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Maccari ME, Schneider P, Smulski CR, Meinhardt A, Pinto F, Gonzalez-Granado LI, Schuetz C, Sica MP, Gross M, Fuchs I, Kury P, Heeg M, Vocat T, Willen L, Thomas C, Hühn R, Magerus A, Lorenz M, Schwarz K, Rieux-Laucat F, Ehl S, Rensing-Ehl A. Revisiting autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome caused by Fas ligand mutations. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:1391-1401.e7. [PMID: 36621650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fas ligand (FasL) is expressed by activated T cells and induces death in target cells upon binding to Fas. Loss-of-function FAS or FASLG mutations cause autoimmune-lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) characterized by expanded double-negative T cells (DNT) and elevated serum biomarkers. While most ALPS patients carry heterozygous FAS mutations, FASLG mutations are rare and usually biallelic. Only 2 heterozygous variants were reported, associated with an atypical clinical phenotype. OBJECTIVE We revisited the significance of heterozygous FASLG mutations as a cause of ALPS. METHODS Clinical features and biomarkers were analyzed in 24 individuals with homozygous or heterozygous FASLG variants predicted to be deleterious. Cytotoxicity assays were performed with patient T cells and biochemical assays with recombinant FasL. RESULTS Homozygous FASLG variants abrogated cytotoxicity and resulted in early-onset severe ALPS with elevated DNT, raised vitamin B12, and usually no soluble FasL. In contrast, heterozygous variants affected FasL function by reducing expression, impairing trimerization, or preventing Fas binding. However, they were not associated with elevated DNT and vitamin B12, and they did not affect FasL-mediated cytotoxicity. The dominant-negative effects of previously published variants could not be confirmed. Even Y166C, causing loss of Fas binding with a dominant-negative effect in biochemical assays, did not impair cellular cytotoxicity or cause vitamin B12 and DNT elevation. CONCLUSION Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations are better tolerated for FASLG than for FAS, which may explain the low frequency of ALPS-FASLG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Maccari
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Cristian Roberto Smulski
- Medical Physics Department, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Andrea Meinhardt
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Fernando Pinto
- Department of Haematology, Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Ignacio Gonzalez-Granado
- Primary Immunodeficiency Unit, Pediatrics, Hospital 12 octubre, Madrid, France; Instituto de Investigation Hospital 12 octubre (imas12), Madrid, France; School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, France
| | - Catharina Schuetz
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mauricio Pablo Sica
- Medical Physics Department, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Miriam Gross
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ilka Fuchs
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Kury
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Heeg
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Vocat
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Thomas
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Regina Hühn
- Clinic for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany
| | - Aude Magerus
- Université Paris-Cité, Imagine Institute Laboratory of Immunogenetics of Pediatric Autoimmune Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Myriam Lorenz
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Klaus Schwarz
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg, Hessen, Ulm, Germany
| | - Frederic Rieux-Laucat
- Université Paris-Cité, Imagine Institute Laboratory of Immunogenetics of Pediatric Autoimmune Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Stephan Ehl
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne Rensing-Ehl
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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D Lempicki M, Paul S, Serbulea V, Upchurch CM, Sahu S, Gray JA, Ailawadi G, Garcia BL, McNamara CA, Leitinger N, Meher AK. BAFF antagonism via the BAFF receptor 3 binding site attenuates BAFF 60-mer-induced classical NF-κB signaling and metabolic reprogramming of B cells. Cell Immunol 2022; 381:104603. [PMID: 36182705 PMCID: PMC10691782 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2022.104603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Human recombinant B cell activating factor (BAFF) is secreted as 3-mers, which can associate to form 60-mers in culture supernatants. However, the presence of BAFF multimers in humans is still debated and it is incompletely understood how BAFF multimers activate the B cells. Here, we demonstrate that BAFF can exist as 60-mers or higher order multimers in human plasma. In vitro, BAFF 60-mer strongly induced the transcriptome of B cells which was partly attenuated by antagonism using a soluble fragment of BAFF receptor 3. Furthermore, compared to BAFF 3-mer, BAFF 60-mer strongly induced a transient classical and prolonged alternate NF-κB signaling, glucose oxidation by both aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, and succinate utilization by mitochondria. BAFF antagonism selectively attenuated classical NF-κB signaling and glucose oxidation. Altogether, our results suggest critical roles of BAFF 60-mer and its BAFF receptor 3 binding site in hyperactivation of B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D Lempicki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
| | - Saikat Paul
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
| | - Vlad Serbulea
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, VA 22908, United States
| | - Clint M Upchurch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, VA 22908, United States
| | - Srabani Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, VA 22908, United States
| | - Jake A Gray
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
| | - Gorav Ailawadi
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, VA 22908, United States
| | - Brandon L Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
| | - Coleen A McNamara
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, VA 22908, United States
| | - Norbert Leitinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, VA 22908, United States
| | - Akshaya K Meher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, VA 22908, United States.
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3
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Gómez Atria D, Gaudette BT, Londregan J, Kelly S, Perkey E, Allman A, Srivastava B, Koch U, Radtke F, Ludewig B, Siebel CW, Ryan RJ, Robertson TF, Burkhardt JK, Pear WS, Allman D, Maillard I. Stromal Notch ligands foster lymphopenia-driven functional plasticity and homeostatic proliferation of naïve B cells. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:158885. [PMID: 35579963 PMCID: PMC9246379 DOI: 10.1172/jci158885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In lymphopenic environments, secondary lymphoid organs regulate the size of B and T-cell compartments by supporting homeostatic proliferation of mature lymphocytes. The molecular mechanisms underlying these responses and their functional consequences remain incompletely understood. To evaluate homeostasis of the mature B-cell pool during lymphopenia, we turned to an adoptive transfer model of purified follicular B-cells into Rag2-/- mouse recipients. Highly purified follicular B-cells transdifferentiated into marginal zone-like B-cells when transferred into Rag2-/- lymphopenic hosts, but not into wild-type hosts. In lymphopenic spleens, transferred B-cells gradually lost their follicular phenotype and acquired characteristics of marginal zone B-cells, as judged by cell surface phenotype, expression of integrins and chemokine receptors, positioning close to the marginal sinus, and an ability to rapidly generate functional plasma cells. Initiation of follicular to marginal zone B-cell transdifferentiation preceded proliferation. Furthermore, the transdifferentiation process was dependent on Notch2 receptors in B-cells and expression of Delta-like1 Notch ligands by splenic Ccl19-Cre+ fibroblastic stromal cells. Gene expression analysis showed rapid induction of Notch-regulated transcripts followed by upregulated Myc expression and acquisition of broad transcriptional features of marginal zone B-cells. Thus, naïve mature B-cells are endowed with plastic transdifferentiation potential in response to increased stromal Notch ligand availability during lymphopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gómez Atria
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Brian T Gaudette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Londregan
- Immunology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Samantha Kelly
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Eric Perkey
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Anneka Allman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Bhaskar Srivastava
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Ute Koch
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Freddy Radtke
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Christian W Siebel
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Russell Jh Ryan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Tanner F Robertson
- Immunology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Janis K Burkhardt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Warren S Pear
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Ivan Maillard
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
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Zhang Y, Tian J, Xiao F, Zheng L, Zhu X, Wu L, Zhao C, Wang S, Rui K, Zou H, Lu L. B cell-activating factor and its targeted therapy in autoimmune diseases. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 64:57-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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5
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Spinosa MD, Montgomery WG, Lempicki M, Srikakulapu P, Johnsrude MJ, McNamara CA, Upchurch GR, Ailawadi G, Leitinger N, Meher AK. B Cell-Activating Factor Antagonism Attenuates the Growth of Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:2231-2244. [PMID: 34509440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
B cell-activating factor (BAFF), a tumor necrosis factor family of cytokine, was recently identified as a regulator of atherosclerosis; however, its role in aortic aneurysm has not been determined. Here, we examined the effect of selective BAFF antagonism using an anti-BAFF antibody (blocks binding of BAFF to receptors BAFF receptor 3, transmembrane activator and CAML interactor, and B-cell maturation antigen) and mBaffR-mFc (blocks binding of BAFF to BAFF receptor 3) on a murine model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). In a prevention strategy, the antagonists were injected before the induction of AAA, and in an intervention strategy, the antagonists were injected after the induction of AAA. Both strategies attenuated the formation of AAA. In the intervention group, BAFF antagonism depleted most of the mature B-cell subsets in spleen and circulation, leading to enhanced resolution of inflammation in AAA as indicated by decreased infiltration of B cells and proinflammatory macrophages and a reduced number of apoptotic cells. In AAA tissues, B cells and macrophages were found in close contact. In vitro, B cells, irrespective of treatment with BAFF, impaired the efferocytosis activity of macrophages, suggesting a direct innate role of B cells on macrophage function. Altogether, BAFF antagonism affects survival of the mature B cells, promotes resolution of inflammation in the aorta, and attenuates the growth of AAA in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Spinosa
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | - Melissa Lempicki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Prasad Srikakulapu
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Matthew J Johnsrude
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Coleen A McNamara
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Gilbert R Upchurch
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Gorav Ailawadi
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Norbert Leitinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Akshaya K Meher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina; Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
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6
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Eslami M, Schneider P. Function, occurrence and inhibition of different forms of BAFF. Curr Opin Immunol 2021; 71:75-80. [PMID: 34182216 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
B cell activating factor (BAFF or BLyS), an important cytokine for B cell survival and humoral immune responses, is targeted in the clinic for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. This review focuses on the structure, function and inhibition profiles of membrane-bound BAFF, soluble BAFF 3-mer and soluble BAFF 60-mer, all of which have distinct properties. BAFF contains a loop region not required for receptor binding but essential for receptor activation via promotion of BAFF-to-BAFF contacts. This loop region additionally allows formation of BAFF 60-mer, in which epitopes of the BAFF inhibitor belimumab are inaccessible. If 60-mer forms in humans, it is predicted to be short-lived and to act locally because adult serum contains a BAFF 60-mer dissociating activity. Cord blood contains elevated levels of BAFF, part of which displays attributes of 60-mer, suggesting a role for this form of BAFF in the development of foetal or neonate B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Eslami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.
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7
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Li G, Zhang Q, Liu Z, Shen H, Zhu Y, Zhou Z, Ding W, Han S, Zhou J, Ou R, Luo M, Liu S. TriBAFF-CAR-T cells eliminate B-cell malignancies with BAFFR-expression and CD19 antigen loss. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:223. [PMID: 33865370 PMCID: PMC8052726 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01923-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate the effect of TriBAFF-CAR-T cells on hematological tumor cells. Methods TriBAFF-CAR-T and CD19-CAR-T cells were co-cultured with BAFFR-bearing B-cell malignancies at different effector/target ratios to evaluate the anti-tumor effects. In vivo, TriBAFF-CAR-T and CD19-CAR-T cells were intravenously injected into Raji-luciferase xenograft mice. CD19 antigens losing lymphoblasts was simulated by Raji knocking out CD19 (CD19KO) to investigate the effect of TriBAFF-CAR-T cells on CD19KO Raji. Results Both TriBAFF-CAR-T and CD19-CAR-T cells significantly induced the lysis of Raji, BALL-1, and Jeko-1. Moreover, when CD19-CAR-T cells specifically caused the lysis of K562 with overexpressed CD19, the lethal effect of TriBAFF-CAR-T cells was also specific for BAFFR-bearing K562 with increasing levels of interleukin-2 and INF-γ. The TriBAFF-CAR-T have the same effect with CD19-CAR-T cells in treating Raji xenofraft mice. TriBAFF-CAR-T cells also have great effect in CD19KO Raji cells. Conclusions In this study, we successfully constructed novel TriBAFF-CAR-T cells to eliminate BAFFR-bearing and CD19 antigen loss in hematological tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangchao Li
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China.,Guangzhou Bio-gene Technology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510530, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China
| | - Zhi Liu
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China
| | - Huijuan Shen
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China
| | - Yangmin Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China
| | - Zhao Zhou
- Guangzhou Bio-gene Technology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510530, China
| | - Wen Ding
- Guangzhou Bio-gene Technology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510530, China
| | - Siqi Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical School of Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210002, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Hematology, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan Province, 618000, China
| | - Ruiming Ou
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China. .,Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Xin Gang Zhong Road 466#, Haizhu Distict, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China.
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China. .,Guangzhou Bio-gene Technology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510530, China. .,Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Xin Gang Zhong Road 466#, Haizhu Distict, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China.
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China. .,Department of Hematology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Xin Gang Zhong Road 466#, Haizhu Distict, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510317, China.
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8
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Sicard T, Kassardjian A, Julien JP. B cell targeting by molecular adjuvants for enhanced immunogenicity. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:1023-1039. [PMID: 33252273 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1857736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adjuvants are critical components of vaccines to improve the quality and durability of immune responses. Molecular adjuvants are a specific subclass of adjuvants where ligands of known immune-modulatory receptors are directly fused to an antigen. Co-stimulation of the B cell receptor (BCR) and immune-modulatory receptors through this strategy can augment downstream signaling to improve antibody titers and/or potency, and survival in challenge models. AREAS COVERED C3d has been the most extensively studied molecular adjuvant and shown to improve immune responses to a number of antigens. Similarly, tumor necrosis superfamily ligands, such as BAFF and APRIL, as well as CD40, CD180, and immune complex ligands can also improve humoral immunity as molecular adjuvants. EXPERT OPINION However, no single strategy has emerged that improves immune outcomes in all contexts. Thus, systematic exploration of molecular adjuvants that target B cell receptors will be required to realize their full potential as next-generation vaccine technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Sicard
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute , Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto , ON, Canada
| | - Audrey Kassardjian
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute , Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto , ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Julien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute , Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto , ON, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto , ON, Canada
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9
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Möckel T, Basta F, Weinmann-Menke J, Schwarting A. B cell activating factor (BAFF): Structure, functions, autoimmunity and clinical implications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Autoimmun Rev 2020; 20:102736. [PMID: 33333233 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The B cell activating factor (BAFF), or B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), is a B cell survival factor which supports autoreactive B cells and prevents their deletion. BAFF expression is closely linked with autoimmunity and is enhanced by genetic alterations and viral infections. Furthermore, BAFF seems to be involved in adipogenesis, atherosclerosis, neuro-inflammatory processes and ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. BAFF is commonly overexpressed in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and strongly involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The relationship between BAFF levels, disease activity and damage accrual in SLE is controversial, but growing evidence is emerging on its role in renal involvement. Belimumab, a biologic BAFF inhibitor, has been the first biologic agent licensed for SLE therapy so far. As Rituximab (RTX) has been shown to increase BAFF levels following B cell depletion, the combination therapy of RTX plus belimumab (being evaluated in two RCT) seems to be a valuable option for several clinical scenarios. In this review we will highlight the growing body of evidence of immune and non-immune related BAFF expression in experimental and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Möckel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Fabio Basta
- Acura Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
| | - Julia Weinmann-Menke
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Schwarting
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; Acura Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
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10
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Eslami M, Meinl E, Eibel H, Willen L, Donzé O, Distl O, Schneider H, Speiser DE, Tsiantoulas D, Yalkinoglu Ö, Samy E, Schneider P. BAFF 60-mer, and Differential BAFF 60-mer Dissociating Activities in Human Serum, Cord Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:577662. [PMID: 33240880 PMCID: PMC7677505 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.577662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell activation factor of the TNF family (BAFF/BLyS), an essential B cell survival factor of which circulating levels are elevated in several autoimmune disorders, is targeted in the clinic for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The soluble form of BAFF can exist as 3-mer, or as 60-mer that results from the ordered assembly of twenty 3-mers and that can be obtained from naturally cleaved membrane-bound BAFF or made as a recombinant protein. However, which forms of soluble BAFF exist and act in humans is unclear. In this study, BAFF 3-mer and 60-mer in biological fluids were characterized for size, activity and response to specific stimulators or inhibitors of BAFF. Human cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from patients with multiple sclerosis and adult human sera contained exclusively BAFF 3-mer in these assays, also when BAFF concentrations were moderately SLE or highly (BAFFR-deficient individual) increased. Human sera, but not CSF, contained a high molecular weight, saturable activity that dissociated preformed recombinant BAFF 60-mer into 3-mer. This activity was lower in cord blood. Cord blood displayed BAFF levels 10-fold higher than in adults and consistently contained a fair proportion of active high molecular weight BAFF able to dissociate into 3-mer but not endowed with all properties of recombinant BAFF 60-mer. If BAFF 60-mer is produced in humans, it is dissociated, or at least attenuated in the circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Eslami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Edgar Meinl
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hermann Eibel
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Holm Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Özkan Yalkinoglu
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Translational Medicine, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Eileen Samy
- Business of Merck KGaA, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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11
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Magliozzi R, Marastoni D, Calabrese M. The BAFF / APRIL system as therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1135-1145. [PMID: 32900236 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1821647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The complex system of BAFF (B-cell-activating factor of the TNF family) and APRIL (A proliferation-inducing ligand) has been studied in animal models of autoimmune diseases such as those resembling human systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome and multiple sclerosis (MS). Accumulating evidence suggests that BAFF and APRIL have a physiological role in B cell immunity regulation, however inappropriate production of these factors may represent a key event which disrupts immune tolerance which is associated with systemic autoimmune diseases. AREAS COVERED We provide an update on the latest studies of the BAFF/APRIL system in multiple sclerosis, as well as on related clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that increased BAFF levels may interfere directly and indirectly with B cell immunity; this can lead to breakdown of immune tolerance, the production of autoantibodies and continuous local intracerebral inflammation and brain tissue destruction. A more comprehensive understanding of the cell/molecular mechanism immune reactions specifically regulated by BAFF/APRIL in MS would better elucidate the specific cell phenotype targeted by actual anti-BAFF/APRIL therapies; this may enable the identification of either specific biomarkers of MS subgroups that would benefit of anti-BAFF/APRIL treatments or new targets of MS-specific anti-BAFF/APRIL therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Magliozzi
- Neurology B, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona , Verona, Italy
| | - Damiano Marastoni
- Neurology B, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona , Verona, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Calabrese
- Neurology B, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona , Verona, Italy
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12
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Caraccio C, Krishna S, Phillips DJ, Schürch CM. Bispecific Antibodies for Multiple Myeloma: A Review of Targets, Drugs, Clinical Trials, and Future Directions. Front Immunol 2020; 11:501. [PMID: 32391000 PMCID: PMC7193016 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy and the second most common hematological neoplasm in adults, comprising 1.8% of all cancers. With an annual incidence of ~30,770 cases in the United States, MM has a high mortality rate, leading to 12,770 deaths per year. MM is a genetically complex, highly heterogeneous malignancy, with significant inter- and intra-patient clonal variability. Recent years have witnessed dramatic improvements in the diagnostics, classification, and treatment of MM. However, patients with high-risk disease have not yet benefited from therapeutic advances. High-risk patients are often primary refractory to treatment or relapse early, ultimately resulting in progression toward aggressive end-stage MM, with associated extramedullary disease or plasma cell leukemia. Therefore, novel treatment modalities are needed to improve the outcomes of these patients. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are immunotherapeutics that simultaneously target and thereby redirect effector immune cells to tumor cells. BsAbs have shown high efficacy in B cell malignancies, including refractory/relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Various BsAbs targeting MM-specific antigens such as B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), CD38, and CD138 are currently in pre-clinical and clinical development, with promising results. In this review, we outline these advances, focusing on BsAb drugs, their targets, and their potential to improve survival, especially for high-risk MM patients. In combination with current treatment strategies, BsAbs may pave the way toward a cure for MM.
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13
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Lee WS, Amengual O. B cells targeting therapy in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunol Med 2019; 43:16-35. [PMID: 32107989 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2019.1698929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease which affects the majority of organs and systems. Traditional therapies do not lead to complete remission of disease but only relieve symptoms and inflammation. B cells are the most important effector cell types in the pathogenesis of SLE. Therefore, therapies targeting B cells and their related cytokines are a very important milestone for SLE treatment. Several biologics that modulate B cells, either depleting B cells or blocking B cell functions, have been developed and evaluated in clinical trials. Belimumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds B cells activating factor (BAFF), was the first of these agents approved for SLE treatment. In this review, we explore the currently available evidence in B cell targeted therapies in SLE including agents that target B cell surface antigens (CD19, CD20, CD22), B cell survival factors (BAFF and a proliferation-inducing ligand, APRIL), cytokines (interleukin-1 and type 1 interferons) and co-stimulatory molecules (CD40 ligand). We highlighted the mechanisms of action and the individual characteristics of these biologics, and present an update on the clinical trials that have evaluated their efficacy and safety. Finally, we describe some of the emerging and promising therapies for SLE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Shi Lee
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Olga Amengual
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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14
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Shabgah AG, Shariati-Sarabi Z, Tavakkol-Afshari J, Mohammadi M. The role of BAFF and APRIL in rheumatoid arthritis. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:17050-17063. [PMID: 30941763 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Development and activation of B cells quickly became clear after identifying new ligands and receptors in the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) are the members of membrane proteins Type 2 family released by proteolytic cleavage of furin to form active, soluble homotrimers. Except for B cells, ligands are expressed by all such immune cells like T cells, dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages. BAFF and APRIL have two common receptors, namely TNFR homolog transmembrane activator and Ca2+ modulator and CAML interactor (TACI) and B cell-maturation antigen. BAFF alone can also be coupled with a third receptor called BAFFR (also called BR3 or BLyS Receptor). These receptors are often expressed by immune cells in the B-cell lineage. The binding of BAFF or APRIL to their receptors supports B cells differentiation and proliferation, immunoglobulin production and the upregulation of B cell-effector molecules expression. It is possible that the overexpression of BAFF and APRIL contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In BAFF transgenic mice, there is a pseudo-autoimmune manifestation, which is associated with an increase in B-lymphocytes, hyperglobulinemia, anti-single stranded DNA, and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, and immune complexes in their peripheral blood. Furthermore, overexpressing BAFF augments the number of peripheral B220+ B cells with a normal proliferation rate, high levels of Bcl2, and prolonged survival and hyperactivity. Therefore, in this review article, we studied BAFF and APRIL as important mediators in B-cell and discussed their role in rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo G Shabgah
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zhaleh Shariati-Sarabi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Mojgan Mohammadi
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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15
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Eibel H, Winkler T, Ceredig R. Editorial: Making Science Fun - A Tribute to Our Colleague and Friend, Prof. Antonius G. Rolink (1953-2017). Front Immunol 2019; 9:2915. [PMID: 30619279 PMCID: PMC6306044 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Eibel
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Winkler
- Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rhodri Ceredig
- Discipline of Physiology, College of Medicine and Nursing Health Science, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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16
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Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Chevalley D, Willen L, Jandus C, Vigolo M, Schneider P. Inhibition of Membrane-Bound BAFF by the Anti-BAFF Antibody Belimumab. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2698. [PMID: 30524439 PMCID: PMC6256835 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
B cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF, also known as BLyS), a cytokine that regulates homeostasis of peripheral B cells, is elevated in the circulation of patients with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). BAFF is synthetized as a membrane-bound protein that can be processed to a soluble form after cleavage at a furin consensus sequence, a site that in principle can be recognized by any of the several proteases of the pro-protein convertase family. Belimumab is a human antibody approved for the treatment of SLE, often cited as specific for the soluble form of BAFF. Here we show in different experimental systems, including in a monocytic cell line (U937) that naturally expresses BAFF, that belimumab binds to membrane-bound BAFF with similar EC50 as the positive control atacicept, which is a decoy receptor for both BAFF and the related cytokine APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand). In U937 cells, binding of both reagents was only detectable in furin-deficient U937 cells, showing that furin is the main BAFF processing protease in these cells. In CHO cells expressing membrane-bound BAFF lacking the stalk region, belimumab inhibited the activity of membrane-bound BAFF less efficiently than atacicept, while in furin-deficient U937 cells, belimumab inhibited membrane-bound BAFF and residual soluble BAFF as efficiently as atacicept. These reagents did not activate complement or antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity upon binding to membrane-bound BAFF in vitro. In conclusion, our data show that belimumab can inhibit membrane-bound BAFF, and that BAFF in U937 cells is processed by furin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dehlia Chevalley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camilla Jandus
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michele Vigolo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Identification of a new subset of lymph node stromal cells involved in regulating plasma cell homeostasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E6826-E6835. [PMID: 29967180 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1712628115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-secreting plasma cells (PCs) arise rapidly during adaptive immunity to control infections. The early PCs are retained within the reactive lymphoid organ where their localization and homeostasis rely on extrinsic factors, presumably produced by local niche cells. While myeloid cells have been proposed to form those niches, the contribution by colocalizing stromal cells has remained unclear. Here, we characterized a subset of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) that forms a dense meshwork throughout medullary cords of lymph nodes (LNs) where PCs reside. This medullary FRC type is shown to be anatomically, phenotypically, and functionally distinct from T zone FRCs, both in mice and humans. By using static and dynamic imaging approaches, we provide evidence that medullary FRCs are the main cell type in contact with PCs guiding them in their migration. Medullary FRCs also represent a major local source of the PC survival factors IL-6, BAFF, and CXCL12, besides also producing APRIL. In vitro, medullary FRCs alone or in combination with macrophages promote PC survival while other LN cell types do not have this property. Thus, we propose that this FRC subset, together with medullary macrophages, forms PC survival niches within the LN medulla, and thereby helps in promoting the rapid development of humoral immunity, which is critical in limiting early pathogen spread.
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18
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Vigolo M, Chambers MG, Willen L, Chevalley D, Maskos K, Lammens A, Tardivel A, Das D, Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Schuepbach-Mallepell S, Smulski CR, Eslami M, Rolink A, Hummler E, Samy E, Fomekong Nanfack Y, Mackay F, Liao M, Hess H, Jiang X, Schneider P. A loop region of BAFF controls B cell survival and regulates recognition by different inhibitors. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1199. [PMID: 29572442 PMCID: PMC5865128 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03323-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The B cell survival factor (TNFSF13B/BAFF) is often elevated in autoimmune diseases and is targeted in the clinic for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. BAFF contains a loop region designated the flap, which is dispensable for receptor binding. Here we show that the flap of BAFF has two functions. In addition to facilitating the formation of a highly active BAFF 60-mer as shown previously, it also converts binding of BAFF to TNFRSF13C (BAFFR) into a signaling event via oligomerization of individual BAFF-BAFFR complexes. Binding and activation of BAFFR can therefore be targeted independently to inhibit or activate the function of BAFF. Moreover, structural analyses suggest that the flap of BAFF 60-mer temporarily prevents binding of an anti-BAFF antibody (belimumab) but not of a decoy receptor (atacicept). The observed differences in profiles of BAFF inhibition may confer distinct biological and clinical efficacies to these therapeutically relevant inhibitors. BAFF is an important cytokine for B cell survival, and is a therapeutic target for autoimmune disorders. Here the authors show that a 'flap' region of BAFF converts BAFFR binding events into survival signals and, with structural data, that this ‘flap’ differentially modulates binding of drugs such as belimumab or atacicept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Vigolo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Melissa G Chambers
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Dehlia Chevalley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Maskos
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, 82152, Planegg, Germany
| | | | - Aubry Tardivel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Dolon Das
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Cristian R Smulski
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Mahya Eslami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Antonius Rolink
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edith Hummler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eileen Samy
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA
| | | | - Fabienne Mackay
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Maofu Liao
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Xuliang Jiang
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland.
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19
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Nakayama Y, Kosek J, Capone L, Hur EM, Schafer PH, Ringheim GE. Aiolos Overexpression in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus B Cell Subtypes and BAFF-Induced Memory B Cell Differentiation Are Reduced by CC-220 Modulation of Cereblon Activity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:2388-2407. [PMID: 28848067 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BAFF is a B cell survival and maturation factor implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this in vitro study, we describe that soluble BAFF in combination with IL-2 and IL-21 is a T cell contact-independent inducer of human B cell proliferation, plasmablast differentiation, and IgG secretion from circulating CD27+ memory and memory-like CD27-IgD- double-negative (DN) B cells, but not CD27-IgD+ naive B cells. In contrast, soluble CD40L in combination with IL-2 and IL-21 induces these activities in both memory and naive B cells. Blood from healthy donors and SLE patients have similar circulating levels of IL-2, whereas SLE patients exhibit elevated BAFF and DN B cells and reduced IL-21. B cell differentiation transcription factors in memory, DN, and naive B cells in SLE show elevated levels of Aiolos, whereas Ikaros levels are unchanged. Treatment with CC-220, a modulator of the cullin ring ligase 4-cereblon E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, reduces Aiolos and Ikaros protein levels and BAFF- and CD40L-induced proliferation, plasmablast differentiation, and IgG secretion. The observation that the soluble factors BAFF, IL-2, and IL-21 induce memory and DN B cell activation and differentiation has implications for extrafollicular plasmablast development within inflamed tissue. Inhibition of B cell plasmablast differentiation by reduction of Aiolos and Ikaros may have utility in the treatment of SLE, where elevated levels of BAFF and Aiolos may prime CD27+ memory and DN memory-like B cells to become Ab-producing plasmablasts in the presence of BAFF and proinflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Nakayama
- Inflammation and Immunology Translational Development, Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ 07901
| | - Jolanta Kosek
- Inflammation and Immunology Translational Development, Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ 07901
| | - Lori Capone
- Inflammation and Immunology Translational Development, Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ 07901
| | - Eun Mi Hur
- Inflammation and Immunology Translational Development, Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ 07901
| | - Peter H Schafer
- Inflammation and Immunology Translational Development, Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ 07901
| | - Garth E Ringheim
- Inflammation and Immunology Translational Development, Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ 07901
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20
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Lim VY, Zehentmeier S, Fistonich C, Pereira JP. A Chemoattractant-Guided Walk Through Lymphopoiesis: From Hematopoietic Stem Cells to Mature B Lymphocytes. Adv Immunol 2017; 134:47-88. [PMID: 28413023 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
B lymphocytes develop from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in specialized bone marrow niches composed of rare mesenchymal lineage stem/progenitor cells (MSPCs) and sinusoidal endothelial cells. These niches are defined by function and location: MSPCs are mostly perisinusoidal cells that together with a small subset of sinusoidal endothelial cells express stem cell factor, interleukin-7 (IL-7), IL-15, and the highest amounts of CXCL12 in bone marrow. Though rare, MSPCs are morphologically heterogeneous, highly reticular, and form a vast cellular network in the bone marrow parenchyma capable of interacting with large numbers of hematopoietic cells. HSCs, downstream multipotent progenitor cells, and common lymphoid progenitor cells utilize CXCR4 to fine-tune access to critical short-range growth factors provided by MSPCs for their long-term maintenance and/or multilineage differentiation. In later stages, developing B lymphocytes use CXCR4 to navigate the bone marrow parenchyma, and predominantly cannabinoid receptor-2 for positioning within bone marrow sinusoids, prior to being released into peripheral blood circulation. In the final stages of differentiation, transitional B cells migrate to the spleen where they preferentially undergo further rounds of differentiation until selection into the mature B cell pool occurs. This bottleneck purges up to 97% of all developing B cells in a peripheral selection process that is heavily controlled not only by the intensity of BCR signaling and access to BAFF but also by the proper functioning of the B cell motility machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Y Lim
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Chris Fistonich
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - João P Pereira
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.
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21
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Lenert A, Niewold TB, Lenert P. Spotlight on blisibimod and its potential in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: evidence to date. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:747-757. [PMID: 28331294 PMCID: PMC5357079 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s114552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
B cells in general and BAFF (B cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor [TNF] family) in particular have been primary targets of recent clinical trials in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In 2011, belimumab, a monoclonal antibody against BAFF, became the first biologic agent approved for the treatment of SLE. Follow-up studies have shown excellent long-term safety and tolerability of belimumab. In this review, we critically analyze blisibimod, a novel BAFF-neutralizing agent. In contrast to belimumab that only blocks soluble BAFF trimer but not soluble 60-mer or membrane BAFF, blisibimod blocks with high affinity all three forms of BAFF. Furthermore, blisibimod has a unique structure built on four high-affinity BAFF-binding peptides fused to the IgG1-Fc carrier. It was tested in phase I and II trials in SLE where it showed safety and tolerability. While it failed to reach the primary endpoint in a recent phase II trial, post hoc analysis demonstrated its efficacy in SLE patients with higher disease activity. Based on these results, blisibimod is currently undergoing phase III trials targeting this responder subpopulation of SLE patients. The advantage of blisibimod, compared to its competitors, lies in its higher avidity for BAFF, but a possible drawback may come from its immunogenic potential and the anticipated loss of efficacy over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Lenert
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Kentucky, Kentucky Clinic, Lexington, KY
| | - Timothy B Niewold
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Petar Lenert
- Division of Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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22
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Stohl W. Inhibition of B cell activating factor (BAFF) in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2017; 13:623-633. [DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2017.1291343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William Stohl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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23
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Myles A, Cancro MP. The NIK of time for B cells. Eur J Immunol 2016; 46:547-51. [PMID: 26873522 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201646294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) is a key mediator of the noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway, which is critical for B-cell development and function. Although complete deletion of NIK in mice has been shown to result in defective B cells and impaired secondary lymphoid organogenesis, the consequences of deleting NIK exclusively in B cells have not been determined. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Hahn et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2016. 46: 732-741] describe mice in which the NF-κB2 pathway mediator, NIK, is deleted at different points in B-cell lineage differentiation and activation. The results show that the survival of mature peripheral B cells, as well as appropriate kinetics of germinal center reactions, rely on noncanonical NF-κB signaling. These findings confirm and extend prior observations implicating a nonredundant role for NF-κB2 downstream of BAFF signaling via BAFF-R, and prompt assessment of the growing literature regarding the relative roles of BCR and BAFF signals in B-cell homeostasis, as well as the downstream pathways responsible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Myles
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael P Cancro
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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24
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Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Schuepbach-Mallepell S, Vigolo M, Willen L, Tardivel A, Smulski CR, Zheng TS, Gommerman J, Hess H, Gottenberg JE, Mackay F, Donzé O, Schneider P. Antibodies That Block or Activate Mouse B Cell Activating Factor of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Family (BAFF), Respectively, Induce B Cell Depletion or B Cell Hyperplasia. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:19826-34. [PMID: 27451394 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.725929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF), also known as B lymphocyte stimulator, is a ligand required for the generation and maintenance of B lymphocytes. In this study, the ability of different monoclonal antibodies to recognize, inhibit, or activate mouse BAFF was investigated. One of them, a mouse IgG1 named Sandy-2, prevented the binding of BAFF to all of its receptors, BAFF receptor, transmembrane activator and calcium modulating ligand interactor, and B cell maturation antigen, at a stoichiometric ratio; blocked the activity of mouse BAFF on a variety of cell-based reporter assays; and antagonized the prosurvival action of BAFF on primary mouse B cells in vitro A single administration of Sandy-2 in mice induced B cell depletion within 2 weeks, down to levels close to those observed in BAFF-deficient mice. This depletion could then be maintained with a chronic treatment. Sandy-2 and a previously described rat IgG1 antibody, 5A8, also formed a pair suitable for the sensitive detection of endogenous circulating BAFF by ELISA or using a homogenous assay. Interestingly, 5A8 and Sandy-5 displayed activities opposite to that of Sandy-2 by stimulating recombinant BAFF in vitro and endogenous BAFF in vivo These tools will prove useful for the detection and functional manipulation of endogenous mouse BAFF and provide an alternative to the widely used BAFF receptor-Fc decoy receptor for the specific depletion of BAFF in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michele Vigolo
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Aubry Tardivel
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Cristian R Smulski
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Jennifer Gommerman
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | | | | | - Fabienne Mackay
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia, and
| | - Olivier Donzé
- Adipogen Life Sciences, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Schneider
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland,
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Nicoletti AM, Kenny CH, Khalil AM, Pan Q, Ralph KLM, Ritchie J, Venkataramani S, Presky DH, DeWire SM, Brodeur SR. Unexpected Potency Differences between B-Cell-Activating Factor (BAFF) Antagonist Antibodies against Various Forms of BAFF: Trimer, 60-Mer, and Membrane-Bound. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 359:37-44. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.236075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Significance of BAFF/APRIL Expression and Their Receptors in Pediatric Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2016; 38:167-72. [PMID: 26950089 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the mRNA expression and protein levels of B-cell activating factor (BAFF)/a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and their receptors in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell lines and pediatric patients with ALL using real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting. The location and level of the BAFF/APRIL proteins in ALL cell lines were also detected by immunofluorescence cytochemistry and flow cytometry. Correlations between plasma protein levels of BAFF/APRIL and primary clinical parameters were analyzed. We found that BAFF/APRIL was highly expressed in pediatric ALL patients and ALL cell lines. The BAFF/APRIL proteins were located on the cell membrane, and the proportion of positive cells and mean fluorescence intensity were significantly higher than in the healthy control group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression and protein levels of BAFF/APRIL and their receptors in untreated ALL children were significantly higher than in healthy controls (P<0.05) as well as were significantly reduced in the remission group (P<0.05). The plasma protein levels of BAFF/APRIL were positively correlated with the white blood cell count, lactate dehydrogenase, and serum ferritin. Abnormal levels of BAFF/APRIL in pediatric ALL suggest that BAFF/APRIL are associated with the development and progression of ALL in children and may provide information for the development of BAFF-based and APRIL-based targeted therapies.
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Zeng M, Smith AJ, Shang L, Wietgrefe SW, Voss JE, Carlis JV, Li Q, Piatak M, Lifson JD, Johnson RP, Haase AT. Mucosal Humoral Immune Response to SIVmac239∆nef Vaccination and Vaginal Challenge. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:2809-18. [PMID: 26864031 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Live attenuated vaccines such as SIV with a deleted nef gene have provided the most robust protection against subsequent vaginal challenge with wild-type (WT) SIV in the SIV-rhesus macaque model of HIV-1 transmission to women. Hence, identifying correlates of this protection could enable design of an effective HIV-1 vaccine. One such prechallenge correlate of protection from vaginal challenge has recently been identified as a system with three components: 1) IgG Abs reacting with the viral envelope glycoprotein trimeric gp41; 2) produced by plasma cells in the submucosa and ectopic tertiary lymphoid follicles in the ectocervix and vagina; and 3) concentrated on the path of virus entry by the neonatal FcR in the overlying epithelium. We now examine the mucosal production of the Ab component of this system after vaginal challenge. We show that vaginal challenge immediately elicits striking increases in plasma cells not only in the female reproductive tract but also at other mucosal sites, and that these increases correlate with low but persistent replication at mucosal sites. We describe vaginal ectopic follicles that are structurally and functionally organized similar to follicles in secondary lymphoid organs, and we provide inferential evidence for a key role of the female reproductive tract epithelium in facilitating Ab production, affinity maturation, and class switch recombination. Vaccination thus accesses an epithelial-immune system axis in the female reproductive tract to respond to exposure to mucosal pathogens. Designing strategies to mimic this system could advance development of an effective HIV-1 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Anthony J Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Liang Shang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Stephen W Wietgrefe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - James E Voss
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Neutralizing Antibody Center, Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Design, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - John V Carlis
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Qingsheng Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Michael Piatak
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Science Applications International Corporation-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Jeffrey D Lifson
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Science Applications International Corporation-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - R Paul Johnson
- New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA, 01772; and Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Ashley T Haase
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455;
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Ghirardello A, Gizzo S, Noventa M, Quaranta M, Vitagliano A, Gallo N, Pantano G, Beggio M, Cosma C, Gangemi M, Plebani M, Doria A. Acute immunomodulatory changes during controlled ovarian stimulation: evidence from the first trial investigating the short-term effects of estradiol on biomarkers and B cells involved in autoimmunity. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1765-72. [PMID: 26466939 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0588-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo immunomodulatory effects of an acute short-term estradiol (E(2)) increase on serum levels of B cell-activating factor (BAFF), immunoglobulins (Ig), anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), and the peripheral B cell phenotype. METHODS We conducted, at the Infertility Center of the University of Padua, a prospective case-control study on a cohort of infertile normo-responder women (group-A, 63 patients) undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) compared with an age-matched cohort of normo-ovulatory healthy women (group-B, 39 patients). Three serial blood sample assays were conducted in both groups, at T0, hypothalamic suppression; T1, ovulation induction; and T2, βhCG test in group A, and at T0, 2nd day; T1, 14th day; and T2, 21st day of cycle in group B, and serum levels of E(2) and BAFF, BAFF/E(2) ratio, circulating IgM, IgG, and IgA, ANA titer, and peripheral B cell phenotype were measured. We compared group-A versus group-B in terms of absolute and E(2) normalized values of BAFF at baseline (T0) to verify for possible differences between healthy and infertile women, at T1 to verify for possible differences occurring after spontaneous ovulation versus COS, and at T2 to evaluate differences in serum BAFF levels between pregnant versus non-pregnant patients (considering only group-A) and between non-pregnant women after spontaneous versus COS cycles (group-B versus group-A). In group-A, we also evaluated IgM, IgG, IgA levels, ANA titer, and peripheral B cell phenotype at T0 versus T1 versus T2. RESULTS With the exception of E(2) levels at T1 (as expected), no significant differences were found between the two groups for all outcome measures. In group-A, BAFF at T0 positively correlated with IgM levels; marginal zone CD19+/CD27+/IgD+ memory B cell compartment tended to be expanded at T1 when compared with T0. CONCLUSIONS Despite several mechanistic and clinical studies supporting a stimulatory role of E(2) on autoimmunity, the acute increase of E(2) during COS for infertility treatment does not seem to have a major impact on the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ghirardello
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gizzo
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Gynaecologic and Obstetric Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino, U.O.C. di Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padova, Italy.
| | - Marco Noventa
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Gynaecologic and Obstetric Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Michela Quaranta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Amerigo Vitagliano
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Gynaecologic and Obstetric Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Gallo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pantano
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marianna Beggio
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Cosma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Michele Gangemi
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Gynaecologic and Obstetric Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Plebani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Stohl W, Merrill JT, Looney RJ, Buyon J, Wallace DJ, Weisman MH, Ginzler EM, Cooke B, Holloway D, Kaliyaperumal A, Kuchimanchi KR, Cheah TC, Rasmussen E, Ferbas J, Belouski SS, Tsuji W, Zack DJ. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with the BAFF antagonist "peptibody" blisibimod (AMG 623/A-623): results from randomized, double-blind phase 1a and phase 1b trials. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:215. [PMID: 26290435 PMCID: PMC4545922 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0741-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Blisibimod is a potent B cell-activating factor (BAFF) antagonist that binds to both cell membrane-expressed and soluble BAFF. The goal of these first-in-human studies was to characterize the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of blisibimod in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS SLE subjects with mild disease that was stable/inactive at baseline received either a single dose of blisibimod (0.1, 0.3, 1, or 3 mg/kg subcutaneous [SC] or 1, 3, or 6 mg/kg intravenous [IV]) or placebo (phase 1a; N = 54), or four weekly doses of blisibimod (0.3, 1, or 3 mg/kg SC or 6 mg/kg IV) or placebo (phase 1b; N = 63). Safety and tolerability measures were collected, and B cell subset measurements and pharmacokinetic analyses were performed. RESULTS All subjects (93 % female; mean age 43.7 years) carried the diagnosis of SLE for ≥ 1 year. Single- and multiple-dose treatment with blisibimod produced a decrease in the number of naïve B cells (24-76 %) and a transient relative increase in the memory B cell compartment, with the greatest effect on IgD(-)CD27+; there were no notable changes in T cells or natural killer cells. With time, memory B cells reverted to baseline, leading to a calculated 30 % reduction in total B cells by approximately 160 days after the first dose. In both the single- and multiple-dosing SC cohorts, the pharmacokinetic profile indicated slow absorption, dose-proportional exposure from 0.3 through 3.0 mg/kg SC and 1 through 6 mg/kg IV, linear pharmacokinetics across the dose range of 1.0-6.0 mg/kg, and accumulation ratios ranging from 2.21 to 2.76. The relative increase in memory B cells was not associated with safety signals, and the incidence of adverse events, anti-blisibimod antibodies, and clinical laboratory abnormalities were comparable between blisibimod- and placebo-treated subjects. CONCLUSIONS Blisibimod changed the constituency of the B cell pool and single and multiple doses of blisibimod exhibited approximate dose-proportional pharmacokinetics across the dose range 1.0-6.0 mg/kg. The safety and tolerability profile of blisibimod in SLE was comparable with that of placebo. These findings support further studies of blisibimod in SLE and other B cell-mediated diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02443506 . Registered 11 May 2015. NCT02411136 Registered 7 April 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Stohl
- Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center and University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- Division of Rheumatology, Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center and Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Joan T Merrill
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
| | - R John Looney
- University of Rochester, 252 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY, 14627, USA.
| | - Jill Buyon
- Hospital for Joint Disease, 301 E 17th St., New York, NY, 10003, USA.
| | - Daniel J Wallace
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
| | - Michael H Weisman
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
| | - Ellen M Ginzler
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
| | - Blaire Cooke
- Amgen Inc., 1 Amgen Center Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
| | - Donna Holloway
- Formerly of Amgen, Inc., 1 Amgen Center Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Erik Rasmussen
- Amgen Inc., 1 Amgen Center Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
| | - John Ferbas
- Amgen Inc., 1 Amgen Center Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
| | - Shelley S Belouski
- Formerly of Amgen, Inc., 1 Amgen Center Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
| | - Wayne Tsuji
- Amgen Inc., 1 Amgen Center Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
| | - Debra J Zack
- Formerly of Amgen, Inc., 1 Amgen Center Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA.
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Schuepbach-Mallepell S, Das D, Willen L, Vigolo M, Tardivel A, Lebon L, Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Nys J, Smulski C, Zheng TS, Maskos K, Lammens A, Jiang X, Hess H, Tan SL, Schneider P. Stoichiometry of Heteromeric BAFF and APRIL Cytokines Dictates Their Receptor Binding and Signaling Properties. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:16330-42. [PMID: 25953898 PMCID: PMC4481231 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.661405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The closely related TNF family ligands B cell activation factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) serve in the generation and maintenance of mature B-lymphocytes. Both BAFF and APRIL assemble as homotrimers that bind and activate several receptors that they partially share. However, heteromers of BAFF and APRIL that occur in patients with autoimmune diseases are incompletely characterized. The N and C termini of adjacent BAFF or APRIL monomers are spatially close and can be linked to create single-chain homo- or hetero-ligands of defined stoichiometry. Similar to APRIL, heteromers consisting of one BAFF and two APRILs (BAA) bind to the receptors B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI) but not to the BAFF receptor (BAFFR). Heteromers consisting of one APRIL and two BAFF (ABB) bind to TACI and BCMA and weakly to BAFFR in accordance with the analysis of the receptor interaction sites in the crystallographic structure of ABB. Receptor binding correlated with activity in reporter cell line assays specific for BAFFR, TACI, or BCMA. Single-chain BAFF (BBB) and to a lesser extent single-chain ABB, but not APRIL or single-chain BAA, rescued BAFFR-dependent B cell maturation in BAFF-deficient mice. In conclusion, BAFF-APRIL heteromers of different stoichiometries have distinct receptor-binding properties and activities. Based on the observation that heteromers are less active than BAFF, we speculate that their physiological role might be to down-regulate BAFF activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dolon Das
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Michele Vigolo
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Aubry Tardivel
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Luc Lebon
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Josquin Nys
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Cristian Smulski
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Klaus Maskos
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | | | - Xuliang Jiang
- the EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts 01821
| | - Henry Hess
- a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, D-64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Seng-Lai Tan
- the EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts 01821
| | - Pascal Schneider
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland,
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Effect of TACI signaling on humoral immunity and autoimmune diseases. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:247426. [PMID: 25866827 PMCID: PMC4381970 DOI: 10.1155/2015/247426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) is one of the receptors of B cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). TACI is a regulator in the immune responses. TACI inhibits B cell expansion and promotes the differentiation and survival of plasma cells. The mechanisms underlying these effects probably involve changed expressions of some crucial molecules, such as B lymphocyte induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) and inducible T-cell costimulator ligand (ICOSL) in B cells and/or plasma cells. However, abnormal TACI signaling may relate to autoimmune disorders. Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) patients with heterozygous mutations in TACI alleles increase susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. Taci−/− mice and BAFF transgenic mice both develop signs of human SLE. These findings that indicate inappropriate levels of TACI signaling may disrupt immune system balance, thereby promoting the development of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the basic characteristics of the TACI ligands BAFF and APRIL, and detail the research findings on the role of TACI in humoral immunity. We also discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the susceptibility of CVID patients with TACI mutations to autoimmune diseases and the role of TACI in the pathogenesis of SLE.
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Lenert A, Lenert P. Current and emerging treatment options for ANCA-associated vasculitis: potential role of belimumab and other BAFF/APRIL targeting agents. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2015; 9:333-47. [PMID: 25609919 PMCID: PMC4294650 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s67264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) comprises several clinical entities with diverse clinical presentations, outcomes, and nonunifying pathogenesis. AAV has a clear potential for relapses, and shows unpredictable response to treatment. Cyclophosphamide-based therapies have remained the hallmark of induction therapy protocols for more than four decades. Recently, B-cell depleting therapy with the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab has proved beneficial in AAV, leading to Food and Drug Administration approval of rituximab in combination with corticosteroids for the treatment of AAV in adults. Rituximab for ANCA-associated vasculitis and other clinical trials provided clear evidence that rituximab was not inferior to cyclophosphamide for remission induction, and rituximab appeared even more beneficial in patients with relapsing disease. This raised hopes that other B-cell-targeted therapies directed either against CD19, CD20, CD22, or B-cell survival factors, B-cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand could also be beneficial for the management of AAV. BAFF neutralization with the fully humanized monoclonal antibody belimumab has already shown success in human systemic lupus erythematosus and, along with another anti-BAFF reagent blisibimod, is currently undergoing Phase II and III clinical trials in AAV. Local production of BAFF in granulomatous lesions and elevated levels of serum BAFF in AAV provide a rationale for BAFF-targeted therapies not only in AAV but also in other forms of vasculitis such as Behcet’s disease, large-vessel vasculitis, or cryoglobulinemic vasculitis secondary to chronic hepatitis C infection. BAFF-targeted therapies have a very solid safety profile, and may have an additional benefit of preferentially targeting newly arising autoreactive B cells over non-self-reactive B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Lenert
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Kentucky, Kentucky Clinic, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Petar Lenert
- Division of Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Lv S, Wang X, Zhang N, Sun M, Qi W, Li Y, Yang Q. Autophagy facilitates the development of resistance to the tumor necrosis factor superfamily member TRAIL in breast cancer. Int J Oncol 2014; 46:1286-94. [PMID: 25572822 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, an important homeostatic cellular recycling mechanism, has emerged as a novel cytoprotective mechanism to increase tumor cell survival through escaping chemotherapy‑induced cell death. To explore whether autophagy plays a protective role in the resistance to the tumor necrosis factor‑related apoptosis‑inducing ligand (TRAIL), we evaluated the autophagy levels in TRAIL‑sensitive MDA‑MB‑231 breast cancer cell lines and in TRAIL‑refractory MDA‑MB‑231 cells before and after TRAIL treatment. After treatment with 40 ng/ml TRAIL, TRAIL‑sensitized MDA‑MB‑231 parental cells expressed higher level of LC3B protein and accumulated more autophagic vacuoles. Compared with TRAIL‑sensitive MDA‑MB‑231, MDA‑MB‑231 TRAIL‑refractory cells showed higher levels of the lipidated form of LC3B and decreased p62/SQSTM1 protein expression, characterizing the occurrence of increased autophagic flux in TRAIL‑refractory cells. Electron microscopy and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) autophagy‑specific fluorescence staining analyses also revealed that the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles was drastically higher in TRAIL‑refractory MDA‑MB‑231 parental cells. We demonstrated that chloroquine (CQ) and 2‑(4‑morpholinyl)‑8‑phenylchromone (LY294002) could effectively reduce TRAIL‑refractory breast cancer cell viability. Combination of TRAIL with CQ could effectively reverse the resistance of MDA‑MB‑231 TRAIL‑refractory cells to TRAIL. Knockdown of light chain 3 (LC3) expression via small interfering RNA (siRNA) similarly resulted in reduced TRAIL‑refractory cell proliferation and re‑sensitizing to TRAIL. This is the first report showing that breast cancer cells chronically exposed to TRAIL exhibit upregulation of the autophagic activity, indicating that autophagy efficiently protects breast cancer cells from TRAIL. Therapeutic targeting of autophagosome formation could be a novel molecular avenue to reduce the resistance of TRAIL in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangge Lv
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Mingjuan Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Wenwen Qi
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Yaming Li
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Qifeng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
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Manetta J, Bina H, Ryan P, Fox N, Witcher DR, Kikly K. Generation and characterization of tabalumab, a human monoclonal antibody that neutralizes both soluble and membrane-bound B-cell activating factor. J Inflamm Res 2014; 7:121-31. [PMID: 25258549 PMCID: PMC4173659 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s67751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is a B-cell survival factor with a key role in B-cell homeostasis and tolerance. Dysregulated BAFF expression may contribute to autoimmune diseases or B-cell malignancies via effects on abnormal B-lymphocyte activation, proliferation, survival, and immunoglobulin secretion. Monoclonal antibodies were generated against human BAFF, characterized for species specificity and affinity, and screened for the ability to neutralize both membrane-bound and soluble BAFF. In addition, studies were undertaken to determine the relative potency of membrane-bound and soluble BAFF. Tabalumab has a high affinity for human, cynomolgus monkey, and rabbit BAFF. No binding to mouse BAFF was detected. Tabalumab was able to neutralize soluble human, cynomolgus monkey, or rabbit BAFF with equal potency. Our data demonstrate that membrane-bound BAFF can be a more potent stimulus for B-cells than soluble BAFF, and tabalumab also neutralized membrane-bound BAFF. Tabalumab prevented BAFF from binding to BAFF receptors and demonstrated pharmacodynamic effects in human BAFF transgenic mice. Tabalumab is a high-affinity human antibody with neutralizing activity against membrane-bound and soluble BAFF. Given our findings that membrane-bound BAFF can have greater in vitro potency than soluble BAFF, neutralization of both forms of BAFF is likely to be important for optimal therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Manetta
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Holly Bina
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Paul Ryan
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Niles Fox
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Derrick R Witcher
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kristine Kikly
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Wang H, Xu C, Kong X, Li X, Kong X, Wang Y, Ding X, Yang Q. Trail resistance induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and enhances invasiveness by suppressing PTEN via miR-221 in breast cancer. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99067. [PMID: 24905916 PMCID: PMC4048247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can selectively induce apoptosis of cancer cells and is verified effective to various cancers. However, a variety of breast cancer cell lines are resistant to TRAIL and the mechanisms of resistance are largely unknown. In our present experiment, we successfully utilized breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 to establish TRAIL-resistant cell line. We found resistance to TRAIL could induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhance invasiveness. We further demonstrated PTEN was down-regulated in TRAIL-resistant cells. Silencing miR-221, PTEN expression was up-regulated, the process of EMT could be reversed, and the ability of migration and invasion were correspondingly weakened. We also demonstrated knockdown of miR-221 could reverse resistance to TRAIL partially by targeting PTEN. Our findings suggest that resistance to TRAIL could induce EMT and enhance invasiveness by suppressing PTEN via miR-221. Re-expression of miR-221 or targeting PTEN might serve as potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Trail-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiji Wang
- Department of Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunyuan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaoli Kong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiangnan Kong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xia Ding
- Department of Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qifeng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by multisystem immune-mediated injury in the setting of autoimmunity to nuclear antigens. The clinical heterogeneity of SLE, the absence of universally agreed clinical trial end points, and the paucity of validated therapeutic targets have, historically, contributed to a lack of novel treatments for SLE. However, in 2011, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the cytokine TNF ligand superfamily member 13B (also known as B-cell-activating factor of the TNF family [BAFF]), belimumab, became the first targeted therapy for SLE to have efficacy in a randomized clinical trial. Because of its specificity, the efficacy of belimumab provides an opportunity to increase understanding of SLE pathophysiology. Although belimumab depletes B cells, this effect is not as powerful as that of other B-cell-directed therapies that have not been proven efficacious in randomized clinical trials. In this article, therefore, we review results suggesting that neutralizing BAFF can have effects on the immune system other than depletion of B cells. We also identify aspects of the BAFF system for which data in relation to SLE are still missing, and we suggest studies to investigate the pathogenesis of SLE and ways to refine anti-BAFF therapies. The role of a related cytokine, TNF ligand superfamily member 13 (also known as a proliferation-inducing ligand [APRIL]) in SLE is much less well understood, and hence this review focuses on BAFF.
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Yang S, Li JY, Xu W. Role of BAFF/BAFF-R axis in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2014; 91:113-22. [PMID: 24629840 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell activating factor (BAFF), as a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family, plays important roles in B-cell homeostasis, tolerance, and malignancy. BAFF binds to three receptors of TNF, TACI, BCMA and BAFF-receptor (BAFF-R). In particular, the BAFF/BAFF-R pathway is crucial to the survival and growth of mature normal and malignant B-cells. BAFF is displayed on the cell surface or is released in a soluble form after cleavage from the plasma membrane. BAFF-R as the main BAFF receptor is expressed mainly on B-cells. Aberrant BAFF expression was found in malignant B-cells from B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) patients, which protects these cells from spontaneous or drug-induced apoptosis and stimulated NF-κB activation via autocrine and/or paracrine pathways. However, the mechanisms involved in the gene expression and regulation of BAFF or BAFF-R has not been elucidated. More importantly, the design of reagents able to counteract BAFF/BAFF-R pathways may be of therapeutic value for B-NHL. Results of ongoing clinical trials with BAFF or BAFF-R antagonists are eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jian-Yong Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Stohl W. Therapeutic targeting of the BAFF/APRIL axis in systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:473-89. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.888415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Schneider P, Willen L, Smulski CR. Tools and techniques to study ligand-receptor interactions and receptor activation by TNF superfamily members. Methods Enzymol 2014; 545:103-25. [PMID: 25065888 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801430-1.00005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ligands and receptors of the TNF superfamily are therapeutically relevant targets in a wide range of human diseases. This chapter describes assays based on ELISA, immunoprecipitation, FACS, and reporter cell lines to monitor interactions of tagged receptors and ligands in both soluble and membrane-bound forms using unified detection techniques. A reporter cell assay that is sensitive to ligand oligomerization can identify ligands with high probability of being active on endogenous receptors. Several assays are also suitable to measure the activity of agonist or antagonist antibodies, or to detect interactions with proteoglycans. Finally, self-interaction of membrane-bound receptors can be evidenced using a FRET-based assay. This panel of methods provides a large degree of flexibility to address questions related to the specificity, activation, or inhibition of TNF-TNF receptor interactions in independent assay systems, but does not substitute for further tests in physiologically relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.
| | - Cristian R Smulski
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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Scholz JL, Oropallo MA, Sindhava V, Goenka R, Cancro MP. The role of B lymphocyte stimulator in B cell biology: implications for the treatment of lupus. Lupus 2013; 22:350-60. [PMID: 23553778 DOI: 10.1177/0961203312469453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS; also known as B cell activating factor (BAFF)) plays a key role in peripheral B cell tolerance. Mounting evidence indicates that B cell tolerance can be either broken or modulated by deliberately manipulating BLyS levels, and belimumab, a BLyS-neutralizing antibody, was recently approved for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thus, intense investigation has focused on understanding how therapeutics targeting BLyS may work, and accumulating evidence suggests multiple points of action. BLyS signaling, in conjunction with B cell receptor (BCR) signaling, determines the size and quality of the mature primary B cell compartment. Moreover, BLyS family members play roles in antigen-experienced B cell selection and differentiation. Together, these findings have implications for the continued development of novel therapeutics that target BLyS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Scholz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6082, USA
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41
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Abstract
With the approval by the FDA in 2011 of a biologic agent (namely belimumab) for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), optimism abounds that additional biologic (and nonbiologic) agents will be similarly endorsed. Given the numerous immune-based abnormalities associated with SLE, the potential therapeutic targets for biologic agents and the candidate biologic approaches are also numerous. These approaches include: biologic agents that promote B-cell depletion, B-cell inactivation, or the generation of regulatory B cells; biologic agents that induce T-cell tolerance, block T-cell activation and differentiation, or alter T-cell trafficking; biologic agents that target the B-cell activating factor (BAFF) axis, type I interferons, IL-6 and its receptor, or TNF; and the adoptive transfer of ex vivo-generated regulatory T cells. Owing to the great heterogeneity inherent to SLE, no single approach should be expected to be effective in all patients. As our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of SLE continues to expand, additional therapeutic targets and approaches will undoubtedly be identified and should be fully exploited.
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Berrih-Aknin S, Ragheb S, Le Panse R, Lisak RP. Ectopic germinal centers, BAFF and anti-B-cell therapy in myasthenia gravis. Autoimmun Rev 2013; 12:885-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2013.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Vincent FB, Saulep-Easton D, Figgett WA, Fairfax KA, Mackay F. The BAFF/APRIL system: emerging functions beyond B cell biology and autoimmunity. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2013; 24:203-15. [PMID: 23684423 PMCID: PMC7108297 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The BAFF system plays a key role in the development of autoimmunity, especially in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This often leads to the assumption that BAFF is mostly a B cell factor with a specific role in autoimmunity. Focus on BAFF and autoimmunity, driven by pharmaceutical successes with the recent approval of a novel targeted therapy Belimumab, has relegated other potential roles of BAFF to the background. Far from being SLE-specific, the BAFF system has a much broader relevance in infection, cancer and allergy. In this review, we provide the latest views on additional roles of the BAFF system in health and diseases, as well as an update on BAFF and autoimmunity, with particular focus on current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Fabienne Mackay
- Corresponding author at: Department of Immunology, Monash University, Central Clinical School, Alfred Hospital, 89 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia. Tel.: +61 3 99030713; fax: +61 3 99030038.
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Nys J, Smulski CR, Tardivel A, Willen L, Kowalczyk C, Donzé O, Huard B, Hess H, Schneider P. No evidence that soluble TACI induces signalling via membrane-expressed BAFF and APRIL in myeloid cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61350. [PMID: 23620746 PMCID: PMC3631189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells express the TNF family ligands BAFF/BLyS and APRIL, which exert their effects on B cells at different stages of differentiation via the receptors BAFFR, TACI (Transmembrane Activator and CAML-Interactor) and/or BCMA (B Cell Maturation Antigen). BAFF and APRIL are proteins expressed at the cell membrane, with both extracellular and intracellular domains. Therefore, receptor/ligand engagement may also result in signals in ligand-expressing cells via so-called “reverse signalling”. In order to understand how TACI-Fc (atacicept) technically may mediate immune stimulation instead of suppression, we investigated its potential to activate reverse signalling through BAFF and APRIL. BAFFR-Fc and TACI-Fc, but not Fn14-Fc, reproducibly stimulated the ERK and other signalling pathways in bone marrow-derived mouse macrophages. However, these effects were independent of BAFF or APRIL since the same activation profile was observed with BAFF- or APRIL-deficient cells. Instead, cell activation correlated with the presence of high molecular mass forms of BAFFR-Fc and TACI-Fc and was strongly impaired in macrophages deficient for Fc receptor gamma chain. Moreover, a TACI-Fc defective for Fc receptor binding elicited no detectable signal. Although these results do not formally rule out the existence of BAFF or APRIL reverse signalling (via pathways not tested in this study), they provide no evidence in support of reverse signalling and point to the importance of using appropriate specificity controls when working with Fc receptor-expressing myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josquin Nys
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Aubry Tardivel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Bertrand Huard
- Department of Patho-Immunology, Medical University Centre, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Hematology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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45
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Zhang N, Wang X, Huo Q, Li X, Wang H, Schneider P, Hu G, Yang Q. The oncogene metadherin modulates the apoptotic pathway based on the tumor necrosis factor superfamily member TRAIL (Tumor Necrosis Factor-related Apoptosis-inducing Ligand) in breast cancer. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:9396-407. [PMID: 23408429 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.395913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metadherin (MTDH), the newly discovered gene, is overexpressed in more than 40% of breast cancers. Recent studies have revealed that MTDH favors an oncogenic course and chemoresistance. With a number of breast cancer cell lines and breast tumor samples, we found that the relative expression of MTDH correlated with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) sensitivity in breast cancer. In this study, we found that knockdown of endogenous MTDH cells sensitized the MDA-MB-231 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, stable overexpression of MTDH in MCF-7 cells enhanced cell survival with TRAIL treatment. Mechanically, MTDH down-regulated caspase-8, decreased caspase-8 recruitment into the TRAIL death-inducing signaling complex, decreased caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-2 processing, increased Bcl-2 expression, and stimulated TRAIL-induced Akt phosphorylation, without altering death receptor status. In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, sensitization to TRAIL upon MTDH down-regulation was inhibited by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk (benzyloxycarbonyl-VAD-fluoromethyl ketone), suggesting that MTDH depletion stimulates activation of caspases. In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, resistance to TRAIL upon MTDH overexpression was abrogated by depletion of Bcl-2, suggesting that MTDH-induced Bcl-2 expression contributes to TRAIL resistance. We further confirmed that MTDH may control Bcl-2 expression partly by suppressing miR-16. Collectively, our results point to a protective function of MTDH against TRAIL-induced death, whereby it inhibits the intrinsic apoptosis pathway through miR-16-mediated Bcl-2 up-regulation and the extrinsic apoptosis pathway through caspase-8 down-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road 107, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
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46
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Stohl W. Biologic differences between various inhibitors of the BLyS/BAFF pathway: should we expect differences between belimumab and other inhibitors in development? Curr Rheumatol Rep 2012; 14:303-9. [PMID: 22547203 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-012-0254-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
For the first time in more than 50 years, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug specifically for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This drug, belimumab, is a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the B-cell survival factor, B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS). Although belimumab has demonstrated a very favorable safety profile, many SLE patients have failed to clinically improve from belimumab therapy. Three additional BLyS antagonists (atacicept, blisibimod, tabalumab) are currently undergoing clinical testing. These antagonists subtly differ from belimumab in their biologic targets, and each is administered through a route (subcutaneous) that differs from the route through which belimumab is currently delivered (intravenous). Whether these differences will have meaningful consequences for efficacy and safety remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Stohl
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR 711, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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47
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Cols M, Barra CM, He B, Puga I, Xu W, Chiu A, Tam W, Knowles DM, Dillon SR, Leonard JP, Furman RR, Chen K, Cerutti A. Stromal endothelial cells establish a bidirectional crosstalk with chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells through the TNF-related factors BAFF, APRIL, and CD40L. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:6071-83. [PMID: 22593611 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a clonal B cell disorder of unknown origin. Accessory signals from the microenvironment are critical for the survival, expansion, and progression of malignant B cells. We found that the CLL stroma included microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) expressing BAFF and APRIL, two TNF family members related to the T cell-associated B cell-stimulating molecule CD40L. Constitutive release of soluble BAFF and APRIL increased upon engagement of CD40 on MVECs by CD40L aberrantly expressed on CLL cells. In addition to enhancing MVEC expression of CD40, leukemic CD40L induced cleavases that elicited intracellular processing of pro-BAFF and pro-APRIL proteins in MVECs. The resulting soluble BAFF and APRIL proteins delivered survival, activation, Ig gene remodeling, and differentiation signals by stimulating CLL cells through TACI, BAFF-R, and BCMA receptors. BAFF and APRIL further amplified CLL cell survival by upregulating the expression of leukemic CD40L. Inhibition of TACI, BCMA, and BAFF-R expression on CLL cells; abrogation of CD40 expression in MVECs; or suppression of BAFF and APRIL cleavases in MVECs reduced the survival and diversification of malignant B cells. These data indicate that BAFF, APRIL, and CD40L form a CLL-enhancing bidirectional signaling network linking neoplastic B cells with the microvascular stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Cols
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Rickert RC, Jellusova J, Miletic AV. Signaling by the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily in B-cell biology and disease. Immunol Rev 2012; 244:115-33. [PMID: 22017435 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2011.01067.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) participate prominently in B-cell maturation and function. In particular, B-cell activating factor belonging to the TNF family receptor (BAFF-R), B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), and transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) play critical roles in promoting B-cell survival at distinct stages of development by engaging a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and/or BAFF. CD40 is also essential for directing the humoral response to T-cell-dependent antigens. Signaling by the TNFRSF is mediated primarily, albeit not exclusively, via the TNFR-associated factor (TRAF) proteins and activation of the canonical and/or non-canonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. Dysregulated signaling by TNFRSF members can promote B-cell survival and proliferation, causing autoimmunity and neoplasia. In this review, we present a current understanding of the functions of and distinctions between APRIL/BAFF signaling by their respective receptors expressed on particular B-cell subsets. These findings are compared and contrasted with CD40 signaling, which employs similar signaling conduits to achieve distinct cellular outcomes in the context of the germinal center response. We also underscore how new findings and conceptual insights into TNFRSF signaling are facilitating the understanding of B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Rickert
- Program on Inflammatory Disease Research, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Ragheb S, Lisak RP. B-cell-activating factor and autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Autoimmune Dis 2011; 2011:939520. [PMID: 22235365 PMCID: PMC3251912 DOI: 10.4061/2011/939520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BAFF is a potent B-cell survival factor, and it plays an essential role in B-cell homeostasis and B-cell function in the periphery. Both normal and autoreactive B cells are BAFF dependent; however, excess BAFF promotes the survival, growth, and maturation of autoreactive B cells. When overexpressed, BAFF protects B cells from apoptosis, thereby contributing to autoimmunity. Three independent studies have shown higher BAFF levels in the circulation of MG patients. BAFF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MG. BAFF antagonists may well provide new treatment options for MG patients, particularly those patients with thymic lymphoid follicular hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Ragheb
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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50
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Kreuzaler M, Rauch M, Salzer U, Birmelin J, Rizzi M, Grimbacher B, Plebani A, Lougaris V, Quinti I, Thon V, Litzman J, Schlesier M, Warnatz K, Thiel J, Rolink AG, Eibel H. Soluble BAFF levels inversely correlate with peripheral B cell numbers and the expression of BAFF receptors. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 188:497-503. [PMID: 22124120 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The TNF family member protein BAFF/BLyS is essential for B cell survival and plays an important role in regulating class switch recombination as well as in the selection of autoreactive B cells. In humans, increased concentrations of soluble BAFF are found in different pathological conditions, which may be as diverse as autoimmune diseases, B cell malignancies, and primary Ab deficiencies (PAD). Because the mechanisms that regulate BAFF levels are not well understood, we newly developed a set of mAbs against human BAFF to study the parameters that determine the concentrations of soluble BAFF in circulation. Patients with PAD, including severe functional B cell defects such as BTK, BAFF-R, or TACI deficiency, were found to have higher BAFF levels than asplenic individuals, patients after anti-CD20 B cell depletion, chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients, or healthy donors. In a comparable manner, mice constitutively expressing human BAFF were found to have higher concentrations of BAFF in the absence than in the presence of B cells. Therefore, our data strongly suggest that BAFF steady-state concentrations mainly depend on the number of B cells as well as on the expression of BAFF-binding receptors. Because most patients with PAD have high levels of circulating BAFF, the increase in BAFF concentrations cannot compensate defects in B cell development and function.
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