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Qu G, Jiang W, Long Z, Zhou X, Wang Y, Yang G, Tang C, Xu Y. Assessing the causal relationship between immune cells and prostatitis: evidence from bidirectional mendelian randomization analysis. Mamm Genome 2024; 35:474-483. [PMID: 38816661 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-024-10044-5] [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: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Prostatitis represents a common disease of the male genitourinary system, significantly impacting the physical and mental health of male patients. While numerous studies have suggested a potential link between immune cell activity and prostatitis, the exact causal role of immune cells in prostatitis remains uncertain. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between immune cell characteristics and prostatitis using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization approach. This study utilizes data from the public GWAS database and employs bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal relationship between immune cells and prostatitis. The causal relationship between 731 immune cell features and prostatitis was primarily investigated through inverse variance weighting (IVW), complemented by MR-Egger regression, a simple model, the weighted median method, and a weighted model. Ultimately, the results underwent sensitivity analysis to assess the heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and stability of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune cells and prostatitis. MR analysis revealed 17 immune cells exhibiting significant causal effects on prostatitis. In contrast, findings from reverse MR indicated a significant causal relationship between prostatitis and 13 immune cells. Our study utilizes bidirectional Mendelian Randomization to establish causal relationships between specific immune cell phenotypes and prostatitis, highlighting the reciprocal influence between immune system behavior and the disease. Our findings suggest targeted therapeutic approaches and the importance of including diverse populations for broader validation and personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genyi Qu
- Department of Urology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Weimin Jiang
- Department of Urology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Zhaohui Long
- Department of Urology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Xing Zhou
- Department of Urology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Yijie Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Urology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- Department of Urology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, 412007, China.
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Deng T, Wang Z, Geng Q, Wang Z, Jiao Y, Diao W, Xu J, Deng T, Luo J, Tao Q, Xiao C. Methylation of T and B Lymphocytes in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2024:10.1007/s12016-024-09003-4. [PMID: 39207646 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-024-09003-4] [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] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The role of abnormal epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) has garnered increasing attention. Lymphocyte dysfunction is a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of ARDs. Methylation is crucial for maintaining normal immune system function, and aberrant methylation can hinder lymphocyte differentiation, resulting in functional abnormalities that disrupt immune tolerance, leading to the excessive expression of inflammatory cytokines, thereby exacerbating the onset and progression of ARDs. Recent studies suggest that methylation-related factors have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring the activity of ARDs. This review summarizes the current state of research on the impact of DNA and RNA methylation on the development, differentiation, and function of T and B cells and examines the progress of these epigenetic modifications in studies of six specific ARDs: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Additionally, we propose that exploring the interplay between RNA methylation and DNA methylation may represent a novel direction for understanding the pathogenesis of ARDs and developing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Deng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Qishun Geng
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhaoran Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yi Jiao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wenya Diao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jiahe Xu
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Tingting Deng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of TCM Rheumatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Qingwen Tao
- Department of TCM Rheumatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Amira G, Akram D, Fadoua M, Bilel N, Alya B, Khalil BS, Monia SK, Fatma S, Habib HM, Nathalie B, Raja TM. Imbalance of TH17/TREG cells in Tunisian patients with systemic sclerosis. Presse Med 2024; 53:104221. [PMID: 38161053 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2023.104221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological manifestation in which connective tissue replaces normal one. It can affect many tissues from the skin to internal organs such as the lungs. Manifestations of pulmonary involvement can be pulmonary arterial hypertension or pulmonary fibrosis. The latter one is currently the leading cause of death in various autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis. Our study group consists of 50 patients with systemic sclerosis: 24 with limited cutaneous form and 26 with diffuse cutaneous form. This cohort was compared to 50 healthy controls (age and sex matched); our aim is to explore the distribution of TH17 cells (TH17) as well as regulatory T cells (TREG) and study their correlation with the disease's progress. Our results show an increase for IL17A in patients compared to controls and that this increase is correlated with a specific clinical involvement: Pulmonary fibrosis. This correlation suggests a crucial role of IL17A in fibrosis especially in systemic sclerosis. In addition, we have shown that the percentages of TH17 cells are higher in patients; however, the percentages of TREG cells are similar between patients and controls. A study of TREG cell activity showed that TREG lost suppressive activity by inactivating the FOXP3 transcription factor. This proves that despite their presence, TREG does not adequately carry out their regulatory activity. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between TH17/TREG and clinical damage; the results show a positive correlation with pulmonary involvement proving the role of TH17/TREG balance in induced fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. No significative difference was observed, for all the parameters, between the two different forms of the disease. In conclusion, the results associated with the TH17/TREG scale and their correlations with fibrosis in systemic sclerosis open a way for new tools to manage this autoimmune disease, which up to today has neither treatment nor accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabsi Amira
- Laboratory of Genetics Immunology and Human Pathology, University of Tunis El Manar, LR05ES05, Tunis 2092, Tunisia; Aix Marseille University, INSERM, C2VN UMR1263, Marseille, France.
| | - Dlala Akram
- Laboratory of Genetics Immunology and Human Pathology, University of Tunis El Manar, LR05ES05, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
| | - Missaoui Fadoua
- Laboratory of Genetics Immunology and Human Pathology, University of Tunis El Manar, LR05ES05, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
| | - Neili Bilel
- Laboratory of Genetics Immunology and Human Pathology, University of Tunis El Manar, LR05ES05, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
| | - Boutaba Alya
- Laboratory of Genetics Immunology and Human Pathology, University of Tunis El Manar, LR05ES05, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
| | - Ben Salem Khalil
- Laboratory of Genetics Immunology and Human Pathology, University of Tunis El Manar, LR05ES05, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
| | - Smiti Khanfir Monia
- Internal medicine service, University hospital center LA RABTA, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; University of Tunis EL MANAR, Faculty of medicine Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
| | - Said Fatma
- Internal medicine service, University hospital center LA RABTA, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; University of Tunis EL MANAR, Faculty of medicine Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
| | - Houman Mohamed Habib
- Internal medicine service, University hospital center LA RABTA, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; University of Tunis EL MANAR, Faculty of medicine Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
| | - Bardin Nathalie
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, C2VN UMR1263, Marseille, France; Laboratory of immunology, University hospital La Conception Marseille France, France
| | - Triki Marrakchi Raja
- Laboratory of Genetics Immunology and Human Pathology, University of Tunis El Manar, LR05ES05, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
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Riekert M, Almanzar G, Schmalzing M, Schütze N, Jakob F, Prelog M. Mesenchymal stem cells modulate IL-17 and IL-9 production induced by Th17-inducing cytokine conditions in autoimmune arthritis: an explorative analysis. Adv Rheumatol 2023; 63:37. [PMID: 37525265 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-023-00317-z] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of proinflammatory T-cells and their cytokine production in patients with autoimmune arthritis has been widely described. Due to their immunomodulatory properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have come into focus as a potential therapeutic concept. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of MSCs on the phenotype, cytokine profile, and functionality of naive and non-naive CD4+ T-cells from healthy donors (HD) and patients with autoimmune arthritis under Th17-cytokine polarizing conditions in an explorative way using a transwell system prohibiting any cell-cell-contact. METHODS Magnetically isolated naive and non-naive CD4+ T-cells were stimulated under Th17-polarizing proinflammatory cytokine conditions in presence and absence of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). After an incubation period of 6 days, the proportions of the T-cell subpopulations TEMRA (CD45RA+CD27-), memory (CD45RA-CD27+), effector (CD45RA-CD27-) and naive cells (CD45RA+CD27+) were determined. Quantitative immunofluorescence intensity was used as a measure for IL-9, IL-17 and IFN-γ production in each subpopulation. RESULTS In isolated naive CD4+ T-cells from HD and patients, MSCs suppressed the differentiation of naive towards an effector phenotype while memory and naive cells showed higher percentages in culture with MSCs. In patients, MSCs significantly decreased the proportion of IL-9 and IL-17 producing effector T-cells. MSCs also reduced IFN-γ production in the naive and memory phenotype from HD. CONCLUSION The results of the study indicate significant immunomodulatory properties of MSCs, as under Th17-polarizing conditions MSCs are still able to control T-cell differentiation and proinflammatory cytokine production in both HD and patients with autoimmune arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Riekert
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
- Department of Oral and Craniomaxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50924, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Giovanni Almanzar
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marc Schmalzing
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Schütze
- Orthopedic Clinic, Orthopedic Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Franz Jakob
- Orthopedic Clinic, Orthopedic Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Martina Prelog
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Osuna-Gómez R, Castellví I, Mulet M, Ortiz MÀ, Brough DE, Sabzevari H, Semnani RT, Vidal S. Impaired Regulation by IL-35 in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10567. [PMID: 37445745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the role of IL-35 in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, focusing on CD4+ T cell response and immunomodulatory cytokine production. By comparing the cytokine levels in healthy donors (HD) and SSc patients using ELISAs, we found a significantly lower plasma IL-35 concentration in the SSc patients (52.1 ± 5.6 vs. 143 ± 11.1, p < 0.001). Notably, the IL-35 levels showed a negative correlation with TGF-β (p < 0.001) and IL-17 (p = 0.04). Assessing the IL-35R expression across cell types in the SSc patients and HDs via flow cytometry, we found higher levels on monocytes (40.7 + 5.7 vs. 20.3 ± 1.9, p < 0.001) and lower levels on CD8+ T cells (61.8 ± 9.2 vs. 83.4 ± 0.8, p < 0.05) in the SSc patients. The addition of recombinant IL-35 to stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells reduced the IL-17+CD4+ T cell percentage (9.0 ± 1.5 vs. 4.8 ± 0.7, p < 0.05) and increased the IL-35+CD4+ T percentage (4.1 ± 2.3 vs. 10.2 ± 0.8, p < 0.001). In a Treg:Tresponder cell Sco-culture assay with HD and SSc samples, rIL35 decreased the cell proliferation and levels of IL-17A (178.2 ± 30.5 pg/mL vs. 37.4 ± 6.4 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and TGF-β (4194 ± 777 pg/mL vs. 2413 ± 608 pg/mL, p < 0.01). Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and TGF-β (p < 0.001), while there was a negative correlation between mRSS and IL-35 (p = 0.004). Interestingly, higher levels of plasmatic IL-35 were detected in individuals with limited disease compared to those with diffuse disease (60.1 ± 8.0 vs. 832.3 ± 4.1, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that IL-35 exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in SSc and it may serve as a marker for disease severity and a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Osuna-Gómez
- Inflammatory Diseases, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivan Castellví
- Department of Rheumatology and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Mulet
- Inflammatory Diseases, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mª Àngels Ortiz
- Inflammatory Diseases, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Vidal
- Inflammatory Diseases, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
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Laranjeira P, dos Santos F, Salvador MJ, Simões IN, Cardoso CMP, Silva BM, Henriques-Antunes H, Corte-Real L, Couceiro S, Monteiro F, Santos C, Santiago T, da Silva JAP, Paiva A. Umbilical-Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Modulate 26 Out of 41 T Cell Subsets from Systemic Sclerosis Patients. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1329. [PMID: 37239000 PMCID: PMC10215673 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated disease wherein T cells are particularly implicated, presenting a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Thus, mesenchymal-stem/stromal-cell (MSC)-based therapies can be of great benefit to SSc patients given their immunomodulatory, anti-fibrotic, and pro-angiogenic potential, which is associated with low toxicity. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals (HC, n = 6) and SSc patients (n = 9) were co-cultured with MSCs in order to assess how MSCs affected the activation and polarization of 58 different T cell subsets, including Th1, Th17, and Treg. It was found that MSCs downregulated the activation of 26 out of the 41 T cell subsets identified within CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD8+, CD4-CD8-, and γδ T cells in SSc patients (HC: 29/42) and affected the polarization of 13 out of 58 T cell subsets in SSc patients (HC: 22/64). Interestingly, SSc patients displayed some T cell subsets with an increased activation status and MSCs were able to downregulate all of them. This study provides a wide-ranging perspective of how MSCs affect T cells, including minor subsets. The ability to inhibit the activation and modulate the polarization of several T cell subsets, including those implicated in SSc's pathogenesis, further supports the potential of MSC-based therapies to regulate T cells in a disease whose onset/development may be due to immune system's malfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Laranjeira
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco dos Santos
- Stemlab S.A., Famicord Group, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (F.d.S.); (I.N.S.); (C.M.P.C.); (H.H.-A.); (L.C.-R.); (S.C.); (F.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Maria João Salvador
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.J.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Irina N. Simões
- Stemlab S.A., Famicord Group, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (F.d.S.); (I.N.S.); (C.M.P.C.); (H.H.-A.); (L.C.-R.); (S.C.); (F.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Carla M. P. Cardoso
- Stemlab S.A., Famicord Group, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (F.d.S.); (I.N.S.); (C.M.P.C.); (H.H.-A.); (L.C.-R.); (S.C.); (F.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Bárbara M. Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Helena Henriques-Antunes
- Stemlab S.A., Famicord Group, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (F.d.S.); (I.N.S.); (C.M.P.C.); (H.H.-A.); (L.C.-R.); (S.C.); (F.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Luísa Corte-Real
- Stemlab S.A., Famicord Group, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (F.d.S.); (I.N.S.); (C.M.P.C.); (H.H.-A.); (L.C.-R.); (S.C.); (F.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Sofia Couceiro
- Stemlab S.A., Famicord Group, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (F.d.S.); (I.N.S.); (C.M.P.C.); (H.H.-A.); (L.C.-R.); (S.C.); (F.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Filipa Monteiro
- Stemlab S.A., Famicord Group, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (F.d.S.); (I.N.S.); (C.M.P.C.); (H.H.-A.); (L.C.-R.); (S.C.); (F.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Carolina Santos
- Stemlab S.A., Famicord Group, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (F.d.S.); (I.N.S.); (C.M.P.C.); (H.H.-A.); (L.C.-R.); (S.C.); (F.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Tânia Santiago
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.J.S.); (T.S.)
| | - José A. P. da Silva
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.J.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Artur Paiva
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC-Coimbra Health School, Ciências Biomédicas Laboratoriais, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
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Oparaugo NC, Ouyang K, Nguyen NPN, Nelson AM, Agak GW. Human Regulatory T Cells: Understanding the Role of Tregs in Select Autoimmune Skin Diseases and Post-Transplant Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1527. [PMID: 36675037 PMCID: PMC9864298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in maintaining immune tolerance and homeostasis by modulating how the immune system is activated. Several studies have documented the critical role of Tregs in suppressing the functions of effector T cells and antigen-presenting cells. Under certain conditions, Tregs can lose their suppressive capability, leading to a compromised immune system. For example, mutations in the Treg transcription factor, Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), can drive the development of autoimmune diseases in multiple organs within the body. Furthermore, mutations leading to a reduction in the numbers of Tregs or a change in their function facilitate autoimmunity, whereas an overabundance can inhibit anti-tumor and anti-pathogen immunity. This review discusses the characteristics of Tregs and their mechanism of action in select autoimmune skin diseases, transplantation, and skin cancer. We also examine the potential of Tregs-based cellular therapies in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Chizara Oparaugo
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kelsey Ouyang
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | | | - Amanda M. Nelson
- Department of Dermatology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - George W. Agak
- Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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8
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Kim S, Park HJ, Lee SI. The Microbiome in Systemic Sclerosis: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416154. [PMID: 36555792 PMCID: PMC9853331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology characterized by multi-organ fibrosis. Despite substantial investigation on SSc-related cellular and molecular mechanisms, effective therapies are still lacking. The skin, lungs, and gut are the most affected organs in SSc, which act as physical barriers and constantly communicate with colonized microbiota. Recent reports have documented a unique microbiome signature, which may be the pathogenic trigger or driver of SSc. Since gut microbiota influences the efficacy and toxicity of oral drugs, evaluating drug-microbiota interactions has become an area of interest in disease treatment. The existing evidence highlights the potential of the microbial challenge as a novel therapeutic option in SSc. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge about molecular mechanisms of SSc and highlighted the underlying role of the microbiome in SSc pathogenesis. We have also discussed the latest therapeutic interventions using microbiomes in SSc, including drug-microbiota interactions and animal disease models. This review aims to elucidate the pathophysiological connection and therapeutic potential of the microbiome in SSc. Insights into the microbiome will significantly improve our understanding of etiopathogenesis and developing therapeutics for SSc.
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9
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Fang D, Chen B, Lescoat A, Khanna D, Mu R. Immune cell dysregulation as a mediator of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:683-693. [DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00864-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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10
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Xue E, Minniti A, Alexander T, Del Papa N, Greco R. Cellular-Based Therapies in Systemic Sclerosis: From Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant to Innovative Approaches. Cells 2022; 11:3346. [PMID: 36359742 PMCID: PMC9658618 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic disease characterized by autoimmune responses, vasculopathy and tissue fibrosis. The pathogenic mechanisms involve a wide range of cells and soluble factors. The complexity of interactions leads to heterogeneous clinical features in terms of the extent, severity, and rate of progression of skin fibrosis and internal organ involvement. Available disease-modifying drugs have only modest effects on halting disease progression and may be associated with significant side effects. Therefore, cellular therapies have been developed aiming at the restoration of immunologic self-tolerance in order to provide durable remissions or to foster tissue regeneration. Currently, SSc is recommended as the 'standard indication' for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. This review provides an overview on cellular therapies in SSc, from pre-clinical models to clinical applications, opening towards more advanced cellular therapies, such as mesenchymal stem cells, regulatory T cells and potentially CAR-T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Xue
- Hematopoietic and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonina Minniti
- Department of Rheumatology, ASST G. Pini-CTO, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Tobias Alexander
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ), an Institute of the Leibniz Association, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Raffaella Greco
- Hematopoietic and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
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11
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Hajam EY, Panikulam P, Chu CC, Jayaprakash H, Majumdar A, Jamora C. The expanding impact of T-regs in the skin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:983700. [PMID: 36189219 PMCID: PMC9521603 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.983700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As the interface between the body and the environment, the skin functions as the physical barrier against external pathogens and toxic agents. In addition, the skin is an immunologically active organ with a plethora of resident adaptive and innate immune cells, as well as effector molecules that provide another layer of protection in the form of an immune barrier. A major subpopulation of these immune cells are the Foxp3 expressing CD4 T cells or regulatory T cells (T-regs). The canonical function of T-regs is to keep other immune cells in check during homeostasis or to dissipate a robust inflammatory response following pathogen clearance or wound healing. Interestingly, recent data has uncovered unconventional roles that vary between different tissues and we will highlight the emerging non-lymphoid functions of cutaneous T-regs. In light of the novel functions of other immune cells that are routinely being discovered in the skin, their regulation by T-regs implies that T-regs have executive control over a broad swath of biological activities in both homeostasis and disease. The blossoming list of non-inflammatory functions, whether direct or indirect, suggests that the role of T-regs in a regenerative organ such as the skin will be a field ripe for discovery for decades to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edries Yousaf Hajam
- IFOM ETS- The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Patricia Panikulam
- IFOM ETS- The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Haarshadri Jayaprakash
- IFOM ETS- The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Colin Jamora
- IFOM ETS- The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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12
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Jin W, Zheng Y, Zhu P. T cell abnormalities in systemic sclerosis. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103185. [PMID: 36031049 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with a poor prognosis. To date, the pathogenesis of SSc is still unclear; moreover, its pathological conditions include microvascular damage, inflammation, and immune abnormalities. Different types of T cells may cause vasculitis and fibrosis in SSc by means of up- and down-regulation of cell surface molecules, abnormal release of pro-fibrotic or pro-inflammatory cytokines and direct contact with fibroblasts. These T cells, which are mainly CD4 + T cells, include the subtypes, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, regulatory T Cells (Treg), interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing Th17 cells, CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and angiogenic T (Tang) cells. In addition to the Th1/Th2 imbalance, which has long been established, there is also a Th17/Treg imbalance in SSc. This imbalance may be closely related to the abnormal immune status of SSc. There is mounting evidence that suggest T cell abnormalities may be crucial to the pathogenesis of SSc. In terms of treatment, existing therapies that target T cells, such as immunosuppressive therapy (tacrolimus), Janus kinase(JAK) inhibitors, and biologics(abatacept), have had some success. Other non-drug therapies, including Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have extensive and complex mechanisms of action actually including T cell regulation. Based on the current evidence, we believe that the study of T cells will further our understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc, and may lead to more targeted treatment optionsfor patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jin
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China; National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China; National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Xi'an, PR China.
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13
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Kobayashi S, Nagafuchi Y, Shoda H, Fujio K. The Pathophysiological Roles of Regulatory T Cells in the Early Phase of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:900638. [PMID: 35686127 PMCID: PMC9172592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.900638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis. Both clinical manifestations and immunological disturbances are diverse according to the disease duration. Particularly, changes in immunological processes are prominent in the early phase of SSc. The orchestration of several subsets of immune cells promotes autoimmune responses and inflammation, and eventually stimulates pro-fibrotic processes. Many reports have indicated that CD4+ T cells play pivotal roles in pathogenesis in the early phase of SSc. In particular, the pathogenic roles of regulatory T (Treg) cells have been investigated. Although the results were controversial, recent reports suggested an increase of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc patients. Treg cells secrete transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which promotes myofibroblast activation and fibrosis. In addition, the dysfunction of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc was reported, which results in the development of autoimmunity and inflammation. Notably, Treg cells have the plasticity to convert to T-helper17 (Th17) cells under pro-inflammatory conditions. Th17 cells secrete IL-17A, which could also promote myofibroblast transformation and fibrosis and contributes to vasculopathy, although the issue is still controversial. Our recent transcriptomic comparison between the early and late phases of SSc revealed a clear difference of gene expression patterns only in Treg cells. The gene signature of an activated Treg cell subpopulation was expanded in the early phase of SSc and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was enhanced, which can promote Th17 differentiation. And this result was accompanied by the increase in Th17 cells frequency. Therefore, an imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells could also have an important role in the pathogenesis of the early phase of SSc. In this review, we outlined the roles of Treg cells in the early phase of SSc, summarizing the data of both human and mouse models. The contributions of Treg cells to autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis were revealed, based on the dysfunction and imbalance of Treg cells. We also referred to the potential development in treatment strategies in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Kobayashi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Itabashi-ku, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nagafuchi
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
- Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shoda
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
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14
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Holzer MT, Almanzar G, Woidich R, Hügle B, Haas JP, Prelog M. Mitigated suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Treg) upon Th17-inducing cytokines in oligo- and polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) patients. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2022; 20:26. [PMID: 35410224 PMCID: PMC8996624 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-022-00680-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The plasticity of T helper-17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells may be a clue to pathogenesis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). It is still unclear, whether targeted suppression of Interleukin (IL)-17 is able to influence regulatory function of Treg to control pro-inflammatory effectors in JIA. This study aimed to assess the effect of a Th17-stimulating cytokine environment and of IL-17A-inhibition on phenotype plasticity and suppressive function of Treg derived from JIA patients. METHODS Th17 and Treg characteristics of CD4+ helper T cells were investigated in blood samples of JIA patients with oligo- and polyarticular pattern and healthy controls (HC). Isolated CD4+CD25+CD127- cells defined as Treg were cultivated with Th17-inducing cytokine environment as well as with IL-17A-inhibitors and analyzed for plasticity of phenotype by flow cytometry. Furthermore, inhibitory function of Treg on autologous effectors after cultivation with these stimuli was determined by suppression assays. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated significantly elevated proportions of Th17 and Th17-like Treg in JIA compared to HC. After incubation with Th17-inducing stimuli, increased FoxP3 expression in separated Treg in JIA and an impaired suppressive capacity in JIA and HC were found. Blockade of IL-17A resulted in adjustment of FoxP3-expression in JIA to proportions found in controls and in regular suppressive function. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate an induction of FoxP3 expressing Treg by Th17-inducing cytokines with concomitant mitigated suppressive function. In contrast, specific IL-17A blockade maintains suppressive Treg function and adjusted FoxP3-expression in JIA to levels found in controls. These findings may help to provide experimental evidence for the successful clinical use of IL-17A inhibition in JIA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Therese Holzer
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology/Special Immunology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany. .,Department of Internal Medicine III. (Nephrology and Rheumatology With Section Endocrinology), University Hospital Hamburg- Eppendorf, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Giovanni Almanzar
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology/Special Immunology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Robert Woidich
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology/Special Immunology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Boris Hügle
- German Centre of Pediatric Rheumatology, Gehfeldstraße 24, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
| | - Johannes-Peter Haas
- German Centre of Pediatric Rheumatology, Gehfeldstraße 24, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
| | - Martina Prelog
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology/Special Immunology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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15
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Increased L-Selectin on Monocytes Is Linked to the Autoantibody Profile in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042233. [PMID: 35216350 PMCID: PMC8880182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Monocytes are known to be implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc), as they exert prominent migratory, adhesive, and chemotactic properties. The aim of our study was to characterize the surface expression of adhesion/chemotactic molecules (CD62L, CD11b, CCR2, CCR5) on the SSc monocytes and determine correlations with the clinical presentation of SSc. We included 38 SSc patients and 36 healthy age-and sex-matched controls. Isolated monocytes, as well as in vitro serum-treated monocytes, were analyzed by flow cytometry; additionally, soluble CD62L was measured in serum. We found increased soluble CD62L in the SSc serum samples and increased CD62L on the surface of the SSc monocytes in the in the same set of patients. Among samples with determined SSc-specific autoantibodies, the surface CD62L was the lowest in patients positive for anti-PM/Scl autoantibodies and the highest in patients with anti-topoisomerase I autoantibodies (ATA). The treatment of isolated healthy monocytes with ATA-positive SSc serum resulted in increased surface CD62L expression. Moreover, surface CCR5 was reduced on the monocytes from SSc patients with interstitial lung disease but also, along with CCR2, negatively correlated with the use of analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants. In conclusion, increased CD62L on SSc monocytes, particularly in ATA-positive patients, provides new insights into the pathogenesis of SSc and suggests CD62L as a potential therapeutic target.
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16
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Dai B, Ding L, Zhao L, Zhu H, Luo H. Contributions of Immune Cells and Stromal Cells to the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: Recent Insights. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:826839. [PMID: 35185577 PMCID: PMC8852243 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.826839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem rheumatic disease characterized by vascular dysfunction, autoimmune abnormalities, and progressive organ fibrosis. A series of studies in SSc patients and fibrotic models suggest that immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells participate in inflammation and aberrant tissue repair. Furthermore, the growing number of studies on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in SSc elaborate on the transcriptomics and heterogeneities of these cell subsets significantly. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding immune cells and stromal cells in SSc patients and discuss their potential roles in SSc pathogenesis, focusing on recent advances in the new subtypes by scRNA-seq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingying Dai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liqing Ding
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijuan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Honglin Zhu, ; Hui Luo,
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Honglin Zhu, ; Hui Luo,
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17
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Lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood are disturbed in systemic sclerosis patients and can be changed by immunosuppressive medication. Rheumatol Int 2021; 42:1373-1381. [PMID: 34694439 PMCID: PMC9287253 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-05034-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe chronic disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. SSc displays disturbed lymphocyte homeostasis. Immunosuppressive medications targeting T or B cells can improve disease manifestations. SSc clinical manifestations and immunosuppressive medication in itself can cause changes in lymphocyte subsets. The aim of this study was to investigate peripheral lymphocyte homeostasis in SSc with regards to the immunosuppression and to major organ involvement. 44 SSc patients and 19 healthy donors (HD) were included. Immunophenotyping of peripheral whole blood by fluorescence-activated cell sorting was performed. Cytokine secretions of stimulated B cell cultures were measured. SSc patients without immunosuppression compared to HD displayed lower γδ T cells, lower T helper cells (CD3+/CD4+), lower transitional B cells (CD19+/CD38++/CD10+/IgD+), lower pre-switched memory B cells (CD19+/CD27+/IgD+), and lower post-switched memory B cells (CD19+/CD27+/IgD−). There was no difference in the cytokine production of whole B cell cultures between SSc and HD. Within the SSc cohort, mycophenolate intake was associated with lower T helper cells and lower NK cells (CD56+/CD3−). The described differences in peripheral lymphocyte subsets between SSc and HD generate further insight in SSc pathogenesis. Lymphocyte changes under effective immunosuppression indicate how lymphocyte homeostasis in SSc might be restored.
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18
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Jin X, Hou J, Zheng K, Wei D, Zhang A, Wang S, Mei H, Li C, Cheng L, Sun X. Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Inhibiting the Fibrosis and Autoimmune Development in HOCl-Induced Systemic Scleroderma Mouse Model. Int J Stem Cells 2021; 14:262-274. [PMID: 34158413 PMCID: PMC8429945 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc20002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a rare and serious connective tissue disease, an autoimmune disease, and a rare refractory disease. In this study, preventive effect of single systemic human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) transfusion on SSc was preliminarily explored. Methods and Results SSc mouse model was established by daily intradermal injection of Hypochlorite (HOCl). SSc mice were treated by single transfusion of UC-MSCs at 0.625×105, 2.5×105 and 1×106 respectively. At the 42nd day of intradermal injection of HOCl, the symptoms showed up by skin and alveolar wall thickening, lymphocytic infiltration, increased collagen in skin/lung, and the increased proportion of CD3+CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells (a Treg subset) in spleen. After UC-MSCs transfusion, the degree of skin thickening, alveolar wall thickening and lymphocyte infiltration were decreased, the collagen sedimentation in skin/lung was decreased, and the proportion of CD3+CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells was decreased. Conclusions UC-MSC can achieve a preventive effect in SSc mice by fibrosis attenuation and immunoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Jiali Hou
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Wei
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Ali Zhang
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, Queen's Medical Research Institute, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Siqi Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Mei
- National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Chuang Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Lamei Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Xuan Sun
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
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Prinz JC. Antigen Processing, Presentation, and Tolerance: Role in Autoimmune Skin Diseases. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:750-759. [PMID: 34294386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Autoreactive T cells pose a constant risk for the emergence of autoimmune skin diseases in genetically predisposed individuals carrying certain HLA risk alleles. Immune tolerance mechanisms are opposed by broad HLA-presented self-immunopeptidomes, a predefined repertoire of polyspecific TCRs, the continuous generation of new antibody specificities by somatic recombination of Ig genes in B cells, and heightened proinflammatory reactivity. Increased autoantigen presentation by HLA molecules, cross-activation of pathogen-induced T cells against autologous structures, altered metabolism of self-proteins, and excessive production of proinflammatory signals may all contribute to the breakdown of immune tolerance and the development of autoimmune skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Christoph Prinz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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20
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National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Project on Criteria for Clinical Trials in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease: IV. The 2020 Highly morbid forms report. Transplant Cell Ther 2021; 27:817-835. [PMID: 34217703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can be associated with significant morbidity, in part because of nonreversible fibrosis, which impacts physical functioning (eye, skin, lung manifestations) and mortality (lung, gastrointestinal manifestations). Progress in preventing severe morbidity and mortality associated with chronic GVHD is limited by a complex and incompletely understood disease biology and a lack of prognostic biomarkers. Likewise, treatment advances for highly morbid manifestations remain hindered by the absence of effective organ-specific approaches targeting "irreversible" fibrotic sequelae and difficulties in conducting clinical trials in a heterogeneous disease with small patient numbers. The purpose of this document is to identify current gaps, to outline a roadmap of research goals for highly morbid forms of chronic GVHD including advanced skin sclerosis, fasciitis, lung, ocular and gastrointestinal involvement, and to propose strategies for effective trial design. The working group made the following recommendations: (1) Phenotype chronic GVHD clinically and biologically in future cohorts, to describe the incidence, prognostic factors, mechanisms of organ damage, and clinical evolution of highly morbid conditions including long-term effects in children; (2) Conduct longitudinal multicenter studies with common definitions and research sample collections; (3) Develop new approaches for early identification and treatment of highly morbid forms of chronic GVHD, especially biologically targeted treatments, with a special focus on fibrotic changes; and (4) Establish primary endpoints for clinical trials addressing each highly morbid manifestation in relationship to the time point of intervention (early versus late). Alternative endpoints, such as lack of progression and improvement in physical functioning or quality of life, may be suitable for clinical trials in patients with highly morbid manifestations. Finally, new approaches for objective response assessment and exploration of novel trial designs for small populations are required.
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21
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Liu X, Wu Y, Li M, Hao J, Wang Q, Zeng X. Plasticity of Treg and imbalance of Treg/Th17 cells in patients with systemic sclerosis modified by FK506. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 35:2058738421998086. [PMID: 33631989 PMCID: PMC7917869 DOI: 10.1177/2058738421998086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the effects of Tacrolimus (FK506) on Treg cells and subpopulations in SSc patients and assess the ability of FK506 to modify the immune imbalance of Treg/Th17 cells. We analyzed PBMC from five SSc patients and six healthy control by flow cytometry after cultured with 0, 0.1, 1, or 10 ng/ml FK506 in vitro. The number of Treg cells decreased in SSc patients treated with FK506. The number of FrI cells were decreased in SSc following FK506 treatment. The drug did increase the frequency of FrII/Treg cells, but not FrII cells. However, FK506 significantly decreased FrIII in both SSc patients and controls. FK506 clearly decreased the numbers of Th17 cells and FoxP3+IL-17+ cells. The proliferation capacity of cells was also inhibited by FK506, which had a greater effect on FoxP3- cells than FoxP3+ cells. FK506 did inhibit the proliferation of FrIII cells, but not FrI or FrII cells. Our study provides that FK506 reduced the number of FoxP3low CD45RA- T cells (FrIII) by inhibiting its proliferation. Therefore, FK506 modifies Treg cells and the immune imbalance between Tregs and Th17 cells in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjuan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyu Hao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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22
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Mukhatayev Z, Ostapchuk YO, Fang D, Le Poole IC. Engineered antigen-specific regulatory T cells for autoimmune skin conditions. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102761. [PMID: 33476816 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of T cells responsible for the regulation of immune responses, thereby maintaining immune homeostasis and providing immune tolerance to both self and non-self-antigens. An increasing number of studies revealed Treg numbers and functions in a variety of autoimmune diseases. Treg deficiency can cause the development of several autoimmune skin diseases including vitiligo, alopecia areata, pemphigoid and pemphigus, psoriasis, and systemic sclerosis. Many clinical trials have been performed for autoimmune conditions using polyclonal Tregs, but efficiency can be significantly improved using antigen-specific Tregs engineered using T cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs. In this review, we systematically reviewed altered frequencies, impaired functions, and phenotypic features of Tregs in autoimmune skin conditions. We also summarized new advances in TCR and CAR based antigen-specific Tregs tested both in animal models and in clinics. The advantages and limitations of each approach were carefully discussed emphasizing possible clinical relevance to patients with autoimmune skin diseases. Moreover, we have reviewed potential approaches for engineering antigen-specific Tregs, and strategies for overcoming possible hurdles in clinical applications. Thereby, antigen-specific Tregs can be infused using autologous adoptive cell transfer to restore Treg numbers and to provide local immune tolerance for autoimmune skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhussipbek Mukhatayev
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - I Caroline Le Poole
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Zhao M, Wu J, Wu H, Sawalha AH, Lu Q. Clinical Treatment Options in Scleroderma: Recommendations and Comprehensive Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2021; 62:273-291. [PMID: 33449302 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-020-08831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There are two major clinical subsets of scleroderma: (i) systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation, vasculopathy, and excessive fibrosis of the skin and multiple internal organs and (ii) localized scleroderma (LoS), also known as morphea, is confined to the skin and/or subcutaneous tissues resulting in collagen deposition and subsequent fibrosis. SSc is rare but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality compared with other rheumatic diseases. Fatal outcomes in SSc often originate from organ complications of the disease, such as lung fibrosis, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), and scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Current treatment modalities in SSc have focused on targeting vascular damage, fibrosis, and regulation of inflammation as well as autoimmune responses. Some drugs previously used in an attempt to suppress fibrosis, like D-penicillamine (D-Pen) or colchicine, have been disappointing in clinical practice despite anecdotal evidence of their advantages. Some canonical medications, including glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and vasodilators, have had some success in treating various manifestations in SSc patients. Increasing evidence suggests that some biologic agents targeting collagen, cytokines, and cell surface molecules might have promising therapeutic effects in SSc. In recent years, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), mostly autologous, has made great progress as a promising treatment option in severe and refractory SSc. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of SSc, there are currently no optimal treatments for all aspects of the disease. As for LoS, local skin-targeted therapy is generally used, including topical application of glucocorticoids or other immunomodulatory ointments and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. In addition, systemic immunosuppressants are also utilized in several forms of LoS. Here, we comprehensively discuss current treatment options for scleroderma, encompassing old, new, and future potential treatment options. In addition, we summarize data from new clinical trials that have the potential to modify the disease process and improve long-term outcomes in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jiali Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Immunology, and Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China. .,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China. .,Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
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Lymphocyte subset abnormalities in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:10. [PMID: 33407866 PMCID: PMC7789011 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02383-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormalities in lymphocyte surface markers and functions have been described in systemic sclerosis (SSc), but conflicting results abound, and these studies often examined patients with heterogeneous disease duration, severity, clinical phenotype, and concurrent immunosuppressive agents. We studied a clinically homogeneous group of early diffuse cutaneous SSc patients not exposed to immunosuppressive drugs who were enrolled in a clinical trial and compared their immune parameters to healthy control subjects. METHODS Lymphocyte subsets were enumerated by multi-parameter flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells at baseline visit. Production of the cytokines IL-4 and IL-17 was measured by intracellular flow cytometry following T cell activation. RESULTS SSc patients had increased percentages of CD4+ T cells but lower percentages of CD8+ T cells versus controls. The CD28-negative population was expanded in SSc, in the CD4 subset. Striking expansion of CD319+ T cells was noted among the CD4+ cells, in which they were barely detectable in healthy subjects. Frequencies of IL-4 producing cells did not differ between SSc and controls, but expansion of IL-17 producing cells was observed in SSc. A higher proportion of CD319+ cells produced cytokines, compared to other CD4+ cells. Numbers of activated T cells, regulatory T cells, and B cells were similar in SSc and control groups. Circulating follicular helper but not peripheral helper T cells were slightly expanded in SSc. CONCLUSION In this carefully selected group of early diffuse cutaneous SSc patients, analysis of immune cell parameters has identified abnormalities that likely reflect disease pathogenesis and that are candidate biomarkers for sub-classification and targeted treatment. The CD4+CD319+ (SLAM-F7+) cells are cytotoxic and oligoclonal, were recently shown to be a dominant T cell population in perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates in SSc skin, actively secrete cytokines, and are emerging as a target for novel treatments of SSc.
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Liu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Meng J, Ma Q, Hao Z, Zheng M, Zhang L, Chen X, Liang C. Activated autophagy restored the impaired frequency and function of regulatory T cells in chronic prostatitis. Prostate 2021; 81:29-40. [PMID: 33085775 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a disease with an unclear pathogenesis. Recent studies have reported that regulatory T (Treg) cells might be involved in the development of CP/CPPS. In this study we aimed to examine the functional role of Treg cells and explore the possible regulatory mechanism of Treg cells in CP/CPPS. METHODS An experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) mouse model was constructed; the numbers and functions of Treg cells in the EAP and control groups were tested. Then, cell differentiation experiments were conducted to evaluate the regulatory effect of autophagy on Treg cell differentiation. Furthermore, autologous CD4+ CD25- cells and CD4+ CD25+ cells from the two groups were magnetically sorted and cocultured to observe differences in cellular inhibitory functions. Finally, in an in vivo experiment, rapamycin was intraperitoneally injected into EAP mice for 4 weeks to observe the therapeutic effects. RESULTS We found that the number and function of Treg cells in the EAP group were diminished compared to those in the control group. Meanwhile, the tolerance of pain in EAP mice had also decreased. Moreover, after using the autophagy activator rapamycin, the expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β was decreased and the pain symptoms were alleviated. A mechanistic study found that autophagy activation promoted the differentiation of Treg and increased the suppressive functions of Treg cells, along with the elevated expression of GATA-3 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Furthermore, in vivo administration of the autophagy activator rapamycin had similar effects on recovering the frequency and function of Treg cells as well as the expression of GATA-3 and CTLA-4. CONCLUSION The impaired frequency and function of Treg cells may contribute to the progression of CP/CPPS, and autophagy is a protective mechanism that promotes the differentiation of Treg cells and restores the suppressive functions of Treg cells. Autophagy may be a novel therapeutic option for patients with CP/CPPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jialin Meng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qingqing Ma
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zongyao Hao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Meijuan Zheng
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xianguo Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chaozhao Liang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Doskaliuk B, Zaiats L, Yatsyshyn R, Gerych P, Cherniuk N, Zimba O. Pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis: exploring cellular, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1555-1569. [PMID: 32715342 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04658-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease characterized by immune inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. There are still numerous uncertainties in the understanding of disease initiation and progression. Pulmonary involvement in SSc, and particularly pulmonary fibrosis, is critical for all organ systems affections in this disease. This review is aimed to describe and analyze new findings in the pathophysiology of SSc-associated pulmonary involvement and to explore perspective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. A myriad of cellular interactions is explored in the dynamics of progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in SSc. The role of exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies is examined and the impact of micro and long non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modification in SSc is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Doskaliuk
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. .,Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76000, Ukraine.
| | - Liubomyr Zaiats
- Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76000, Ukraine
| | - Roman Yatsyshyn
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Petro Gerych
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Cherniuk
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Olena Zimba
- Department of Internal Medicine #2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
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Increased levels of the soluble oncostatin M receptor (sOSMR) and glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) in systemic sclerosis patients and associations with clinical parameters. Immunobiology 2020; 225:151964. [PMID: 32517886 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.151964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to evaluate the serum levels of soluble oncostatin M (OSM), OSM receptor (sOSMR) and glycoprotein130 (sgp130) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and the possible associations and correlations with clinical parameters. METHODS Serum levels of OSM, sOSMR and sgp130 were evaluated by ELISA in eighty-four SSc patients and eighty-four healthy volunteers. RESULTS SSc patients had significantly elevated levels of sOSMR and sgp130 when compared with healthy individuals (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.025, respectively). Diffuse cutaneous SSc and limited cutaneous SSc patients also presented higher levels of sOSMR when compared with healthy individuals (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Patients with digital ulcers presented higher levels of sOSMR when compared to those without ulcers (p = 0.034). However, sOSMR levels were lower in patients with esophageal dysfunction than patients without this involvement (p = 0.038). OSM levels were undetectable in serum from SSc patients and healthy volunteers. CONCLUSION Serum levels of sOSMR and sgp130 are elevated in patients with systemic sclerosis. In addition, associations were observed with important clinical manifestations, suggesting that sOSMR is a candidate biomarker of this disease. More studies are needed to clarify the functions of IL-6 family cytokines in systemic sclerosis.
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Kalekar LA, Rosenblum MD. Regulatory T cells in inflammatory skin disease: from mice to humans. Int Immunol 2020; 31:457-463. [PMID: 30865268 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ in the body and one of the primary barriers to the environment. In order to optimally protect the host, the skin is home to numerous immune cell subsets that interact with each other and other non-immune cells to maintain organ integrity and function. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are one of the largest immune cell subsets in skin. They play a critical role in regulating inflammation and facilitating organ repair. In doing so, they adopt unique and specialized tissue-specific functions. In this review, we compare and contrast the role of Tregs in cutaneous immune disorders from mice and humans, with a specific focus on scleroderma, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus and psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh A Kalekar
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Sciences Building, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael D Rosenblum
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Sciences Building, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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29
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Meyer F, Seibert FS, Nienen M, Welzel M, Beisser D, Bauer F, Rohn B, Westhoff TH, Stervbo U, Babel N. Propionate supplementation promotes the expansion of peripheral regulatory T-Cells in patients with end-stage renal disease. J Nephrol 2020; 33:817-827. [PMID: 32144645 PMCID: PMC7381474 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-019-00694-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) suffer from a progressively increasing low-grade systemic inflammation, which is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in regulation of the inflammatory process. Previously, it has been demonstrated that short-chain fatty acids reduce inflammation in the central nervous system in a murine model of multiple sclerosis through an increase in tissue infiltrating Tregs. Here, we evaluated the effect of the short-chain fatty acid propionate on the chronic inflammatory state and T-cell composition in ESRD patients. Analyzing ESRD patients and healthy blood donors before, during, and 60 days after the propionate supplementation by multiparametric flow cytometry we observed a gradual and significant expansion in the frequencies of CD25highCD127- Tregs in both groups. Phenotypic characterization suggests that polarization of naïve T cells towards Tregs is responsible for the observed expansion. In line with this, we observed a significant reduction of inflammatory marker CRP under propionate supplementation. Of interest, the observed anti-inflammatory surroundings did not affect the protective pathogen-specific immunity as demonstrated by the stable frequencies of effector/memory T cells specific for tetanus/diphtheria recall antigens. Collectively, our data suggest that dietary supplements with propionate have a beneficial effect on the elevated systemic inflammation of ESRD patients. The effect can be achieved through an expansion of circulating Tregs without affecting the protective pathogen-reactive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Meyer
- Medical Department I , Centre for Translational Medicine, Marienhospital Herne, Universitätsklinikum Der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44623, Herne, Germany
| | - Felix S Seibert
- Medical Department I , Centre for Translational Medicine, Marienhospital Herne, Universitätsklinikum Der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44623, Herne, Germany
| | - Mikalai Nienen
- Medical Department I , Centre for Translational Medicine, Marienhospital Herne, Universitätsklinikum Der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44623, Herne, Germany
| | - Marius Welzel
- Biodiversity, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Frederic Bauer
- Medical Department I , Centre for Translational Medicine, Marienhospital Herne, Universitätsklinikum Der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44623, Herne, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rohn
- Medical Department I , Centre for Translational Medicine, Marienhospital Herne, Universitätsklinikum Der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44623, Herne, Germany
| | - Timm H Westhoff
- Medical Department I , Centre for Translational Medicine, Marienhospital Herne, Universitätsklinikum Der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44623, Herne, Germany
| | - Ulrik Stervbo
- Medical Department I , Centre for Translational Medicine, Marienhospital Herne, Universitätsklinikum Der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44623, Herne, Germany.
| | - Nina Babel
- Medical Department I , Centre for Translational Medicine, Marienhospital Herne, Universitätsklinikum Der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44623, Herne, Germany.
- Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epigenetics has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this review, the involvement of the three epigenetic mechanisms in SSc development and progression-DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs-will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Alteration in epigenetics was observed in immune cells, dermal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells derived from SSc patients. Genes that are affected include those involved in immune cell function and differentiation, TGFβ and Wnt pathways, extracellular matrix accumulation, transcription factors, and angiogenesis. All the studies remain in the pre-clinical stage. Extensive research provides evidence that epigenetic alterations are critical for SSc pathogenesis. Future epigenomic studies will undoubtedly continue to broaden our understanding of disease pathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity. They will also provide the scientific basis for repurposing epigenetic-modifying agents for SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Pl., 4025 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
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Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in systemic sclerosis induces long-lasting changes in B cell homeostasis toward an anti-inflammatory B cell cytokine pattern. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:106. [PMID: 31036055 PMCID: PMC6489316 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1889-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is performed in patients with aggressive forms of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The profile of B cell reconstitution after aHSCT is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate changes of B cell subsets and cytokine production of B cells in patients with SSc after aHSCT. METHODS Peripheral blood of six patients with SSc was collected at defined intervals up to 16 months after aHSCT. Immunophenotyping was performed, and B cell function was determined by measuring cytokine secretion in supernatants of stimulated B cell cultures. RESULTS Within 1 month after aHSCT, a peak in the percentage of CD38++/CD10+/IgD+ transitional B cells and CD38++/CD27++/IgD- plasmablasts was detected. Long-term changes persisted up to 14 months after aHSCT and showed an increased percentage of total B cells; the absolute B cell number did not change significantly. Within the B cell compartment, an increased CD27/IgD+ naïve B cell percentage was found whereas decreased percentages of CD27+/IgD+ pre-switched memory, CD27+/IgD- post-switched memory, and CD27-/IgD- double-negative B cells were seen after aHSCT. Cytokine secretion in B cell cultures showed significantly increased IL-10 concentrations 13 to 16 months after aHSCT. CONCLUSION A changed composition of the B cell compartment is present for up to 14 months after aHSCT indicating positive persisting effects of aHSCT on B cell homeostasis. The cytokine secretion profile of B cells changes in the long term and shows an increased production of the immune regulatory cytokine IL-10 after aHSCT. These findings might promote the clinical improvements after aHSCT in SSc patients.
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Göschl L, Scheinecker C, Bonelli M. Treg cells in autoimmunity: from identification to Treg-based therapies. Semin Immunopathol 2019; 41:301-314. [PMID: 30953162 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-019-00741-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory (Treg) cells are key regulators of inflammation and important for immune tolerance and homeostasis. A major progress has been made in the identification and classification of Treg cells. Due to technological advances, we have gained deep insights in the epigenetic regulation of Treg cells. The use of fate reporter mice allowed addressing the functional consequences of loss of Foxp3 expression. Depending on the environment Treg cells gain effector functions upon loss of Foxp3 expression. However, the traditional view that Treg cells become necessarily pathogenic by gaining effector functions was challenged by recent findings and supports the notion of Treg cell lineage plasticity. Treg cell stability is also a major issue for Treg cell therapies. Clinical trials are designed to use polyclonal Treg cells as therapeutic tools. Here, we summarize the role of Treg cells in selected autoimmune diseases and recent advances in the field of Treg targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Göschl
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Scheinecker
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Immune rebound associates with a favorable clinical response to autologous HSCT in systemic sclerosis patients. Blood Adv 2019; 2:126-141. [PMID: 29365321 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017011072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the immunological mechanisms associated with clinical outcomes after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), focusing on regulatory T- (Treg) and B- (Breg) cell immune reconstitution, 31 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients underwent simultaneous clinical and immunological evaluations over 36-month posttransplantation follow-up. Patients were retrospectively grouped into responders (n = 25) and nonresponders (n = 6), according to clinical response after AHSCT. Thymic function and B-cell neogenesis were respectively assessed by quantification of DNA excision circles generated during T- and B-cell receptor rearrangements. At the 1-year post-AHSCT evaluation of the total set of transplanted SSc patients, thymic rebound led to renewal of the immune system, with higher T-cell receptor (TCR) diversity, positive correlation between recent thymic emigrant and Treg counts, and higher expression of CTLA-4 and GITR on Tregs, when compared with pretransplant levels. In parallel, increased bone marrow output of newly generated naive B-cells, starting at 6 months after AHSCT, renovated the B-cell populations in peripheral blood. At 6 and 12 months after AHSCT, Bregs increased and produced higher interleukin-10 levels than before transplant. When the nonresponder patients were evaluated separately, Treg and Breg counts did not increase after AHSCT, and high TCR repertoire overlap between pre- and posttransplant periods indicated maintenance of underlying disease mechanisms. These data suggest that clinical improvement of SSc patients is related to increased counts of newly generated Tregs and Bregs after AHSCT as a result of coordinated thymic and bone marrow rebound.
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Frantz C, Auffray C, Avouac J, Allanore Y. Regulatory T Cells in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2356. [PMID: 30374354 PMCID: PMC6196252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, accumulating evidence suggest that regulatory T cells (Tregs) are of paramount importance for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and immune homeostasis, even though they represent only about 5-10% of the peripheral CD4+ T cells in humans. Their key role is indeed supported by the spontaneous development of autoimmune diseases after Tregs depletion in mice. Moreover, there is also a growing literature that investigates possible contribution of Tregs numbers and activity in various autoimmune diseases. The contribution of Tregs in autoimmune disease has opened up a new therapeutic avenue based on restoring a healthy balance between Tregs and effector T-cells, such as Treg-based cellular transfer or low-dose IL-2 modulation. These therapies hold the promise of modulating the immune system without immunosuppression, while several issues regarding efficacy and safety need to be addressed. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an orphan connective tissue disease characterized by extensive immune abnormalities but also microvascular injury and fibrosis. Recently, data about the presence and function of Tregs in the pathogenesis of SSc have emerged although they remain scarce so far. First, there is a general agreement in the medical literature with regard to the decreased functional ability of circulating Tregs in SSc. Second the quantification of Tregs in patients have led to contradictory results; although the majority of the studies report reduced frequencies, there are conversely some indications suggesting that in case of disease activity circulating Tregs may increase. This paradoxical situation could be the result of a compensatory, but inefficient, amplification of Tregs in the context of inflammation. Nevertheless, these results must be tempered with regards to the heterogeneity of the studies for the phenotyping of the patients and of the most importance for Tregs definition and activity markers. Therefore, taking into account the appealing developments of Tregs roles in autoimmune diseases, together with preliminary data published in SSc, there is growing interest in deciphering Tregs in SSc, both in humans and mice models, to clarify whether the promises obtained in other autoimmune diseases may also apply to SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Frantz
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Cedric Auffray
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Jerome Avouac
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
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Mo C, Zeng Z, Deng Q, Ding Y, Xiao R. Imbalance between T helper 17 and regulatory T cell subsets plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:177-183. [PMID: 30219674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease that is characterized by fibrosis, inflammation, and vasculopathy of the skin and internal organs. The etiopathogenesis of SSc remains unclear. However, the pivotal role of T lymphocytes with an aberrant immune response in SSc is well established. Among T cells, IL-17-producing helper T (Th17) cell and regulatory T (Treg) cell subsets have recently been found to play crucial roles in SSc pathogenesis. Generally speaking, Th17 cell subsets up-regulate inflammation, fibrosis, and autoimmunity, which are present in SSc, while Treg cell subsets have an immunosuppressive function and resist the immunological performance of Th17 cells. Up-to-date evidence has pointed out that the imbalance and abnormal functions of Th17/Treg cells may contribute to SSc. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current understanding of the vital cytokines and signaling pathways that are involved in Th17/Treg differentiation and functions, and their roles in the pathogenesis of SSc, thus providing novel insights about targeting the Th17/Treg balance as a potential therapy for SSc treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiling Mo
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Qiancheng Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Dermatology, Hainan Provincial Dermatology Disease Hospital, 15 LongKun-Nan Road, Haikou 570206, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
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Truchetet ME, Pradeu T. Re-thinking our understanding of immunity: Robustness in the tissue reconstruction system. Semin Immunol 2018; 36:45-55. [PMID: 29550156 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Robustness, understood as the maintenance of specific functionalities of a given system against internal and external perturbations, is pervasive in today's biology. Yet precise applications of this notion to the immune system have been scarce. Here we show that the concept of robustness sheds light on tissue repair, and particularly on the crucial role the immune system plays in this process. We describe the specific mechanisms, including plasticity and redundancy, by which robustness is achieved in the tissue reconstruction system (TRS). In turn, tissue repair offers a very important test case for assessing the usefulness of the concept of robustness, and identifying different varieties of robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Elise Truchetet
- Department of Rheumatology, CHU Bordeaux Hospital, Bordeaux, France; ImmunoConcept, UMR5164, Immunology, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas Pradeu
- ImmunoConcept, UMR5164, Immunology, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.
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Schmidt KG, Herrero San Juan M, Trautmann S, Berninger L, Schwiebs A, Ottenlinger FM, Thomas D, Zaucke F, Pfeilschifter JM, Radeke HH. Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 5 Modulates Early-Stage Processes during Fibrogenesis in a Mouse Model of Systemic Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1242. [PMID: 29033951 PMCID: PMC5626866 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare multi-organ autoimmune disease characterized by progressive skin fibrosis. Inflammation, type 2 immunity, and fibrogenic processes are involved in disease development and may be affected by sphingolipids. However, details about early-stage pathophysiological mechanisms and implicated mediators remain elusive. The sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is elevated in the sera of SSc patients, and its receptor S1P5 is expressed in skin tissue. Nevertheless, almost nothing is known about the dermatological contribution of S1P5 to inflammatory and pro-fibrotic processes leading to the pathological changes seen in SSc. In this study, we observed a novel effect of S1P5 on the inflammatory processes during low-dose bleomycin (BLM)-induced fibrogenesis in murine skin. By comparing 2-week-treated skin areas of wild-type (WT) and S1P5-deficient mice, we found that S1P5 is important for the transcriptional upregulation of the Th2 characteristic transcription factor GATA-3 under treatment-induced inflammatory conditions, while T-bet (Th1) and FoxP3 (Treg) mRNA expression was regulated independently of S1P5. Additionally, treatment caused a regulation of S1P receptor 1 and S1P receptor 3 mRNA as well as a regulation of long-chain ceramide profiles, which both differ significantly between the genotypes. Despite S1P5-dependent differences regarding inflammatory processes, similar macroscopic evidence of fibrosis was detected in the skin histology of WT and S1P5-deficient mice after 4 weeks of subcutaneous BLM treatment. However, at the earlier 2-week point in time, the mRNA data of pro-collagen type 1 and SMAD7 indicate a pro-fibrotic S1P5 contribution in the applied SSc mouse model. In conclusion, we propose that S1P5 plays a role as a novel modulator during the early phase of BLM-caused fibrogenesis in murine skin. An immediate relationship between dermal S1P5 expression and fibrotic processes leading to skin alterations, such as formative for SSc pathogenesis, is indicated but should be studied more profound in further investigations. Therefore, this study is an initial step in understanding the role of S1P5-mediated effects during early stages of fibrogenesis, which may encourage the ongoing search for new therapeutic options for SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin G Schmidt
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martina Herrero San Juan
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sandra Trautmann
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lucija Berninger
- Dr Rolf M Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Orthopedic University Hospital, Friedrichsheim gGmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anja Schwiebs
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Florian M Ottenlinger
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dominique Thomas
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Frank Zaucke
- Dr Rolf M Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Orthopedic University Hospital, Friedrichsheim gGmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Josef M Pfeilschifter
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Heinfried H Radeke
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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