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Zhang R, Zhao Y, Chen X, Zhuang Z, Li X, Shen E. Low-dose IL-2 therapy in autoimmune diseases: An update review. Int Rev Immunol 2024; 43:113-137. [PMID: 37882232 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2023.2274574] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are essential for maintaining self-immune tolerance. Reduced numbers or functions of Treg cells have been involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases and allograft rejection. Therefore, the approaches that increase the pool or suppressive function of Treg cells in vivo could be a general strategy to treat different autoimmune diseases and allograft rejection. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is essential for the development, survival, maintenance, and function of Treg cells, constitutively expressing the high-affinity receptor of IL-2 and sensitive response to IL-2 in vivo. And low-dose IL-2 therapy in vivo could restore the imbalance between autoimmune response and self-tolerance toward self-tolerance via promoting Treg cell expansion and inhibiting follicular helper T (Tfh) and IL-17-producing helper T (Th17) cell differentiation. Currently, low-dose IL-2 treatment is receiving extensive attention in autoimmune disease and transplantation treatment. In this review, we summarize the biology of IL-2/IL-2 receptor, the mechanisms of low-dose IL-2 therapy in autoimmune diseases, the application in the progress of different autoimmune diseases, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), Alopecia Areata (AA), Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) and Chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). We also discuss the future directions to optimize low-dose IL-2 treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Zhang
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyang Zhao
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangming Chen
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuoqing Zhuang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Erxia Shen
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Hardtke-Wolenski M, Landwehr-Kenzel S. Tipping the balance in autoimmunity: are regulatory t cells the cause, the cure, or both? Mol Cell Pediatr 2024; 11:3. [PMID: 38507159 PMCID: PMC10954601 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-024-00176-8] [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] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subgroup of T-cell lymphocytes that is crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing excessive immune responses. Depending on their differentiation route, Tregs can be subdivided into thymically derived Tregs (tTregs) and peripherally induced Tregs (pTregs), which originate from conventional T cells after extrathymic differentiation at peripheral sites. Although the regulatory attributes of tTregs and pTregs partially overlap, their modes of action, protein expression profiles, and functional stability exhibit specific characteristics unique to each subset. Over the last few years, our knowledge of Treg differentiation, maturation, plasticity, and correlations between their phenotypes and functions has increased. Genetic and functional studies in patients with numeric and functional Treg deficiencies have contributed to our mechanistic understanding of immune dysregulation and autoimmune pathologies. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge of Treg biology, discusses monogenetic Treg pathologies and explores the role of Tregs in various other autoimmune disorders. Additionally, we discuss novel approaches that explore Tregs as targets or agents of innovative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany
- University Hospital Essen, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, Essen, 45122, Germany
| | - Sybille Landwehr-Kenzel
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany.
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany.
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Wang Z, Liu Z, Zheng J, Huang L, Jin R, Wang X, Chen D, Xie Y, Feng B. The effects of low-dose IL-2 on Th17/Treg cell imbalance in primary biliary cholangitis mouse models. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:87. [PMID: 38408917 PMCID: PMC10895794 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03176-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease. The imbalance of Th17/Treg cells has been reported in PBC patients. Low-dose IL-2 can alleviate disease severity through modulating CD4 + T cell subsets in patients with autoimmune diseases. Hence, the present study aimed to examine the effects and mechanism of low-dose IL-2 in PBC mouse models. METHODS PBC models were induced in female C57BL/6 mice by two immunizations with 2OA-BSA at two-week intervals, and poly I: C every three days. PBC mouse models were divided into the IL-2 treated and untreated groups and low-dose IL-2 was injected at three different time points. Th17 and Tregs were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the related cytokines were analyzed by ELISA. Liver histopathology was examined by H&E and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Twelve weeks after modeling, the serum AMA was positive and the ALP was significantly increased in PBC mouse models (P<0.05). The pathology showed lymphocyte infiltration in the portal area, damage, and reactive proliferation of the small bile duct (P<0.05). The flow cytometric showed the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells in the liver of PBC mouse models, with decreased Treg cells, increased Th17 cells, and Th17/Treg ratio (P < 0.05). After the low-dose IL-2 intervention, biochemical index and liver pathologies showed improvement at 12 weeks. Besides, the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells recovered. Public database mining showed that Th17 cell differentiation may contribute to poor response in PBC patients. CONCLUSION Low-dose IL-2 can significantly improve liver biochemistry and pathology by reversing the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells, suggesting that it may be a potential therapeutic target for PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarui Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Linxiang Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Dongbo Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Yandi Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China.
| | - Bo Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China.
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Yuming Z, Ruqi T, Gershwin ME, Xiong M. Autoimmune Hepatitis: Pathophysiology. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:15-35. [PMID: 37945156 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association analyses suggest that HLA genes including HLA-DRB*0301, HLA-DRB*0401, and HLA-B*3501 as well as non-HLA genes including CD28/CTLA4/ICOS and SYNPR increased AIH susceptibility. The destruction of hepatocytes is the result of the imbalance between proinflammatory cells and immunosuppressive cells, especially the imbalance between Tregs and Th17 cells. The microbiome in patients with AIH is decreased in diversity with a specific decline in Bifidobacterium and enrichment in Veillonella and Faecalibacterium. Recent evidence has demonstrated the pathogenic role of E. gallinarum and L.reuteri in inducing autoimmunity in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Yuming
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Tang Ruqi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Merrill Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Ma Xiong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China; Institute of Aging & Tissue Regeneration, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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5
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Orcutt-Jahns B, Emmel PC, Snyder EM, Taylor SD, Meyer AS. Multivalent, asymmetric IL-2-Fc fusions show enhanced selectivity for regulatory T cells. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg0699. [PMID: 37847758 PMCID: PMC10658882 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg0699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) has the potential to treat autoimmune disease but is limited by its modest specificity toward immunosuppressive regulatory T (Treg) cells. IL-2 receptors consist of combinations of α, β, and γ chains of variable affinity and cell specificity. Engineering IL-2 to treat autoimmunity has primarily focused on retaining binding to the relatively Treg-selective, high-affinity receptor while reducing binding to the less selective, low-affinity receptor. However, we found that refining the designs to focus on targeting the high-affinity receptor through avidity effects is key to optimizing Treg selectivity. We profiled the dynamics and dose dependency of signaling responses in primary human immune cells induced by engineered fusions composed of either wild-type IL-2 or mutant forms with altered affinity, valency, and fusion to the antibody Fc region for stability. Treg selectivity and signaling response variations were explained by a model of multivalent binding and dimer-enhanced avidity-a combined measure of the strength, number, and conformation of interaction sites-from which we designed tetravalent IL-2-Fc fusions that had greater Treg selectivity in culture than do current designs. Biasing avidity toward IL2Rα with an asymmetrical multivalent design consisting of one α/β chain-binding and one α chain-binding mutant further enhanced Treg selectivity. Comparative analysis revealed that IL2Rα was the optimal cell surface target for Treg selectivity, indicating that avidity for IL2Rα may be the optimal route to producing IL-2 variants that selectively target Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Orcutt-Jahns
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peter C. Emmel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eli M. Snyder
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Scott D. Taylor
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aaron S. Meyer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Chen H, Han Z, Fan Y, Chen L, Peng F, Cheng X, Wang Y, Su J, Li D. CD4+ T-cell subsets in autoimmune hepatitis: A review. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0269. [PMID: 37695088 PMCID: PMC10497257 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease that can lead to hepatocyte destruction, inflammation, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. The diagnosis of AIH requires the identification of lymphoblast cell interface hepatitis and serum biochemical abnormalities, as well as the exclusion of related diseases. According to different specific autoantibodies, AIH can be divided into AIH-1 and AIH-2. The first-line treatment for AIH is a corticosteroid and azathioprine regimen, and patients with liver failure require liver transplantation. However, the long-term use of corticosteroids has obvious side effects, and patients are prone to relapse after drug withdrawal. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by an imbalance in immune tolerance of self-antigens, activation of autoreactive T cells, overactivity of B cells, and increased production of autoantibodies. CD4+ T cells are key players in adaptive immunity and can secrete cytokines, activate B cells to produce antibodies, and influence the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells. According to their characteristics, CD4+ T cells can be divided into different subsets. In this review, we discuss the changes in T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17, Th9, Th22, regulatory T cell, T follicular helper, and T peripheral helper cells and their related factors in AIH and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting CD4+ T-cell subsets in AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhongyu Han
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiyue Fan
- Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Liuyan Chen
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Peng
- Chengdu Xinhua Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Yi Wang
- Chengdu Xinhua Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Junyan Su
- The First People’s Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu, China
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Yi Q, Yang J, Wu Y, Wang Y, Cao Q, Wen W. Immune microenvironment changes of liver cirrhosis: emerging role of mesenchymal stromal cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1204524. [PMID: 37539053 PMCID: PMC10395751 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1204524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a progressive and diffuse liver disease characterized by liver tissue fibrosis and impaired liver function. This condition is brought about by several factors, including chronic hepatitis, hepatic steatosis, alcohol abuse, and other immunological injuries. The pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis is a complex process that involves the interaction of various immune cells and cytokines, which work together to create the hepatic homeostasis imbalance in the liver. Some studies have indicated that alterations in the immune microenvironment of liver cirrhosis are closely linked to the development and prognosis of the disease. The noteworthy function of mesenchymal stem cells and their paracrine secretion lies in their ability to promote the production of cytokines, which in turn enhance the self-repairing capabilities of tissues. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the alterations in liver homeostasis and to discuss intercellular communication within the organ. Recent research on MSCs is yielding a blueprint for cell typing and biomarker immunoregulation. Hopefully, as MSCs researches continue to progress, novel therapeutic approaches will emerge to address cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyun Yi
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxian Yang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqi Cao
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Wen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
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Sîrbe C, Badii M, Crişan TO, Bența G, Grama A, Joosten LAB, Rednic S, Pop TL. Detection of Novel Biomarkers in Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis by Proteomic Profiling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087479. [PMID: 37108648 PMCID: PMC10141667 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087479] [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] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterized by immune-mediated hepatocyte injury resulting in the destruction of liver cells, causing inflammation, liver failure, and fibrosis. Pediatric (AIH) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that usually requires immunosuppression for an extended period. Frequent relapses after treatment discontinuation demonstrate that current therapies do not control intrahepatic immune processes. This study describes targeted proteomic profiling data in patients with AIH and controls. A total of 92 inflammatory and 92 cardiometabolic plasma markers were assessed for (i) pediatric AIH versus controls, (ii) AIH type 1 versus type 2, (iii) AIH and AIH-autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis overlapping syndrome and (iv) correlations with circulating vitamin D levels in AIH. A total of 16 proteins showed a nominally significant differential abundance in pediatric patients with AIH compared to controls. No clustering of AIH subphenotypes based on all protein data was observed, and no significant correlation of vitamin D levels was observed for the identified proteins. The proteins that showed variable expression include CA1, CA3, GAS6, FCGR2A, 4E-BP1 and CCL19, which may serve as potential biomarkers for patients with AIH. CX3CL1, CXCL10, CCL23, CSF1 and CCL19 showed homology to one another and may be coexpressed in AIH. CXCL10 seems to be the central intermediary link for the listed proteins. These proteins were involved in relevant mechanistic pathways for liver diseases and immune processes in AIH pathogenesis. This is the first report on the proteomic profile of pediatric AIH. The identified markers could potentially lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, considering the complex pathogenesis of AIH, more extensive studies are warranted to replicate and validate the present study's findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sîrbe
- 2nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Center of Expertise in Pediatric Liver Rare Disorders, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400177 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Medeea Badii
- Department of Medical Genetics, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tania O Crişan
- Department of Medical Genetics, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel Bența
- 2nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Center of Expertise in Pediatric Liver Rare Disorders, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400177 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alina Grama
- 2nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Center of Expertise in Pediatric Liver Rare Disorders, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400177 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simona Rednic
- Rheumatology Department, Emergency County Hospital Cluj, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Rheumatology Discipline, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tudor Lucian Pop
- 2nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Center of Expertise in Pediatric Liver Rare Disorders, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400177 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Yan H, Yan H, Liu L, Su R, Gao C, Li X, Wang C. Low-dose interleukin-2 treatment increases the proportion of regulatory T cells in patients with rheumatic diseases: A meta-analysis. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103270. [PMID: 36627065 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is now accepted that immune tolerance disorders caused by inadequate Treg cell function or number are important factors in the development and progression of rheumatic diseases. There is increasing evidence that ld IL-2 treatment increases the proportion of Treg cells in patients' peripheral blood, but this conclusion is still controversial. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of reports documenting the proportion of Treg cells and the rate of adverse events in patients with rheumatic disease before and after the administration of ld IL-2 to better understand its effect and safety on Treg cells in the field of rheumatic diseases. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of science databases up to 15th November 2022 and identified studies that reported the proportion of peripheral blood Treg cells before and after ld IL-2 treatment in patients with rheumatic disease. Random-effects model was used to perform a meta-analysis of Treg cell proportions before and after ld IL-2 administration, and a meta-regression analysis was performed to explore heterogeneity. Inconsistency was evaluated using the I-squared index (I2), and publication bias was assessed by examining funnel plot asymmetry using the Egger tests. RESULTS Eighteen studies involving 1608 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The proportion of Treg cells in peripheral blood of these patients increased significantly after receiving ld IL-2 treatment [1.07 (95% CI 0.86,1.27), p < 0.001, I2 = 67.3%]. Next, Meta-regression was performed for 5 variables including publish year, disease type, trail type and dosage and duration of the medication. The results suggest that these variables do not lead to high heterogeneity. (p = 0.698, 0.267, 0.502, 0.843, 0.560, respectively). And finally, statistical analysis showed no difference in adverse reactions between ld IL-2 group and control group in treatment [1.06 (95% CI 0.86,1.31), p = 0.586, I2 = 53.8%], which is unreliable because the data is so small. CONCLUSIONS Ld IL-2 does increase the proportion of peripheral blood Treg cells in patients with rheumatism, and single and cumulative doses must be considered when using ld IL-2. In addition, more studies on the safety of ld IL-2 are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Immunomicroecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Huer Yan
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Immunomicroecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Immunomicroecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Chong Gao
- Pathology, Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women' Hospital/Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Immunomicroecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Immunomicroecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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10
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Tauber PA, Kratzer B, Schatzlmaier P, Smole U, Köhler C, Rausch L, Kranich J, Trapin D, Neunkirchner A, Zabel M, Jutz S, Steinberger P, Gadermaier G, Brocker T, Stockinger H, Derdak S, Pickl WF. The small molecule inhibitor BX-795 uncouples IL-2 production from inhibition of Th2 inflammation and induces CD4 + T cells resembling iTreg. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1094694. [PMID: 37090735 PMCID: PMC10117943 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1094694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treg cells have been shown to be an important part of immune-homeostasis and IL-2 which is produced upon T cell receptor (TCR)-dependent activation of T lymphocytes has been demonstrated to critically participate in Treg development. Objective To evaluate small molecule inhibitors (SMI) for the identification of novel IL-2/Treg enhancing compounds. Materials and methods We used TCR-dependent and allergen-specific cytokine secretion of human and mouse T cells, next generation messenger ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) and two different models of allergic airway inflammation to examine lead SMI-compounds. Results We show here that the reported 3-phosphoinositide dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) SMI BX-795 increased IL-2 in culture supernatants of Jurkat E6-1 T cells, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) and allergen-specific mouse T cells upon TCR-dependent and allergen-specific stimulation while concomitantly inhibiting Th2 cytokine secretion. RNA-Seq revealed that the presence of BX-795 during allergen-specific activation of T cells induces a bona fide Treg cell type highly similar to iTreg but lacking Foxp3 expression. When applied in mugwort pollen and house dust mite extract-based models of airway inflammation, BX-795 significantly inhibited Th2 inflammation including expression of Th2 signature transcription factors and cytokines and influx into the lungs of type 2-associated inflammatory cells such as eosinophils. Conclusions BX-795 potently uncouples IL-2 production from Th2 inflammation and induces Th-IL-2 cells, which highly resemble induced (i)Tregs. Thus, BX-795 may be a useful new compound for the treatment of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Tauber
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Kratzer
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schatzlmaier
- Institute of Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Smole
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cordula Köhler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Rausch
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Kranich
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Doris Trapin
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina Neunkirchner
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maja Zabel
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Jutz
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Thomas Brocker
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute of Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophia Derdak
- Core Facilities, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F. Pickl
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner University of Healthcare, Krems, Austria
- *Correspondence: Winfried F. Pickl,
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Goswami TK, Singh M, Dhawan M, Mitra S, Emran TB, Rabaan AA, Mutair AA, Alawi ZA, Alhumaid S, Dhama K. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their therapeutic potential against autoimmune disorders - Advances and challenges. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2035117. [PMID: 35240914 PMCID: PMC9009914 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2035117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are caused when immune cells act against self-protein. This biological self-non-self-discrimination phenomenon is controlled by a distinct group of lymphocytes known as regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are key inflammatory response regulators and play a pivotal role in immune tolerance and homeostasis. Treg-mediated robust immunosuppression provides self-tolerance and protection against autoimmune diseases. However, once this system fails to operate or poorly operate, it leads to an extreme situation where immune system reacts against self-antigens and destroys host organs, thus causing autoimmune diseases. Tregs can target both innate and adaptive immunity via modulating multiple immune cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, antigen-presenting cells, B cells, and T cells. This review highlights the Treg-mediated immunosuppression, role of several markers and their interplay during Treg development and differentiation, and advances in therapeutic aspects of Treg cells to reduce severity of autoimmunity-related conditions along with emphasizing limitations and challenges of their usages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapas Kumar Goswami
- Immunology Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Mithilesh Singh
- Immunology Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Manish Dhawan
- Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
- The Trafford Group of Colleges, Manchester, UK
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Ali A. Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Al Mutair
- Research Center, Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- College of Nursing, Princess Norah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- School of Nursing, Wollongong University, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Zainab Al Alawi
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alhumaid
- Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Al-Ahsa Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
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12
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Kremer J, Henschel P, Simon D, Riet T, Falk C, Hardtke-Wolenski M, Wedemeyer H, Noyan F, Jaeckel E. Membrane-bound IL-2 improves the expansion, survival, and phenotype of CAR Tregs and confers resistance to calcineurin inhibitors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1005582. [PMID: 36618378 PMCID: PMC9816406 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1005582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and the establishment of immune tolerance. Since Tregs do not secrete endogenous IL-2, they are especially dependent on external IL-2. IL-2 deficiency leads to lower Treg numbers, instability of the Treg phenotype and loss of immune regulation. After organ transplantation, patients are treated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), which further limits available IL-2. Application of low-dose IL-2 expands Tregs but also activates NK and CD8+ T cells. It was recently shown that graft-specific Tregs recognizing mismatched MHC I molecules via a chimeric antigen receptor were far more potent than polyclonal Tregs in the regulation of immune responses after solid organ transplantation in a humanized mouse model. Methods Therefore, our aim was to enhance the function and stability of transferred CAR-Tregs via expression of membrane-associated IL-2 (mbIL-2). Results mbIL-2 promoted higher survival, phenotypic stability, and function among CAR-Tregs than observed in clinical trials. The cells were also more stable under inflammatory conditions. In a preclinical humanized mouse model, we demonstrated that mbIL-2 CAR Tregs survive better in the Treg niche than control CAR Tregs and are even resistant to CNI therapy without affecting other Tregs, thus acting mainly in cis. Discussion The functional and phenotypic improvements observed after membrane-attached IL-2 expression in CAR-Tregs will be important step for enhancing CAR-Treg therapies currently being tested in clinical trials for use after kidney and liver transplantation as well as in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Kremer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Pierre Henschel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Simon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Riet
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Tumor Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne and Center for Molecular Medicine, Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christine Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Essen University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fatih Noyan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of liver transplantation, Multi Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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13
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Dywicki J, Buitrago-Molina LE, Noyan F, Schlue J, Iordanidis K, Manns MP, Wedemeyer H, Jaeckel E, Hardtke-Wolenski M. Splenectomy induces biochemical remission and regeneration in experimental murine autoimmune hepatitis. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:284. [PMID: 36496477 PMCID: PMC9737750 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00933-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory liver disease. It is known that AIH originates not from the spleen but from the liver itself. Nonetheless, most details of the etiology and pathophysiology are unknown. We induced experimental murine AIH (emAIH) in NOD/Ltj mice by single administration of a replication-deficient adenovirus and performed splenectomy during late-stage disease. Biochemical disease remission occurred, which was characterized by improvement in transaminase levels. The causes of this remission included a shift in the transcriptomic signature of serum proteins toward regeneration. At the cellular level, there was a marked decrease in activated CD8+ T cells and an increase in intrahepatic regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here, intrahepatic Treg numbers correlated with biochemical remission. Notably, an imbalance in the T-cell/B-cell ratio was observed, with a disproportionate increase in total B cells. In summary, intrahepatic increases in Tregs, biochemical remission, and regeneration could be induced by splenectomy in the late stage of emAIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Dywicki
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Elisa Buitrago-Molina
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fatih Noyan
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jerome Schlue
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Iordanidis
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael P. Manns
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Liver Transplantation, Multi Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany ,grid.5718.b0000 0001 2187 5445Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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14
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Advancing Biologic Therapy for Refractory Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:4979-5005. [PMID: 35147819 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Biologic agents may satisfy an unmet clinical need for treatment of refractory autoimmune hepatitis. The goals of this review are to present the types and results of biologic therapy for refractory autoimmune hepatitis, indicate opportunities to improve and expand biologic treatment, and encourage comparative clinical trials. English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full-length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. Rituximab (monoclonal antibodies against CD20 on B cells), infliximab (monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-alpha), low-dose recombinant interleukin 2 (regulatory T cell promoter), and belimumab (monoclonal antibodies against B cell activating factor) have induced laboratory improvement in small cohorts with refractory autoimmune hepatitis. Ianalumab (monoclonal antibodies against the receptor for B cell activating factor) is in clinical trial. These agents target critical pathogenic pathways, but they may also have serious side effects. Blockade of the B cell activating factor or its receptors may disrupt pivotal B and T cell responses, and recombinant interleukin 2 complexed with certain interleukin 2 antibodies may selectively expand the regulatory T cell population. A proliferation-inducing ligand that enhances T cell proliferation and survival is an unevaluated, potentially pivotal, therapeutic target. Fully human antibodies, expanded target options, improved targeting precision, more effective delivery systems, and biosimilar agents promise to improve efficacy, safety, and accessibility. In conclusion, biologic agents target key pathogenic pathways in autoimmune hepatitis, and early experiences in refractory disease encourage clarification of the preferred target, rigorous clinical trial, and comparative evaluations.
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15
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Xu Z, Jiang X, Dai X, Li B. The Dynamic Role of FOXP3+ Tregs and Their Potential Therapeutic Applications During SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:916411. [PMID: 35874688 PMCID: PMC9305488 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.916411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been raging all around the world since the beginning of 2020, and leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with strong cytokine storm which contributes to widespread tissue damage and even death in severe patients. Over-activated immune response becomes one of the characteristics of severe COVID-19 patients. Regulatory T cells (Treg) play an essential role in maintaining the immune homeostasis, which restrain excessive inflammation response. So FOXP3+ Tregs might participate in the suppression of inflammation caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Besides suppressive function, tissue resident Tregs are also responsible for tissue repair. In this review, we mainly summarize the latest research focusing on the change of FOXP3+ Tregs in the COVID-19 patients, discuss the relationship between disease severity and number change of Tregs and speculate the potential role of FOXP3+ Tregs during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, we introduce some potential Treg-based therapies to improve patients’ outcomes, which include small molecular drugs, antibody drugs, CAR-Treg and cytokine treatment. We hope to reduce tissue damage of severe COVID-19 patients and offer better prognosis through Treg-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Xu
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyu Dai
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xueyu Dai, ; Bin Li,
| | - Bin Li
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research, Guanghua Integrative Medicine Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammatory Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Xueyu Dai, ; Bin Li,
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16
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Zhou P. Emerging mechanisms and applications of low-dose IL-2 therapy in autoimmunity. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 67:80-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Dywicki J, Buitrago‐Molina LE, Noyan F, Davalos‐Misslitz AC, Hupa‐Breier KL, Lieber M, Hapke M, Schlue J, Falk CS, Raha S, Prinz I, Koenecke C, Manns MP, Wedemeyer H, Hardtke‐Wolenski M, Jaeckel E. The Detrimental Role of Regulatory T Cells in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:320-333. [PMID: 34532981 PMCID: PMC8793993 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is induced by steatosis and metabolic inflammation. While involvement of the innate immune response has been shown, the role of the adaptive immune response in NASH remains controversial. Likewise, the role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in NASH remains unclear although initial clinical trials aim to target these regulatory responses. High-fat high-carbohydrate (HF-HC) diet feeding of NASH-resistant BALB/c mice as well as the corresponding recombination activating 1 (Rag)-deficient strain was used to induce NASH and to study the role of the adaptive immune response. HF-HC diet feeding induced strong activation of intrahepatic T cells in BALB/c mice, suggesting an antigen-driven effect. In contrast, the effects of the absence of the adaptive immune response was notable. NASH in BALB/c Rag1-/- mice was substantially worsened and accompanied by a sharp increase of M1-like macrophage numbers. Furthermore, we found an increase in intrahepatic Treg numbers in NASH, but either adoptive Treg transfer or anti-cluster of differentiation (CD)3 therapy unexpectedly increased steatosis and the alanine aminotransferase level without otherwise affecting NASH. Conclusion: Although intrahepatic T cells were activated and marginally clonally expanded in NASH, these effects were counterbalanced by increased Treg numbers. The ablation of adaptive immunity in murine NASH led to marked aggravation of NASH, suggesting that Tregs are not regulators of metabolic inflammation but rather enhance it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Dywicki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Laura Elisa Buitrago‐Molina
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyEssen University HospitalUniversity Duisburg‐EssenEssenGermany
| | - Fatih Noyan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Ana C. Davalos‐Misslitz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Katharina L. Hupa‐Breier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Maren Lieber
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Martin Hapke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Jerome Schlue
- Institute of PathologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Christine S. Falk
- Institute of Transplant ImmunologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Solaiman Raha
- Institute of ImmunologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of ImmunologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
- Institute of Systems ImmunologyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Christian Koenecke
- Institute of ImmunologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology, and Stem Cell TransplantationHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Michael P. Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyEssen University HospitalUniversity Duisburg‐EssenEssenGermany
| | - Matthias Hardtke‐Wolenski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyEssen University HospitalUniversity Duisburg‐EssenEssenGermany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
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Kurt AS, Strobl K, Ruiz P, Osborn G, Chester T, Dawson L, Warwas KM, Grey EH, Mastoridis S, Kodela E, Safinia N, Sanchez-Fueyo A, Martinez-Llordella M. IL-2 availability regulates the tissue specific phenotype of murine intra-hepatic Tregs. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1040031. [PMID: 36389734 PMCID: PMC9661520 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1040031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs are known to acquire tissue-specific features and exert cytoprotective and regenerative functions. The extent to which this applies to liver-resident Tregs is unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the phenotypic and functional characteristics of adult murine liver resident Tregs during homeostasis. Additionally, we investigated their role in ameliorating liver inflammation and tissue damage. Quantification of Foxp3+CD4+CD25+ cells comparing different tissues showed that the liver contained significantly fewer resident Tregs. A combination of flow cytometry phenotyping and microarray analysis of intra-hepatic and splenic Tregs under homeostatic conditions revealed that, although intra-hepatic Tregs exhibited the core transcriptional Treg signature, they expressed a distinct transcriptional profile. This was characterized by reduced CD25 expression and increased levels of pro-inflammatory Th1 transcripts Il1b and Ifng. In vivo ablation of Tregs in the Foxp3-DTR mouse model showed that Tregs had a role in reducing the magnitude of systemic and intra-hepatic inflammatory responses following acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) injury, but their absence did not impact the development of hepatocyte necrosis. Conversely, the specific expansion of Tregs by administration of IL-2 complexes increased the number of intra-hepatic Tregs and significantly ameliorated tissue damage following CCl₄ administration in C57BL/6 mice. The cytoprotective effect observed in response to IL-2c was associated with the increased expression of markers known to regulate Treg suppressive function. Our results offer insight into the transcriptome and complex immune network of intra-hepatic Tregs and suggest that strategies capable of selectively increasing the pool of intra-hepatic Tregs could constitute effective therapies in inflammatory liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada S. Kurt
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karoline Strobl
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paula Ruiz
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Osborn
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tonika Chester
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Dawson
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karsten M. Warwas
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Applied Tumour Immunity, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elizabeth H. Grey
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sotiris Mastoridis
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elisavet Kodela
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Niloufar Safinia
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo,
| | - Marc Martinez-Llordella
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Sirbe C, Simu G, Szabo I, Grama A, Pop TL. Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Hepatitis-Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13578. [PMID: 34948375 PMCID: PMC8703580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric autoimmune liver disorders include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), and de novo AIH after liver transplantation. AIH is an idiopathic disease characterized by immune-mediated hepatocyte injury associated with the destruction of liver cells, causing inflammation, liver failure, and fibrosis, typically associated with autoantibodies. The etiology of AIH is not entirely unraveled, but evidence supports an intricate interaction among genetic variants, environmental factors, and epigenetic modifications. The pathogenesis of AIH comprises the interaction between specific genetic traits and molecular mimicry for disease development, impaired immunoregulatory mechanisms, including CD4+ T cell population and Treg cells, alongside other contributory roles played by CD8+ cytotoxicity and autoantibody production by B cells. These findings delineate an intricate pathway that includes gene to gene and gene to environment interactions with various drugs, viral infections, and the complex microbiome. Epigenetics emphasizes gene expression through hereditary and reversible modifications of the chromatin architecture without interfering with the DNA sequence. These alterations comprise DNA methylation, histone transformations, and non-coding small (miRNA) and long (lncRNA) RNA transcriptions. The current first-line therapy comprises prednisolone plus azathioprine to induce clinical and biochemical remission. Further understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms encountered in AIH may depict their impact on clinical aspects, detect biomarkers, and guide toward novel, effective, and better-targeted therapies with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sirbe
- 2nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.S.); (T.L.P.)
- 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400177 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gelu Simu
- Cardiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Cardiology Department, Rehabilitation Hospital, 400066 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iulia Szabo
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Alina Grama
- 2nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.S.); (T.L.P.)
- 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400177 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tudor Lucian Pop
- 2nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.S.); (T.L.P.)
- 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 400177 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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20
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Vergani D, Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G. A reasoned approach to the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:1381-1393. [PMID: 34162505 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease affecting all ages, characterised by elevated transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on histology and good response to immunosuppressive treatment. If untreated, it has a poor prognosis. The aim of this review is to analyse AIH therapeutic interventions with reference to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of AIH. Standard treatment, based on steroids and azathioprine, leads to disease remission in 80-90% of patients. Alternative first-line treatment with budesonide is effective in adults, but less so in the juvenile form of AIH; first-line treatment with ciclosporin does not provide convincing advantages compared to standard treatment. Second-line treatments are needed for patients not responding or intolerant to first-line standard management. Mycophenolate mofetil is the most widely used second-line drug, and has good efficacy particularly for patients intolerant to azathioprine, but is teratogenic. Only few and heterogeneous data on calcineurin inhibitors and m-TOR inhibitors are available. Biologicals, including anti-tumour necrosis factor- α and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, have given ambivalent results and may have severe side-effects. Clinical trials with new therapeutic options aiming at targeting B lymphocytes and proinflammatory cytokines, or expanding regulatory T cells to restore tolerance are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK; Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland; Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
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21
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Wik L, Nordberg N, Broberg J, Björkesten J, Assarsson E, Henriksson S, Grundberg I, Pettersson E, Westerberg C, Liljeroth E, Falck A, Lundberg M. Proximity Extension Assay in Combination with Next-Generation Sequencing for High-throughput Proteome-wide Analysis. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100168. [PMID: 34715355 PMCID: PMC8633680 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of the human proteome is crucial for developing biomarkers to be used as measurable indicators for disease severity and progression, patient stratification, and drug development. The Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) is a technology that translates protein information into actionable knowledge by linking protein-specific antibodies to DNA-encoded tags. In this report we demonstrate how we have combined the unique PEA technology with an innovative and automated sample preparation and high-throughput sequencing readout enabling parallel measurement of nearly 1500 proteins in 96 samples generating close to 150,000 data points per run. This advancement will have a major impact on the discovery of new biomarkers for disease prediction and prognosis and contribute to the development of the rapidly evolving fields of wellness monitoring and precision medicine.
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22
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Vuerich M, Wang N, Kalbasi A, Graham JJ, Longhi MS. Dysfunctional Immune Regulation in Autoimmune Hepatitis: From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:746436. [PMID: 34650567 PMCID: PMC8510512 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.746436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, presence of serum autoantibodies and histological features of interface hepatitis. AIH therapeutic management still relies on the administration of corticosteroids, azathioprine and other immunosuppressants like calcineurin inhibitors and mycophenolate mofetil. Withdrawal of immunosuppression often results in disease relapse, and, in some cases, therapy is ineffective or associated with serious side effects. Understanding the mechanisms underlying AIH pathogenesis is therefore of paramount importance to develop more effective and well tolerated agents capable of restoring immunotolerance to liver autoantigens. Imbalance between effector and regulatory cells permits liver damage perpetuation and progression in AIH. Impaired expression and regulation of CD39, an ectoenzyme key to immunotolerance maintenance, have been reported in Tregs and effector Th17-cells derived from AIH patients. Interference with these altered immunoregulatory pathways may open new therapeutic avenues that, in addition to limiting aberrant inflammatory responses, would also reconstitute immune homeostasis. In this review, we highlight the most recent findings in AIH immunopathogenesis and discuss how these could inform and direct the development of novel therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vuerich
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ahmadreza Kalbasi
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathon J Graham
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maria Serena Longhi
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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23
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Hann A, Oo YH, Perera MTPR. Regulatory T-Cell Therapy in Liver Transplantation and Chronic Liver Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:719954. [PMID: 34721383 PMCID: PMC8552037 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.719954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The constant exposure of the liver to gut derived foreign antigens has resulted in this organ attaining unique immunological characteristics, however it remains susceptible to immune mediated injury. Our understanding of this type of injury, in both the native and transplanted liver, has improved significantly in recent decades. This includes a greater awareness of the tolerance inducing CD4+ CD25+ CD127low T-cell lineage with the transcription factor FoxP3, known as regulatory T-Cells (Tregs). These cells comprise 5-10% of CD4+ T cells and are known to function as an immunological "braking" mechanism, thereby preventing immune mediated tissue damage. Therapies that aim to increase Treg frequency and function have proved beneficial in the setting of both autoimmune diseases and solid organ transplantations. The safety and efficacy of Treg therapy in liver disease is an area of intense research at present and has huge potential. Due to these cells possessing significant plasticity, and the potential for conversion towards a T-helper 1 (Th1) and 17 (Th17) subsets in the hepatic microenvironment, it is pre-requisite to modify the microenvironment to a Treg favourable atmosphere to maintain these cells' function. In addition, implementation of therapies that effectively increase Treg functional activity in the liver may result in the suppression of immune responses and will hinder those that destroy tumour cells. Thus, fine adjustment is crucial to achieve this immunological balance. This review will describe the hepatic microenvironment with relevance to Treg function, and the role these cells have in both native diseased and transplanted livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Hann
- The Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ye H Oo
- The Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Disease (ERN-Rare Liver Centre), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - M Thamara P R Perera
- The Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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24
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Muscate F, Woestemeier A, Gagliani N. Functional heterogeneity of CD4 + T cells in liver inflammation. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:549-561. [PMID: 34463867 PMCID: PMC8443520 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00881-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells play an essential role in orchestrating adequate immunity, but their overactivity has been associated with the development of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including liver inflammatory diseases. These cells can be subclassified according to their maturation stage, cytokine profile, and pro or anti-inflammatory functions, i.e., functional heterogeneity. In this review, we summarize what has been discovered so far regarding the role of the different CD4+ T cell polarization states in the progression of two prominent and still different liver inflammatory diseases: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Finally, the potential of CD4+ T cells as a therapeutic target in both NASH and AIH is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Muscate
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Woestemeier
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicola Gagliani
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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25
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Buitrago-Molina LE, Dywicki J, Noyan F, Schepergerdes L, Pietrek J, Lieber M, Schlue J, Manns MP, Wedemeyer H, Jaeckel E, Hardtke-Wolenski M. Anti-CD20 Therapy Alters the Protein Signature in Experimental Murine AIH, but Not Exclusively towards Regeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061471. [PMID: 34208308 PMCID: PMC8231180 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that usually requires lifelong immunosuppression. Frequent recurrences after the discontinuation of therapy indicate that intrahepatic immune regulation is not restored by current treatments. Studies of other autoimmune diseases suggest that temporary depletion of B cells can improve disease progression in the long term. Methods: We tested a single administration of anti-CD20 antibodies to reduce B cells and the amount of IgG to induce intrahepatic immune tolerance. We used our experimental murine AIH (emAIH) model and treated the mice with anti-CD20 during the late stage of the disease. Results: After treatment, the mice showed the expected reductions in B cells and serum IgGs, but no improvements in pathology. However, all treated animals showed a highly altered serum protein expression pattern, which was a balance between inflammation and regeneration. Conclusions: In conclusion, anti-CD20 therapy did not produce clinically measurable results because it triggered inflammation, as well as regeneration, at the proteomic level. This finding suggests that anti-CD20 is ineffective as a sole treatment for AIH or emAIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Elisa Buitrago-Molina
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.E.B.-M.); (J.D.); (F.N.); (L.S.); (M.L.); (M.P.M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Janine Dywicki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.E.B.-M.); (J.D.); (F.N.); (L.S.); (M.L.); (M.P.M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Fatih Noyan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.E.B.-M.); (J.D.); (F.N.); (L.S.); (M.L.); (M.P.M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Lena Schepergerdes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.E.B.-M.); (J.D.); (F.N.); (L.S.); (M.L.); (M.P.M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Julia Pietrek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Maren Lieber
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.E.B.-M.); (J.D.); (F.N.); (L.S.); (M.L.); (M.P.M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Jerome Schlue
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Michael P. Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.E.B.-M.); (J.D.); (F.N.); (L.S.); (M.L.); (M.P.M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.E.B.-M.); (J.D.); (F.N.); (L.S.); (M.L.); (M.P.M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.E.B.-M.); (J.D.); (F.N.); (L.S.); (M.L.); (M.P.M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.E.B.-M.); (J.D.); (F.N.); (L.S.); (M.L.); (M.P.M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-201-723-6081; Fax: +49-201-723-6915
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26
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Hao H, Nakayamada S, Tanaka Y. Differentiation, functions, and roles of T follicular regulatory cells in autoimmune diseases. Inflamm Regen 2021; 41:14. [PMID: 33934711 PMCID: PMC8088831 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-021-00164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper cells participate in stimulating germinal center (GC) formation and supporting B cell differentiation and autoantibody production. However, T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells suppress B cell activation. Since changes in the number and functions of Tfr cells lead to dysregulated GC reaction and autoantibody response, targeting Tfr cells may benefit the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Differentiation of Tfr cells is a multistage and multifactorial process with various positive and negative regulators. Therefore, understanding the signals regulating Tfr cell generation is crucial for the development of targeted therapies. In this review, we discuss recent studies that have elucidated the roles of Tfr cells in autoimmune diseases and investigated the modulators of Tfr cell differentiation. Additionally, potential immunotherapies targeting Tfr cells are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Hao
- First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahata-nishi, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.,Department of Immuno-oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shingo Nakayamada
- First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahata-nishi, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahata-nishi, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
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27
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Aghabi YO, Yasin A, Kennedy JI, Davies SP, Butler AE, Stamataki Z. Targeting Enclysis in Liver Autoimmunity, Transplantation, Viral Infection and Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:662134. [PMID: 33953725 PMCID: PMC8089374 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.662134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent liver inflammation can lead to cirrhosis, which associates with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are no curative treatments beyond transplantation, followed by long-term immunosuppression. The global burden of end stage liver disease has been increasing and there is a shortage of donor organs, therefore new therapies are desperately needed. Harnessing the power of the immune system has shown promise in certain autoimmunity and cancer settings. In the context of the liver, regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies are in development. The hypothesis is that these specialized lymphocytes that dampen inflammation may reduce liver injury in patients with chronic, progressive diseases, and promote transplant tolerance. Various strategies including intrinsic and extracorporeal expansion of Treg cells, aim to increase their abundance to suppress immune responses. We recently discovered that hepatocytes engulf and delete Treg cells by enclysis. Herein, we propose that inhibition of enclysis may potentiate existing regulatory T cell therapeutic approaches in patients with autoimmune liver diseases and in patients receiving a transplant. Moreover, in settings where the abundance of Treg cells could hinder beneficial immunity, such us in chronic viral infection or liver cancer, enhancement of enclysis could result in transient, localized reduction of Treg cell numbers and tip the balance towards antiviral and anti-tumor immunity. We describe enclysis as is a natural process of liver immune regulation that lends itself to therapeutic targeting, particularly in combination with current Treg cell approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zania Stamataki
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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28
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Engel B, Laschtowitz A, Janik MK, Junge N, Baumann U, Milkiewicz P, Taubert R, Sebode M. Genetic aspects of adult and pediatric autoimmune hepatitis: A concise review. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104214. [PMID: 33812046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is a heterogenous, mostly chronic liver disease that affects people of all age groups, women more often than men. The aim of therapy is to prevent cirrhosis, as it mainly accounts for liver-related mortality in patients with AIH. Rates of remission are high in patients with AIH, but life-long immunosuppressive therapy is required. AIH is hypothesized to originate from immunologic reactivity targeted against mostly unknown self-antigens, potentially triggered by viral infections among other factors. While AIH does not follow a Mendelian inheritance pattern, part of the risk of developing AIH or worse disease course, is attributed to specific genetic risk factors. Major associations for the risk of development of AIH were found for HLA-DRB1*03:01 and HLA-DRB1*04:01 in adult AIH in the only genome-wide association study on AIH. However, other potential risk loci in SH2B3, CARD10 and KIR genes were described. This review covers the current knowledge on genetic risk factors in adult and pediatric AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Engel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany.
| | - Alena Laschtowitz
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Maciej K Janik
- Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Norman Junge
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Piotr Milkiewicz
- Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Translational Medicine Group, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Marcial Sebode
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
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29
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Longhi MS, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Regulatory T cells in autoimmune hepatitis: an updated overview. J Autoimmun 2021; 119:102619. [PMID: 33652348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are key players in the maintenance of immune homeostasis by preventing immune responses to self-antigens. Defects in Treg frequency and/or function result in overwhelming CD4 and CD8 T cell immune responses participating in the autoimmune attack. Perpetuation of autoimmune damage is also favored by Treg predisposition to acquire effector cell features upon exposure to a proinflammatory challenge. Treg impairment plays a permissive role in the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune liver diseases, namely autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. In this Review, we outline studies reporting the role of Treg impairment in the pathogenesis of these conditions and discuss methods to restore Treg number and function either by generation/expansion in the test tube or through in vivo expansion upon administration of low dose IL-2. Challenges and caveats of these potential therapeutic strategies are also reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Serena Longhi
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Liver Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Diego Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Liver Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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