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Ronca V, Gerussi A, Collins P, Parente A, Oo YH, Invernizzi P. The liver as a central "hub" of the immune system: pathophysiological implications. Physiol Rev 2025; 105:493-539. [PMID: 39297676 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00004.2023] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe the immune function of the liver, guiding the reader from the homeostatic tolerogenic status to the aberrant activation demonstrated in chronic liver disease. An extensive description of the pathways behind the inflammatory modulation of the healthy liver will be provided focusing on the complex immune cell network residing within the liver. The limit of tolerance will be presented in the context of organ transplantation, seizing the limits of homeostatic mechanisms that fail in accepting the graft, progressing eventually toward rejection. The triggers and mechanisms behind chronic activation in metabolic liver conditions and viral hepatitis will be discussed. The last part of the review will be dedicated to one of the greatest paradoxes for a tolerogenic organ, developing autoimmunity. Through the description of the three most common autoimmune liver diseases, the autoimmune reaction against hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells will be dissected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Ronca
- Centre for Liver and Gastro Research and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital University Hospital Birmingham National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network Centre-Rare Liver, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Paul Collins
- VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alessandro Parente
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital University Hospital Birmingham National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ye Htun Oo
- Centre for Liver and Gastro Research and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital University Hospital Birmingham National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network Centre-Rare Liver, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Bao J, Zhang X, Ye M, Yang Y, Xu L, He L, Guo J, Yao D, Wang S, Zhang J, Tian X. Exploration of Novel Metabolic Mechanisms Underlying Primary Biliary Cholangitis Using Hepatic Metabolomics, Lipidomics, and Proteomics Analysis. J Proteome Res 2025; 24:562-578. [PMID: 39792460 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2025]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is important in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) development. However, studies investigating the metabolic signature within the liver of PBC patients are limited. In this study, liver biopsies from 31 PBC patients and 15 healthy controls were collected, and comprehensive metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics analysis were conducted to characterize the metabolic landscape in PBC. We observed distinct lipidome remodeling in PBC with increased polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and augmented fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO), evidenced by the increased acylcarnitine levels and upregulated expression of proteins involved in FAO. Notably, PBC patients exhibited an increase in glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) and purines, alongside a reduction in pyruvate, suggesting impaired glycolysis and increased purines biosynthesis in PBC. Additionally, the accumulation of bile acids as well as a decrease in branched chain amino acids and aromatic amino acids were observed in PBC liver. We also observed an aberrant upregulation of proteins associated with ductular reaction, apoptosis, and autophagy. In conclusion, our study highlighted substantial metabolic reprogramming in glycolysis, fatty acid metabolism, and purine biosynthesis, coupled with aberrant upregulation of proteins associated with apoptosis and autophagy in PBC patients. Targeting the specific metabolic reprogramming may offer potential targets for the therapeutic intervention of PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Bao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Mao Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yiqin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Leiming Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Lulu He
- Department of Biobank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jixin Guo
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Daoke Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Suhua Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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Yang YC, Ma X, Zhou C, Xu N, Ding D, Ma ZZ, Zhou L, Cui PY. Functional investigation and two-sample Mendelian randomization study of primary biliary cholangitis hub genes. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:6391-6406. [PMID: 39464319 PMCID: PMC11438678 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i30.6391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of specific gene expression patterns is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and finding relevant biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation. AIM To determine PBC-associated hub genes and assess their clinical utility for disease prediction. METHODS PBC expression data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Overlapping genes from differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were identified as key genes for PBC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses were performed to explore the potential roles of key genes. Hub genes were identified in protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks using the Degree algorithm in Cytoscape software. The relationship between hub genes and immune cells was investigated. Finally, a Mendelian randomization study was conducted to determine the causal effects of hub genes on PBC. RESULTS We identified 71 overlapping key genes using differential expression analysis and WGCNA. These genes were primarily enriched in pathways related to cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell differentiation. We utilized Cytoscape software and identified five hub genes (CD247, IL10, CCL5, CCL3, and STAT3) in PPI networks. These hub genes showed a strong correlation with immune cell infiltration in PBC. However, inverse variance weighting analysis did not indicate the causal effects of hub genes on PBC risk. CONCLUSION Hub genes can potentially serve as valuable biomarkers for PBC prediction and treatment, thereby offering significant clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Chuan Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
- Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
- Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chi Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhong-Zheng Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Cui
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
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Tanaka A, Ma X, Takahashi A, Vierling JM. Primary biliary cholangitis. Lancet 2024; 404:1053-1066. [PMID: 39216494 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)01303-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic, autoimmune, cholestatic disease that mainly affects women aged 40-70 years. Recent epidemiological studies have shown an increasing incidence worldwide despite geographical heterogeneity and a decrease in the female-to-male ratio of those the disease affects. Similar to other autoimmune diseases, primary biliary cholangitis occurs in genetically predisposed individuals upon exposure to environmental triggers, specifically xenobiotics, smoking, and the gut microbiome. Notably, the diversity of the intestinal microbiome is diminished in individuals with primary biliary cholangitis. The intricate interplay among immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and biliary epithelial cells is postulated as the underlying pathogenic mechanism involved in the development and progression of primary biliary cholangitis, and extensive research has been dedicated to comprehending these complex interactions. Following the official approval of obeticholic acid as second-line treatment for patients with an incomplete response or intolerance to ursodeoxycholic acid, clinical trials have indicated that peroxisome proliferator activator receptor agonists are promising additional second-line drugs. Future dual or triple drug regimens might reach a new treatment goal of normalisation of alkaline phosphatase levels, rather than a decrease to less than 1·67 times the upper limit of normal levels, and potentially improve long-term outcomes. Improvement of health-related quality of life with better recognition and care of subjective symptoms, such as pruritus and fatigue, is also an important treatment goal. Promising clinical investigations are underway to alleviate these symptoms. Efforts to facilitate better access to medical care and dissemination of current knowledge should enable diagnosis at an earlier stage of primary biliary cholangitis and ensure access to treatments based on risk stratification for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - John M Vierling
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Hepatology, and Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Qian Q, Wu Y, Cui N, Li Y, Zhou Y, Li Y, Lian M, Xiao X, Miao Q, You Z, Wang Q, Shi Y, Cordell HJ, Timilsina S, Gershwin ME, Li Z, Ma X, Ruqi Tang. Epidemiologic and genetic associations between primary biliary cholangitis and extrahepatic rheumatic diseases. J Autoimmun 2024; 148:103289. [PMID: 39059058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) commonly experience extrahepatic rheumatic diseases. However, the epidemiologic and genetic associations as well as causal relationship between PBC and these extrahepatic conditions remain undetermined. In this study, we first conducted systematic review and meta-analyses by analyzing 73 studies comprising 334,963 participants across 17 countries and found strong phenotypic associations between PBC and rheumatic diseases. Next, we utilized large-scale genome-wide association study summary data to define the shared genetic architecture between PBC and rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). We observed significant genetic correlations between PBC and each of the four rheumatic diseases. Pleiotropy and heritability enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of humoral immunity and interferon-associated processes for the comorbidity. Of note, we identified four variants shared between PBC and RA (rs80200208), SLE (rs9843053), and SSc (rs27524, rs3873182) using cross-trait meta-analysis. Additionally, several pleotropic loci for PBC and rheumatic diseases were found to share causal variants with gut microbes possessing immunoregulatory functions. Finally, Mendelian randomization revealed consistent evidence for a causal effect of PBC on RA, SLE, SSc, and SS, but no or inconsistent evidence for a causal effect of extrahepatic rheumatic diseases on PBC. Our study reveals a profound genetic overlap and causal relationships between PBC and extrahepatic rheumatic diseases, thus providing insights into shared biological mechanisms and novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Qian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Nana Cui
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yikang Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - You Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Lian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Miao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengrui You
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qixia Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyong Shi
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Heather J Cordell
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Suraj Timilsina
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China; Institute of Aging & Tissue Regeneration, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ruqi Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China.
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Liu Y, Hu Y, Li B, Su R, Han Z, Jin B, Li T, Zheng X, Han Y. Innate lymphoid cell subsets in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:1431-1441. [PMID: 38606537 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by destructive lymphocytic cholangitis and specific anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have been reported to play a role in liver homeostasis and autoimmunity. METHODS We evaluated the features of peripheral ILC1s and ILC3 in patients with PBC and hepatic ILC1 and ILC3 in two different PBC mouse models (dominant-negative transforming growth factor-beta receptor II [dnTGFβRII] and 2-octynoic acid-bovine serum albumin [2OA-BSA]). RESULTS A total of 115 patients and 18 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Decreased circulating ILC1/3s were observed in early-stage PBC patients, and the numbers of ILC1/3s were negatively correlated with specific parameters and the proportion of T-helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells. Reduced numbers of ILC1s were observed in PBC mouse models with different etiologies. ILC1-deficient mice had more severe hepatic inflammation after inducing the 2OA-BSA model. Continuous low-dose injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reduced ILC1 levels in mice, consistent with the lower level of ILC1s in PBC patients with high LPS (> 50 ng/mL), and aggravated hepatic lymphocyte infiltration. CONCLUSION Patients with PBC had decreased ILC1s, which were negatively correlated with CD4+ T cells. Deficient ILC1 populations led to disease exacerbations in mice. Our results indicated that ILC1s may participate in the pathogenesis of PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yinan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Su
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zheyi Han
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Boquan Jin
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Chen J, Zhang S. The Role of Inflammation in Cholestatic Liver Injury. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:4527-4540. [PMID: 37854312 PMCID: PMC10581020 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s430730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholestasis is a common clinical event in which bile formation and excretion are blocked, leading to retention of bile acids or bile salts; whether it occurs intra- or extrahepatically, primary or secondary, its pathogenesis is still unclear and is influenced by a combination of factors. In a variety of inflammatory and immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages (intrahepatic macrophages are also known as Kupffer cells), mast cells, NK cells, and even T cells in humoral immunity and B cells in cellular immunity, inflammation can be a "second strike" against cholestatic liver injury. These cells, stimulated by a variety of factors such as bile acids, inflammatory chemokines, and complement, can be activated and accumulate in the cholestatic liver, and with the involvement of inflammatory mediators and modulation by cytokines, can lead to destruction of hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells and exacerbate (and occasionally retard) the progression of cholestatic liver disease. In this paper, we summarized the new research advances proposed so far regarding the relationship between inflammation and cholestasis, aiming to provide reference for researchers and clinicians in the field of cholestatic liver injury research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Lenci I, Carnì P, Milana M, Bicaj A, Signorello A, Baiocchi L. Sequence of events leading to primary biliary cholangitis. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:5305-5312. [PMID: 37899786 PMCID: PMC10600805 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i37.5305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that is observed more frequently in middle-aged women. This disorder is considered an autoimmune disease, since liver injury is sustained by the presence of self-directed antimitochondrial antibodies targeting the bile duct cells. The prognosis may vary depending on an early diagnosis and response to therapy. However, nearly a third of patients can progress to liver cirrhosis, thus requiring a liver transplant. Traditional immunosuppressive therapies, commonly employed for other autoimmune diseases, have limited effects on PBC. In fact, dramatic functional changes that occur in the biliary epithelium in the course of inflammation play a major role in perpetuating the injury. In this minireview, after a background on the disease and possible predisposing factors, the sequential cooperation of cellular/molecular events leading to end-stage PBC is discussed in detail. The rise and maintenance of the autoimmune process, as well as the response of the biliary epithelia during inflammatory injury, are key factors in the progression of the disease. The so-called "ductular reaction (DR)", intended as a reactive expansion of cells with biliary phenotype, is a process frequently observed in PBC and partially understood. However, recent findings suggest a strict relationship between this pathological picture and the progression to liver fibrosis, cell senescence, and loss of biliary ducts. All these issues (onset of chronic inflammation, changes in secretive and proliferative biliary functions, DR, and its relationship with other pathological events) are discussed in this manuscript in an attempt to provide a snapshot, for clinicians and researchers, of the most relevant and sequential contributors to the progression of this human cholestatic disease. We believe that interpreting this disorder as a multistep process may help identify possible therapeutic targets to prevent evolution to severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Lenci
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Paola Carnì
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- Postgraduate School in Hepato/Gastroenterology, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana 1004, Albania
| | - Martina Milana
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Agreta Bicaj
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- Postgraduate School in Hepato/Gastroenterology, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana 1004, Albania
| | | | - Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- Postgraduate School in Hepato/Gastroenterology, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana 1004, Albania
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9
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Song S, Li X, Geng C, Guo Y, Yang Y, Wang C. Uncovering key molecules and immune landscape in cholestatic liver injury: implications for pathogenesis and drug therapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1171512. [PMID: 37229242 PMCID: PMC10203247 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1171512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cholestasis is a common pathological process in a variety of liver diseases that may lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure. Cholestasis relief has been regarded as a principal target in the management of multiple chronic cholestasis liver diseases like primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) at present. However, complicated pathogenesis and limited acknowledgments fettered therapeutic development. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically analyze miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in cholestatic liver injury in order to provide new treatment strategies. Methods: Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE159676) was used to screen differentially expressed hepatic miRNAs and mRNAs in the PSC vs. control comparison and the PBC vs. control comparison, respectively. MiRWalk 2.0 tool was used to predict miRNA-mRNA pairs. Subsequently, functional analysis and immune cell infiltration analysis were performed to explore the pivotal functions of the target genes. RT-PCR was used to verify the result. Results: In total, a miRNA-mRNA network including 6 miRNAs (miR-122, miR-30e, let-7c, miR-107, miR-503, and miR-192) and 8 hub genes (PTPRC, TYROBP, LCP2, RAC2, SYK, TLR2, CD53, and LAPTM5) was constructed in cholestasis. Functional analysis revealed that these genes were mainly involved in the regulation of the immune system. Further analysis revealed that resting memory CD4 T cells and monocytes could potentially participate in cholestatic liver injury. The expressions of DEMis and eight hub genes were verified in ANIT-induced and BDL-induced cholestatic mouse models. Furthermore, SYK was found to have an impact on the response to UDCA, and its mechanism was possibly associated with complement activation and monocyte reduction. Conclusion: In the present study, a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed in cholestatic liver injury, which mostly mediated immune-related pathways. Moreover, the targeted gene SYK and monocytes were found to be related to UDCA response in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuailing Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chong Geng
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoyu Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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10
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Bernard JK, Marakovits C, Smith LG, Francis H. Mast Cell and Innate Immune Cell Communication in Cholestatic Liver Disease. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:226-233. [PMID: 37268012 DOI: 10.1055/a-2104-9034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) contribute to the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver diseases (primary sclerosing cholangitis [PSC] and primary biliary cholangitis [PBC]). PSC and PBC are immune-mediated, chronic inflammatory diseases, characterized by bile duct inflammation and stricturing, advancing to hepatobiliary cirrhosis. MCs are tissue resident immune cells that may promote hepatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis formation by either direct or indirect interactions with other innate immune cells (neutrophils, macrophages/Kupffer cells, dendritic cells, natural killer, and innate lymphoid cells). The activation of these innate immune cells, usually through the degranulation of MCs, promotes antigen uptake and presentation to adaptive immune cells, exacerbating liver injury. In conclusion, dysregulation of MC-innate immune cell communications during liver injury and inflammation can lead to chronic liver injury and cancer.
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Grants
- IK6BX005226 Hickam Endowed Chair, Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, the Indiana University Health - Indiana University School of Medicine Strategic Research Initiative
- 1I01BX003031 Hickam Endowed Chair, Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, the Indiana University Health - Indiana University School of Medicine Strategic Research Initiative
- DK108959 United States Department of Veteran's Affairs, Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Service
- DK119421 United States Department of Veteran's Affairs, Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Service
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Bernard
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Corinn Marakovits
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Leah G Smith
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
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11
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Chen R, Tang R, Ma X, Gershwin ME. Immunologic Responses and the Pathophysiology of Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Clin Liver Dis 2022; 26:583-611. [PMID: 36270718 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease with a female predisposition and selective destruction of intrahepatic small bile ducts leading to nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis. It is characterized by seropositivity of antimitochondrial antibodies or PBC-specific antinuclear antibodies, progressive cholestasis, and typical liver histologic manifestations. Destruction of the protective bicarbonate-rich umbrella is attributed to the decreased expression of membrane transporters in biliary epithelial cells (BECs), leading to the accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids and sensitizing BECs to apoptosis. A recent X-wide association study reveals a novel risk locus on the X chromosome, which reiterates the importance of Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiling Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruqi Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China.
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology-Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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12
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Liang Y, Guo GL, Zhang L. Current and Emerging Molecular Markers of Liver Diseases: A Pathogenic Perspective. Gene Expr 2022; 21:9-19. [PMID: 38911667 PMCID: PMC11192043 DOI: 10.14218/gejlr.2022.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, with the rapid development of molecular medicine and the application of more sophisticated methods for disease diagnosis and treatment, a number of molecular markers have become available for liver diseases. Pathogenesis-related markers are likely to be effectively discovered and rigorously validated, due to the unique biological links to diseases. The present study reviews the predominant clinical and research articles in the previous decade to provide a pathogenic perspective of current and emerging biomarkers for liver diseases, including hepatocellular neoplasms (e.g. hepatocellular carcinoma), non-neoplastic hepatocellular diseases, intrahepatic biliary diseases, and other liver diseases. Although it remains challenging to cover all markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of liver diseases, current and emerging molecular markers in clinical practice and under investigation are reviewed in a wide spectrum of liver diseases, in order to help clinicians and researchers identify liver disease markers for reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxin Liang
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Grace L Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernst Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Health Administration, New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lanjing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Princeton Medical Center, Plainsboro, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernst Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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13
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Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. HLA, gut microbiome and hepatic autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:980768. [PMID: 36059527 PMCID: PMC9433828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.980768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic susceptibility to autoimmune liver diseases is conferred mainly by polymorphisms of genes encoding for the human leukocyte antigens (HLA). The strongest predisposition to autoimmune hepatitis type 1 (AIH-1) is linked to the allele DRB1*03:01, possession of which is associated with earlier disease onset and more severe course. In populations where this allele is very rare, such as in Asia, and in DRB1*03-negative patients, risk of AIH-1 is conferred by DRB1*04, which is associated with later disease onset and milder phenotype. AIH type 2 (AIH-2) is associated with DRB1*07. The pediatric condition referred to as autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), is associated with the DRB1*13 in populations of Northern European ancestry. DRB1*1501 is protective from AIH-1, AIH-2 and ASC in Northern European populations. Possession of the DRB1*08 allele is associated with an increased risk of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) across different populations. DRB1*03:01 and B*08:01 confer susceptibility to primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), as well as DRB1*13 and DRB1*15 in Europe. The hepatic blood supply is largely derived from the splanchnic circulation, suggesting a pathophysiological role of the gut microbiome. AIH appears to be associated with dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, and translocation of intestinal microbial products into the circulation; molecular mimicry between microbial and host antigens may trigger an autoaggressive response in genetically-predisposed individuals. In PBC an altered enteric microbiome may affect intestinal motility, immunological function and bile secretion. Patients with PSC have a gut microbial profile different from health as well as from patients with inflammatory bowel disease without PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Epatocentro Ticino and Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli,
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diego Vergani
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Adil N, Siddiqui AJ, Musharraf SG. Metabolomics‐based Researches in Autoimmune Liver Disease: A
Mini‐Review. Scand J Immunol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/sji.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nurmeen Adil
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences University of Karachi Karachi Pakistan
| | - Amna Jabbar Siddiqui
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences University of Karachi Karachi Pakistan
| | - Syed Ghulam Musharraf
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences University of Karachi Karachi Pakistan
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences University of Karachi Karachi Pakistan
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15
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Challenges and opportunities in achieving effective regulatory T cell therapy in autoimmune liver disease. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:461-474. [PMID: 35641679 PMCID: PMC9256571 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00940-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). These immune-mediated liver diseases involve a break down in peripheral self-tolerance with largely unknown aetiology. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial in maintaining immunological tolerance. Hence, Treg immunotherapy is an attractive therapeutic option in AILD. Currently, AILD do not have a curative treatment option and patients take life-long immunosuppression or bile acids to control hepatic or biliary inflammation. Clinical investigations using good manufacturing practice (GMP) Treg in autoimmune liver disease have thus far demonstrated that Treg therapy is safe and that Treg migrate to inflamed liver tissue. For Treg immunotherapy to achieve efficacy in AILD, Treg must be retained within the liver and maintain their suppressive phenotype to dampen ongoing immune responses to hepatocytes and biliary epithelium. Therefore, therapeutic Treg subsets should be selected for tissue residency markers and maximal functionality. Optimisation of dosing regime and understanding longevity of Treg in vivo are critical to successful Treg therapy. It is also essential to consider combination therapy options to complement infused Treg, for instance low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) to support pre-existing and infused Treg survival and suppressive function. Understanding the hepatic microenvironment in both early- and late-stage AILD presents significant opportunity to better tailor Treg therapy in different patient groups. Modification of a hostile microenvironment to a more favourable one either prior to or during Treg therapy could enhance the efficacy and longevity of infused GMP-Treg. Applying recent technology to discovery of autoantigen responses in AILD, T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology represents the next frontier for disease-specific CAR-Treg therapies. Consideration of all these aspects in future trials and discovery research would position GMP Treg immunotherapy as a viable personalised-medicine treatment option for effective control of autoimmune liver diseases.
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16
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Trussoni CE, O'Hara SP, LaRusso NF. Cellular senescence in the cholangiopathies: a driver of immunopathology and a novel therapeutic target. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:527-544. [PMID: 35178659 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00909-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cholangiopathies are a group of liver diseases that affect cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells that line the bile ducts. Biliary atresia (BA), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are three cholangiopathies with significant immune-mediated pathogenesis where chronic inflammation and fibrosis lead to obliteration of bile ducts and eventual liver cirrhosis. Cellular senescence is a state of cell cycle arrest in which cells become resistant to apoptosis and profusely secrete a bioactive secretome. Recent evidence indicates that cholangiocyte senescence contributes to the pathogenesis of BA, PBC, and PSC. This review explores the role of cholangiocyte senescence in BA, PBC, and PSC, ascertains how cholangiocyte senescence may promote a senescence-associated immunopathology in these cholangiopathies, and provides the rationale for therapeutically targeting senescence as a treatment option for BA, PBC, and PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy E Trussoni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Mayo Clinic Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Steven P O'Hara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Mayo Clinic Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas F LaRusso
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Mayo Clinic Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. .,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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17
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Wang Y, Li L, Li J, Zhao B, Huang G, Li X, Xie Z, Zhou Z. The Emerging Role of m6A Modification in Regulating the Immune System and Autoimmune Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:755691. [PMID: 34869344 PMCID: PMC8635162 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.755691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, RNA modifications have rapidly emerged as an indispensable topic in epitranscriptomics. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), namely, methylation at the sixth position of an adenine base in an RNA molecule, is the most prevalent RNA modification in both coding and noncoding RNAs. m6A has emerged as a crucial posttranscriptional regulator involved in both physiological and pathological processes. Based on accumulating evidence, m6A participates in the pathogenesis of immune-related diseases by regulating both innate and adaptive immune cells through various mechanisms. Autoimmune diseases are caused by a self-destructive immune response in the setting of genetic and environmental factors, and recent studies have discovered that m6A may play an essential role in the development of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we focus on the important role of m6A modification in biological functions and highlight its contributions to immune cells and the development of autoimmune diseases, thereby providing promising epitranscriptomic targets for preventing and treating autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lifang Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gan Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xia Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiguo Xie
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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18
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Highton AJ, Schuster IS, Degli-Esposti MA, Altfeld M. The role of natural killer cells in liver inflammation. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:519-533. [PMID: 34230995 PMCID: PMC8260327 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00877-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The liver is an important immunological site that can promote immune tolerance or activation. Natural killer (NK) cells are a major immune subset within the liver, and therefore understanding their role in liver homeostasis and inflammation is crucial. Due to their cytotoxic function, NK cells are important in the immune response against hepatotropic viral infections but are also involved in the inflammatory processes of autoimmune liver diseases and fatty liver disease. Whether NK cells primarily promote pro-inflammatory or tolerogenic responses is not known for many liver diseases. Understanding the involvement of NK cells in liver inflammation will be crucial in effective treatment and future immunotherapeutic targeting of NK cells in these disease settings. Here, we explore the role that NK cells play in inflammation of the liver in the context of viral infection, autoimmunity and fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Highton
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - I S Schuster
- Experimental and Viral Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - M A Degli-Esposti
- Experimental and Viral Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - M Altfeld
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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19
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Liu M, Liang S, Zhang C. NK Cells in Autoimmune Diseases: Protective or Pathogenic? Front Immunol 2021; 12:624687. [PMID: 33777006 PMCID: PMC7994264 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.624687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases generally result from the loss of self-tolerance (i.e., failure of the immune system to distinguish self from non-self), and are characterized by autoantibody production and hyperactivation of T cells, which leads to damage of specific or multiple organs. Thus, autoimmune diseases can be classified as organ-specific or systemic. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of autoimmunity. Recent studies have demonstrated the contribution of innate immunity to the onset of autoimmune diseases. Natural killer (NK) cells, which are key components of the innate immune system, have been implicated in the development of multiple autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune liver disease. However, NK cells have both protective and pathogenic roles in autoimmunity depending on the NK cell subset, microenvironment, and disease type or stage. In this work, we review the current knowledge of the varied roles of NK cell subsets in systemic and organic-specific autoimmune diseases and their clinical potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meifang Liu
- Key Lab for Immunology in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shujuan Liang
- Key Lab for Immunology in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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20
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Hydes T, Khakoo SI. A spotlight on natural killer cells in primary biliary cholangitis. J Hepatol 2021; 74:254-255. [PMID: 33069496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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21
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Innate lymphocytes: pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of liver diseases and cancer. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 18:57-72. [PMID: 33041339 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00561-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a lymphoid organ with unique immunological properties, particularly, its predominant innate immune system. The balance between immune tolerance and immune activity is critical to liver physiological functions and is responsible for the sensitivity of this organ to numerous diseases, including hepatotropic virus infection, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver disease, and liver cancer, which are major health problems globally. In the past decade, with the discovery of liver-resident natural killer cells, the importance of innate lymphocytes with tissue residency has gradually become the focus of research. In this review, we address the current knowledge regarding hepatic innate lymphocytes with unique characteristics, including NK cells, ILC1/2/3s, NKT cells, γδ T cells, and MAIT cells, and their potential roles in liver homeostasis maintenance and the progression of liver diseases and cancer. A better understanding of the immunopathogenesis of hepatic innate lymphocytes will be helpful for proposing effective treatments for liver diseases and cancer.
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22
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Salem ML, El-Naggar SA, Mobasher MA, Elgharabawy RM. The Toll-Like Receptor 3 Agonist Polyriboinosinic Polyribocytidylic Acid Increases the Numbers of NK Cells with Distinct Phenotype in the Liver of B6 Mice. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:2489407. [PMID: 32211442 PMCID: PMC7077049 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2489407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the activating factors of the cells of the innate immune system is the agonists of toll-like receptors (TLRs). Our earlier publications detailed how poly(I:C), a TLR3 agonist, elevates the NK cell population and the associated antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses. This study involved a single treatment of the B6 mice with poly(I:C) intraperitoneally. To perform a detailed phenotypic analysis, mononuclear cells were prepared from each of the liver, peripheral blood, and spleen. These cells were then examined for their NK cell population by flow cytometric analysis following cell staining with indicated antibodies. The findings of the study showed that the NK cell population of the liver with an NK1.1highCD11bhighCD11chigh B220+Ly6G- phenotype was elevated following the treatment with poly(I:C). In the absence of CD11b molecule (CR3-/- mice), poly(I:C) can still increase the remained numbers of NK cells with NK1.1+CD11b- and NK1.1+Ly6G- phenotypes in the liver while their numbers in the blood decrease. After the treatment with anti-AGM1 Ab, which induced depletion of NK1.1+CD11b+ cells and partial depletion of CD3+NK1.1+ and NK1.1+CD11b- cell populations, poly(I:C) normalized the partial decreases in the numbers of NK cells concomitant with increased numbers of NK1.1-CD11b+ cell population in both liver and blood. Regarding mice with a TLR3-/- phenotype, their injection with poly(I:C) resulted in the partial elevation in the NK cell population as compared to wild-type B6 mice. To summarise, the TLR3 agonist poly(I:C) results in the elevation of a subset of liver NK cells expressing the two myeloid markers CD11c and CD11b. The effect of poly(I:C) on NK cells is partially dependent on TLR3 and independent of the presence of CD11b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed L. Salem
- Immunology and Biotechnology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, New Tanta University Teaching Hospital, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Sabry A. El-Naggar
- Immunology and Biotechnology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, New Tanta University Teaching Hospital, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Maysa A. Mobasher
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, El Ahrar Educational Hospital, Ministry of Health, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Rehab M. Elgharabawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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23
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Hydes TJ, Blunt MD, Naftel J, Vallejo AF, Seumois G, Wang A, Vijayanand P, Polak ME, Khakoo SI. Constitutive Activation of Natural Killer Cells in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2633. [PMID: 31803181 PMCID: PMC6874097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that interface with the adaptive immune system to generate a pro-inflammatory immune environment. Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a hepatic autoimmune disorder with extrahepatic associations including systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome and thyroiditis. Immunogenetic studies have identified polymorphisms of the IL-12/STAT4 pathway as being associated with PBC. As this pathway is important for NK cell function we investigated NK cells in PBC. Circulating NK cells from individuals with PBC were constitutively activated, with higher levels of CD49a and the liver-homing marker, CXCR6, compared to participants with non-autoimmune chronic liver disease and healthy controls. Stimulation with minimal amounts of IL-12 (0.005 ng/ml) led to significant upregulation of CXCR6 (p < 0.005), and enhanced IFNγ production (p < 0.02) on NK cells from PBC patients compared to individuals with non-autoimmune chronic liver disease, indicating dysregulation of the IL-12/STAT4 axis. In RNAseq studies, resting NK cells from PBC patients had a constitutively activated transcriptional profile and upregulation of genes associated with IL-12/STAT4 signaling and metabolic reprogramming. Consistent with these findings, resting NK cells from PBC patients expressed higher levels of pSTAT4 compared to control groups (p < 0.001 vs. healthy controls and p < 0.05 vs. liver disease controls). In conclusion NK cells in PBC are sensitive to minute quantities of IL-12 and have a “primed” phenotype. We therefore propose that peripheral priming of NK cells to express tissue-homing markers may contribute to the pathophysiology of PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa J Hydes
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew D Blunt
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Naftel
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Andres F Vallejo
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Grégory Seumois
- Department of Medicine, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Alice Wang
- Department of Medicine, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Pandurangan Vijayanand
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Marta E Polak
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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24
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Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D, Vierling JM, Adams D, Alpini G, Banales JM, Beuers U, Björnsson E, Bowlus C, Carbone M, Chazouillères O, Dalekos G, De Gottardi A, Harada K, Hirschfield G, Invernizzi P, Jones D, Krawitt E, Lanzavecchia A, Lian ZX, Ma X, Manns M, Mavilio D, Quigley EM, Sallusto F, Shimoda S, Strazzabosco M, Swain M, Tanaka A, Trauner M, Tsuneyama K, Zigmond E, Gershwin ME. The challenges of primary biliary cholangitis: What is new and what needs to be done. J Autoimmun 2019; 105:102328. [PMID: 31548157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is an uncommon, chronic, cholangiopathy of autoimmune origin and unknown etiology characterized by positive anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA), female preponderance and progression to cirrhosis if left untreated. The diagnosis is based on AMA- or PBC-specific anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)-positivity in the presence of a cholestatic biochemical profile, histologic confirmation being mandatory only in seronegative cases. First-line treatment is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is effective in preventing disease progression in about two thirds of the patients. The only approved second-line treatment is obeticholic acid. This article summarizes the most relevant conclusions of a meeting held in Lugano, Switzerland, from September 23rd-25th 2018, gathering basic and clinical scientists with various background from around the world to discuss the latest advances in PBC research. The meeting was dedicated to Ian Mackay, pioneer in the field of autoimmune liver diseases. The role of liver histology needs to be reconsidered: liver pathology consistent with PBC in AMA-positive individuals without biochemical cholestasis is increasingly reported, raising the question as to whether biochemical cholestasis is a reliable disease marker for both clinical practice and trials. The urgent need for new biomarkers, including more accurate markers of cholestasis, was also widely discussed during the meeting. Moreover, new insights in interactions of bile acids with biliary epithelia in PBC provide solid evidence of a role for impaired epithelial protection against potentially toxic hydrophobic bile acids, raising the fundamental question as to whether this bile acid-induced epithelial damage is the cause or the consequence of the autoimmune attack to the biliary epithelium. Strategies are needed to identify difficult-to-treat patients at an early disease stage, when new therapeutic approaches targeting immunologic pathways, in addition to bile acid-based therapies, may be effective. In conclusion, using interdisciplinary approaches, groundbreaking advances can be expected before long in respect to our understanding of the etiopathogenesis of PBC, with the ultimate aim of improving its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland; Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK; European Reference Network ERN RARE-LIVER.
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - John M Vierling
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Adams
- Birmingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental SciencesMedical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Indiana Center for Liver Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), CIBERehd, Ikerbasque, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- European Reference Network ERN RARE-LIVER; Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Einar Björnsson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali the National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Christopher Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine, Monza, Italy
| | - Olivier Chazouillères
- European Reference Network ERN RARE-LIVER; Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - George Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Research, Laboratory of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Andrea De Gottardi
- European Reference Network ERN RARE-LIVER; Epatocentro Ticino & Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale and Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Gideon Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- European Reference Network ERN RARE-LIVER; Division Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine, Monza, Italy
| | - David Jones
- Institute of Cellular Medicine and NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Edward Krawitt
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | | | - Zhe-Xiong Lian
- Institutes for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Michael Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Eamon Mm Quigley
- Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Federica Sallusto
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Shinji Shimoda
- Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mark Swain
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Ehud Zigmond
- Research Center for Digestive Tract and Liver Diseases, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, USA.
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25
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Arsenijevic A, Milovanovic J, Stojanovic B, Djordjevic D, Stanojevic I, Jankovic N, Vojvodic D, Arsenijevic N, Lukic ML, Milovanovic M. Gal-3 Deficiency Suppresses Novosphyngobium aromaticivorans Inflammasome Activation and IL-17 Driven Autoimmune Cholangitis in Mice. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1309. [PMID: 31231399 PMCID: PMC6568238 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gal-3 has the role in multiple inflammatory pathways. Multiple-hit etiology of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and evolving immune response at various stages of the disease includes involvement of Gal-3 in PBC pathogenesis. In this study we aimed to clarify the role of Gal-3 in Novosphingobium aromaticivorans (N. aromaticivorans) induced biliary disease. Autoimmune cholangitis was induced in mice by two intra-peritoneal injections of N. aromaticivorans within 2 weeks. The role of Gal-3 was evaluated by using Lgals3−/− mice and mice treated with Gal-3 inhibitor. The histological and serological parameters of disease, phenotype of dendritic, NK, NKT, and T cells and inflammasome expression were evaluated. Marked attenuation of the disease in Lgals3−/− and Gal-3 inhibitor, DAVANAT®, treated mice is manifested by the absence of bile duct damage, granulomas and fibrosis. Liver infiltrates of N. aromaticivorans infected wild type mice had higher incidence of pro-inflammatory macrophages, dendritic cells, NK, NKT, and T cells. Lgals3 deletion and treatment with Gal-3 inhibitor reduced inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltrate, expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in the liver infiltrates and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production in the livers of N. aromaticivorans infected mice. In vitro stimulation of wild type peritoneal macrophages with N. aromaticivorans caused increased NLRP3 expression, caspase-1 activity and IL-1β production compared with Lgals3−/− cells. Our data highlight the importance of Gal-3 in promotion of inflammation in N. aromaticivorans induced PBC by enhancing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and production of IL-1β and indicate Gal-3 as possible therapeutical target in autoimmune cholangitis. Galectin-3 appears involved in inflammatory response to gut commensal leading to PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Arsenijevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Jelena Milovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Histology, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Bojana Stojanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dragana Djordjevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan Stanojevic
- Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nenad Jankovic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Danilo Vojvodic
- Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nebojsa Arsenijevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miodrag L Lukic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marija Milovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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26
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Immunological abnormalities in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:741-760. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20181123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease occurring predominantly in women, is characterized by high titers of serum anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) and progressive intrahepatic cholestasis. The immune system plays a critical role in PBC pathogenesis and a variety of immune cell subsets have been shown to infiltrate the portal tract areas of patients with PBC. Amongst the participating immune cells, CD4 T cells are important cytokine-producing cells that foster an inflammatory microenvironment. Specifically, these cells orchestrate activation of other immune cells, including autoreactive effector CD8 T cells that cause biliary epithelial cell (BEC) injury and B cells that produce large quantities of AMAs. Meanwhile, other immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, monocytes, and macrophages are also important in PBC pathogenesis. Activation of these cells initiates and perpetuates bile duct damage in PBC patients, leading to intrahepatic cholestasis, hepatic damage, liver fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis or even liver failure. Taken together, the body of accumulated clinical and experimental evidence has enhanced our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of PBC and suggests that immunotherapy may be a promising treatment option. Herein, we summarize current knowledge regarding immunological abnormalities of PBC patients, with emphasis on underlying pathogenic mechanisms. The differential immune response which occurs over decades of disease activity suggests that different therapies may be needed at different stages of disease.
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27
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Liver-resident NK cells suppress autoimmune cholangitis and limit the proliferation of CD4 + T cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2019; 17:178-189. [PMID: 30874628 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-019-0199-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver-resident NK cells are distinct from conventional NK cells and play an important role in the maintenance of liver homeostasis. How liver-resident NK cells participate in autoimmune cholangitis remains unclear. Here, we extensively investigated the impact of NK cells in the pathogenesis of autoimmune cholangitis utilizing the well-established dnTGFβRII cholangitis model, NK cell-deficient (Nfil3-/-) mice, adoptive transfer and in vivo antibody-mediated NK cell depletion. Our data demonstrated that disease progression was associated with a significantly reduced frequency of hepatic NK cells. Depletion of NK cells resulted in exacerbated autoimmune cholangitis in dnTGFβRII mice. We further confirmed that the DX5-CD11chi liver-resident NK cell subset colocalized with CD4+ T cells and inhibited CD4+ T cell proliferation. Gene expression microarray analysis demonstrated that liver-resident NK cells had a distinct gene expression pattern consisting of the increased expression of genes involved in negative regulatory functions in the context of the inflammatory microenvironment.
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28
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Tang YM, Yu HY. Progress in research of mechanism of biliary epithelial cell injury in primary biliary cholangitis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2019; 27:36-42. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v27.i1.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by chronic biliary cholestasis and progressive intrahepatic and small bile duct non- suppurative inflammation with early infiltration of inflammatory cells around biliary epithelial cells (BECs). BECs lining the bile duct express multiple receptors for pathogen-associated molecular patterns and can activate intracellular signaling pathways and participate in immune regulation. The etiology and pathogenesis of PBC are not fully understood yet, but the key step found in its pathogenesis is the targeted destruction of biliary cells. Since bile duct epithelial cells participate in a series of intrahepatic immune regulation processes, bile duct epithelial cell injury is an important mechanism involved in the development of intrahepatic inflammation in PBC. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of BEC injury can help us find some new targets for the treatment of PBC. This article briefly reviews the progress in the research of mechanism of biliary epithelial cell injury in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Mei Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Hai-Yan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650101, Yunnan Province, China
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29
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Tanaka A, Leung PSC, Gershwin ME. Pathogen infections and primary biliary cholangitis. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 195:25-34. [PMID: 30099750 PMCID: PMC6300644 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a multi-factorial disease caused by the interaction of both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Bacterial infection has been investigated most intensively, both epidemiologically and experimentally, as a prime environmental aetiology in PBC. The association of recurrent history of urinary tract infection (UTI) with PBC has been frequently confirmed by several large-scale, case-control studies, despite variation in geographic area or case-finding methods. Escherichia coli is a predominant pathogen in most cases with UTI. Animal studies and molecular mimicry analysis between the human and E. coli E2 subunit of the 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase complexes demonstrated that E. coli infection is a key factor in breaking immunological tolerance against the mitochondria, resulting in the production of anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA), the disease-specific autoantibodies of PBC. Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, a ubiquitous xenobiotic-metabolizing bacterium, is another candidate which may be involved in the aetiology of PBC. Meanwhile, improved environmental hygiene and increased prevalence of PBC, especially in males, may argue against the aetiological role of bacterial infection in PBC. Multiple mechanisms can result in the loss of tolerance to mitochondrial autoantigens in PBC; nonetheless, bacterial infection is probably one of the dominant pathways, especially in female patients. Notably, there is a rising prevalence of male patients with PBC. With increasing exposure to environmental xenobiotics in both genders, studies directed towards identifying the environmental culprit with systematically designed case-control studies are much needed to further determine the environmental factors and role of bacterial infections in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Tanaka
- Department of MedicineTeikyo University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - P. S. C. Leung
- Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California School of MedicineDavisCAUSA
| | - M. E. Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California School of MedicineDavisCAUSA
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30
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Rodrigues PM, Perugorria MJ, Santos-Laso A, Bujanda L, Beuers U, Banales JM. Primary biliary cholangitis: A tale of epigenetically-induced secretory failure? J Hepatol 2018; 69:1371-1383. [PMID: 30193962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease associated with autoimmune-related destruction of small to medium size intrahepatic bile ducts. The aetiology of PBC is unknown and its pathogenesis remains obscure. Both genetic variants and environmental factors have been linked to increased PBC susceptibility, with other alterations known to cooperate in disease pathobiology. Increasing evidence indicates the presence of epigenetic abnormalities in PBC, particularly alterations of cholangiocellular microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs). This review highlights and discusses the most relevant epigenetic alterations found in patients with PBC, focusing on the role of miR-506 in the promotion of cholestasis and immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Rodrigues
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maria J Perugorria
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, "Instituto de Salud Carlos III"), Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Alvaro Santos-Laso
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Luis Bujanda
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, "Instituto de Salud Carlos III"), Spain
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research and Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, "Instituto de Salud Carlos III"), Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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31
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Isayama H, Tazuma S, Kokudo N, Tanaka A, Tsuyuguchi T, Nakazawa T, Notohara K, Mizuno S, Akamatsu N, Serikawa M, Naitoh I, Hirooka Y, Wakai T, Itoi T, Ebata T, Okaniwa S, Kamisawa T, Kawashima H, Kanno A, Kubota K, Tabata M, Unno M, Takikawa H. Clinical guidelines for primary sclerosing cholangitis 2017. J Gastroenterol 2018; 53:1006-1034. [PMID: 29951926 PMCID: PMC8930933 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-018-1484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is relatively rare disease and pathogenesis and methods of treatments were still not established. Then, we had conducted the making clinical guidelines to manage patients with PSC based on the literature review and expert opinions. These clinical guidelines were made for the medical doctors on the management of PSC, except child case of PSC. METHODS We had employed modified Delphi method. The production committee decided guidelines, strength of recommendations and evidence level after reviewed literatures systematically, and The Expert panel evaluated those. The Scientific Committee of the Japan Biliary Association (JBA) evaluated revised guidelines, and the Public comments were collected on web site of JBA. RESULTS We had made 16 guidelines about epidemiology/pathophysiology, diagnostics, therapy and prognosis. Also, we had made both diagnostic and therapeutic flow chart. CONCLUSIONS We hope that these guidelines will contribute to the improvement and development of the medical care of PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Isayama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Susumu Tazuma
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- Department of Surgery, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Tsuyuguchi
- Department of Medicine and Gastroenterology, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakazawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daini Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenji Notohara
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Suguru Mizuno
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhisa Akamatsu
- Artificial Organ and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Serikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Itaru Naitoh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Hirooka
- Department of Endoscopy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Wakai
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takao Itoi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Ebata
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Okaniwa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Iida Municipal Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Terumi Kamisawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Komagome Metropolitan Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawashima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kanno
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kubota
- Second Department of Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masami Tabata
- Department of Surgery, Matsusaka Central General Hospital, Matsusaka, Mie, Japan
| | - Michiaki Unno
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hajime Takikawa
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Czaja AJ. Under-Evaluated or Unassessed Pathogenic Pathways in Autoimmune Hepatitis and Implications for Future Management. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:1706-1725. [PMID: 29671161 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5072-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is a consequence of perturbations in homeostatic mechanisms that maintain self-tolerance but are incompletely understood. The goals of this review are to describe key pathogenic pathways that have been under-evaluated or unassessed in autoimmune hepatitis, describe insights that may shape future therapies, and encourage investigational efforts. The T cell immunoglobulin mucin proteins constitute a family that modulates immune tolerance by limiting the survival of immune effector cells, clearing apoptotic bodies, and expanding the population of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Galectins influence immune cell migration, activation, proliferation, and survival, and T cell exhaustion can be induced and exploited as a possible management strategy. The programmed cell death-1 protein and its ligands comprise an antigen-independent inhibitory axis that can limit the performance of activated T cells by altering their metabolism, and epigenetic changes can silence pro-inflammatory genes or de-repress anti-inflammatory genes that affect disease severity. Changes in the intestinal microbiota and permeability of the intestinal mucosal barrier can be causative or consequential events that affect the occurrence and phenotype of immune-mediated disease, and they may help explain the female propensity for autoimmune hepatitis. Perturbations within these homeostatic mechanisms have been implicated in experimental models and limited clinical experiences, and they have been favorably manipulated by monoclonal antibodies, recombinant molecules, pharmacological agents or dietary supplements. In conclusion, pathogenic mechanisms that have been implicated in other systemic immune-mediated and liver diseases but under-evaluated or unassessed in autoimmune hepatitis warrant consideration and rigorous evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Huang X, Lu B, Li M, Fan Y, Zhang L. IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis overlapping with primary biliary cirrhosis and primary Sjögren's syndrome: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e11303. [PMID: 29953016 PMCID: PMC6039603 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000011303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic fibro-inflammatory disorder which is characterized by elevated levels of serum IgG4 and infiltration of IgG4-bearing plasma cells in the involved organs. Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) are both distinct from IgG4-related disease. We herein describe a Chinese patient with IgG4-related RPF overlapping with PBC and pSS. PATIENT CONCERNS We report a case of 69-year-old male with recurrent lower abdominal pain for 10 months. Laboratory data showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and hepatobiliary enzymes, renal dysfunction, high titers of antinuclear antibody, anti-SS-A antibody and anti-mitochondrial type 2, high immunoglobulin (Ig) G levels and elevated serum IgG4 (9 g/L). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were suggestive of retroperitoneal fibrosis and unilateral ureteral occlusion. Immunohistochemical staining for IgG4 did not demonstrate infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the retroperitoneal mass, but revealed significant infiltration of lymphocytoplasma cells as well as fibrosis and fibrin accumulation. DIAGNOSES The patient was diagnosed with IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis based on the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria. He was also diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis and primary Sjögren's syndrome. INTERVENTIONS 250 mg ursodeoxycholic acid was administered twice daily, and prednisolone was initiated at a dose of 40 mg/day and then tapered to 25 mg after 45 days. OUTCOMES The size of the retroperitoneal soft tissue mass gradually reduced and the abnormal laboratory parameters were restored to normal. LESSONS This rare clinical condition has seldom been reported in the literature, which suggests that common immunogenetic factors may be involved in the development of IgG-related RPF, PBC and pSS.
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Xiao F, Ai G, Yan W, Wan X, Luo X, Ning Q. Intrahepatic recruitment of cytotoxic NK cells contributes to autoimmune hepatitis progression. Cell Immunol 2018; 327:13-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Zheng M, Sun H, Tian Z. Natural killer cells in liver diseases. Front Med 2018; 12:269-279. [PMID: 29675689 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-018-0621-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver has been characterized as a frontline lymphoid organ with complex immunological features such as liver immunity and liver tolerance. Liver tolerance plays an important role in liver diseases including acute inflammation, chronic infection, autoimmune disease, and tumors. The liver contains a large proportion of natural killer (NK) cells, which exhibit heterogeneity in phenotypic and functional characteristics. NK cell activation, well known for its role in the immune surveillance against tumor and pathogen-infected cells, depends on the balance between numerous activating and inhibitory signals. In addition to the innate direct "killer" functions, NK cell activity contributes to regulate innate and adaptive immunity (helper or regulator). Under the setting of liver diseases, NK cells are of great importance for stimulating or inhibiting immune responses, leading to either immune activation or immune tolerance. Here, we focus on the relationship between NK cell biology, such as their phenotypic features and functional diversity, and liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijuan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Haoyu Sun
- Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
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NK cell subsets in autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2017; 83:22-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Abstract
Although natural killer (NK) cells were initially named for their spontaneous tumor-killing capacity, their concept has been greatly expanded with more than 40 years of extensive investigation. Currently, NK cells are known as a heterogeneous population of innate lymphoid cell (ILC) family, consisting of different subsets with unique phenotypic and functional features. Recent studies have shown that tissue-resident NK (trNK) cells, which are distinct from conventional NK (cNK) cells, preferentially distribute in non-lymphoid tissues, such as the liver, uterus, salivary gland, and adipose. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge about the phenotype, function and development of trNK cells across different tissues and describe the similarities and differences between diverse trNK cells and cNK cells, with a particular focus on the tissue-specific characteristics of different trNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Peng
- Institute of Immunology and The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China.
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Institute of Immunology and The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China.
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Tanakaa A, Leung PS, Young HA, Gershwin ME. Toward solving the etiological mystery of primary biliary cholangitis. Hepatol Commun 2017; 1:275-287. [PMID: 29057387 PMCID: PMC5646686 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is considered a model autoimmune disease due to its signature anti‐mitochondrial antibody (AMA) autoantibody, female predominance, and relatively specific portal infiltration and cholestasis. The identification and cloning of the major mitochondrial autoantigens recognized by AMA have served as an immunologic platform to identify the earliest events involved in loss of tolerance. Despite the relatively high concordance rate in identical twins, genome‐wide association studies have not proven clinically useful and have led to suggestions of epigenetic events. To understand the natural history and etiology of PBC, several murine models have been developed, including spontaneous models, models induced by chemical xenobiotic immunization, and by “designer” mice with altered interferon metabolism. Herein, we describe five such models, including 1) NOD.c3c4 mice, 2) dominant negative form of transforming growth factor receptor type II mice, 3) interleukin‐2R α−/− mice, 4) adenylate‐uridylate‐rich element Del−/− mice, and 5) 2‐octynoic acid‐conjugated bovine serum albumin immunized mice. Individually there is no perfect murine model, but collectively the models point to loss of tolerance to PDC‐E2, the major mitochondrial autoantigen, as the earliest event that occurs before clinical disease is manifest. Although there is no direct association of AMA titer and PBC disease progression, it is noteworthy that the triad of PBC monocytes, biliary apotopes, and AMA leads to an intense proinflammatory cytokine burst. Further, the recurrence of PBC after liver transplantation indicates that, due to major histocompatibility complex restriction, disease activity must include not only adaptive immunity but also innate immune mechanisms. We postulate that successful treatment of PBC may require a personalized approach with therapies designed for different stages of disease. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:275–287)
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanakaa
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Patrick Sc Leung
- Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Howard A Young
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
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Tosello-Trampont A, Surette FA, Ewald SE, Hahn YS. Immunoregulatory Role of NK Cells in Tissue Inflammation and Regeneration. Front Immunol 2017; 8:301. [PMID: 28373874 PMCID: PMC5357635 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells represent an important first line of defense against viral infection and cancer and are also involved in tissue homeostasis. Studies of NK cell activation in the last decade have revealed that they are able to respond to the inflammatory stimuli evoked by tissue damage and contribute to both progression and resolution of diseases. Exacerbation of the inflammatory response through interactions between immune effector cells facilitates the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) into steatosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). When hepatic damage is incurred, macrophage activation is crucial for initiating cross talk with neighboring cells present in the liver, including hepatocytes and NK cells, and the importance of this interaction in shaping the immune response in liver disease is increasingly recognized. Inflicted structural damage can be in part regenerated via the process of self-limiting fibrosis, though persistent hepatic damage will lead to chronic fibrosis and loss of tissue organization and function. The cytotoxic activity of NK cells plays an important role in inducing hepatic stellate cell apoptosis and thus curtailing the progression of fibrosis. Alternatively, in some diseases, such as HCC, NK cells may become dysregulated, promoting an immunosuppressive state where tumors are able to escape immune surveillance. This review describes the current understanding of the contributions of NK cells to tissue inflammation and metabolic liver diseases and the ongoing effort to develop therapeutics that target the immunoregulatory function of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fionna A Surette
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research , Charlottesville, VA , USA
| | - Sarah E Ewald
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Young S Hahn
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The liver has a number of functions in innate immunity. These functions predispose the liver to innate immune-mediated liver injury when inflammation goes unchecked. Significant progress has been made in the last 25 years on sterile inflammatory liver injury in a number of models; however, a great deal of controversy and many questions about the nature of sterile inflammation still exist. AIM The goal of this article is to review sterile inflammatory liver injury using both a basic approach to what constitutes the inflammatory injury, and through examination of current models of liver injury and inflammation. This information will be tied to human patient conditions when appropriate. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS Inflammation is one of the most critical factors for managing in-patient liver disease in a number of scenarios. More information is needed for both scientists and clinicians to develop rational treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Woolbright
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Hartmut Jaeschke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Tsuneyama K, Baba H, Morimoto Y, Tsunematsu T, Ogawa H. Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Its Pathological Characteristics and Immunopathological Mechanisms. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2017; 64:7-13. [DOI: 10.2152/jmi.64.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School
| | - Hayato Baba
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School
| | - Yuki Morimoto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School
| | - Takaaki Tsunematsu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School
| | - Hirohisa Ogawa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School
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42
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Brown DL. Immunopathology of the Hepatobiliary System. MOLECULAR AND INTEGRATIVE TOXICOLOGY 2017:329-417. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-47385-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
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43
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Kiziltas S. Toll-like receptors in pathophysiology of liver diseases. World J Hepatol 2016; 8:1354-1369. [PMID: 27917262 PMCID: PMC5114472 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v8.i32.1354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that participate in host defense by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns alongside inflammatory processes by recognizing damage associated molecular patterns. Given constant exposure to pathogens from gut, strict control of TLR-associated signaling pathways is essential in the liver, which otherwise may lead to inappropriate production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and interferons and may generate a predisposition to several autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. The liver is considered to be a site of tolerance induction rather than immunity induction, with specificity in hepatic cell functions and distribution of TLR. Recent data emphasize significant contribution of TLR signaling in chronic liver diseases via complex immune responses mediating hepatocyte (i.e., hepatocellular injury and regeneration) or hepatic stellate cell (i.e., fibrosis and cirrhosis) inflammatory or immune pathologies. Herein, we review the available data on TLR signaling, hepatic expression of TLRs and associated ligands, as well as the contribution of TLRs to the pathophysiology of hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safak Kiziltas
- Safak Kiziltas, Department of Gastroenterology, Baskent University Istanbul Hospital, 34662 Istanbul, Turkey
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44
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Czaja AJ. Factoring the intestinal microbiome into the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:9257-9278. [PMID: 27895415 PMCID: PMC5107691 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i42.9257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal microbiome is a reservoir of microbial antigens and activated immune cells. The aims of this review were to describe the role of the intestinal microbiome in generating innate and adaptive immune responses, indicate how these responses contribute to the development of systemic immune-mediated diseases, and encourage investigations that improve the understanding and management of autoimmune hepatitis. Alterations in the composition of the intestinal microflora (dysbiosis) can disrupt intestinal and systemic immune tolerances for commensal bacteria. Toll-like receptors within the intestine can recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns and shape subsets of T helper lymphocytes that may cross-react with host antigens (molecular mimicry). Activated gut-derived lymphocytes can migrate to lymph nodes, and gut-derived microbial antigens can translocate to extra-intestinal sites. Inflammasomes can form within hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells, and they can drive the pro-inflammatory, immune-mediated, and fibrotic responses. Diet, designer probiotics, vitamin supplements, re-colonization methods, antibiotics, drugs that decrease intestinal permeability, and molecular interventions that block signaling pathways may emerge as adjunctive regimens that complement conventional immunosuppressive management. In conclusion, investigations of the intestinal microbiome are warranted in autoimmune hepatitis and promise to clarify pathogenic mechanisms and suggest alternative management strategies.
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Zhang Y, Tang J, Tian Z, van Velkinburgh JC, Song J, Wu Y, Ni B. Innate Lymphoid Cells: A Promising New Regulator in Fibrotic Diseases. Int Rev Immunol 2016. [PMID: 26222510 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2015.1068304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a consequence of chronic inflammation and the persistent accumulation of extracellular matrix, for which the cycle of tissue injury and repair becomes a predominant feature. Both the innate and adaptive immune systems play key roles in the progress of fibrosis. The recently identified subsets of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which are mainly localize to epithelial surfaces, have been characterized as regulators of chronic inflammation and tissue remodeling, representing a functional bridge between the innate and adaptive immunity. Moreover, recent research has implicated ILCs as potential contributing factors to several kinds of fibrosis diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we will summarize and discuss the key roles of ILCs and their related factors in fibrotic diseases and their potential for translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- a Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , PR China
| | - Jun Tang
- b Department of Dermatology , 105th Hospital of PLA , Hefei , PR China
| | - Zhiqiang Tian
- a Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , PR China
| | | | - Jianxun Song
- d Department of Microbiology and Immunology , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- a Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , PR China
| | - Bing Ni
- a Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , PR China
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Sakamoto T, Morishita A, Nomura T, Tani J, Miyoshi H, Yoneyama H, Iwama H, Himoto T, Masaki T. Identification of microRNA profiles associated with refractory primary biliary cirrhosis. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:3350-6. [PMID: 27511723 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, non-coding RNAs that control the target gene translation by RNA interference; miRNAs are associated with cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cell survival. Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of unknown etiology. One third of patients with PBC demonstrate suboptimal responses, which result in worse outcomes. It has been previously reported that miRNAs are involved in drug resistance, however, the association between miRNA expression levels and refractory PBC remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, among the 20 patients with PBC treated with ursodeoxycholic acid or bezafibrate, 15 patients were classed as treatment‑effective, and 5 were classed as being treatment‑resistant. Using the miRNA array technique, miRNA profiles were identified for each group. A total of 35 miRNAs were significantly upregulated, and 23 were significantly downregulated in the treatment‑resistant group compared with the treatment‑effective group. In order to examine the association between the highly altered miRNAs and clinical features of the two groups, numerous parameters were analyzed. Elevated levels of direct bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) were identified to be associated with miRNA‑122 upregulation. AST, ALT, and γ guanosine triphosphate were additionally associated with miRNA‑378f upregulation. However, the reduction of miRNA‑4311 was associated with reduced levels of AST and ALT. miRNA‑4714‑3p was also negatively correlated with total bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase. Therefore, identifying the miRNA profile was demonstrated to be a useful approach in the characterization of PBC development. It is suggested that highly altered miRNAs may be potential biomarkers for use in the development of treatment of patients with refractory PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki‑cho, Kagawa 761‑0793, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki‑cho, Kagawa 761‑0793, Japan
| | - Takako Nomura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki‑cho, Kagawa 761‑0793, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki‑cho, Kagawa 761‑0793, Japan
| | - Hisaaki Miyoshi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki‑cho, Kagawa 761‑0793, Japan
| | - Hirohiro Yoneyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki‑cho, Kagawa 761‑0793, Japan
| | - Hisakazu Iwama
- Life Science Research Center, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki‑cho, Kagawa 761‑0793, Japan
| | - Takashi Himoto
- Department of Medical Technology, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761‑0123, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki‑cho, Kagawa 761‑0793, Japan
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NK Cell Subtypes as Regulators of Autoimmune Liver Disease. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2016; 2016:6903496. [PMID: 27462349 PMCID: PMC4947642 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6903496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As major components of innate immunity, NK cells not only exert cell-mediated cytotoxicity to destroy tumors or infected cells, but also act to regulate the functions of other cells in the immune system by secreting cytokines and chemokines. Thus, NK cells provide surveillance in the early defense against viruses, intracellular bacteria, and cancer cells. However, the effecter function of NK cells must be exquisitely controlled to prevent inadvertent attack against normal “self” cells. In an organ such as the liver, where the distinction between immunotolerance and immune defense against routinely processed pathogens is critical, the plethora of NK cells has a unique role in the maintenance of homeostasis. Once self-tolerance is broken, autoimmune liver disease resulted. NK cells act as a “two-edged weapon” and even play opposite roles with both regulatory and inducer activities in the hepatic environment. That is, NK cells act not only to produce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, but also to alter the proliferation and activation of associated lymphocytes. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms at work in autoimmune liver diseases remain to be identified. In this review, we focus on recent research with NK cells and their potential role in the development of autoimmune liver disease.
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48
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Shimoda S, Tanaka A. It is time to change primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC): New nomenclature from "cirrhosis" to "cholangitis", and upcoming treatment based on unveiling pathology. Hepatol Res 2016; 46:407-15. [PMID: 26518139 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic, organ-specific, autoimmune liver disease characterized by progressive cholestasis, eventually leading to cirrhosis. Several lines of evidence have revealed a crucial role of adaptive as well as innate immune responses in the etiopathogenesis of PBC, and more recently, the biology of bile duct cells and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) demonstrated several key molecules and pathways in this enigmatic disease. Although ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been the only approved drug for PBC with clinical evidences for improvement of long-term outcomes, a substantial population have suboptimal responses to UDCA, resulting in unfavorable outcomes. In this regard, second-line treatment for patients refractory to UDCA is strongly awaited. In Japan, bezafibrate (BF) has been frequently used for this purpose, yet recent clinical trials failed to clearly demonstrate clinical efficacy of BF. Novel pharmacotherapies targeted to key molecules and pathways in PBC are upcoming. Finally, we sincerely call on all members of the Japan Society of Hepatology to use from this moment on the name "primary biliary cholangitis" for the disease known by its abbreviation PBC, in keeping with a very recent global agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Shimoda
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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49
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Wei JX, Tang YM. Primary biliary cirrhosis and natural immunity. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:699-705. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i5.699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by the destruction of small intrahepatic bile ducts. Complicated autoreactive responses participate in the development and progression of PBC, which involve various types of immune cells and inflammatory mediators. However, the mechanism of PBC pathogenesis is not yet clear. In this paper, we summarize the recent advances in research of PBC pathogenesis at the cellular level based mainly on the innate immunity.
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Exploring the Role of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptors and Their HLA Class I Ligands in Autoimmune Hepatitis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146086. [PMID: 26744892 PMCID: PMC4712907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer cells are involved in the complex mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases but few studies have investigated their role in autoimmune hepatitis. Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors are key regulators of natural killer cell-mediated immune responses. Methods and Findings KIR gene frequencies, KIR haplotypes, KIR ligands and combinations of KIRs and their HLA Class I ligands were investigated in 114 patients diagnosed with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and compared with a group of 221 healthy controls. HLA Class I and Class II antigen frequencies were compared to those of 551 healthy unrelated families representative of the Sardinian population. In our cohort, type 1 autoimmune hepatitis was strongly associated with the HLA-B18, Cw5, DR3 haplotype. The KIR2DS1 activating KIR gene and the high affinity HLA-C2 ligands were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Patients also had a reduced frequency of HLA-Bw4 ligands for KIR3DL1 and HLA-C1 ligands for KIR2DL3. Age at onset was significantly associated with the KIR2DS1 activating gene but not with HLA-C1 or HLA-C2 ligand groups. Conclusions The activating KIR gene KIR2DS1 resulted to have an important predictive potential for early onset of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. Additionally, the low frequency of the KIR-ligand combinations KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4 and KIR2DL3/HLA-C1 coupled to the high frequency of the HLA-C2 high affinity ligands for KIR2DS1 could contribute to unwanted NK cell autoreactivity in AIH-1.
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