereby justifying the development of more personalized treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss current evidence for a better classification of AAV based on ANCA type. We describe how thus defined categories of AAV patients may differ in genetic background, clinical presentation, immune pathology, response to treatment and disease outcome. We also explore how these insights may provide a rationale for targeted treatments in different categories of AAV patients. Finally, we provide recommendations on how to further establish precision medicine in AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelis S M van der Geest
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Stephan Sanders
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Nephrology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Sandovici
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas A Bos
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke M H Boots
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wayel H Abdulahad
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Coen A Stegeman
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Nephrology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham Rutgers
- Vasculitis Expertise Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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van der Geest KSM, Sandovici M, van Sleen Y, Sanders JS, Bos NA, Abdulahad WH, Stegeman CA, Heeringa P, Rutgers A, Kallenberg CGM, Boots AMH, Brouwer E. Review: What Is the Current Evidence for Disease Subsets in Giant Cell Arteritis? Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 70:1366-1376. [PMID: 29648680 PMCID: PMC6175064 DOI: 10.1002/art.40520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an autoimmune vasculitis affecting large and medium‐sized arteries. Ample evidence indicates that GCA is a heterogeneous disease in terms of symptoms, immune pathology, and response to treatment. In the current review, we discuss the evidence for disease subsets in GCA. We describe clinical and immunologic characteristics that may impact the risk of cranial ischemic symptoms, relapse rates, and long‐term glucocorticoid requirements in patients with GCA. In addition, we discuss both proven and putative immunologic targets for therapy in patients with GCA who have an unfavorable prognosis. Finally, we provide recommendations for further research on disease subsets in GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Sandovici
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yannick van Sleen
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Stephan Sanders
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas A Bos
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wayel H Abdulahad
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Coen A Stegeman
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham Rutgers
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke M H Boots
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Berti A, Warner R, Johnson K, Cornec D, Schroeder D, Kabat B, Langford CA, Hoffman GS, Fervenza FC, Kallenberg CGM, Seo P, Spiera R, St Clair EW, Brunetta P, Stone JH, Merkel PA, Specks U, Monach PA. Brief Report: Circulating Cytokine Profiles and Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Specificity in Patients With Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 70:1114-1121. [PMID: 29693324 DOI: 10.1002/art.40471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate circulating cytokine profiles in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), classified by antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) specificity (proteinase 3 ANCA [PR3-ANCA] versus myeloperoxidase ANCA [MPO-ANCA]) or by clinical diagnosis (granulomatosis with polyangiitis [GPA] versus microscopic polyangiitis [MPA]). METHODS A panel of 29 cytokines was tested in 186 patients with active AAV at inclusion into the Rituximab in AAV trial. Cytokine concentrations were compared between groups within each classification system. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex, and renal insufficiency were performed, with each biomarker as a dependent variable and ANCA specificity and clinical diagnosis as explanatory variables of interest. RESULTS Levels of 9 circulating cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF], IL-15, IL-18, CXCL8/IL-8, CCL-17/thymus and activation-regulated chemokine [TARC], IL-18 binding protein [IL-18 BP], soluble IL-2 receptor α [sIL-2Rα], and nerve growth factor β [NGFβ]) were significantly higher in PR3-AAV than MPO-AAV, 4 cytokines (sIL6R, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type II [sTNFRII], neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL], and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [sICAM-1]) were higher in MPO-AAV than in PR3-AAV, 6 cytokines (IL-6, GM-CSF, IL-15, IL-18, sIL-2Rα, and NGFβ) were higher in GPA than in MPA, and 3 cytokines (osteopontin, sTNFRII, and NGAL) were higher in MPA than in GPA (all P < 0.05). For nearly all cytokines, the difference between PR3-AAV and MPO-AAV was larger than that between GPA and MPA. The multivariate analysis showed that 8 cytokines (IL-15, IL-8, IL-18 BP, NGF-β, sICAM-1, TARC, osteopontin, and kidney injury molecule 1 (P < 0.05) distinguished patients with AAV better (lower P values and larger effect sizes) when grouped by ANCA specificity than by clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSION Distinct cytokine profiles were identified for PR3-AAV versus MPO-AAV and for GPA versus MPA. Differences in these circulating immune mediators are more strongly associated with ANCA specificity than with clinical diagnosis, suggesting that heterogeneity in the AAV subtypes extends beyond clinical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvise Berti
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, and Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Kent Johnson
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Divi Cornec
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, and Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU de Brest, Brest, France
| | | | - Brian Kabat
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ulrich Specks
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Paul A Monach
- Boston University and VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
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11
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Cornec D, Kabat BF, Mills JR, Cheu M, Hummel AM, Schroeder DR, Cascino MD, Brunetta P, Murray DL, Snyder MR, Fervenza F, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Merkel PA, Monach PA, Seo P, Spiera RF, St Clair EW, Stone JH, Barnidge DR, Specks U. Pharmacokinetics of rituximab and clinical outcomes in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:639-650. [PMID: 29340623 PMCID: PMC5888934 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To study the determinants of the pharmacokinetics (PK) of rituximab (RTX) in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and its association with clinical outcomes. Methods This study included data from 89 patients from the RTX in AAV trial who received the full dose of RTX (four weekly infusions of 375 mg/m2). RTX was quantified at weeks 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24, and summarized by computing the trapezoidal area under the curve. We explored potential determinants of the PK-RTX, and analysed its association with clinical outcomes: achievement of remission at 6 months, duration of B-cell depletion and time to relapse in patients who achieved complete remission. Results RTX serum levels were significantly lower in males and in newly diagnosed patients, and negatively correlated with body surface area, baseline B-cell count and degree of disease activity. In multivariate analyses, the main determinants of PK-RTX were sex and new diagnosis. Patients reaching complete remission at month 6 had similar RTX levels compared with patients who did not reach complete remission. Patients with higher RTX levels generally experienced longer B-cell depletion than patients with lower levels, but RTX levels at the different time points and area under the curve were not associated with time to relapse. Conclusion Despite the body-surface-area-based dosing protocol, PK-RTX is highly variable among patients with AAV, its main determinants being sex and newly diagnosed disease. We did not observe any relevant association between PK-RTX and clinical outcomes. The monitoring of serum RTX levels does not seem clinically useful in AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divi Cornec
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Rheumatology Department, Brest University Hospital, and INSERM U1227, Brest, France
| | - Brian F Kabat
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - John R Mills
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Amber M Hummel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | - David L Murray
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Melissa R Snyder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Gary S Hoffman
- Division of Rheumatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Carol A Langford
- Division of Rheumatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Paul A Monach
- Rheumatology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Philip Seo
- Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | - John H Stone
- Rheumatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David R Barnidge
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ulrich Specks
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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12
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Rhee RL, Davis JC, Ding L, Fervenza FC, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, McCune WJ, Monach PA, Seo P, Spiera R, St Clair EW, Specks U, Stone JH, Merkel PA. The Utility of Urinalysis in Determining the Risk of Renal Relapse in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 13:251-257. [PMID: 29371340 PMCID: PMC5967421 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.04160417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [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: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The significance of persistent hematuria or proteinuria in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis who are otherwise in clinical remission is unclear. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS A post hoc analysis was conducted using participants enrolled in two randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials who had active GN due to ANCA-associated vasculitis, had positive ANCA, and achieved remission by month 6. Dipstick and microscopic urinalyses were performed at each visit. Persistent hematuria or proteinuria for at least 6 months and the cumulative duration of hematuria were examined. Renal relapse was defined as new or worsening red blood cell casts and/or worsening kidney function according to the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. RESULTS There were 149 patients included in this study: 42% had persistent hematuria, and 43% had persistent proteinuria beyond 6 months. Persistent hematuria was associated with a significantly higher risk of relapse, even after adjusting for potential confounders (subdistribution hazard ratio, 3.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 13.25; P=0.02); persistent proteinuria was not associated with renal relapse (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.47 to 4.42; P=0.53). Furthermore, greater cumulative duration of hematuria was significantly associated with a higher risk of renal relapse (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.08 per each month; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.12; P<0.01). The median time to renal relapse was 22 months. CONCLUSIONS In patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and kidney involvement who achieve remission after induction therapy, the presence of persistent hematuria, but not proteinuria, is a significant predictor of future renal relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rennie L Rhee
- Due to the number of contributing authors, the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
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13
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Glasner C, de Goffau MC, van Timmeren MM, Schulze ML, Jansen B, Tavakol M, van Wamel WJB, Stegeman CA, Kallenberg CGM, Arends JP, Rossen JW, Heeringa P, van Dijl JM. Genetic loci of Staphylococcus aureus associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12211. [PMID: 28939882 PMCID: PMC5610336 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12450-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteinase 3 (PR3)-positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) has been associated with chronic nasal S. aureus carriage, which is a risk factor for disease relapse. The present study was aimed at comparing the genetic make-up of S. aureus isolates from PR3-ANCA-positive GPA patients with that of isolates from patients suffering from myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-positive AAV, and isolates from healthy controls. Based on a DNA microarray-based approach, we show that not only PR3-ANCA-positive GPA patients, but also MPO-ANCA-positive AAV patients mainly carried S. aureus types that are prevalent in the general population. Nonetheless, our data suggests that MPO-ANCA-associated S. aureus isolates may be distinct from healthy control- and PR3-ANCA-associated isolates. Furthermore, several genetic loci of S. aureus are associated with either PR3-ANCA- or MPO-ANCA-positive AAV, indicating a possible role for pore-forming toxins, such as leukocidins, in PR3-ANCA-positive GPA. Contrary to previous studies, no association between AAV and superantigens was detected. Our findings also show that a lowered humoral immune response to S. aureus is common for PR3-ANCA- and MPO-ANCA-positive AAV. Altogether, our observations imply that the presence or absence of particular virulence genes of S. aureus isolates from AAV patients contributes to disease progression and/or relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Glasner
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcus C de Goffau
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjan M van Timmeren
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirja L Schulze
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Benita Jansen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mehri Tavakol
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem J B van Wamel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Coen A Stegeman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan P Arends
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - John W Rossen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Maarten van Dijl
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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14
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Bossuyt X, Cohen Tervaert JW, Arimura Y, Blockmans D, Flores-Suárez LF, Guillevin L, Hellmich B, Jayne D, Jennette JC, Kallenberg CGM, Moiseev S, Novikov P, Radice A, Savige JA, Sinico RA, Specks U, van Paassen P, Zhao MH, Rasmussen N, Damoiseaux J, Csernok E. Position paper: Revised 2017 international consensus on testing of ANCAs in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2017; 13:683-692. [PMID: 28905856 DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2017.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) are valuable laboratory markers used for the diagnosis of well-defined types of small-vessel vasculitis, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). According to the 1999 international consensus on ANCA testing, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) should be used to screen for ANCAs, and samples containing ANCAs should then be tested by immunoassays for proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCAs and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCAs. The distinction between PR3-ANCAs and MPO-ANCAs has important clinical and pathogenic implications. As dependable immunoassays for PR3-ANCAs and MPO-ANCAs have become broadly available, there is increasing international agreement that high-quality immunoassays are the preferred screening method for the diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis. The present Consensus Statement proposes that high-quality immunoassays can be used as the primary screening method for patients suspected of having the ANCA-associated vaculitides GPA and MPA without the categorical need for IIF, and presents and discusses evidence to support this recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Bossuyt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven and Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Yoshihiro Arimura
- Kichijoji Asahi Hospital, 11-30-12 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan
| | - Daniel Blockmans
- Clinical Department of General Internal Medicine, Research Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Laboratory of Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luis Felipe Flores-Suárez
- Primary Systemic Vasculitides Clinic, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Colonia Sección XVI, CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Loïc Guillevin
- National Referral Centre for Necrotizing Vasculitides and Systemic Sclerosis, Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Cochin, L'Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, Paris 75014, France
| | - Bernhard Hellmich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology, Vasculitis-Centre Tübingen-Kirchheim, Medius Klinik Kirchheim, University of Tübingen, Eugenstrasse 3, 73230 Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany
| | - David Jayne
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK
| | - J Charles Jennette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, 160 Medical Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, AA21, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Sergey Moiseev
- Clinic of Nephrology, Internal and Occupational Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Rossolimo, 11/5, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Pavel Novikov
- Clinic of Nephrology, Internal and Occupational Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Rossolimo, 11/5, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Antonella Radice
- Microbiology and Virology Institute, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Carlo Borromeo Hospital, Via Pio II 3, 20153 Milan, Italy
| | - Judith Anne Savige
- Department of Medicine, Melbourne Health, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Melbourne VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Renato Alberto Sinico
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza MB, Italy
| | - Ulrich Specks
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 200 First Street, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Pieter van Paassen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Nephrology and Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ming-Hui Zhao
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital; Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China; Key Laboratory of CKD Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China; Peking-Tsinghua Centre for Life Sciences; 8 Xishiku Street, Xichengqu, Beijing Shi, China
| | - Niels Rasmussen
- Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers, Statens Seruminstitut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Jan Damoiseaux
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Elena Csernok
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology, Vasculitis-Centre Tübingen-Kirchheim, Medius Klinik Kirchheim, University of Tübingen, Eugenstrasse 3, 73230 Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany
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15
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Geetha D, Sethi S, De Vriese AS, Specks U, Kallenberg CGM, Lim N, Spiera R, St Clair EW, Merkel PA, Seo P, Monach PA, Lepori N, Fessler BJ, Langford CA, Hoffman GS, Sharma R, Stone JH, Fervenza FC. Interstitial Immunostaining and Renal Outcomes in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Glomerulonephritis. Am J Nephrol 2017; 46:231-238. [PMID: 28881339 DOI: 10.1159/000480443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunopathologic features predict renal function at baseline and follow-up in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis (GN). The interstitial infiltrate consists predominantly of T lymphocytes, but their pathophysiologic significance is unclear, especially in light of the success of B-cell-directed therapy. METHODS Renal biopsies from 33 patients treated with cyclophosphamide (CYC; n = 17) or rituximab (RTX; n = 16) in the RTX in ANCA-associated vasculitis (RAVE) trial were classified according to the new ANCA GN classification. T- and B-cell infiltration in the interstitium was assessed by immunostaining for CD3 and CD20. Correlations of clinical and histologic parameters with renal function at set time points were examined. RESULTS The mean (SD) baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate was 36 (20) mL/min/1.73 m2. ANCA GN class distribution was 46% focal, 33% mixed, 12% sclerotic and 9% crescentic. The interstitial infiltrate consisted of >50% CD3 positive cells in 69% of biopsies, but >50% CD20 positive cells only in 8% of biopsies. In a multiple linear regression model, only baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) correlated with GFR at 6, 12, and 18 months. Interstitial B- and T-cell infiltrates had no significant impact on long-term prognosis, independent of the treatment limb. A differential effect was noted only at 6 months, where a dense CD3 positive infiltrate predicted lower GFR in the RTX group and a CD20 positive infiltrate predicted higher GFR in the CYC group. CONCLUSIONS In ANCA-associated GN, the interstitial infiltrate contains mainly T lymphocytes. However, it is neither reflecting baseline renal function nor predictive of response to treatment, regardless of the immunosuppression regimen employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duvuru Geetha
- Division of Nephrology and Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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16
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Wallace ZS, Miloslavsky EM, Cascino M, Unizony SH, Lu N, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Merkel PA, Monach PA, Seo P, Spiera R, St Clair EW, Specks U, Brunetta P, Choi HK, Stone JH. Effect of Disease Activity, Glucocorticoid Exposure, and Rituximab on Body Composition During Induction Treatment of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2017; 69:1004-1010. [PMID: 27696762 DOI: 10.1002/acr.23099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the relationships between glucocorticoid use, disease activity, and changes in body mass index (BMI) in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). METHODS We analyzed AAV patients enrolled in the Rituximab in AAV trial. Glucocorticoid use, BMI, and disease activity were measured regularly during the trial period. We performed mixed-effects regressions to examine the associations of time-dependent cumulative average glucocorticoid use and disease activity with changes in BMI over time, while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS The mean ± SD baseline BMI of the 197 patients enrolled was 28.8 ± 6.3 kg/m2 . Patients with newly diagnosed AAV tended to have a lower mean ± SD BMI than those with relapsing disease (28.0 ± 5.7 kg/m2 versus 29.6 ± 6.8 kg/m2 ) and higher disease activity (mean ± SD Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's Granulomatosis 8.7 ± 3.3 versus 7.4 ± 2.7). The most significant change in BMI occurred during the first 6 months of the trial (mean ± SD increase of 1.1 ± 2.2 kg/m2 ; P < 0.0001). Disease activity improvement, glucocorticoid exposure, and randomization to rituximab were each independently associated with an increase in BMI (P < 0.001 for all analyses). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that changes in BMI, as well as glucocorticoid exposure, are independently associated with improvements in disease activity in AAV. Rituximab may also have effects on BMI independent of its impact on disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Na Lu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul A Monach
- Boston Medical Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Miloslavsky EM, Lu N, Unizony S, Choi HK, Merkel PA, Seo P, Spiera R, Langford CA, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, St Clair EW, Tchao NK, Fervenza F, Monach PA, Specks U, Stone JH. Myeloperoxidase-Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Positive and ANCA-Negative Patients With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener's): Distinct Patient Subsets. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 68:2945-2952. [PMID: 27428559 DOI: 10.1002/art.39812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) type and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) diagnosis with demographic features, disease manifestations, and clinical outcomes. We focused on patients who account for the differences between ANCA type and disease type classifications: anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA). METHODS We performed a pooled analysis of the Wegener's Granulomatosis Etanercept Trial and the Rituximab in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis trial comparing patients with MPO-ANCA-positive GPA and patients with ANCA-negative GPA to patients with proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA-positive GPA and patients with MPO-ANCA-positive microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). RESULTS Of the 365 patients analyzed, 273 (75%) had PR3-ANCA-positive GPA, 33 (9%) had MPO-ANCA-positive GPA, 15 (4%) had ANCA-negative GPA, and 44 (12%) had MPO-ANCA-positive MPA. MPO-ANCA-positive GPA patients were younger at diagnosis compared to MPO-ANCA-positive MPA patients (53 versus 61 years; P = 0.02). Their disease manifestations and rates of relapse were similar to those of PR3-ANCA-positive GPA patients. Relapse was more frequent in MPO-ANCA-positive GPA patients than in patients with MPO-ANCA-positive MPA at trial entry as well as at 12 and 18 months. ANCA-negative patients with GPA had lower Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's Granulomatosis scores at trial entry than PR3-ANCA-positive patients with GPA (4.5 versus 7.7; P < 0.01), primarily because of a lower prevalence of renal involvement. CONCLUSION We were unable to demonstrate important clinical differences between MPO-ANCA-positive and PR3-ANCA-positive patients with GPA. The risk of relapse was associated more closely with disease type than with ANCA type in this patient cohort. These findings deserve consideration in the assessment of relapse risk in patients with AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Na Lu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | | | | | | | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nadia K Tchao
- Immune Tolerance Network, South San Francisco, California
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18
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Pepper RJ, Draibe JB, Caplin B, Fervenza FC, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Monach PA, Seo P, Spiera R, William St Clair E, Tchao NK, Stone JH, Specks U, Merkel PA, Salama AD. Association of Serum Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) Level With Disease Relapse in Proteinase 3-Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 69:185-193. [PMID: 27428710 DOI: 10.1002/art.39814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE S100A8/A9 (calprotectin) has shown promise as a biomarker for predicting relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). This study was undertaken to investigate serum S100A8/A9 level as a biomarker for predicting future relapse in a large cohort of patients with severe AAV. METHODS Serum levels of S100A8/A9 were measured at baseline and months 1, 2, and 6 following treatment initiation in 144 patients in the Rituximab in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis trial (cyclophosphamide/azathioprine versus rituximab [RTX] for induction of remission) in whom complete remission was attained. RESULTS Patients were divided into 4 groups: proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA with relapse (n = 37), PR3-ANCA without relapse (n = 56), myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA with relapse (n = 6), and MPO-ANCA without relapse (n = 45). Serum S100A8/A9 level decreased in all groups during the first 6 months of treatment. The percentage reduction from baseline to month 2 was significantly different between patients who experienced a relapse and those who did not in the PR3-ANCA group (P = 0.046). A significantly higher risk of relapse was associated with an increase in S100A8/A9 level between baseline and month 2 (P = 0.0043) and baseline and month 6 (P = 0.0029). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that patients treated with RTX who had increased levels of S100A8/A9 were at greatest risk of future relapse (P = 0.028). CONCLUSION An increase in serum S100A8/A9 level by month 2 or 6 compared to baseline identifies a subgroup of PR3-ANCA patients treated with RTX who are at higher risk of relapse by 18 months. Since RTX is increasingly used for remission induction in PR3-ANCA-positive patients experiencing a relapse, S100A8/A9 level may assist in identifying those patients requiring more intensive or prolonged treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth J Pepper
- University College London Centre for Nephrology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Juliana B Draibe
- University College London Centre for Nephrology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ben Caplin
- University College London Centre for Nephrology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alan D Salama
- University College London Centre for Nephrology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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19
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Fussner LA, Hummel AM, Schroeder DR, Silva F, Cartin-Ceba R, Snyder MR, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Merkel PA, Monach PA, Seo P, Spiera RF, William St Clair E, Tchao NK, Stone JH, Specks U. Factors Determining the Clinical Utility of Serial Measurements of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies Targeting Proteinase 3. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 68:1700-10. [PMID: 26882078 DOI: 10.1002/art.39637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Relapse following remission is common in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), particularly with ANCAs directed at proteinase 3 (PR3). This study was undertaken to evaluate the association of an increase in PR3-ANCA level with subsequent relapse. METHODS Data from the Rituximab versus Cyclophosphamide for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (RAVE) trial were used. Starting from the time of achieving complete remission, serial measurements by direct and capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were analyzed in 93 patients with PR3-ANCA, using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS An increase in PR3-ANCA level was identified in 58 of 93 subjects (62.4%) by direct ELISA and in 59 of 93 (63.4%) by capture ELISA. Relapses occurred in 55 of 93 subjects (59.1%), with 25 and 21 occurring within 1 year after an increase by direct ELISA and capture ELISA, respectively. An increase by direct ELISA was associated with subsequent severe relapses (hazard ratio [HR] 4.57; P < 0.001), particularly in patients presenting with renal involvement (HR 7.94; P < 0.001) and alveolar hemorrhage (HR 24.19; P < 0.001). Both assays identified increased risk for severe relapse in the rituximab group (HR 5.80; P = 0.002 for direct ELISA and HR 4.54; P = 0.007 for capture ELISA) but not the cyclophosphamide/azathioprine group (P = 0.103 and P = 0.197, respectively). CONCLUSION The association of an increase in PR3-ANCA level with the risk of subsequent relapse is partially affected by the PR3-ANCA detection methodology, disease phenotype, and remission induction treatment. An increase in PR3-ANCA level during complete remission conveys an increased risk of relapse, particularly severe relapse, among patients with renal involvement or alveolar hemorrhage and those treated with rituximab. Serial measurements of PR3-ANCA may be informative in this subset of patients, but the risk of relapse must be weighed carefully against the risks associated with therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn A Fussner
- Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Amber M Hummel
- Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Darrell R Schroeder
- Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Rodrigo Cartin-Ceba
- Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Melissa R Snyder
- Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul A Monach
- Boston University, Boston University Medical Center, and VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - John H Stone
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ulrich Specks
- Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota
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20
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Clain JM, Hummel AM, Stone JH, Fervenza FC, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, McCune WJ, Merkel PA, Monach PA, Seo P, Spiera RF, St Clair EW, Ytterberg SR, Specks U. Immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies to proteinase 3 in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. Clin Exp Immunol 2017; 188:174-181. [PMID: 28076879 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). However, ANCA alone are not sufficient to generate disease, and some evidence suggests that infectious triggers may serve as inciting events for AAV disease activity. Antibodies of the immunoglobulin (Ig)M isotype often serve as markers of recent infection, and IgM ANCA have been identified previously in patients with AAV, although the frequency and clinical relevance of IgM ANCA is not well established. We sought to characterize IgM ANCA more clearly by creating a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgM antibodies to proteinase 3 [IgM proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA], which we applied to two large, clinically well-characterized trial cohorts of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. In the first cohort, IgM PR3-ANCA occurred with a frequency of 15·0%, and were associated with a higher degree of disease severity and a trend towards a higher rate of alveolar haemorrhage (29·6 versus 15·7%, P = 0·10). Analysis of follow-up samples in this cohort showed that the presence of IgM PR3-ANCA was transient, but could recur. In the second cohort, IgM PR3-ANCA occurred with a frequency of 41·1%, and were also associated with a higher degree of disease severity. A higher rate of alveolar haemorrhage was observed among those with IgM PR3-ANCA (45·3 versus 15·8%; P < 0·001). The association of transient IgM PR3-ANCA with an acute respiratory manifestation of AAV suggests a possible link between an infectious trigger and AAV disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Clain
- Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - A M Hummel
- Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - J H Stone
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - G S Hoffman
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | | | - W J McCune
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - P A Merkel
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - P A Monach
- Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - R F Spiera
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - U Specks
- Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
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21
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Cartin‐Ceba R, Indrakanti D, Specks U, Stone JH, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Merkel PA, Spiera RF, Monach PA, St.Clair EW, Seo P, Tchao NK, Ytterberg SR, Brunetta PG, Song H, Birmingham D, Rovin BH. The Pharmacogenomic Association of Fcγ Receptors and Cytochrome P450 Enzymes With Response to Rituximab or Cyclophosphamide Treatment in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2016; 69:169-175. [DOI: 10.1002/art.39822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ulrich Specks
- Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, and Scottsdale Arizona
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul A. Monach
- Boston University School of MedicineBoston Massachusetts
| | | | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore Maryland
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22
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Donker RB, Molema G, Faas MM, Kallenberg CGM, van Pampus MG, Timmer A, Aarnoudse JG. Absence of In Vivo Generalized Pro-Inflammatory Endothelial Activation in Severe, Early-Onset Preeclampsia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 12:518-28. [PMID: 16202929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsgi.2005.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE At present it is unclear whether endothelial activation is systematically present in preeclampsia or restricted to specialized vascular beds. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence of generalized proinflammatory endothelial activation in severe, early-onset preeclampsia in vivo. METHODS During caesarean section, biopsies were obtained from abdominal subcutaneous fat, abdominal fascia, and myometrium from 11 severe, early-onset preeclamptic and 19 healthy pregnant women. Prior to caesarean, section plasma levels of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), sVCAM-1, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured by ELISA. Consecutive cryostat sections were stained immunohistochemically for CD31, E-selectin, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1. For subcutaneous fat tissue, endothelial gene expression levels of E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were quantified by real-time RT-PCR, using normalization to the endothelium-specific housekeeping genes CD31 and VE-cadherin. RESULTS Plasma levels of vWF, sVCAM-1, and CRP were elevated in the preeclampsia group compared to the control group, indicating enhanced endothelial activation and inflammatory response in the severely diseased preeclamptic women. By immunohistochemical analysis, no E-selectin and VCAM-1 expression could be detected in, and no differences in endothelial ICAM-1 staining could be observed between the preeclampsia and the control group for all tissues studied. Endothelial gene expression levels of E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ET-1, and eNOS were comparable between the preeclampsia and control group. CONCLUSION Protein and gene expression analysis of E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ET-1, and eNOS, key mediators involved in pro-inflammatory endothelial activation, could not identify endothelial activation in severe, early-onset preeclampsia in the tissues studied. However, elevated plasma levels of markers of endothelial activation and inflammation were observed. These results may suggest that in severe, early-onset preeclampsia pro-inflammatory endothelial cell activation is not a generalized phenomenon, but is likely restricted to (possibly organ-specific) specialized vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogier B Donker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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23
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Donker RB, Asgeirsdóttir SA, Gerbens F, van Pampus MG, Kallenberg CGM, te Meerman GJ, Aarnoudse JG, Molema G. Plasma Factors in Severe Early-Onset Preeclampsia Do Not Substantially Alter Endothelial Gene Expression In Vitro. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 12:98-106. [PMID: 15695104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsgi.2004.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic endothelial dysfunction is a central feature in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Its cell biologic and molecular basis is poorly understood. One leading hypothesis argues that endothelial dysfunction is caused by (at present largely unknown) circulating factors released from the ischemic placenta. This study investigated the effects of plasma factors of severe, early-onset preeclamptic women versus healthy pregnant women on endothelial gene expression in vitro. METHODS Plasma samples were taken from eight severe early-onset preeclamptic women and eight matched pregnant control women. Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and human glomerular microvascular endothelial cell (hGMEC) cultures were incubated with 20% (vol/vol) plasma for 4, 12, and 24 hours. Identical amounts of RNA isolated from HUVEC from three preeclamptic and three control samples were pooled for each time point, and subsequently hybridized on human 60-mer oligonucleotide microarrays containing 17,000 genes. Gene expression levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in HUVEC and hGMEC were quantified using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS Microarray analyses of individual genes identified no genes that were up- or down-regulated more than 2.7-fold, and analyses of gene ontologies showed no gene ontology significantly up- or down-regulated in HUVEC by preeclamptic plasma. IL-8 gene expression was modestly induced by preeclamptic plasma after 4, 12, and 24 hours of HUVEC and hGMEC incubation, as identified by real-time RT-PCR. The other genes analyzed did not show altered regulation by preeclamptic plasma factors. CONCLUSIONS In vitro, plasma from preeclamptic patients does not substantially alter endothelial gene expression profile. Only modest induction of IL-8 gene expression was observed. These results indicate that mechanisms other than soluble plasma constituents are likely involved in systemic endothelial cell activation in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogier B Donker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration (GUIDE) and Academic Hospital Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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24
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Mills JR, Cornec D, Dasari S, Ladwig PM, Hummel AM, Cheu M, Murray DL, Willrich MA, Snyder MR, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Merkel PA, Monach PA, Seo P, Spiera RF, St Clair EW, Stone JH, Specks U, Barnidge DR. Using Mass Spectrometry to Quantify Rituximab and Perform Individualized Immunoglobulin Phenotyping in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis. Anal Chem 2016; 88:6317-25. [PMID: 27228216 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal immunoglobulins (mAbs) are used to treat patients with a wide range of disorders including autoimmune diseases. As pharmaceutical companies bring more fully humanized therapeutic mAb drugs to the healthcare market analytical platforms that perform therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) without relying on mAb specific reagents will be needed. In this study we demonstrate that liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) can be used to perform TDM of mAbs in the same manner as smaller nonbiologic drugs. The assay uses commercially available reagents combined with heavy and light chain disulfide bond reduction followed by light chain analysis by microflow-LC-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF MS). Quantification is performed using the peak areas from multiply charged mAb light chain ions using an in-house developed software package developed for TDM of mAbs. The data presented here demonstrate the ability of an LC-MS assay to quantify a therapeutic mAb in a large cohort of patients in a clinical trial. The ability to quantify any mAb in serum via the reduced light chain without the need for reagents specific for each mAb demonstrates the unique capabilities of LC-MS. This fact, coupled with the ability to phenotype a patient's polyclonal repertoire in the same analysis further shows the potential of this approach to mAb analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Mills
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Divi Cornec
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States.,Rheumatology Department, Brest University Hospital , 29609 Brest, Cedex, France
| | - Surendra Dasari
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Paula M Ladwig
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Amber M Hummel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Melissa Cheu
- Genentech Inc. , South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - David L Murray
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Maria A Willrich
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Melissa R Snyder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Gary S Hoffman
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation , Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States
| | | | - Carol A Langford
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation , Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States
| | - Peter A Merkel
- University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Paul A Monach
- Boston University Medical Center , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Robert F Spiera
- Hospital for Special Surgery , New York, New York 10021, United States
| | | | - John H Stone
- Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Ulrich Specks
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - David R Barnidge
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
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Sanders JSF, de Joode AAE, DeSevaux RG, Broekroelofs J, Voskuyl AE, van Paassen P, Kallenberg CGM, Tervaert JWC, Stegeman CA. Extended versus standard azathioprine maintenance therapy in newly diagnosed proteinase-3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis patients who remain cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive after induction of remission: a randomized clinical trial. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2016; 31:1453-9. [PMID: 27242368 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [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: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (C-ANCA) positivity at remission has been associated with an increased relapse rate in patients with proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (PR3-AAV) after a switch to azathioprine maintenance therapy. We therefore hypothesized that extended azathioprine maintenance therapy could reduce the incidence of relapse in this setting. METHODS Patients newly diagnosed with PR3-AAV at 12 centres in The Netherlands during 2003-11 who received a standardized induction regimen consisting of oral cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids were enrolled (n = 131). Patients were randomized to standard or extended azathioprine maintenance therapy when C-ANCA was positive at the time of stable remission. Standard maintenance treatment consisted of azathioprine (1.5-2.0 mg/kg) until 1 year after diagnosis and subsequent tapering to 25 mg every 3 months. Extended azathioprine maintenance therapy (1.5-2.0 mg/kg) was continued until 4 years after diagnosis and tapered thereafter. The primary endpoint was relapse-free survival at 4 years after diagnosis. RESULTS In patients with PR3-AAV who were C-ANCA positive at the time of stable remission, relapse-free survival at 4 years after diagnosis did not differ significantly between standard azathioprine (n = 24) and extended azathioprine (n = 21) maintenance therapy (P = 0.40). There was also no significant difference in relapse-free survival between patients receiving standard azathioprine (n = 106) versus extended azathioprine maintenance therapy (n = 21; P = 0.94). In addition, there was no difference in the relapse rate between patients with PR3-AAV who were C-ANCA positive (n = 45) at the time of remission versus patients who became C-ANCA negative at the time of remission (n = 82; P = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS This randomized trial suggests that extended azathioprine maintenance therapy has only a limited effect on the prevention of relapse in patients with PR3-AAV at 4 years after diagnosis. Moreover, positive C-ANCA status at stable remission was not associated with an increased rate of relapse. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 00128895.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Stephan F Sanders
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anoek A E de Joode
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud G DeSevaux
- Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Coen A Stegeman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Based on efficacy and toxicity considerations, both low-dose pulse cyclophosphamide as part of the Euro-Lupus Nephritis protocol and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with corticosteroids may be considered for induction of remission in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis. The long-term follow-up data available for low-dose pulse cyclophosphamide, the fact that compliance is guaranteed with this regimen and economic issues all favour the Euro-Lupus regimen in this author's opinion. For maintenance treatment, either azathioprine (AZA) or MMF may be used; AZA is preferred in case pregnancy is planned, while MMF is preferred when the disease relapses during use of AZA and, possibly, after successful induction of remission with MMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, AA21, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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27
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Grayson PC, Carmona-Rivera C, Xu L, Lim N, Gao Z, Asare AL, Specks U, Stone JH, Seo P, Spiera RF, Langford CA, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, St Clair EW, Tchao NK, Ytterberg SR, Phippard DJ, Merkel PA, Kaplan MJ, Monach PA. Neutrophil-Related Gene Expression and Low-Density Granulocytes Associated With Disease Activity and Response to Treatment in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:1922-32. [PMID: 25891759 DOI: 10.1002/art.39153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To discover biomarkers involved in the pathophysiology of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) and to determine whether low-density granulocytes (LDGs) contribute to gene expression signatures in AAV. METHODS The source of clinical data and linked biologic specimens was a randomized controlled treatment trial in AAV. RNA sequencing of whole blood from patients with AAV was performed during active disease at the baseline visit and during remission 6 months later. Gene expression was compared between patients who met versus those who did not meet the primary trial outcome of clinical remission at 6 months (responders versus nonresponders). Measurement of neutrophil-related gene expression was confirmed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to validate the findings in whole blood. A negative-selection strategy isolated LDGs from PBMC fractions. RESULTS Differential expression between responders (n = 77) and nonresponders (n = 35) was detected in 2,346 transcripts at the baseline visit (P < 0.05). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering demonstrated a cluster of granulocyte-related genes, including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3). A granulocyte multigene composite score was significantly higher in nonresponders than in responders (P < 0.01) and during active disease than during remission (P < 0.01). This signature strongly overlapped an LDG signature identified previously in lupus (false discovery rate by gene set enrichment analysis <0.01). Transcription of PR3 measured in PBMCs was associated with active disease and treatment response (P < 0.01). LDGs isolated from patients with AAV spontaneously formed neutrophil extracellular traps containing PR3 and MPO. CONCLUSION In AAV, increased expression of a granulocyte gene signature is associated with disease activity and decreased response to treatment. The source of this signature is likely LDGs, a potentially pathogenic cell type in AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Grayson
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Carmelo Carmona-Rivera
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lijing Xu
- Immune Tolerance Network, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Noha Lim
- Immune Tolerance Network, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Zhong Gao
- Immune Tolerance Network, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - Philip Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mariana J Kaplan
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Paul A Monach
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Lepse N, Land J, Rutgers A, Kallenberg CGM, Stegeman CA, Abdulahad WH, Heeringa P. Toll-like receptor 9 activation enhances B cell activating factor and interleukin-21 induced anti-proteinase 3 autoantibody productionin vitro. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015; 55:162-72. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kev293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Dolff S, Abdulahad WH, Kallenberg CGM. Response to ‘T-helper 17 cell cytokines and interferon type I: partners in crime in systemic lupus erythematosus?’. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 16:409. [PMID: 25180396 PMCID: PMC4060459 DOI: 10.1186/ar4576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Miloslavsky EM, Specks U, Merkel PA, Seo P, Spiera R, Langford CA, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, St Clair EW, Tchao NK, Ding L, Iklé D, Villareal M, Lim N, Brunetta P, Fervenza FC, Monach PA, Stone JH. Outcomes of nonsevere relapses in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis treated with glucocorticoids. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:1629-36. [PMID: 25776953 DOI: 10.1002/art.39104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nonsevere relapses are more common than severe relapses in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), but their clinical course and treatment outcomes remain largely unexamined. We undertook this study to analyze the outcomes of patients with nonsevere relapses in the Rituximab in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (RAVE) trial who were treated with prednisone according to a prespecified protocol. METHODS RAVE was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing rituximab (RTX) to cyclophosphamide (CYC) followed by azathioprine (AZA) for induction of remission. Patients who experienced nonsevere relapses between months 1 and 18 were treated with a prednisone increase without a concomitant change in their nonglucocorticoid immunosuppressants, followed by a taper. RESULTS Forty-four patients with a first nonsevere relapse were analyzed. In comparison to the 71 patients who maintained relapse-free remission over 18 months, these patients were more likely to have proteinase 3-ANCAs, diagnoses of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's), and a history of relapsing disease at baseline. A prednisone increase led to remission in 35 patients (80%). However, only 13 patients (30%) were able to maintain second remissions through the followup period (mean 12.5 months); 31 patients (70%) had a second disease relapse, 14 of them with severe disease. The mean time to second relapse was 9.4 months (4.7 months in the group treated with RTX versus 13.7 months in the group treated with CYC/AZA; P < 0.01). Patients who experienced nonsevere relapses received more glucocorticoids than those who maintained remission (6.7 grams versus 3.8 grams; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Treatment of nonsevere relapses in AAV with an increase in glucocorticoids is effective in restoring temporary remission in the majority of patients, but recurrent relapses within a relatively short interval remain common. Alternative treatment approaches are needed for this important subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - U Specks
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - P A Merkel
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - P Seo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - R Spiera
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
| | | | - G S Hoffman
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - C G M Kallenberg
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E W St Clair
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - N K Tchao
- Immune Tolerance Network, South San Francisco, California
| | - L Ding
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - D Iklé
- Rho, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - N Lim
- Immune Tolerance Network, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - P Brunetta
- Genentech, South San Francisco, California
| | | | - P A Monach
- Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - J H Stone
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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de Souza AWS, Perazzio SF, de França NR, Andrade LEC, Bijl M, Westra J, Kallenberg CGM. High mobility group box 1 serum levels are increased in Behçet's disease, but not associated with disease activity or disease manifestations. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015; 54:2151-5. [PMID: 26170374 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kev202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein that acts as an alarmin when released into the extracellular milieu. HMGB1 is a biomarker of active disease in several systemic autoimmune diseases. Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder with a waxing/waning course. The objective of this study is to evaluate serum HMGB1 levels as a possible biomarker for disease activity in BD. METHODS A cross-sectional study measuring serum HMGB1 levels was performed in 26 BD patients and 20 healthy controls. The Brazilian version of the simplified BD Current Activity Form (BR-BDCAFs) was used to measure disease activity. RESULTS Serum HMGB1 levels were higher in patients with active disease [3.82 (2.54-6.11) ng/ml], in patients with BD without active disease but still on therapy [2.76 (1.89-5.78) ng/ml] and in patients in remission without treatment [2.66 (1.86-4.70) ng/ml] than in healthy controls [0.96 (0.59-1.39) ng/ml], P < 0.001. Levels were comparable between BD patients with active disease, BD without active disease but still on therapy and those in remission without treatment (P = 0.432). There was no correlation between serum HMGB1 levels and BR-BDCAF(s) (ρ = 0.195; P = 0.339). No association could be found between serum HMGB1 levels and specific disease involvement or therapy. So serum HMGB1 levels cannot be used as a biomarker in BD. CONCLUSION Serum HMGB1 levels are increased in patients with BD as compared with healthy controls. However, no association was found with disease activity, specific organ involvement or therapy in BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre W S de Souza
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands, Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil and
| | - Sandro Félix Perazzio
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil and
| | - Natália Regine de França
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil and
| | - Luis Eduardo C Andrade
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil and
| | - Marc Bijl
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna Westra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Kallenberg CGM. Pathogenesis and treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitides. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2015; 33:S11-S14. [PMID: 26457917] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have increased our insight into the pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Although many data from in vitro and in vivo experimental studies support the pathogenic role of the autoantibodies, cellular immunity seems involved as well. Besides, an amplification loop via the alternative pathway of complement is apparent. These new insights make a more targeted therapeutic approach possible. In particular, the B-cell depleting antibody rituximab has been shown non-inferior to cyclophosphamide for induction of remission, and even superior in patients with relapsing disease being positive for PR3-ANCA. Rituximab is also superior to cyclophosphamide for maintaining remission. Blocking the C5a-receptor seems promising as well as an alternative for high dose corticosteroids during induction of remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
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de Souza AWS, van der Geest KSM, Brouwer E, Pinheiro FAG, Oliveira ACD, Sato EI, Andrade LEC, Bijl M, Westra J, Kallenberg CGM. High mobility group box 1 levels in large vessel vasculitis are not associated with disease activity but are influenced by age and statins. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:158. [PMID: 26062541 PMCID: PMC4480896 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0672-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Takayasu arteritis (TA) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are large vessel vasculitides (LVV) that usually present as granulomatous inflammation in arterial walls. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein that acts as an alarmin when released by dying or activated cells. This study aims to evaluate whether serum HMGB1 can be used as a biomarker in LVV. METHODS Twenty-nine consecutive TA patients with 29 healthy controls (HC) were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Eighteen consecutive GCA patients with 16 HC were evaluated at the onset of disease and some of them during follow-up. Serum HMGB1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS In GCA patients at disease onset mean serum HMGB1 levels did not differ from HC (5.74 ± 4.19 ng/ml vs. 4.17 ± 3.14 ng/ml; p = 0.230). No differences in HMGB1 levels were found between GCA patients with and without polymyalgia rheumatica (p = 0.167), ischemic manifestations (p = 0.873), systemic manifestations (p = 0.474) or relapsing disease (p = 0.608). During follow-up, no significant fluctuations on serum HMGB1 levels were observed from baseline to 3 months (n = 13) (p = 0.075), 12 months (n = 6) (p = 0.093) and at the first relapse (n = 4) (p = 0.202). Serum HMGB1 levels did not differ between TA patients and HC [1.19 (0.45-2.10) ng/ml vs. 1.46 (0.89-3.34) ng/ml; p = 0.181] and no difference was found between TA patients with active disease and in remission [1.31 (0.63-2.16) ng/ml vs. 0.75 (0.39-2.05) ng/ml; p = 0.281]. HMGB1 levels were significantly lower in 16 TA patients on statins compared with 13 patients without statins [0.59 (0.29-1.46) ng/ml vs. 1.93 (0.88-3.34) ng/ml; p = 0.019]. Age was independently associated with higher HMGB1 levels regardless of LVV or control status. CONCLUSIONS Patients with TA and GCA present similar serum HMGB1 levels compared with HC. Serum HMGB1 is not useful to discriminate between active disease and remission. In TA, use of statins was associated with lower HMGB1 levels. HMGB1 is not a biomarker for LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre W S de Souza
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700, RB, Groningen, The Netherlands. .,Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, R. Botucatu, 720, 04023 900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700, RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700, RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Frederico A G Pinheiro
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, R. Botucatu, 720, 04023 900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ana Cecília Diniz Oliveira
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, R. Botucatu, 720, 04023 900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Emília Inoue Sato
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, R. Botucatu, 720, 04023 900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Luis Eduardo C Andrade
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, R. Botucatu, 720, 04023 900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marc Bijl
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Martini Hospital, Van Swietenplein 1, 9728, NT, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Johanna Westra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700, RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700, RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Unizony S, Lim N, Phippard DJ, Carey VJ, Miloslavsky EM, Tchao NK, Iklé D, Asare AL, Merkel PA, Monach PA, Seo P, St Clair EW, Langford CA, Spiera R, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, Specks U, Stone JH. Peripheral CD5+ B cells in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:535-44. [PMID: 25332071 DOI: 10.1002/art.38916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE CD5+ B cells have been conceptualized as a possible surrogate for Breg cells. The aim of the present study was to determine the utility of CD5+ B cells as biomarkers in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). METHODS The absolute and relative numbers (percentages) of CD5+ B cells (explanatory variables) were measured longitudinally during 18 months in 197 patients randomized to receive either rituximab (RTX) or cyclophosphamide (CYC) followed by azathioprine (AZA) for the treatment of AAV (Rituximab in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis [RAVE] trial). Outcome variables included disease activity (status of active disease versus complete remission), responsiveness to induction therapy, disease relapse, disease severity, and, in RTX-treated patients, relapse-free survival according to the percentage of CD5+ B cells detected upon B cell repopulation. RESULTS CD5+ B cell numbers were comparable between the treatment groups at baseline. After an initial decline, absolute CD5+ B cell numbers progressively increased in patients in the RTX treatment arm, but remained low in CYC/AZA-treated patients. In both groups, the percentage of CD5+ B cells increased during remission induction and slowly declined thereafter. During relapse, the percentage of CD5+ B cells correlated inversely with disease activity in RTX-treated patients, but not in patients who received CYC/AZA. No significant association was observed between the numbers of CD5+ B cells and induction treatment failure or disease severity. The dynamics of the CD5+ B cell compartment did not anticipate disease relapse. Following B cell repopulation, the percentage of CD5+ B cells was not predictive of time to flare in RTX-treated patients. CONCLUSION The percentage of peripheral CD5+ B cells might reflect disease activity in RTX-treated patients. However, sole staining for CD5 as a putative surrogate marker for Breg cells did not identify a subpopulation of B cells with clear potential for meaningful clinical use. Adequate phenotyping of Breg cells is required to further explore the value of these cells as biomarkers in AAV.
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Abstract
Until recently, standard of care for patients with generalized or severe antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) has consisted of an induction regimen with cyclophosphamide (CYC) and corticosteroids followed by maintenance treatment with azathioprine. This regimen is associated with significant toxicity resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality whereas relapses are still not infrequent. In two controlled trials, the Rituximab in ANCA-associated Vasculitis study (RAVE) and the RITUXVAS trial of the European Vasculitis Study Group (EUVAS), rituximab (RTX) proved non-inferior to CYC for induction of remission. In addition, outcome at 18 months for the RAVE trial and 12 months for the RITUXVAS trial showed that RTX without maintenance treatment was as efficacious as CYC followed by azathioprine maintenance. To prevent relapses, which occur particularly in patients positive for PR3-ANCA, 500 mg RTX given every 6 months was shown to be superior to azathioprine in a French study. Thus, RTX is a new and promising therapeutic armamentarium for AAV although long-term safety has still to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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de Groot L, Jager NA, Westra J, Smit AJ, Kallenberg CGM, Posthumus MD, Bijl M. Does reduction of disease activity improve early markers of cardiovascular disease in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015; 54:1257-61. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keu459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Hamza N, Hershberg U, Kallenberg CGM, Vissink A, Spijkervet FKL, Bootsma H, Kroese FGM, Bos NA. Ig gene analysis reveals altered selective pressures on Ig-producing cells in parotid glands of primary Sjögren's syndrome patients. J Immunol 2014; 194:514-21. [PMID: 25488989 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we sought to understand the selective pressures shaping the Ig-producing cell repertoire in the parotid glands of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients before and after rituximab treatment (RTX). In particular, we evaluated the role of potential N-glycosylation motifs acquired by somatic hypermutation (ac-Nglycs) within Ig H chain V region (IGHV) genes as alternative selective pressures for B cells in pSS. Five pSS patients received RTX. Sequential parotid salivary gland biopsies were taken before RTX, at 12 wk and at 36-52 wk after treatment. Parotid biopsies from four non-pSS patients served as controls. Sequence analysis was carried out on the IgA and IgG RNA transcripts expressing IGHV3 genes in all parotid biopsies. Both IgG and IgA sequences from pSS patients exhibited no evidence for positive Ag-driven selection pressure in their CDRs in contrast to non-pSS controls. The prevalence of IgG sequences with ac-Nglycs was significantly higher in pSS patients than in non-pSS controls. Selection pressures shaping the IgG and IgA repertoire within pSS patients' parotid glands are distinct from those in non-pSS controls, with very little evidence for positive (auto)antigen selection. The higher prevalence of ac-Nglycs on pSS-IgG compared with non-pSS IgG indicates that ac-Nglycs could be an alternative form of selection pressure. We speculate that B cell hyperproliferation within parotid glands of pSS patients may result from Ag-independent interactions such as that between glycosylated B cell receptors and lectins within the microenvironment rather than (auto)antigen-specific stimulation. Our study brings a new perspective into research on pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishath Hamza
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Uri Hershberg
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104; and
| | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Arjan Vissink
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frederik K L Spijkervet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrika Bootsma
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frans G M Kroese
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas A Bos
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands;
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de Souza AWS, Abdulahad WH, Sosicka P, Bijzet J, Limburg PC, Stegeman CA, Bijl M, Westra J, Kallenberg CGM. Are urinary levels of high mobility group box 1 markers of active nephritis in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis? Clin Exp Immunol 2014; 178:270-8. [PMID: 25052363 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate urinary high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels as markers for active nephritis in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) in comparison with urinary CD4(+) effector memory T cells and urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Twenty-four AAV patients with active nephritis and 12 healthy controls (HC) were evaluated. In nine patients, samples were also obtained during remission. Urinary levels of HMGB1 were measured by Western blot. CD4(+) T cells and CD4(+) effector memory T cells (CD4(+) CD45RO(+) CCR7(-) ) were determined in urine and whole blood by flow cytometry. Measurement of urinary levels of MCP-1 and serum HMGB1 levels were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AAV patients with active nephritis had higher median intensity of HMGB1 in urine than HC [10·3 (7·05-18·50) versus 5·8 (4·48-7·01); P = 0·004]. Both urinary HMGB1 and MCP-1 levels decreased significantly from active nephritis to remission. The urinary MCP-1/creatinine ratio correlated with Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) (P = 0·042). No correlation was found between the HMGB1/creatinine ratio and 24-h proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), MCP-1/creatinine ratio, BVAS and serum HMGB1. A positive correlation was found between urinary HMGB1/creatinine ratio and CD4(+) T cells/creatinine ratio (P = 0·028) and effector memory T cells/creatinine ratio (P = 0·039) in urine. Urinary HMGB1 levels are increased in AAV patients with active nephritis when compared with HC and patients in remission, and urinary HMGB1 levels are associated with CD4(+) T cells and CD4(+) effector memory T cells in urine. Measurement of urinary HMGB1 may be of additional value in identifying active glomerulonephritis in AAV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W S de Souza
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Rheumatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina (Unifesp/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
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Sanders JSF, Abdulahad WH, Stegeman CA, Kallenberg CGM. Pathogenesis of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis and potential targets for biologic treatment. Nephron Clin Pract 2014; 128:216-23. [PMID: 25401277 DOI: 10.1159/000368570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are autoimmune diseases in which the small vessels are inflamed. Clinical observations suggest a pathogenic role for ANCA. Such a role is supported by in vitro experimental data and animal models, particularly for myeloperoxidase-ANCA. An in vivo pathogenic role of ANCA directed to proteinase 3 has, however, not been fully substantiated. Additionally, the pathogenic role of B cells, T cells, and the alternative pathway of complement in AAV have been elucidated. Insight into these pathogenic pathways involved in AAV has opened and will further open new ways for targeted biologic treatment. In this review the pathogenesis of AAV and potential targets for biologic treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S F Sanders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Abdulahad WH, Lepse N, Stegeman CA, Huitema MG, Doornbos-van der Meer B, Tadema H, Rutgers A, Limburg PC, Kallenberg CGM, Heeringa P. Increased frequency of circulating IL-21 producing Th-cells in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 15:R70. [PMID: 23799890 PMCID: PMC4060544 DOI: 10.1186/ar4247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study aimed to explore a possible role for IL-21 producing Th-cells in the immunopathogenesis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). METHODS Peripheral blood from 42 GPA patients in remission and 29 age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were stimulated in vitro, and the frequencies of IL-21 producing Th-cells were determined by flow cytometry. Since Th17-cells produce a low level of IL-21, IL-17 was also included in the analysis. Given that IL-21 is a hallmark cytokine for T follicular helper cells (T(FH)), we next evaluated the expression of their key transcription factor BCL-6 by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. To investigate the effect of IL-21 on autoantibody-production, PBMCs from GPA patients were stimulated in vitro with BAFF/IL-21 and total IgG and ANCA levels were measured in supernatants. In addition, the expression of IL-21-receptor on B-cells was analyzed. RESULTS Percentages of IL-21 producing Th-cells were significantly elevated in GPA-patients compared to HCs, and were restricted to ANCA-positive patients. The expression of BCL-6 was significantly higher in ANCA-positive GPA-patients, as compared with ANCA-negative patients and HCs. IL-21 enhanced the production of IgG and ANCA in vitro in stimulated PBMCs from GPA patients. No difference was found in the expression of the IL-21-receptor on B-cells between ANCA-negative patients, ANCA-positive patients, and HCs. CONCLUSION The increased frequency of circulating IL-21 producing Th-cells in ANCA-positive GPA patients and the stimulating capacity of IL-21 on ANCA-production suggest a role for these cells in the immunopathogenesis of GPA. Blockade of IL-21 could constitute a new therapeutic strategy for GPA.
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Geetha D, Specks U, Stone JH, Merkel PA, Seo P, Spiera R, Langford CA, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, St Clair EW, Fessler BJ, Ding L, Tchao NK, Ikle D, Jepson B, Brunetta P, Fervenza FC. Rituximab versus cyclophosphamide for ANCA-associated vasculitis with renal involvement. J Am Soc Nephrol 2014; 26:976-85. [PMID: 25381429 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2014010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rituximab (RTX) is non-inferior to cyclophosphamide (CYC) followed by azathioprine (AZA) for remission-induction in severe ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), but renal outcomes are unknown. This is a post hoc analysis of patients enrolled in the Rituximab for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (RAVE) Trial who had renal involvement (biopsy proven pauci-immune GN, red blood cell casts in the urine, and/or a rise in serum creatinine concentration attributed to vasculitis). Remission-induction regimens were RTX at 375 mg/m(2) × 4 or CYC at 2 mg/kg/d. CYC was replaced by AZA (2 mg/kg/d) after 3-6 months. Both groups received glucocorticoids. Complete remission (CR) was defined as Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score/Wegener's Granulomatosis (BVAS/WG)=0 off prednisone. Fifty-two percent (102 of 197) of the patients had renal involvement at entry. Of these patients, 51 were randomized to RTX, and 51 to CYC/AZA. Mean eGFR was lower in the RTX group (41 versus 50 ml/min per 1.73 m(2); P=0.05); 61% and 75% of patients treated with RTX and 63% and 76% of patients treated with CYC/AZA achieved CR by 6 and 18 months, respectively. No differences in remission rates or increases in eGFR at 18 months were evident when analysis was stratified by ANCA type, AAV diagnosis (granulomatosis with polyangiitis versus microscopic polyangiitis), or new diagnosis (versus relapsing disease) at entry. There were no differences between treatment groups in relapses at 6, 12, or 18 months. No differences in adverse events were observed. In conclusion, patients with AAV and renal involvement respond similarly to remission induction with RTX plus glucocorticoids or CYC plus glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duvuru Geetha
- Division of Nephrology and Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ulrich Specks
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - John H Stone
- Rheumatology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Philip Seo
- Division of Nephrology and Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert Spiera
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
| | - Carol A Langford
- Center for Vasculitis Care and Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Gary S Hoffman
- Center for Vasculitis Care and Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E William St Clair
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Barri J Fessler
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Linna Ding
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - David Ikle
- Rho, Inc., Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
| | | | | | - Fernando C Fervenza
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota;
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Miloslavsky EM, Specks U, Merkel PA, Seo P, Spiera R, Langford CA, Hoffman GS, Kallenberg CGM, St Clair EW, Tchao NK, Viviano L, Ding L, Iklé D, Villarreal M, Jepson B, Brunetta P, Allen NB, Fervenza FC, Geetha D, Keogh K, Kissin EY, Monach PA, Peikert T, Stegeman C, Ytterberg SR, Stone JH. Rituximab for the treatment of relapses in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2014; 66:3151-9. [PMID: 25047592 PMCID: PMC4229846 DOI: 10.1002/art.38788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [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: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Disease relapses are frequent in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). This study was undertaken to evaluate outcomes in patients with AAV who are re-treated with rituximab (RTX) and prednisone for severe disease relapses. METHODS The Rituximab in AAV trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing the rates of remission induction among patients treated with RTX (n = 99) and patients treated with cyclophosphamide (CYC) followed by azathioprine (AZA) (n = 98). Prednisone was tapered to discontinuation after 5.5 months. After remission was achieved, patients who experienced a severe disease relapse between months 6 and 18 were eligible to receive RTX and prednisone on an open-label basis according to a prespecified protocol. Investigators remained blinded with regard to the original treatment assignment. RESULTS Twenty-six patients received RTX for disease relapse after remission had initially been achieved with their originally assigned treatment. Fifteen of these patients were initially randomized to receive RTX and 11 to receive CYC/AZA. Thirteen (87%) of the patients originally assigned to receive RTX and 10 (91%) originally assigned to receive CYC/AZA achieved remission again with open-label RTX (an overall percentage of 88%). In half of the patients treated with open-label RTX, prednisone could be discontinued entirely. Patients in this cohort experienced fewer adverse events compared to the overall study population (4.7 adverse events per patient-year versus 11.8 adverse events per patient-year). CONCLUSION Re-treatment of AAV relapses with RTX and glucocorticoids appears to be a safe and effective strategy, regardless of previous treatment.
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Kallenberg CGM. Advances in pathogenesis and treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Discov Med 2014; 18:195-201. [PMID: 25336033] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) directed to proteinase 3 (PR3-ANCA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA) are sensitive and specific markers for their associated diseases, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener's granulomatosis) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), respectively. Clinical observations suggest but do not prove that ANCA are involved in the pathogenesis of GPA and MPA. In vivo and in vitro experimental data strongly suggest if not prove that MPO-ANCA underlie the pathological lesions seen in MPO-ANCA associated MPA. This is less clear for PR3-ANCA associated GPA in which, besides small-vessel vasculitis, granulomatous inflammation is apparent. Here, cellular immunity appears to play an additional role. Insight into the pathogenetic events involved in these diseases has resulted in new ways of treatment that target the specific pathways that underlie the development of the lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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de Souza A, Westra J, Bijzet J, Limburg PC, Stegeman CA, Bijl M, Kallenberg CGM. Is serum HMGB1 a biomarker in ANCA-associated vasculitis? Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 15:R104. [PMID: 24007972 PMCID: PMC3978820 DOI: 10.1186/ar4284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are systemic inflammatory disorders that include granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), Churg-Strauss syndrome and renal limited vasculitis (RLV). Extracellular high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) acts as an alarmin and has been shown to be a biomarker of disease activity as well as an autoantigen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and, possibly, in AAV. This study aims to assess antibodies against HMGB1 and HMGB1 levels as biomarkers for AAV disease activity and predictors of relapsing disease. Methods AAV patients with active disease and healthy controls (HC) were evaluated for anti-HMGB1 antibodies while serum HMGB1 levels were measured longitudinally in AAV patients at presentation, during remission, prior to and at relapses. Results HMGB1 levels were similar between AAV patients at presentation (n = 52) and HC (n = 35) (2.64 ± 1.80 ng/ml vs. 2.39 ± 1.09 ng/ml; P = 0.422) and no difference regarding HMGB1 levels could be found among AAV disease subsets (GPA: 2.66 ± 1.83 ng/ml vs. MPA: 3.11 ± 1.91 ng/ml vs. RLV: 1.92 ± 1.48 ng/ml; P = 0.369). AAV patients with renal involvement had lower HMGB1 levels than patients without renal involvement at presentation (2.35 ± 1.48 ng/ml vs. 3.52 ± 2.41 ng/ml; P = 0.042). A negative correlation was observed between HMGB1 levels and 24-hour proteinuria (ρ = -0.361, P = 0.028). Forty-nine AAV patients were evaluated for HMGB1 levels during follow-up and no differences were observed between relapsing and nonrelapsing patients (P = 0.350). No significant increase in HMGB1 levels was observed prior to a relapse compared with the remission period and changes in HMGB1 levels were not associated with an increased risk for relapse in AAV. Positivity for anti-HMGB1 antibodies was low in patients with active AAV (three out of 24 patients). Conclusions Serum HMGB1 levels at presentation are not increased and are lower in patients with renal involvement. Relapses are not preceded or accompanied by significant rises in HMGB1 levels and changes in HMGB1 levels are not related to ensuing relapses. Anti-HMGB1 antibodies are present in only a few patients in AAV. In contrast to SLE, HMGB1 is not a useful biomarker in AAV.
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Abstract
The updated nomenclature for vasculitis defines this varied group of disorders by aetiology, specific features of pathogenesis and clinical symptoms; diagnostic and classification criteria for clinical practice are in development. Here, I review some important advances in the management of vasculitis within the category of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), which encompasses microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). The clinical approach to the management of the patient with AAV should include testing for ANCA specificity; proteinase 3 (PR3)-specific ANCAs are most often associated with GPA, whereas myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCAs are usually associated with MPA. Also important to the management of AAV is an assessment of the disease stage and severity, to enable tailored treatment based on an algorithm derived from controlled-trial data. Remaining questions pertain to the dosage and duration of corticosteroid treatment, the selection of patients for, and duration of, maintenance treatment after induction of remission, and the identification of safer and more effective therapies than are currently in use. Outcome measures should assess not only disease activity, but also damage and quality of life. Infections, cardiovascular events and malignancies also contribute to outcome, and their prevention should therefore be part of the clinical approach to managing patients with AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, AA21, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, Netherlands
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Kallenberg CGM, Stegeman CA, Abdulahad WH, Heeringa P. In reply to 'rituximab and B-cell return in ANCA-associated vasculitis'. Am J Kidney Dis 2014; 63:1066-7. [PMID: 24856617 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2014.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Coen A Stegeman
- University Medical Center of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter Heeringa
- University Medical Center of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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de Souza AWS, de Leeuw K, van Timmeren MM, Limburg PC, Stegeman CA, Bijl M, Westra J, Kallenberg CGM. Impact of serum high mobility group box 1 and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products on subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96067. [PMID: 24776932 PMCID: PMC4002481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) patients are associated with carotid atherosclerosis, related to levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) and influenced by immunosuppressive or lipid-lowering therapy. Twenty-three GPA patients and 20 controls were evaluated for HMGB1- and sRAGE levels and for carotid atherosclerosis using ultrasound to determine intima-media thickness (IMT). In vitro the effect of atorvastatin on the production of HMGB1 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was assessed. Serum HMGB1 and sRAGE levels did not differ between patients and controls. A negative correlation was found between sRAGE and maximum IMT but HMGB1 and carotid IMT were not related. HMGB1 levels were reduced in GPA patients on statins and prednisolone. In vitro, atorvastatin reduced HMGB1 levels in supernatants of activated HUVEC. In conclusion, carotid IMT is inversely correlated with sRAGE levels but not with HMGB1 levels. Statins and prednisolone are associated with reduced serum HMGB1 levels and atorvastatin decreases HMGB1 release by activated HUVEC in vitro, indicating an additional anti-inflammatory effect of statins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre W. S. de Souza
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina (Unifesp/EPM), São Paulo-SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Karina de Leeuw
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjan M. van Timmeren
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter C. Limburg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Coen A. Stegeman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Bijl
- Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna Westra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cees G. M. Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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van Bon L, Affandi AJ, Broen J, Christmann RB, Marijnissen RJ, Stawski L, Farina GA, Stifano G, Mathes AL, Cossu M, York M, Collins C, Wenink M, Huijbens R, Hesselstrand R, Saxne T, DiMarzio M, Wuttge D, Agarwal SK, Reveille JD, Assassi S, Mayes M, Deng Y, Drenth JPH, de Graaf J, den Heijer M, Kallenberg CGM, Bijl M, Loof A, van den Berg WB, Joosten LAB, Smith V, de Keyser F, Scorza R, Lunardi C, van Riel PLCM, Vonk M, van Heerde W, Meller S, Homey B, Beretta L, Roest M, Trojanowska M, Lafyatis R, Radstake TRDJ. Proteome-wide analysis and CXCL4 as a biomarker in systemic sclerosis. N Engl J Med 2014; 370:433-43. [PMID: 24350901 PMCID: PMC4040466 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1114576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmacytoid dendritic cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis through mechanisms beyond the previously suggested production of type I interferon. METHODS We isolated plasmacytoid dendritic cells from healthy persons and from patients with systemic sclerosis who had distinct clinical phenotypes. We then performed proteome-wide analysis and validated these observations in five large cohorts of patients with systemic sclerosis. Next, we compared the results with those in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, and hepatic fibrosis. We correlated plasma levels of CXCL4 protein with features of systemic sclerosis and studied the direct effects of CXCL4 in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Proteome-wide analysis and validation showed that CXCL4 is the predominant protein secreted by plasmacytoid dendritic cells in systemic sclerosis, both in circulation and in skin. The mean (±SD) level of CXCL4 in patients with systemic sclerosis was 25,624±2652 pg per milliliter, which was significantly higher than the level in controls (92.5±77.9 pg per milliliter) and than the level in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (1346±1011 pg per milliliter), ankylosing spondylitis (1368±1162 pg per milliliter), or liver fibrosis (1668±1263 pg per milliliter). CXCL4 levels correlated with skin and lung fibrosis and with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Among chemokines, only CXCL4 predicted the risk and progression of systemic sclerosis. In vitro, CXCL4 down-regulated expression of transcription factor FLI1, induced markers of endothelial-cell activation, and potentiated responses of toll-like receptors. In vivo, CXCL4 induced the influx of inflammatory cells and skin transcriptome changes, as in systemic sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS Levels of CXCL4 were elevated in patients with systemic sclerosis and correlated with the presence and progression of complications, such as lung fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. (Funded by the Dutch Arthritis Association and others.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenny van Bon
- The authors' affiliations are listed in the Appendix
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Abstract
Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA) is a small vessel vasculitis. The disease is defined by the 2012 revised Chapel Hill Consensus Conference Nomenclature of Vasculitides [1] as necrotizing vasculitis, with few or no immune deposits, predominantly affecting small vessels (i.e. capillaries, venules, or arterioles). Necrotizing arteritis involving small and medium arteries may be present. Necrotizing glomerulonephritis is very common. Pulmonary capillaritis often occurs. Granulomatous inflammation is absent. MPA belongs to the ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV). ANCA in MPA are predominantly directed against myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA) but may, in a minority of patients, be directed against proteinase 3 (PR3-ANCA). Not all patients, however, have ANCA. Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) belongs to the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides. MPA is clinically characterized by small-vessel vasculitis primarily affecting the kidneys and the lungs but other organs may be involved as well. Renal involvement, which can be the only manifestation, is clinically apparent as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and histopathologically as pauci-immune necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis. ANCA in MPA are mainly directed to myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA). Besides their diagnostic significance, MPO-ANCA appear pathogenic in MPA. Rituximab with steroids is at least as effective as cyclophosphamide with steroids for induction of remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cees G M Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, AA21, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Land J, Rutgers A, Kallenberg CGM. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody pathogenicity revisited: pathogenic versus non-pathogenic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 29:739-45. [PMID: 24398891 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is strongly associated with autoantibodies against myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3). No clear consensus has been reached on the pathogenicity of these autoantibodies. Animal models for MPO-ANCA, in vitro data suggesting pathogenicity of ANCA, and one case of a neonate showing symptoms of vasculitis after transplacental transfer of MPO, argue in favour of a pathogenic role for ANCA. On the other hand, the presence of natural MPO and PR3 autoantibodies in healthy individuals, lack of a strong correlation between ANCA titres and disease activity, and the occurrence of ANCA-negative AAV patients argue against pathogenicity of ANCA. Recent papers have drawn attention to the possibility of epitope specificity defining ANCA pathogenicity. Certain MPO epitopes were found to be specific for active disease, and others remained present during remission or were also present in healthy individuals. One linear epitope, aa447-459, was not only exclusive for active disease, but also detected in the total Ig fraction of ANCA-negative patients, reactivity being masked in serum by ceruloplasmin. So, not all ANCA seems to be equal, some could be pathogenic while others are not. For development of an autoimmune response, a specific ANCA repertoire is required, which may occur through intra-molecular epitope spreading in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Land
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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