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Gon Y, Kandou T, Tsuruyama T, Iwasaki T, Kitagori K, Murakami K, Nakashima R, Akizuki S, Morinobu A, Hikida M, Mimori T, Yoshifuji H. Increased number of T cells and exacerbated inflammatory pathophysiology in a human IgG4 knock-in MRL/lpr mouse model. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279389. [PMID: 36763580 PMCID: PMC9916631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 is an IgG subclass that can exhibit inhibitory functions under certain conditions because of its capacity to carry out Fab-arm exchange, inability to form immune complexes, and lack of antibody-dependent and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Although several diseases have been associated with IgG4, its role in the disease pathogeneses remains unclear. Since mice do not express an IgG subclass that is identical to the human IgG4 (hIgG4), we generated hIGHG4 knock-in (KI) mice and analyzed their phenotypes. To preserve the rearrangement of the variable, diversity, and joining regions in the IGH gene, we transfected a constant region of the hIGHG4 gene into C57BL/6NCrSlc mice by using a gene targeting method. Although the mRNA expression of hIGHG4 was detected in the murine spleen, the serum level of the hIgG4 protein was low in C57BL/6-IgG4KI mice. To enhance the production of IgG4, we established an MRL/lpr-IgG4KI mice model by backcrossing. These mice showed a high IgG4 concentration in the sera and increased populations of IgG4-positive plasma cells and CD3+B220+CD138+ T cells in the spleen. Moreover, these mice showed aggravated inflammation in organs, such as the salivary glands and stomach. The MRL/lpr-IgG4KI mouse model established in the present study might be useful for studying IgG4-related disease, IgG4-type antibody-related diseases, and allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Gon
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsugumitsu Kandou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuaki Tsuruyama
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Pathology Division, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasaki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koji Kitagori
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kosaku Murakami
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ran Nakashima
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuji Akizuki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Morinobu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Hikida
- Faculty of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Tsuneyo Mimori
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Ijinkai Takeda General Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hajime Yoshifuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Richard ML, Gilkeson G. Mouse models of lupus: what they tell us and what they don't. Lupus Sci Med 2018; 5:e000199. [PMID: 29387435 PMCID: PMC5786947 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2016-000199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lupus is a complex heterogeneous disease characterised by autoantibody production and immune complex deposition followed by damage to target tissues. Animal models of human diseases are an invaluable tool for defining pathogenic mechanisms and testing of novel therapeutic agents. There are perhaps more applicable murine models of lupus than any other human disease. There are spontaneous models of lupus, inducible models of lupus, transgenic-induced lupus, gene knockout induced lupus and humanised mouse models of lupus. These mouse models of lupus have contributed significantly to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of lupus and served as valuable preclinical models for proof of concept for new therapies. Despite their utility, mouse models of lupus have their distinct limitations. Although similar, mouse and human immune systems are different and thus one cannot assume a mechanism for disease in one is translatable to the other. Efficacy and toxicity of compounds can vary significantly between humans and mice, also limiting direct translation. Finally, the heterogeneous aspects of human lupus, both in clinical presentation, underlying pathogenesis and genetics, are not completely represented in current mouse models. Thus, proving a therapy or mechanism of disease in one mouse model is similar to proving a mechanism/therapy in a limited subset of human lupus. These limitations, however, do not marginalise the importance of animal models nor the significant contributions they have made to our understanding of lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gary Gilkeson
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Jeon YH, Choi YS. Follicular Helper T (Tfh) Cells in Autoimmune Diseases and Allograft Rejection. Immune Netw 2016; 16:219-32. [PMID: 27574501 PMCID: PMC5002448 DOI: 10.4110/in.2016.16.4.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Production of high affinity antibodies for antigens is a critical component for the immune system to fight off infectious pathogens. However, it could be detrimental to our body when the antigens that B cells recognize are of self-origin. Follicular helper T, or Tfh, cells are required for the generation of germinal center reactions, where high affinity antibody-producing B cells and memory B cells predominantly develop. As such, Tfh cells are considered as targets to prevent B cells from producing high affinity antibodies against self-antigens, when high affinity autoantibodies are responsible for immunopathologies in autoimmune disorders. This review article provides an overview of current understanding of Tfh cells and discusses it in the context of animal models of autoimmune diseases and allograft rejections for generation of novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hui Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Youn Soo Choi
- Transplant Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.; Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea.; Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
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CD4(+)B220(+)TCRγδ(+) T cells produce IL-17 in lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 38:31-9. [PMID: 27235595 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with comprehensive immune cell disorders. Recent studies suggested that pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 plays important role in lupus, leaving the cellular sources and their pathogenic and physiologic characters largely unknown. In the current study, by using lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice, we demonstrated that Th17 response prevails in lupus disease regarding significantly accumulated serum IL-17, increased IL-17-producing splenocytes, and elevated phospho-STAT3 in CD4(+) T cells. Intracellular staining revealed that unusual CD4(+)B220(+) T cells are major IL-17-producing cells, whereas conventional CD4(+)B220(-) T cells are major IFN-γ-producing cells. Subsequent studies showed that CD4(+)B220(+) cells contains both αβ and γδ T cells in the spleen and thymus of MRL/lpr mice. Further study showed that around 60% of γδ T cells in MRL/lpr mice co-express both B220 and CD4 on their surface, and are the major RORγt(+) cells in MRL/lpr mice. Finally, CD4(+)B220(+) T cells alone do not proliferate, but could enhance the proliferation and IFN-γ-production of conventional CD4(+)B220(-) T cells. Our findings suggest the pathogenic role of unusual CD4(+)B220(+) T cells in lupus disease in MRL/lpr mice according to their IL-17-producing ability and stimulatory function for conventional CD4(+)B220(-) T cells.
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Das UN. Current and emerging strategies for the treatment and management of systemic lupus erythematosus based on molecular signatures of acute and chronic inflammation. J Inflamm Res 2010; 3:143-70. [PMID: 22096364 PMCID: PMC3218729 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s9425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus is a chronic, systemic inflammatory condition in which eicosanoids, cytokines, nitric oxide (NO), a deranged immune system, and genetics play a significant role. Our studies revealed that an imbalance in the pro- and antioxidants and NO and an alteration in the metabolism of essential fatty acids exist in lupus. The current strategy of management includes administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids. Investigational drugs include the following: 1) belimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes and inhibits the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator, also known as B-cell-activation factor of the TNF family; 2) stem cell transplantation; 3) rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, which is primarily found on the surface of B-cells and can therefore destroy B-cells; and 4) IL-27, which has potent anti-inflammatory actions. Our studies showed that a regimen of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, and methods designed to enhance endothelial NO synthesis and augment antioxidant defenses, led to induction of long-lasting remission of the disease. These results suggest that methods designed to modulate molecular signatures of the disease process and suppress inflammation could be of significant benefit in lupus. Some of these strategies could be vagal nerve stimulation, glucose-insulin infusion, and administration of lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and nitrolipids by themselves or their stable synthetic analogs that are known to suppress inflammation and help in the resolution and healing of the inflammation-induced damage. These strategies are likely to be useful not only in lupus but also in other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, ischemia-reperfusion injury to the myocardium, ischemic heart disease, and sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undurti N Das
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India; UND Life Sciences, Shaker Heights, OH, USA
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Mustafa A, Holladay SD, Goff M, Witonsky S, Kerr R, Weinstein DA, Karpuzoglu-Belgin E, Gogal RM. Developmental exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin alters postnatal T cell phenotypes and T cell function and exacerbates autoimmune lupus in 24-week-old SNF1 mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 85:828-36. [PMID: 19572409 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Untreated, more than 95% of female SWR x NZB: F(1) (SNF(1)) mice spontaneously develop a fatal lupus-like glomerulonephritis by 8 months-of-age, while disease onset in males is much slower. METHODS : Timed-pregnant SNF(1) mice (10 per treatment) were exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on gestational day (GD) 12 by oral maternal gavage with 0, 40, or 80 microg/kg TCDD. RESULTS Offspring of the TCDD-exposed dams showed numerous alterations in T lineage cells at 24 weeks-of-age. Females but not males showed decreased CD4(+)8(+) and increased CD4(-)8(-) thymocytes. Females also showed increased autoreactive CD4(+)Vbeta17(a+) axillary and inguinal lymph node T cells. Concanavalin A-stimulated splenocytes from prenatal TCDD-treated mice produced decreased interleukin 17 (IL-17) in the females while males showed increased IL-2 and IFN-gamma, and diminished IL-4. Mitogen-stimulated pan-lymphoproliferative responses were significantly increased across sex by TCDD. Anti-IgG and anti-C3 immune complex deposition in kidneys was present in the males after TCDD, and visibly worsened in females. CONCLUSIONS Developmental TCDD exposure can permanently alter T lymphopoiesis in autoimmune-prone SNF1 mice. The alteration profile is beyond the classic immune suppression response, to also include exacerbation and induction of a lupuslike autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Mustafa
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies that can form immune complexes and deposit in tissues, causing inflammation and organ damage. There is evidence that interferons and some interleukins can have an active role in the pathogenesis of SLE and can contribute significantly to the immune imbalance in the disease, whereas the role of some cytokines (such as TNF) is still debated. This review discusses the activity of several cytokines in SLE, their effects on the immune cells in relation to the disease pathogenesis, and the promise and limitations of cytokine-based therapies in clinical trials for lupus patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine V. Lourenço
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1670, USA
| | - Antonio La Cava
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1670, USA
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Bednarski JJ, Warner RE, Rao T, Leonetti F, Yung R, Richardson BC, Johnson KJ, Ellman JA, Opipari AW, Glick GD. Attenuation of autoimmune disease in Fas-deficient mice by treatment with a cytotoxic benzodiazepine. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 2003; 48:757-66. [PMID: 12632430 DOI: 10.1002/art.10968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Elimination of autoreactive cells relies on Fas-dependent activation-induced cell death mechanisms, an important component of peripheral tolerance. Defects in Fas or its cognate ligand lead to inefficient activation-induced cell death and are specific causes of lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases. The present study was undertaken to investigate a novel 1,4-benzodiazepine (Bz-423) that induces apoptosis and limits autoimmune disease in NZB/NZW mice, to determine its activity against lupus-like disease associated with defective Fas expression. We investigated the Fas-dependence of its cytotoxic actions, its therapeutic potential in mice deficient in Fas, and its therapeutic mechanism of action. METHODS Primary lymphocytes isolated from Fas-deficient MRL/MpJ-Fas(lpr) (MRL-lpr) mice were tested for sensitivity to Bz-423. Bz-423 was administered to MRL-lpr mice for short (1-week) or long (14-week) periods, and its effects on cell survival were determined along with measures of nephritis, arthritis, antibody titers, and Th subpopulations. BALB/c mice were similarly treated to determine if Bz-423 alters normal immune functions in vivo. RESULTS Administration of Bz-423 to MRL-lpr mice significantly reduced autoimmune disease including glomerulonephritis and arthritis. Treatment was associated with decreases in CD4+ T cells and an alteration in the Th1/Th2 balance. At the therapeutic dosage, Bz-423 did not interfere with normal T and B cell responses in BALB/c mice, suggesting that this agent is not globally immunosuppressive. CONCLUSION Bz-423 is a novel immunomodulatory agent that is active against disease even in the context of defective Fas signaling. It is a leading compound for further investigation into the development of selective therapies for lupus.
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9
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Yin Z, Bahtiyar G, Zhang N, Liu L, Zhu P, Robert ME, McNiff J, Madaio MP, Craft J. IL-10 regulates murine lupus. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2002; 169:2148-55. [PMID: 12165544 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.169.4.2148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
MRL/MpJ-Tnfrsf6(lpr) (MRL/MpJ-Fas(lpr); MRL-Fas(lpr)) mice develop a spontaneous lupus syndrome closely resembling human systemic lupus erythematosus. To define the role of IL-10 in the regulation of murine lupus, IL-10 gene-deficient (IL-10(-/-)) MRL-Fas(lpr) (MRL-Fas(lpr) IL-10(-/-)) mice were generated and their disease phenotype was compared with littermates with one or two copies of an intact IL-10 locus (MRL-Fas(lpr) IL-10(+/-) and MRL-Fas(lpr) IL-10(+/+) mice, respectively). MRL-Fas(lpr) IL-10(-/-) mice developed severe lupus, with earlier appearance of skin lesions, increased lymphadenopathy, more severe glomerulonephritis, and higher mortality than their IL-10-intact littermate controls. The increased severity of lupus in MRL-Fas(lpr) IL-10(-/-) mice was closely associated with enhanced IFN-gamma production by both CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells and increased serum concentration of IgG2a anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. The protective effect of IL-10 in this lupus model was further supported by the observation that administration of rIL-10 reduced IgG2a anti-dsDNA autoantibody production in wild-type MRL-Fas(lpr) animals. In summary, our results provide evidence that IL-10 can down-modulate murine lupus through inhibition of pathogenic Th1 cytokine responses. Modulation of the level of IL-10 may be of potential therapeutic benefit for human lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhinan Yin
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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10
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Yasuda T, Yoshimoto T, Tsubura A, Matsuzawa A. Clear suppression of Th1 responses but marginal amelioration of autoimmune manifestations by IL-12p40 transgene in MRL-FAS(lprcg)/FAS(lprcg) mice. Cell Immunol 2001; 210:77-86. [PMID: 11520074 DOI: 10.1006/cimm.2001.1818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of overproduction of IL-12p40, a potent antagonist against IL-12, on lupus-like autoimmune disease in vivo, we generated p40 transgenic MRL-Fas(lprcg)/Fas(lprcg) mice. Serum p40 and IL-12 levels were 600- to 8000-fold and 3- to 20-fold higher in transgenic (p40-lpr(cg)) than nontransgenic (lpr(cg)) mice, respectively. Serum IFN-gamma levels increased after 3 months of age in lpr(cg) and this age-related increase was completely abrogated in p40-lpr(cg). Serum IL-4 levels were the same in both mice. Production of IgM and IgG anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies was significantly lower in p40-lpr(cg). Anti-dsDNA antibodies decreased in Th1-dependent IgG2a but increased in the Th2-dependent IgG1 subclass significantly in p40-lpr(cg). Proteinuria, glomerulonephritis, and survival were only marginally ameliorated in p40-lpr(cg). The results suggest that excess p40 production in vivo may suppress Th1 responses in autoantibody and IFN-gamma production but lead to minimal improvement of clinical manifestations of autoimmune disease in this mouse model.
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MESH Headings
- Aging/immunology
- Animals
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/biosynthesis
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/genetics
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/immunology
- Antibodies, Antinuclear/biosynthesis
- Antibodies, Antinuclear/genetics
- Antibody Specificity
- Autoimmune Diseases/genetics
- Autoimmune Diseases/immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases/pathology
- Autoimmune Diseases/therapy
- Crosses, Genetic
- DNA/immunology
- Dimerization
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Genes, Synthetic
- Genetic Therapy
- Immunoglobulin G/biosynthesis
- Immunoglobulin G/genetics
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Immunoglobulin M/biosynthesis
- Immunoglobulin M/genetics
- Immunoglobulin M/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/blood
- Interleukin-12/antagonists & inhibitors
- Interleukin-12/chemistry
- Interleukin-12/genetics
- Interleukin-12/physiology
- Interleukin-4/blood
- Kidney/pathology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/genetics
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/therapy
- Lupus Nephritis/complications
- Lupus Nephritis/genetics
- Lupus Nephritis/immunology
- Lupus Nephritis/pathology
- Lupus Nephritis/therapy
- Lymphoproliferative Disorders/genetics
- Lymphoproliferative Disorders/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred MRL lpr
- Mice, Transgenic
- Protein Subunits
- Proteinuria/etiology
- Sex Factors
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Th1 Cells/metabolism
- Th2 Cells/immunology
- Transgenes
- fas Receptor/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yasuda
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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11
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Theofilopoulos AN, Koundouris S, Kono DH, Lawson BR. The role of IFN-gamma in systemic lupus erythematosus: a challenge to the Th1/Th2 paradigm in autoimmunity. ARTHRITIS RESEARCH 2001; 3:136-41. [PMID: 11299053 PMCID: PMC128889 DOI: 10.1186/ar290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2001] [Accepted: 01/29/2001] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The classification of T helper cells into type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) led to the hypothesis that Th1 cells and their cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, interferon [IFN]-gamma) are involved in cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, and that Th2 cells and their cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13) are involved in autoantibody(humoral)-mediated autoimmune diseases. However, this paradigm has been refuted by recent studies in several induced and spontaneous mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus, which showed that IFN-gamma is a major effector molecule in this disease. These and additional findings, reviewed here, suggest that these two cross-talking classes of cytokines can exert autoimmune disease-promoting or disease-inhibiting effects without predictability or strict adherence to the Th1-versus-Th2 dualism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Theofilopoulos
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology/IMM3, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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12
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Lawson BR, Prud'homme GJ, Chang Y, Gardner HA, Kuan J, Kono DH, Theofilopoulos AN. Treatment of murine lupus with cDNA encoding IFN-gammaR/Fc. J Clin Invest 2000; 106:207-15. [PMID: 10903336 PMCID: PMC314313 DOI: 10.1172/jci10167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2000] [Accepted: 06/13/2000] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IFN-gamma, a pleiotropic cytokine, is a key effector molecule in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases, including lupus. Importantly, deletion of IFN-gamma or IFN-gammaR in several lupus-predisposed mouse strains resulted in significant disease reduction, suggesting the potential for therapeutic intervention. We evaluated whether intramuscular injections of plasmids with cDNA encoding IFN-gammaR/Fc can retard lupus development and progression in MRL-Fas(lpr) mice. Therapy significantly reduced serum levels of IFN-gamma, as well as disease manifestations (autoantibodies, lymphoid hyperplasia, glomerulonephritis, mortality), when treatment was initiated at the predisease stage, particularly when IFN-gammaR/Fc expression was enhanced by electroporation at the injection site. Remarkably, disease was arrested and even ameliorated when this treatment was initiated at an advanced stage. This therapy represents a rare example of disease reversal and makes application of this nonviral gene therapy in humans with lupus (and perhaps other autoimmune/inflammatory conditions) highly promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Lawson
- Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
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13
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Amital H, Levi Y, Blank M, Barak V, Langevitz P, Afek A, Nicoletti F, Kopolovic J, Gilburd B, Meroni PL, Shoenfeld Y. Immunomodulation of murine experimental SLE-like disease by interferon-gamma. Lupus 1998; 7:445-54. [PMID: 9796846 DOI: 10.1191/096120398678920406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the impact of murine recombinant IFN-gamma and anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibody on the BALB/c mice experimental model of lupus. BALB/c female mice were immunized with a human anti-DNA antibody that carries the 16/6 idiotype. These mice were divided into several therapeutic groups according to different treatment strategies; injection with mouse recombinant IFN-gamma, anti-IFN-gamma mAb, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), irrelevant mouse IgG and control groups that were neither treated nor immunized with the human anti-DNA antibody. The administration of IFN-gamma, intensified the degree of clinical, histological and serological parameters in this model of BALB/c murine lupus. This immunomanipulation decreased the mice longevity. All the laboratory parameters reflected acceleration of the disease in the IFN-gamma treated group as an elevated sedimentation rate, decreased white blood cell count and the development of massive proteinuria. One month after the boost injection, all the mice that were immunized with the anti-DNA antibody, developed high titers of autoantibodies; however, following an additional month, their levels declined in the IFN-gamma treated group. These findings were in concordance with an increased glomerular deposition of immune complexes in the IFN-gamma treated mice. IFN-gamma upregulated the levels of IL-4 and increased the number of IL-4 and IL-6 secreting splenocytes. In conclusion IFN-gamma administration can aggravate the clinical and laboratory outcome of 16/6 id induced lupus in BALB/c mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Amital
- Department of Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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14
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Melrose J, Tsurushita N, Liu G, Berg EL. IFN-γ Inhibits Activation-Induced Expression of E- and P-Selectin on Endothelial Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 1998. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.161.5.2457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
E- and P-selectin are cell surface lectins that mediate leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and thereby participate in neutrophil recruitment into inflammatory sites. E-selectin can be induced on endothelial cells by various activators, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and PMA. Induction of E-selectin is blocked by pretreatment of endothelial cells with IL-4 or TGF-β, both of which have antiinflammatory properties in vivo. In addition to its well-known proinflammatory activities, IFN-γ also has antiinflammatory effects in vivo, one of which is inhibition of neutrophil recruitment. To determine whether IFN-γ inhibits neutrophil recruitment by inhibiting adhesion molecule expression, the effect of IFN-γ on activation-induced cell adhesion molecule expression by cultured HUVEC was evaluated. Pretreatment of endothelial cells with IFN-γ for 24 to 72 h before 6- to 24-h activation with IL-1β, TNF-α, or PMA resulted in significantly reduced levels of cell surface E-selectin, although levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were the same or increased. The reduction of cell surface E-selectin levels under these conditions was reflected in reduced levels of E-selectin mRNA, indicating an effect at the transcription level or RNA stability. Interestingly, the increase of cell surface P-selectin expression due to IL-4 treatment of HUVEC was also inhibited by IFN-γ, while constitutive levels of P-selectin were not. These results suggest that the inhibition of neutrophil recruitment by IFN-γ in vivo may be due, in part, to the ability of IFN-γ to inhibit E- and P-selectin up-regulation. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the process of leukocyte recruitment as an important step through which IFN-γ can direct the character of inflammatory reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gao Liu
- Protein Design Labs, Mountain View, CA 94043
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15
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Balomenos D, Rumold R, Theofilopoulos AN. Interferon-gamma is required for lupus-like disease and lymphoaccumulation in MRL-lpr mice. J Clin Invest 1998; 101:364-71. [PMID: 9435308 PMCID: PMC508575 DOI: 10.1172/jci750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenic MRL-lpr mice homozygous and heterozygous for the IFN-gamma gene disruption were created to assess the role of this pleotropic cytokine on the lymphoaccumulation and lupus-like disease of Fas-defective mice. Early death was prevented, and glomerulonephritis severely reduced in IFN-gamma-/- mice. Hypergammaglobulinemia was maintained with a switch from IgG2a to IgG1 predominance, but the dramatic decrease in levels of the dominant IgG2a anti-dsDNA autoantibodies was not associated with a compensatory increase in TH2-associated IgG subclasses. Remarkably, early death and glomerulonephritis were also prevented in IFN-gamma+/- mice, although autoantibody levels and glomerular immune deposits were equivalent to IFN-gamma+/+ lpr mice, indicating the importance of additional locally-exerted disease-promoting effects of IFN-gamma. IFN-gamma-/- mice exhibited reduced lymphadenopathy concomitant to a decrease in DN B220(+) T cells. In vivo BrdU labeling showed reduced proliferation of DN B220(+) cells in IFN-gamma-/- vs. IFN-gamma+/+ lpr mice, while enhanced proliferation of all other T cell subsets was unaffected. Macrophages of IFN-gamma-/-lpr mice expressed markedly decreased levels of MHC class I and II molecules compared with controls. Moreover, the heightened expression of MHC class II molecules on proximal tubules of IFN-gamma+/+ lpr mice was significantly reduced in both IFN-gamma-/- and IFN-gamma+/- mice. The data indicate that IFN-gamma hyperproduction is required for lupus development, presumably by increasing MHC expression and autoantigen presentation to otherwise quiescent nontolerant anti-self T cells, and also by promoting local immune and inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Balomenos
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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16
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Seery JP, Carroll JM, Cattell V, Watt FM. Antinuclear autoantibodies and lupus nephritis in transgenic mice expressing interferon gamma in the epidermis. J Exp Med 1997; 186:1451-9. [PMID: 9348302 PMCID: PMC2199116 DOI: 10.1084/jem.186.9.1451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a potentially fatal non-organ-specific autoimmune disease that predominantly affects women. Features of the disease include inflammatory skin lesions and widespread organ damage caused by deposition of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. The mechanism and site of production of these autoantibodies is unknown, but there is evidence that interferon (IFN) gamma plays a key role. We have used the involucrin promoter to overexpress IFN-gamma in the suprabasal layers of transgenic mouse epidermis. There was no evidence of organ-specific autoimmunity, but transgenic animals produced autoantibodies against dsDNA and histones. Autoantibody levels in female mice were significantly higher than in male transgenic mice. Furthermore, there was IgG deposition in the glomeruli of all female mice and histological evidence of severe proliferative glomerulonephritis in a proportion of these animals. Our findings are consistent with a central role for the skin immune system, acting under the influence of IFN-gamma, in the pathogenesis of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Seery
- Keratinocyte Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London WC2A 3PX, United Kingdom
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17
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Peng SL, Moslehi J, Craft J. Roles of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 in murine lupus. J Clin Invest 1997; 99:1936-46. [PMID: 9109438 PMCID: PMC508018 DOI: 10.1172/jci119361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The systemic autoimmune syndrome of MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice consists of severe pan-isotype hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibody production, lymphadenopathy, and immune complex-associated end-organ disease. Its pathogenesis has been largely attributed to helper alphabeta T cells that may require critical cytokines to propagate pathogenic autoantibody production. To investigate the roles of prototypical Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the pathogenesis of murine lupus, IFN-gamma -/- and IL-4 -/- lupus-prone mice were generated by backcrossing cytokine knockout animals against MRL/lpr breeders. IFN-gamma -/- animals produced significantly reduced titers of IgG2a and IgG2b serum immunoglobulins as well as autoantibodies, but maintained comparable levels of IgG1 and IgE in comparison to cytokine-intact controls; in contrast, IL-4 -/- animals produced significantly less IgG1 and IgE serum immunoglobulins, but maintained comparable levels of IgG2a and IgG2b as well as autoantibodies in comparison to controls. Both IFN-gamma -/- and IL-4 -/- mice, however, developed significantly reduced lymphadenopathy and end-organ disease. These results suggest that IFN-gamma and IL-4 play opposing but dispensable roles in the development of lupus-associated hypergammaglobulinemia and autoantibody production; however, they both play prominent roles in the pathogenesis of murine lupus-associated tissue injury, as well as in lpr-induced lymphadenopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Peng
- Section of Rheumatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
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18
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Boissier MC, Chiocchia G, Bessis N, Hajnal J, Garotta G, Nicoletti F, Fournier C. Biphasic effect of interferon-gamma in murine collagen-induced arthritis. Eur J Immunol 1995; 25:1184-90. [PMID: 7774621 DOI: 10.1002/eji.1830250508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) exerts both enhancing and suppressing influences on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), depending on the route and protocol of administration. To study the role of IFN-gamma on the autoimmune process of CIA, we treated DBA/1 mice with two different rat monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to murine IFN-gamma. Treatments, given twice weekly for 4 weeks, consisted of intraperitoneal injections of either mAb. In early treatments, starting from the day of immunization with type II collagen (CII), the severity of arthritis was reduced in both groups of anti-IFN-gamma-treated mice compared with control groups. Moreover, anti-CII antibody levels decreased in the sera of these mice. CIA was also down-regulated in mice treated from days 14 or 28 post immunization. In contrast, late treatments with anti-IFN-gamma mAb either induced aggravating effects, or did not affect the course of the disease. On the other hand, administration of high doses (8 x 10(4) U three times/week) of rat recombinant IFN-gamma exerted a transient increase of CIA severity. These findings suggest that IFN-gamma may play a critical role during both the induction and the course of CIA, first enhancing the immune response, and then regulating the arthritis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Boissier
- INSERM U 283, University René Descarces, Paris, France
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19
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Nicoletti F, Zaccone P, Magro G, Barcellini W, Cavallaro V, Belli G, Cocuzza C, di Marco R, Meroni PL. The effects of thymopentin on the development of SLE-like syndrome in the MRL/lpr-lpr mouse. Scand J Immunol 1994; 40:549-56. [PMID: 7973460 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.1994.tb03503.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP-5) is a synthetic pentapeptide that corresponds to the active 32-36 amino acid sequence of the thymic hormone thymopoietin, of which it retains all the immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of long term prophylactic treatment with TP-5 on the clinical, immunological and histological parameters of the SLE-like syndrome that spontaneously occurs in MRL/lpr-lpr (MRL-lpr) mice. TP-5, administered (s.c.) to these mice at the doses of 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg, was given daily, five times a week, from the 9th to the 26th weeks of life. The prophylactic treatment with TP-5 prolonged in a clear dose-dependent fashion the lifespan of MRL-lpr mice as compared with PBS-treated control mice, and the effect reached statistical significance at the doses of 10 and 100 mg/kg. In parallel ex vivo studies, this clinical effect was associated with multiple profound modifications of the immune system including: (i) the reduction of the spontaneous and Con A-induced release of interleukin-4 (IL-4); (ii) the increased secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and IL-6 upon polyclonal mitogenic stimulation, and (iii) the amelioration of the defective Con A-induced lymphoproliferative response. In contrast, although the drug diminished the severity of proteinuria in MRL-lpr mice, it neither reduced histological signs of lupus nephritis nor diminished the serum titres of anti-native DNA and anti-histone autoantibodies. These results indicate that TP-5 displayed powerful immunodulatory activities in a well known model of human SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Nicoletti
- II Department of Medical Pathology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Catania, Italy
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