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Lovell CD, Jiwrajka N, Amerman HK, Cancro MP, Anguera MC. Xist Deletion in B Cells Results in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Phenotypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594175. [PMID: 38798403 PMCID: PMC11118349 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease preferentially observed in females. X-linked gene expression in XX females is normalized to that of XY males by X-Chromosome Inactivation (XCI). However, B cells from female SLE patients and mouse models of SLE exhibit mislocalization of Xist RNA, a critical regulator of XCI, and aberrant expression of X-linked genes, suggesting that impairment of XCI may contribute to disease. Here, we find that a subset of female mice harboring a conditional deletion of Xis t in B cells ("Xist cKO") spontaneously develop SLE phenotypes, including expanded activated B cell subsets, disease-specific autoantibodies, and glomerulonephritis. Moreover, pristane-induced SLE-like disease is more severe in Xist cKO mice. Activated B cells from Xist cKO mice with SLE phenotypes have increased expression of proinflammatory X-linked genes implicated in SLE. Together, this work indicates that impaired XCI maintenance in B cells directly contributes to the female-bias of SLE.
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Huret C, Ferrayé L, David A, Mohamed M, Valentin N, Charlotte F, Savignac M, Goodhardt M, Guéry JC, Rougeulle C, Morey C. Altered X-chromosome inactivation predisposes to autoimmunity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn6537. [PMID: 38701219 PMCID: PMC11068014 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn6537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
In mammals, males and females show marked differences in immune responses. Males are globally more sensitive to infectious diseases, while females are more susceptible to systemic autoimmunity. X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), the epigenetic mechanism ensuring the silencing of one X in females, may participate in these sex biases. We perturbed the expression of the trigger of XCI, the noncoding RNA Xist, in female mice. This resulted in reactivation of genes on the inactive X, including members of the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) signaling pathway, in monocyte/macrophages and dendritic and B cells. Consequently, female mice spontaneously developed inflammatory signs typical of lupus, including anti-nucleic acid autoantibodies, increased frequencies of age-associated and germinal center B cells, and expansion of monocyte/macrophages and dendritic cells. Mechanistically, TLR7 signaling is dysregulated in macrophages, leading to sustained expression of target genes upon stimulation. These findings provide a direct link between maintenance of XCI and female-biased autoimmune manifestations and highlight altered XCI as a cause of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Huret
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Léa Ferrayé
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Antoine David
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMRS 976, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, F-75010, Paris, France
| | - Myriame Mohamed
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Valentin
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Charlotte
- Sorbonne University, Department of Pathological Anatomy and Cytology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Charles Foix, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Magali Savignac
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Michele Goodhardt
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMRS 976, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, F-75010, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Claire Rougeulle
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Céline Morey
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
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Ah Kioon MD, Laurent P, Chaudhary V, Du Y, Crow MK, Barrat FJ. Modulation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells response in inflammation and autoimmunity. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:241-256. [PMID: 38553621 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13331] [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: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the subsequent recognition that endogenous nucleic acids (NAs) could serve as TLR ligands have led to essential insights into mechanisms of healthy immune responses as well as pathogenic mechanisms relevant to systemic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, NA-containing immune complexes serve as TLR ligands, with distinct implications depending on the additional immune stimuli available. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), the robust producers of type I interferon (IFN-I), are providing critical insights relevant to TLR-mediated healthy immune responses and tissue repair, as well as generation of inflammation, autoimmunity and fibrosis, processes central to the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. In this review, we describe recent data characterizing the role of platelets and NA-binding chemokines in modulation of TLR signaling in pDCs, as well as implications for how the IFN-I products of pDCs contribute to the generation of inflammation and wound healing responses by monocyte/macrophages. Chemokine modulators of TLR-mediated B cell tolerance mechanisms and interactions between TLR signaling and metabolic pathways are also considered. The modulators of TLR signaling and their contribution to the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases suggest new opportunities for identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paôline Laurent
- HSS Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vidyanath Chaudhary
- HSS Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yong Du
- HSS Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mary K Crow
- HSS Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Franck J Barrat
- HSS Research Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
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4
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Tangtanatakul P, Lei Y, Jaiwan K, Yang W, Boonbangyang M, Kunhapan P, Sodsai P, Mahasirimongkol S, Pisitkun P, Yang Y, Eu-Ahsunthornwattana J, Aekplakorn W, Jinawath N, Neelapaichit N, Hirankarn N, Wang YF. Association of genetic variation on X chromosome with systemic lupus erythematosus in both Thai and Chinese populations. Lupus Sci Med 2024; 11:e001061. [PMID: 38458775 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001061] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES X chromosome has been considered as a risk factor for SLE, which is a prototype of autoimmune diseases with a significant sex difference (female:male ratio is around 9:1). Our study aimed at exploring the association of genetic variants in X chromosome and investigating the influence of trisomy X in the development of SLE. METHODS X chromosome-wide association studies were conducted using data from both Thai (835 patients with SLE and 2995 controls) and Chinese populations (1604 patients with SLE and 3324 controls). Association analyses were performed separately in females and males, followed by a meta-analysis of the sex-specific results. In addition, the dosage of X chromosome in females with SLE were also examined. RESULTS Our analyses replicated the association of TMEM187-IRAK1-MECP2, TLR7, PRPS2 and GPR173 loci with SLE. We also identified two loci suggestively associated with SLE. In addition, making use of the difference in linkage disequilibrium between Thai and Chinese populations, a synonymous variant in TMEM187 was prioritised as a likely causal variant. This variant located in an active enhancer of immune-related cells, with the risk allele associated with decreased expression level of TMEM187. More importantly, we identified trisomy X (47,XXX) in 5 of 2231 (0.22%) females with SLE. The frequency is significantly higher than that found in the female controls (0.08%; two-sided exact binomial test P=0.002). CONCLUSION Our study confirmed previous SLE associations in X chromosome, and identified two loci suggestively associated with SLE. More importantly, our study indicated a higher risk of SLE for females with trisomy X.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattarin Tangtanatakul
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre of Excellent in Immunology and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yao Lei
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Krisana Jaiwan
- Master of Sciences Program in Molecular Science of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanling Yang
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Manon Boonbangyang
- National Biobank of Thailand (NBT), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Punna Kunhapan
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Pimpayao Sodsai
- Centre of Excellent in Immunology and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Prapaporn Pisitkun
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jakris Eu-Ahsunthornwattana
- Department of Community Medicine, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wichai Aekplakorn
- Department of Community Medicine, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natini Jinawath
- Program in Translational Medicine, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Integrative Computational BioScience (ICBS) Center, Mahidol University, Nakornpathom, Thailand
| | - Nareemarn Neelapaichit
- Ramathibodi School of Nursing, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattiya Hirankarn
- Centre of Excellent in Immunology and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong-Fei Wang
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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5
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Forsyth KS, Jiwrajka N, Lovell CD, Toothacre NE, Anguera MC. The conneXion between sex and immune responses. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-00996-9. [PMID: 38383754 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-00996-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
There are notable sex-based differences in immune responses to pathogens and self-antigens, with female individuals exhibiting increased susceptibility to various autoimmune diseases, and male individuals displaying preferential susceptibility to some viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections. Although sex hormones clearly contribute to sex differences in immune cell composition and function, the presence of two X chromosomes in female individuals suggests that differential gene expression of numerous X chromosome-linked immune-related genes may also influence sex-biased innate and adaptive immune cell function in health and disease. Here, we review the sex differences in immune system composition and function, examining how hormones and genetics influence the immune system. We focus on the genetic and epigenetic contributions responsible for altered X chromosome-linked gene expression, and how this impacts sex-biased immune responses in the context of pathogen infection and systemic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Forsyth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nikhil Jiwrajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claudia D Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Natalie E Toothacre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Montserrat C Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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6
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Tay SH, Zharkova O, Lee HY, Toh MMX, Libau EA, Celhar T, Narayanan S, Ahl PJ, Ong WY, Joseph C, Lim JCT, Wang L, Larbi A, Liang S, Lateef A, Akira S, Ling LH, Thamboo TP, Yeong JPS, Lee BTK, Edwards SW, Wright HL, MacAry PA, Connolly JE, Fairhurst AM. Platelet TLR7 is essential for the formation of platelet-neutrophil complexes and low-density neutrophils in lupus nephritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:551-562. [PMID: 37341646 PMCID: PMC10836995 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Platelets and low-density neutrophils (LDNs) are major players in the immunopathogenesis of SLE. Despite evidence showing the importance of platelet-neutrophil complexes (PNCs) in inflammation, little is known about the relationship between LDNs and platelets in SLE. We sought to characterize the role of LDNs and Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) in clinical disease. METHODS Flow cytometry was used to immunophenotype LDNs from SLE patients and controls. The association of LDNs with organ damage was investigated in a cohort of 290 SLE patients. TLR7 mRNA expression was assessed in LDNs and high-density neutrophils (HDNs) using publicly available mRNA sequencing datasets and our own cohort using RT-PCR. The role of TLR7 in platelet binding was evaluated in platelet-HDN mixing studies using TLR7-deficient mice and Klinefelter syndrome patients. RESULTS SLE patients with active disease have more LDNs, which are heterogeneous and more immature in patients with evidence of kidney dysfunction. LDNs are platelet bound, in contrast to HDNs. LDNs settle in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) layer due to the increased buoyancy and neutrophil degranulation from platelet binding. Mixing studies demonstrated that this PNC formation was dependent on platelet-TLR7 and that the association results in increased NETosis. The neutrophil:platelet ratio is a useful clinical correlate for LDNs, and a higher NPR is associated with past and current flares of LN. CONCLUSIONS LDNs sediment in the upper PBMC fraction due to PNC formation, which is dependent on the expression of TLR7 in platelets. Collectively, our results reveal a novel TLR7-dependent crosstalk between platelets and neutrophils that may be an important therapeutic opportunity for LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Hee Tay
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Olga Zharkova
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Hui Yin Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Michelle Min Xuan Toh
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eshele Anak Libau
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Teja Celhar
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Sriram Narayanan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Patricia Jennifer Ahl
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Wei Yee Ong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Craig Joseph
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Jeffrey Chun Tatt Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anis Larbi
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Shen Liang
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aisha Lateef
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Lieng Hsi Ling
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Cardiology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Joe Poh Seng Yeong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Division of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Bernett Teck Kwong Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Steven W Edwards
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Helen L Wright
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul Anthony MacAry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - John E Connolly
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Anna-Marie Fairhurst
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Pandey SP, Bhaskar R, Han SS, Narayanan KB. Autoimmune Responses and Therapeutic Interventions for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Comprehensive Review. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2024; 24:499-518. [PMID: 37718519 DOI: 10.2174/1871530323666230915112642] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Lupus is a multifactorial autoimmune disease of multiorgan malfunctioning of extremely heterogeneous and unclear etiology that affects multiple organs and physiological systems. Some racial groups and women of childbearing age are more susceptible to SLE pathogenesis. Impressive progress has been made towards a better understanding of different immune components contributing to SLE pathogenesis. Recent investigations have uncovered the detailed mechanisms of inflammatory responses and organ damage. Various environmental factors, pathogens, and toxicants, including ultraviolet light, drugs, viral pathogens, gut microbiome metabolites, and sex hormones trigger the onset of SLE pathogenesis in genetically susceptible individuals and result in the disruption of immune homeostasis of cytokines, macrophages, T cells, and B cells. Diagnosis and clinical investigations of SLE remain challenging due to its clinical heterogeneity and hitherto only a few approved antimalarials, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available for treatment. However, the adverse effects of renal and neuropsychiatric lupus and late diagnosis make therapy challenging. Additionally, SLE is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to inflammatory responses and the risk of infection from immunosuppressive treatment. Due to the diversity of symptoms and treatment-resistant diseases, SLE management remains a challenging issue. Nevertheless, the use of next-generation therapeutics with stem cell and gene therapy may bring better outcomes to SLE treatment in the future. This review highlights the autoimmune responses as well as potential therapeutic interventions for SLE particularly focusing on the recent therapeutic advancements and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya Prakash Pandey
- Aarogya Institute of Healthcare and Research, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302033, India
- Department of Zoology, School of Science, IFTM University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, 244102, India
| | - Rakesh Bhaskar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38541, South Korea
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38541, South Korea
| | - Kannan Badri Narayanan
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38541, South Korea
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8
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Pujantell M, Skenteris NT, Claussen JM, Grünhagel B, Thiele RJ, Altfeld M. Sex-dependent differences in type I IFN-induced natural killer cell activation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1277967. [PMID: 38162640 PMCID: PMC10757368 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important antiviral effector cells and also involved in tumor clearance. NK cells express IFNAR, rendering them responsive to Type I IFNs. To evaluate Type I IFN-mediated modulation of NK cell functions, individual Type I IFNs subtypes were assessed for their ability to activate NK cells. Different Type I IFN subtypes displayed a broad range in the capacity to induce and modulate NK cell activation and degranulation, measured by CD69 and CD107a expression in response to leukemia cell line K562. When including biological sex as a variable in the analysis, transwell co-cultures of NK cells with either male- or female-derived PBMCs or pDCs stimulated with the TLR7/8 agonist CL097 showed that NK cells were more activated by CL097-stimulated cells derived from females. These sex-specific differences were linked to higher CL097-induced IFNα production by pDCs derived from females, indicating an extrinsic sex-specific effect of Type I IFNs on NK cell function. Interestingly, in addition to the extrinsic effect, we also observed NK cell-intrinsic sex differences, as female NK cells displayed higher activation levels after IFNα-stimulation and after co-culture with CL097-stimulated pDCs, suggesting higher activation of IFNα-signaling transduction in female NK cells. Taken together, the results from these studies identify both extrinsic and intrinsic sex-specific differences in Type I IFN-dependent NK cell functions, contributing to a better understanding of sex-specific differences in innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pujantell
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Benjamin Grünhagel
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca-Jo Thiele
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Pellerin A, Tan Y, Lu S, Bonegio RG, Rifkin IR. Genetic Reduction of IRF5 Expression after Disease Initiation Reduces Disease in a Mouse Lupus Model by Impacting Systemic and End-Organ Pathogenic Pathways. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1308-1319. [PMID: 37721418 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Gain-of-function polymorphisms in the transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) are associated with an increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus. Global homozygous or heterozygous deficiency of IRF5 from birth confers protection in many lupus mouse models. However, less is known about the effects of IRF5 targeting after autoimmunity has already developed. This is an important point to clarify when considering IRF5 as a potential therapeutic target in lupus. In this study, we demonstrate that genetic reduction of IRF5 expression after disease initiation reduces disease severity in the FcγRIIB-/- Y-linked autoimmune accelerating mouse lupus model. Reduction of IRF5 expression resulted in a decrease in splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy and a reduction in splenic B cell activation and plasmablast numbers. Splenic T cell activation and differentiation were also impacted as demonstrated by an increase in the number of naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and a reduction in the number of memory/effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Although serum antinuclear autoantibody levels were not altered, reduction in IRF5 expression led to decreased immune complex deposition and complement activation, diminished glomerular and interstitial disease, and a reduction in immune cell infiltrate in the kidney. Mechanistically, myeloid cells in the kidney produced less inflammatory cytokines after TLR7 and TLR9 activation. Overall, we demonstrate that genetic reduction of IRF5 expression during an active autoimmune process is sufficient to reduce disease severity. Our data support consideration of IRF5 as a therapeutic target and suggest that approaches targeting IRF5 in systemic lupus erythematosus may need to impact IRF5 activity both systemically and in target organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Pellerin
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Ying Tan
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Simon Lu
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Ramon G Bonegio
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston
| | - Ian R Rifkin
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston
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10
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Boeszoermenyi A, Bernaleau L, Chen X, Kartnig F, Xie M, Zhang H, Zhang S, Delacrétaz M, Koren A, Hopp AK, Dvorak V, Kubicek S, Aletaha D, Yang M, Rebsamen M, Heinz LX, Superti-Furga G. A conformation-locking inhibitor of SLC15A4 with TASL proteostatic anti-inflammatory activity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6626. [PMID: 37863876 PMCID: PMC10589233 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42070-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of pathogen-recognition pathways of the innate immune system is associated with multiple autoimmune disorders. Due to the intricacies of the molecular network involved, the identification of pathway- and disease-specific therapeutics has been challenging. Using a phenotypic assay monitoring the degradation of the immune adapter TASL, we identify feeblin, a chemical entity which inhibits the nucleic acid-sensing TLR7/8 pathway activating IRF5 by disrupting the SLC15A4-TASL adapter module. A high-resolution cryo-EM structure of feeblin with SLC15A4 reveals that the inhibitor binds a lysosomal outward-open conformation incompatible with TASL binding on the cytoplasmic side, leading to degradation of TASL. This mechanism of action exploits a conformational switch and converts a target-binding event into proteostatic regulation of the effector protein TASL, interrupting the TLR7/8-IRF5 signaling pathway and preventing downstream proinflammatory responses. Considering that all components involved have been genetically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and that feeblin blocks responses in disease-relevant human immune cells from patients, the study represents a proof-of-concept for the development of therapeutics against this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Boeszoermenyi
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Léa Bernaleau
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Xudong Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Felix Kartnig
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Min Xie
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Sensen Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Maeva Delacrétaz
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Anna Koren
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ann-Katrin Hopp
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vojtech Dvorak
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Kubicek
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maojun Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Cryo-EM Facility Center, Southern University of Science & Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Manuele Rebsamen
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.
| | - Leonhard X Heinz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Chen X, Xie M, Zhang S, Monguió-Tortajada M, Yin J, Liu C, Zhang Y, Delacrétaz M, Song M, Wang Y, Dong L, Ding Q, Zhou B, Tian X, Deng H, Xu L, Liu X, Yang Z, Chang Q, Na J, Zeng W, Superti-Furga G, Rebsamen M, Yang M. Structural basis for recruitment of TASL by SLC15A4 in human endolysosomal TLR signaling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6627. [PMID: 37863913 PMCID: PMC10589346 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42210-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that play critical roles in recognizing pathogens and initiating innate immune responses. TASL, a recently identified innate immune adaptor protein for endolysosomal TLR7/8/9 signaling, is recruited by the lysosomal proton-coupled amino-acid transporter SLC15A4, and then activates IRF5, which in turn triggers the transcription of type I interferons and cytokines. Here, we report three cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of human SLC15A4 in the apo monomeric and dimeric state and as a TASL-bound complex. The apo forms are in an outward-facing conformation, with the dimeric form showing an extensive interface involving four cholesterol molecules. The structure of the TASL-bound complex reveals an unprecedented interaction mode with solute carriers. During the recruitment of TASL, SLC15A4 undergoes a conformational change from an outward-facing, lysosomal lumen-exposed state to an inward-facing state to form a binding pocket, allowing the N-terminal helix of TASL to be inserted into. Our findings provide insights into the molecular basis of regulatory switch involving a human solute carrier and offers an important framework for structure-guided drug discovery targeting SLC15A4-TASL-related human autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Min Xie
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Sensen Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jian Yin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, 102209, Beijing, China
| | - Youqi Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Maeva Delacrétaz
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Mingyue Song
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Yixue Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Dong
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Boda Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, 102218, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Tian
- MOE Key laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Haiteng Deng
- MOE Key laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Xu
- Metabolomics and Lipidomics Center at Tsinghua-National Protein Science Facility, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Metabolomics and Lipidomics Center at Tsinghua-National Protein Science Facility, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Technology for Protein Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Chang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Technology for Protein Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Na
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Wenwen Zeng
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuele Rebsamen
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Maojun Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
- Cryo-EM Facility Center, Southern University of Science & Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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12
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Fardisi M, Thelen K, Groenendal A, Rajput M, Sebastian K, Contreras GA, Moeser AJ. Early weaning and biological sex shape long-term immune and metabolic responses in pigs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15907. [PMID: 37741873 PMCID: PMC10517948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42553-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
During the early pre and postnatal life, host and environmental factors can impart a major influence on immune development, thus shaping lifelong disease resistance. Two major factors known to influence immune function and mortality in animals and people are early life stress and biological sex. How these two factors interact to shape long-term immune development and later life disease risk is poorly understood. Here we investigated how early weaning, a common early life stressor in pigs, and biological sex impacts long-term systemic inflammatory responses and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) activation later in life. Ten-week-old female (F), intact-male (IM) and castrated-male (CM) pigs that were randomly assigned to early weaning (EW) and later weaning (LW) (at 15 or 28 days of age, respectively) were intramuscularly injected with either saline vehicle or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce a systemic inflammatory response. Complete blood counts (CBC), proinflammatory cytokines, cortisol, testosterone, estradiol, and rectal temp were measured at 0 h, 2 h, and 4 h post-LPS challenge. At 4 h post-LPS, peritoneal fluid (PF) and white blood cells (WBC) were collected for differential analysis. LPS challenge significantly increased rectal temp and plasma cortisol level in all treatment groups. Together, the CBC results and immune cell counts in peritoneal cavity indicated that EW-F exhibited greater systemic immune response characterized by increased neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and enhanced neutrophil trafficking to the peritoneal cavity. Early weaning had an opposite effect on IM and CM pigs, which exhibited a suppressed LPS-induced neutrophil migration. Early weaning induced significantly greater cortisol responses only in IM pigs indicating a heightened HPA axis responses in EW-IM. how early weaning and biological sex affect immune and stress responses in pigs. Together, these results demonstrate that early weaning and biological sex and castration shape later life immune responses in pigs and provides insight into potential mechanisms driving sex differences in later life inflammatory disease risk and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Fardisi
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Kyan Thelen
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Allegra Groenendal
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Mrigendra Rajput
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Kimberly Sebastian
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - G Andres Contreras
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Adam J Moeser
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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13
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Kobayashi T, Toyama-Sorimachi N. Metabolic control from the endolysosome: lysosome-resident amino acid transporters open novel therapeutic possibilities. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243104. [PMID: 37781390 PMCID: PMC10540624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acid transporters are generally recognized as machinery that transport amino acids from the extracellular environment into the cytoplasm. Although their primary function is the uptake of amino acids to supply the cell with nutrients and energy, endolysosome-resident amino acid (EL-aa) transporters possess several unique functions in accordance with their localization in intracellular vesicular membranes. They play pivotal roles in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis via direct involvement in the amino acid sensing pathway, which regulates the activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a master regulator of cellular metabolism. Additionally, some EL-aa transporters contribute to the maintenance of dynamic homeostasis of endolysosomes, including the regulation of endolysosomal acidity, by carrying amino acids out of endolysosomes. In addition, EL-aa transporters act as a scaffold to gather signaling molecules and multiple enzymes to control cellular metabolism on the endolysosomal membrane. Among EL-aa transporters, solute carrier family 15 member 4 (SLC15A4) is preferentially expressed in immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells, and plays a key role in the integration of metabolic and inflammatory signals. In this review, we summarize our recent findings on EL-aa transporter contributions to inflammatory and metabolic signaling in the endolysosomes of immune cells by focusing on the SLC15 family, including SLC15A4 and SLC15A3, and discuss their uniqueness and universality. We also discuss the potential of targeting these EL-aa transporters in immune cells for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases. Because these transporters are highly expressed in immune cells and significantly alter the functions of immune cells, targeting them would provide a great advantage in ensuring a wide safety margin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noriko Toyama-Sorimachi
- Division of Human Immunology, International Research and Development Center for Vaccines, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo (IMSUT), Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Baines KJ, West RC. Sex differences in innate and adaptive immunity impact fetal, placental, and maternal health†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:256-270. [PMID: 37418168 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The differences between males and females begin shortly after birth, continue throughout prenatal development, and eventually extend into childhood and adult life. Male embryos and fetuses prioritize proliferation and growth, often at the expense of the fetoplacental energy reserves. This singular focus on growth over adaptability leaves male fetuses and neonates vulnerable to adverse outcomes during pregnancy and birth and can have lasting impacts throughout life. Beyond this prioritization of growth, male placentas and fetuses also respond to infection and inflammation differently than female counterparts. Pregnancies carrying female fetuses have a more regulatory immune response, whereas pregnancies carrying male fetuses have a stronger inflammatory response. These differences can be seen as early as the innate immune response with differences in cytokine and chemokine signaling. The sexual dimorphism in immunity then continues into the adaptive immune response with differences in T-cell biology and antibody production and transfer. As it appears that these sex-specific differences are amplified in pathologic pregnancies, it stands to reason that differences in the placental, fetal, and maternal immune responses in pregnancy contribute to increased male perinatal morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will describe the genetic and hormonal contributions to the sexual dimorphism of fetal and placental immunity. We will also discuss current research efforts to describe the sex-specific differences of the maternal-fetal interface and how it impacts fetal and maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Baines
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rachel C West
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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15
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Jiwrajka N, Toothacre NE, Beethem ZT, Sting S, Forsyth KS, Dubin AH, Driscoll A, Stohl W, Anguera MC. Impaired dynamic X-chromosome inactivation maintenance in T cells is a feature of spontaneous murine SLE that is exacerbated in female-biased models. J Autoimmun 2023; 139:103084. [PMID: 37399593 PMCID: PMC11140471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly female-biased systemic autoimmune disease, but the molecular basis for this female bias remains incompletely elucidated. B and T lymphocytes from patients with SLE and female-biased mouse models of SLE exhibit features of epigenetic dysregulation on the X chromosome which may contribute to this strong female bias. We therefore examined the fidelity of dynamic X-chromosome inactivation maintenance (dXCIm) in the pathogenesis of two murine models of spontaneous lupus-NZM2328 and MRL/lpr-with disparate levels of female-bias to determine whether impaired dXCIm contributes to the female bias of disease. METHODS CD23+ B cells and CD3+ T cells were purified from age-matched C57BL/6 (B6), MRL/lpr, and NZM2328 male and female mice, activated in vitro, and processed for Xist RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, H3K27me3 immunofluorescence imaging, qPCR, and RNA sequencing analyses. RESULTS The dynamic relocalization of Xist RNA and the canonical heterochromatin mark, H3K27me3, to the inactive X chromosome was preserved in CD23+ B cells, but impaired in activated CD3+ T cells from the MRL/lpr model (p < 0.01 vs. B6), and even more impaired in the heavily female-biased NZM2328 model (p < 0.001 vs. B6; p < 0.05 vs. MRL/lpr). RNAseq of activated T cells from NZM2328 mice revealed the female-biased upregulation of 32 X-linked genes distributed broadly across the X chromosome, many of which have roles in immune function. Many genes encoding Xist RNA-interacting proteins were also differentially expressed and predominantly downregulated, which may account for the observed mislocalization of Xist RNA to the inactive X chromosome. CONCLUSIONS Although evident in T cells from both the MRL/lpr and NZM2328 models of spontaneous SLE, impaired dXCIm is more severe in the heavily female-biased NZM2328 model. The aberrant X-linked gene dosage in female NZM2328 mice may contribute towards the development of female-biased immune responses in SLE-prone hosts. These findings provide important insights into the epigenetic mechanisms contributing to female-biased autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Jiwrajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Natalie E Toothacre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zachary T Beethem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Sting
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine S Forsyth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aimee H Dubin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amanda Driscoll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William Stohl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Montserrat C Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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16
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Zhang H, Bernaleau L, Delacrétaz M, Hasanovic E, Drobek A, Eibel H, Rebsamen M. SLC15A4 controls endolysosomal TLR7-9 responses by recruiting the innate immune adaptor TASL. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112916. [PMID: 37527038 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112916] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endolysosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play crucial roles in immune responses to pathogens, while aberrant activation of these pathways is associated with autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The endolysosomal solute carrier family 15 member 4 (SLC15A4) is required for TLR7/8/9-induced responses and disease development in SLE models. SLC15A4 has been proposed to affect TLR7-9 activation through its transport activity, as well as by assembling an IRF5-activating complex with TASL, but the relative contribution of these functions remains unclear. Here, we show that the essential role of SLC15A4 is to recruit TASL to endolysosomes, while its transport activity is dispensable when TASL is tethered to this compartment. Endolysosomal-localized TASL rescues TLR7-9-induced IRF5 activation as well as interferon β and cytokine production in SLC15A4-deficient cells. SLC15A4 acts as signaling scaffold, and this function is essential to control TLR7-9-mediated inflammatory responses. These findings support targeting the SLC15A4-TASL complex as a potential therapeutic strategy for SLE and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobo Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Léa Bernaleau
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Maeva Delacrétaz
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Ed Hasanovic
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Ales Drobek
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Hermann Eibel
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manuele Rebsamen
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.
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17
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Li H, Sun X, Zhao Y, Zhang C, Jiang K, Ren J, Xing L, He M. Pan-cancer analysis of TASL: a novel immune infiltration-related biomarker for tumor prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:528. [PMID: 37296415 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11015-w] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New immunotherapeutic strategies based on predictors are urgently needed. Toll-like receptor adaptor interacting with SLC15A4 on the lysosome (TASL) was recently confirmed to fulfill an important role in the innate immune response. However, whether TASL is involved in tumor development and immunotherapy response prediction has not been reported. METHODS TCGA and GTEx were used to yield transcriptional, genetic, and epigenetic levels of TASL in 33 cancer types. CIBERSORT was used to explore the correlation between TASL expression and multiple immune-related signatures and tumor-infiltrating immune cell content in different cancer types. The ability of TASL to predict tumor immunotherapy response was analyzed in seven datasets. Finally, we tested TASL expression in human glioma cell lines and tissue samples and analyzed its correlation with clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS TASL is widely heterogeneous at the transcriptional, genetic, and epigenetic levels. High TASL expression is an independent poor prognostic factor for immune "cold" tumor Low-Grade Glioma (LGG) but an opposite factor for "hot" tumors Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM). TASL may affect tumor immune infiltration by mediating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor-associated macrophages. It may differentially affect the prognosis of the three cancers by regulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in LGG and the immunostimulatory microenvironment in LUAD and SKCM. High TASL expression is a potential biomarker for the positive response to immunotherapy in cancers such as SKCM and was also experimentally confirmed to be positively associated with adverse clinicopathological features of gliomas. CONCLUSION TASL expression is an independent prognostic factor for LGG, LUAD, and SKCM. High TASL expression is a potential biomarker for the positive response to immunotherapy in certain cancer types such as SKCM. Further basic studies focusing on TASL expression and tumor immunotherapy are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanyu Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yanyun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Changzhu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Lijuan Xing
- Precision Laboratory, Panjin Central Hospital, Panjin, 124000, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Miao He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of GastrointestinalTumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
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Miquel CH, Faz-Lopez B, Guéry JC. Influence of X chromosome in sex-biased autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2023; 137:102992. [PMID: 36641351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.102992] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Females have better ability to resolve infections, compared to males, but also, a greater susceptibility to develop autoimmunity. Besides the initial interest on the contribution of sex-steroid hormone signaling, the role of genetic factors linked to X chromosome has recently focused much attention. In human and mouse, the number of X chromosomes, rather than sex-steroid hormones, have been found associated with higher risk or susceptibility to develop autoimmunity, particularly rheumatic diseases, such as SLE, Sjögren's syndrome or Scleroderma. For all of these diseases, the Toll-like receptor TLR7 and TLR8, encoded on the same locus in the human Xp, have been demonstrated to be causal in disease development through gene dosage effect or gain of function mutations. During embryonic development in female mammals, one X chromosome is stochastically inactivated to balance X-linked gene expression between males and females, a process known as X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Nevertheless, some genes including immune related genes can escape XCI to variable degree and penetrance, resulting in a bi-allelic expression in some immune cells, such as TLR7. Because tight regulation of TLR expression is necessary for a healthy, self-tolerant immune environment, XCI escape has been proposed as a mechanism contributing to this sexual dimorphism. In this review, we will summarize general mechanisms of XCI, and describe the known escapee's genes in immune cells, the cellular diversity created by such mechanisms and its potential implication in autoimmune diseases, with a particular focus on the X-linked genes and immune cell populations involved in SLE. Whether dysregulated expression of X-linked genes could contribute to the enhanced susceptibility of females to develop such diseases remains to be proven. Shedding lights onto the X-linked genetic mechanisms contributing to modulation of immune cell functions will undoubtedly provide new insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying sex differences in immunity and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles-Henry Miquel
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France; Arthritis R&D, Neuilly-Sur-Seine, France
| | - Berenice Faz-Lopez
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France.
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Miller RAJ, Williams AP, Kovats S. Sex chromosome complement and sex steroid signaling underlie sex differences in immunity to respiratory virus infection. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1150282. [PMID: 37063266 PMCID: PMC10097973 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1150282] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have revealed sex differences in the incidence and morbidity of respiratory virus infection in the human population, and often these observations are correlated with sex differences in the quality or magnitude of the immune response. Sex differences in immunity and morbidity also are observed in animal models of respiratory virus infection, suggesting differential dominance of specific immune mechanisms. Emerging research shows intrinsic sex differences in immune cell transcriptomes, epigenomes, and proteomes that may regulate human immunity when challenged by viral infection. Here, we highlight recent research into the role(s) of sex steroids and X chromosome complement in immune cells and describe how these findings provide insight into immunity during respiratory virus infection. We focus on the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells by receptors for androgen and estrogens, as well as genes with a propensity to escape X chromosome inactivation. A deeper mechanistic knowledge of these pathways will help us to understand the often significant sex differences in immunity to endemic or pandemic respiratory pathogens such as influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses and pathogenic coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reegan A. J. Miller
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Abigael P. Williams
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Susan Kovats
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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20
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Corker A, Learmonth M, Patrick DM, DeLeon-Pennell KY, Van Beusecum JP. Cardiac and vascular complications in lupus: Is there a role for sex? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1098383. [PMID: 37063843 PMCID: PMC10090292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1098383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common systemic autoimmune disorder and is characterized by autoantibody formation and subsequent immune complex deposition into target organs. SLE affects nearly nine women to every one man worldwide. Patients with SLE are at an enhanced risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide and includes heart and blood vessel disorders, cerebrovascular disease, and rheumatic heart disease. Specific mechanisms by which cardiac and vascular pathophysiology develops in patients with SLE are still not fully known. Not only do we not understand this correlation between SLE and CVD, but there is also a critical gap in scientific knowledge on the contribution of sex. In this review, we will discuss the cardiac and vascular pathological disease states that are present in some patients with SLE. More importantly, we will discuss the potential mechanisms for the role of sex and sex hormones in the development of CVD with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Corker
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Maya Learmonth
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - David M. Patrick
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Research Service, Tennessee Valley Healthcare Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kristine Y. DeLeon-Pennell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Justin P. Van Beusecum
- Department of Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, Charleston, SC, United States
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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21
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Fujio K. Functional Genome Analysis for Immune Cells Provides Clues for Stratification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040591. [PMID: 37189338 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Recently, analysis of a functional genome database of genetic polymorphisms and transcriptomic data from various immune cell subsets revealed the importance of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway in the pathogenesis of SLE. In particular, activation of the OXPHOS pathway is persistent in inactive SLE, and this activation is associated with organ damage. The finding that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which improves the prognosis of SLE, targets toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling upstream of OXPHOS suggests the clinical importance of this pathway. IRF5 and SLC15A4, which are regulated by polymorphisms associated with SLE susceptibility, are functionally associated with OXPHOS as well as blood interferon activity and metabolome. Future analyses of OXPHOS-associated disease-susceptibility polymorphisms, gene expression, and protein function may be useful for risk stratification of SLE.
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Genetics and epigenetics of primary Sjögren syndrome: implications for future therapies. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:288-306. [PMID: 36914790 PMCID: PMC10010657 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00932-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
In primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS), chronic inflammation of exocrine glands results in tissue destruction and sicca symptoms, primarily of the mouth and eyes. Fatigue, arthralgia and myalgia are also common symptoms, whereas extraglandular manifestations that involve the respiratory, nervous and vascular systems occur in a subset of patients. The disease predominantly affects women, with an estimated female to male ratio of 14 to 1. The aetiology of pSS, however, remains incompletely understood, and effective treatment is lacking. Large-scale genetic and epigenetic investigations have revealed associations between pSS and genes in both innate and adaptive immune pathways. The genetic variants mediate context-dependent effects, and both sex and environmental factors can influence the outcome. As such, genetic and epigenetic studies can provide insight into the dysregulated molecular mechanisms, which in turn might reveal new therapeutic possibilities. This Review discusses the genetic and epigenetic features that have been robustly connected with pSS, putting them into the context of cellular function, carrier sex and environmental challenges. In all, the observations point to several novel opportunities for early detection, treatment development and the pathway towards personalized medicine.
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Escape from X-inactivation in twins exhibits intra- and inter-individual variability across tissues and is heritable. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010556. [PMID: 36802379 PMCID: PMC9942974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) silences one X in female cells to balance sex-differences in X-dosage. A subset of X-linked genes escape XCI, but the extent to which this phenomenon occurs and how it varies across tissues and in a population is as yet unclear. To characterize incidence and variability of escape across individuals and tissues, we conducted a transcriptomic study of escape in adipose, skin, lymphoblastoid cell lines and immune cells in 248 healthy individuals exhibiting skewed XCI. We quantify XCI escape from a linear model of genes' allelic fold-change and XIST-based degree of XCI skewing. We identify 62 genes, including 19 lncRNAs, with previously unknown patterns of escape. We find a range of tissue-specificity, with 11% of genes escaping XCI constitutively across tissues and 23% demonstrating tissue-restricted escape, including cell type-specific escape across immune cells of the same individual. We also detect substantial inter-individual variability in escape. Monozygotic twins share more similar escape than dizygotic twins, indicating that genetic factors may underlie inter-individual differences in escape. However, discordant escape also occurs within monozygotic co-twins, suggesting environmental factors also influence escape. Altogether, these data indicate that XCI escape is an under-appreciated source of transcriptional differences, and an intricate phenotype impacting variable trait expressivity in females.
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Wen L, Zhang B, Wu X, Liu R, Fan H, Han L, Zhang Z, Ma X, Chu CQ, Shi X. Toll-like receptors 7 and 9 regulate the proliferation and differentiation of B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1093208. [PMID: 36875095 PMCID: PMC9975558 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1093208] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune illness marked by the loss of immune tolerance and the production of autoantibodies against nucleic acids and other nuclear antigens (Ags). B lymphocytes are important in the immunopathogenesis of SLE. Multiple receptors control abnormal B-cell activation in SLE patients, including intrinsic Toll-like receptors (TLRs), B-cell receptors (BCRs), and cytokine receptors. The role of TLRs, notably TLR7 and TLR9, in the pathophysiology of SLE has been extensively explored in recent years. When endogenous or exogenous nucleic acid ligands are recognized by BCRs and internalized into B cells, they bind TLR7 or TLR9 to activate related signalling pathways and thus govern the proliferation and differentiation of B cells. Surprisingly, TLR7 and TLR9 appear to play opposing roles in SLE B cells, and the interaction between them is still poorly understood. In addition, other cells can enhance TLR signalling in B cells of SLE patients by releasing cytokines that accelerate the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells. Therefore, the delineation of how TLR7 and TLR9 regulate the abnormal activation of B cells in SLE may aid the understanding of the mechanisms of SLE and provide directions for TLR-targeted therapies for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xinfeng Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Rongzeng Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Hua Fan
- Office of Research & Innovation, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Zhibo Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Cong-Qiu Chu
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University and VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Xiaofei Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
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Obayashi T, Kodate S, Hibara H, Kagaya Y, Kinoshita K. COXPRESdb v8: an animal gene coexpression database navigating from a global view to detailed investigations. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 51:D80-D87. [PMID: 36350658 PMCID: PMC9825429 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene coexpression is synchronization of gene expression across many cellular and environmental conditions and is widely used to infer the biological function of genes. Gene coexpression information is complex, comprising a complete graph of all genes in the genome, and requires appropriate visualization and analysis tools. Since its initial release in 2007, the animal gene expression database COXPRESdb (https://coxpresdb.jp) has been continuously improved by adding new gene coexpression data and analysis tools. Here, we report COXPRESdb version 8, which has been enhanced with new features for an overview, summary, and individual examination of coexpression relationships: CoexMap to display coexpression on a genome scale, pathway enrichment analysis to summarize the function of coexpressed genes, and CoexPub to bridges coexpression and existing knowledge. COXPRESdb also facilitates downstream analyses such as interspecies comparisons by integrating RNAseq and microarray coexpression data in a union-type gene coexpression. COXPRESdb strongly support users with the new coexpression data and enhanced functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Obayashi
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +81 22 795 4741; Fax: +81 22 795 4765;
| | - Shun Kodate
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan
| | - Himiko Hibara
- Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3-09, Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8679, Japan
| | - Yuki Kagaya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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26
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Wang Y, Huang Z, Xiao Y, Wan W, Yang X. The shared biomarkers and pathways of systemic lupus erythematosus and metabolic syndrome analyzed by bioinformatics combining machine learning algorithm and single-cell sequencing analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1015882. [PMID: 36341378 PMCID: PMC9627509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1015882] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most prevalent systemic autoimmune diseases, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the most common metabolic disorder that contains hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Despite clinical evidence suggested potential associations between SLE and MetS, the underlying pathogenesis is yet unclear. Methods The microarray data sets of SLE and MetS were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. To identify the shared genes between SLE and MetS, the Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) analysis and the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were conducted. Then, the GO and KEGG analyses were performed, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Next, Random Forest and LASSO algorithms were used to screen shared hub genes, and a diagnostic model was built using the machine learning technique XG-Boost. Subsequently, CIBERSORT and GSVA were used to estimate the correlation between shared hub genes and immune infiltration as well as metabolic pathways. Finally, the significant hub genes were verified using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Results Using limma and WGCNA, we identified 153 shared feature genes, which were enriched in immune- and metabolic-related pathways. Further, 20 shared hub genes were screened and successfully used to build a prognostic model. Those shared hub genes were associated with immunological and metabolic processes in peripheral blood. The scRNA-seq results verified that TNFSF13B and OAS1, possessing the highest diagnostic efficacy, were mainly expressed by monocytes. Additionally, they showed positive correlations with the pathways for the metabolism of xenobiotics and cholesterol, both of which were proven to be active in this comorbidity, and shown to be concentrated in monocytes. Conclusion This study identified shared hub genes and constructed an effective diagnostic model in SLE and MetS. TNFSF13B and OAS1 had a positive correlation with cholesterol and xenobiotic metabolism. Both of these two biomarkers and metabolic pathways were potentially linked to monocytes, which provides novel insights into the pathogenesis and combined therapy of SLE comorbidity with MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyu Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongzhou Huang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Wan
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Weiguo Wan, ; Xue Yang,
| | - Xue Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Weiguo Wan, ; Xue Yang,
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Chen Z, Flores Castro D, Gupta S, Phalke S, Manni M, Rivera-Correa J, Jessberger R, Zaghouani H, Giannopoulou E, Pannellini T, Pernis AB. Interleukin-13 Receptor α1-Mediated Signaling Regulates Age-Associated/Autoimmune B Cell Expansion and Lupus Pathogenesis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:1544-1555. [PMID: 35438841 PMCID: PMC9427689 DOI: 10.1002/art.42146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Age-associated/autoimmune B cells (ABCs) are an emerging B cell subset with aberrant expansion in systemic lupus erythematosus. ABC generation and differentiation exhibit marked sexual dimorphism, and Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR-7) engagement is a key contributor to these sex differences. ABC generation is also controlled by interleukin-21 (IL-21) and its interplay with interferon-γ and IL-4. This study was undertaken to investigate whether IL-13 receptor α1 (IL-13Rα1), an X-linked receptor that transmits IL-4/IL-13 signals, regulates ABCs and lupus pathogenesis. METHODS Mice lacking DEF-6 and switch-associated protein 70 (double-knockout [DKO]), which preferentially develop lupus in females, were crossed with IL-13Rα1-knockout mice. IL-13Rα1-knockout male mice were also crossed with Y chromosome autoimmune accelerator (Yaa) DKO mice, which overexpress TLR-7 and develop severe disease. ABCs were assessed using flow cytometry and RNA-Seq. Lupus pathogenesis was evaluated using serologic and histologic analyses. RESULTS ABCs expressed higher levels of IL-13Rα1 than follicular B cells. The absence of IL-13Rα1 in either DKO female mice or Yaa DKO male mice decreased the accumulation of ABCs, the differentiation of ABCs into plasmablasts, and autoantibody production. Lack of IL-13Rα1 also prolonged survival and delayed the development of tissue inflammation. IL-13Rα1 deficiency diminished in vitro generation of ABCs, an effect that, surprisingly, could be observed in response to IL-21 alone. RNA-Seq revealed that ABCs lacking IL-13Rα1 down-regulated some histologic characteristics of B cells but up-regulated myeloid markers and proinflammatory mediators. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a novel role for IL-13Rα1 in controlling ABC generation and differentiation, suggesting that IL-13Rα1 contributes to these effects by regulating a subset of IL-21-mediated signaling events. These results also suggest that X-linked genes besides TLR7 participate in the regulation of ABCs in lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Chen
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Danny Flores Castro
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Swati Phalke
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michela Manni
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan Rivera-Correa
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rolf Jessberger
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Technische Universitat, Dresden, Germany
| | - Habib Zaghouani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO
- Department of Neurology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO
| | - Evgenia Giannopoulou
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
- Biological Sciences Department, New York City College of Technology, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Tania Pannellini
- Research Division and Precision Medicine Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alessandra B. Pernis
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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28
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Gupta M, Srikrishna G, Klein SL, Bishai WR. Genetic and hormonal mechanisms underlying sex-specific immune responses in tuberculosis. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:640-656. [PMID: 35842266 PMCID: PMC9344469 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), the world's deadliest bacterial infection, afflicts more human males than females, with a male/female (M/F) ratio of 1.7. Sex disparities in TB prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations are widely reported, but the underlying biological mechanisms remain largely undefined. This review assesses epidemiological data on sex disparity in TB, as well as possible underlying hormonal and genetic mechanisms that might differentially modulate innate and adaptive immune responses in males and females, leading to sex differences in disease susceptibility. We consider whether this sex disparity can be extended to the efficacy of vaccines and discuss novel animal models which may offer mechanistic insights. A better understanding of the biological factors underpinning sex-related immune responses in TB may enable sex-specific personalized therapies for TB.
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29
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Yang C, Bachu M, Du Y, Brauner C, Yuan R, Ah Kioon MD, Chesi G, Barrat FJ, Ivashkiv LB. CXCL4 synergizes with TLR8 for TBK1-IRF5 activation, epigenomic remodeling and inflammatory response in human monocytes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3426. [PMID: 35701499 PMCID: PMC9195402 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31132-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of endosomal Toll-like receptor (TLR) responses by the chemokine CXCL4 is implicated in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, with CXCL4 proposed to potentiate TLR responses by binding to nucleic acid TLR ligands and facilitating their endosomal delivery. Here we report that in human monocytes/macrophages, CXCL4 initiates signaling cascades and downstream epigenomic reprogramming that change the profile of the TLR8 response by selectively amplifying inflammatory gene transcription and interleukin (IL)-1β production, while partially attenuating the interferon response. Mechanistically, costimulation by CXCL4 and TLR8 synergistically activates TBK1 and IKKε, repurposes these kinases towards an inflammatory response via coupling with IRF5, and activates the NLRP3 inflammasome. CXCL4 signaling, in a cooperative and synergistic manner with TLR8, induces chromatin remodeling and activates de novo enhancers associated with inflammatory genes. Our findings thus identify new regulatory mechanisms of TLR responses relevant for cytokine storm, and suggest targeting the TBK1-IKKε-IRF5 axis may be beneficial in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- HSS Research Institute and David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mahesh Bachu
- HSS Research Institute and David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yong Du
- HSS Research Institute and David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline Brauner
- HSS Research Institute and David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruoxi Yuan
- HSS Research Institute and David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marie Dominique Ah Kioon
- HSS Research Institute and David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giancarlo Chesi
- HSS Research Institute and David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Franck J Barrat
- HSS Research Institute and David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lionel B Ivashkiv
- HSS Research Institute and David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Wu H, Zeng L, Ou J, Wang T, Chen Y, Nandakumar KS. Estrogen Acts Through Estrogen Receptor-β to Promote Mannan-Induced Psoriasis-Like Skin Inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:818173. [PMID: 35663991 PMCID: PMC9160234 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.818173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-bias is more obvious in several autoimmune disorders, but not in psoriasis. However, estrogen levels fluctuate during puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, which are related to variations in psoriasis symptoms observed in female patients. Estrogen has disease promoting or ameliorating functions based on the type of immune responses and tissues involved. To investigate the effects of estrogen on psoriasis, at first, we developed an innate immunity dependent mannan-induced psoriasis model, which showed a clear female preponderance in disease severity in several mouse strains. Next, we investigated the effects of endogenous and exogenous estrogen using ovariectomy and sham operated mice. 17-β-estradiol (E2) alone promoted the skin inflammation and it also significantly enhanced mannan-induced skin inflammation. We also observed a prominent estrogen receptor-β (ER-β) expression in the skin samples, especially on keratinocytes. Subsequently, we confirmed the effects of E2 on psoriasis using ER-β antagonist (PHTPP) and agonist (DPN). In addition, estrogen was found to affect the expression of certain genes (vgll3 and cebpb), microRNAs (miR146a and miR21), and immune cells (DCs and γδ T cells) as well as chemokines (CCL5 and CXCL10) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-22, IL-23, and IL-17 family), which promoted the skin inflammation. Thus, we demonstrate a pathogenic role for 17-β-estradiol in promoting skin inflammation, which should be considered while designing new treatment strategies for psoriasis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Wu
- Southern Medical University - Karolinska Institute United Medical Inflammation Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longhui Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Ou
- Southern Medical University - Karolinska Institute United Medical Inflammation Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Southern Medical University - Karolinska Institute United Medical Inflammation Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kutty Selva Nandakumar
- Southern Medical University - Karolinska Institute United Medical Inflammation Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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31
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Jiwrajka N, Anguera MC. The X in seX-biased immunity and autoimmune rheumatic disease. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20211487. [PMID: 35510951 PMCID: PMC9075790 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism in the composition and function of the human immune system has important clinical implications, as males and females differ in their susceptibility to infectious diseases, cancers, and especially systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Both sex hormones and the X chromosome, which bears a number of immune-related genes, play critical roles in establishing the molecular basis for the observed sex differences in immune function and dysfunction. Here, we review our current understanding of sex differences in immune composition and function in health and disease, with a specific focus on the contribution of the X chromosome to the striking female bias of three autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Jiwrajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Montserrat C. Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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32
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Congy-Jolivet N, Cenac C, Dellacasagrande J, Puissant-Lubrano B, Apoil PA, Guedj K, Abbas F, Laffont S, Sourdet S, Guyonnet S, Nourhashemi F, Guéry JC, Blancher A. Monocytes are the main source of STING-mediated IFN-α production. EBioMedicine 2022; 80:104047. [PMID: 35561451 PMCID: PMC9108881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type I interferon (IFN-I) production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) occurs during viral infection, in response to Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) stimulation and is more vigorous in females than in males. Whether this sex bias persists in ageing people is currently unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of sex and aging on IFN-α production induced by PRR agonist ligands. METHODS In a large cohort of individuals from 19 to 97 years old, we measured the production of IFN-α and inflammatory cytokines in whole-blood upon stimulation with either R-848, ODN M362 CpG-C, or cGAMP, which activate the TLR7/8, TLR9 or STING pathways, respectively. We further characterized the cellular sources of IFN-α. FINDINGS We observed a female predominance in IFN-α production by pDCs in response to TLR7 or TLR9 ligands. The higher TLR7-driven IFN-α production in females was robustly maintained across ages, including the elderly. The sex-bias in TLR9-driven interferon production was lost after age 60, which correlated with the decline in circulating pDCs. By contrast, STING-driven IFN-α production was similar in both sexes, preserved with aging, and correlated with circulating monocyte numbers. Indeed, monocytes were the primary cellular source of IFN-α in response to cGAMP. INTERPRETATION We show that the sex bias in the TLR7-induced IFN-I production is strongly maintained through ages, and identify monocytes as the main source of IFN-I production via STING pathway. FUNDING This work was supported by grants from Région Occitanie/Pyrénées-Méditerranée (#12052910, Inspire Program #1901175), University Paul Sabatier, and the European Regional Development Fund (MP0022856).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Congy-Jolivet
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Claire Cenac
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Bénédicte Puissant-Lubrano
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Pol André Apoil
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Kevin Guedj
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Flora Abbas
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Laffont
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sandrine Sourdet
- Gérontopôle de Toulouse, Département de Médecine Interne et Gérontologie Clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Guyonnet
- Gérontopôle de Toulouse, Département de Médecine Interne et Gérontologie Clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Fati Nourhashemi
- Gérontopôle de Toulouse, Département de Médecine Interne et Gérontologie Clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Maintain Aging Research team, CERPOP, INSERM, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
| | - Antoine Blancher
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France; Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
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33
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Phalke S, Rivera-Correa J, Jenkins D, Flores Castro D, Giannopoulou E, Pernis AB. Molecular mechanisms controlling age-associated B cells in autoimmunity. Immunol Rev 2022; 307:79-100. [PMID: 35102602 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Age-associated B cells (ABCs) have emerged as critical components of immune responses. Their inappropriate expansion and differentiation have increasingly been linked to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, aging-associated diseases, and infections. ABCs exhibit a distinctive phenotype and, in addition to classical B cell markers, often express the transcription factor T-bet and myeloid markers like CD11c; hence, these cells are also commonly known as CD11c+ T-bet+ B cells. Formation of ABCs is promoted by distinctive combinations of innate and adaptive signals. In addition to producing antibodies, these cells display antigen-presenting and proinflammatory capabilities. It is becoming increasingly appreciated that the ABC compartment exhibits a high degree of heterogeneity, plasticity, and sex-specific regulation and that ABCs can differentiate into effector progeny via several routes particularly in autoimmune settings. In this review, we will discuss the initial insights that have been obtained on the molecular machinery that controls ABCs and we will highlight some of the unique aspects of this control system that may enable ABCs to fulfill their distinctive role in immune responses. Given the expanding array of autoimmune disorders and pathophysiological settings in which ABCs are being implicated, a deeper understanding of this machinery could have important and broad therapeutic implications for the successful, albeit daunting, task of targeting these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Phalke
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Juan Rivera-Correa
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Jenkins
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Danny Flores Castro
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Evgenia Giannopoulou
- Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Biological Sciences Department, New York City College of Technology, City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alessandra B Pernis
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Immunology & Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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34
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Rimann I, Gonzalez-Quintial R, Baccala R, Kiosses WB, Teijaro JR, Parker CG, Li X, Beutler B, Kono DH, Theofilopoulos AN. The solute carrier SLC15A4 is required for optimal trafficking of nucleic acid-sensing TLRs and ligands to endolysosomes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200544119. [PMID: 35349343 PMCID: PMC9169117 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200544119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A function-impairing mutation (feeble) or genomic deletion of SLC15A4 abolishes responses of nucleic acid–sensing endosomal toll-like receptors (TLRs) and significantly reduces disease in mouse models of lupus. Here, we demonstrate disease reduction in homozygous and even heterozygous Slc15a4 feeble mutant BXSB male mice with a Tlr7 gene duplication. In contrast to SLC15A4, a function-impairing mutation of SLC15A3 did not diminish type I interferon (IFN-I) production by TLR-activated plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), indicating divergence of function between these homologous SLC15 family members. Trafficking to endolysosomes and function of SLC15A4 were dependent on the Adaptor protein 3 (AP-3) complex. Importantly, SLC15A4 was required for trafficking and colocalization of nucleic acid–sensing TLRs and their ligands to endolysosomes and the formation of the LAMP2+VAMP3+ hybrid compartment in which IFN-I production is initiated. Collectively, these findings define mechanistic processes by which SLC15A4 controls endosomal TLR function and suggest that pharmacologic intervention to curtail the function of this transporter may be a means to treat lupus and other endosomal TLR-dependent diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Rimann
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | - Roberto Baccala
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | - John R. Teijaro
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | - Xiaohong Li
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Bruce Beutler
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Dwight H. Kono
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
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35
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Concepts in lupus pathophysiology: Lessons learned from disease across the spectrum. Clin Immunol 2022; 238:109021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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36
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Gerussi A, Caime C, Binatti E, Cristoferi L, Asselta R, Gershwin EM, Invernizzi P. X marks the spot in autoimmunity. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:429-437. [PMID: 35349778 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2060203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune diseases mostly affect females. Besides hormones, several factors related to chromosome X have been called in action to explain this sex predominance. AREAS COVERED This paper provides an overview on the role of chromosome X (chrX) in explaining why females have higher susceptibility to autoimmunity. The work outlines some essential concepts regarding chrX inactivation, escape from chrX inactivation and the evolutionary history of chrX. In addition, we will discuss the concept of gene escape in immune cells, with examples related to specific X-linked genes and autoimmune diseases. EXPERT OPINION There is growing evidence that many genes present on chrX escape inactivation, and some of them have significant immune-mediated functions. In immune cells of female individuals the escape of these genes is not constant, but the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling this plasticity are not completely understood. Future studies aimed at the characterization of these modifications at single-cell resolution, together with conformational 3D studies of the inactive X chromosome, will hopefully help to fill this gap of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Caime
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Eleonora Binatti
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Cristoferi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Asselta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Eric M Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
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37
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Scofield RH, Lewis VM, Cavitt J, Kurien BT, Assassi S, Martin J, Gorlova O, Gregersen P, Lee A, Rider LG, O'Hanlon T, Rothwell S, Lilleker J, Kochi Y, Terao C, Igoe A, Stevens W, Sahhar J, Roddy J, Rischmueller M, Lester S, Proudman S, Chen S, Brown MA, Mayes MD, Lamb JA, Miller FW. 47XXY and 47XXX in Scleroderma and Myositis. ACR Open Rheumatol 2022; 4:528-533. [PMID: 35352506 PMCID: PMC9190224 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We undertook this study to examine the X chromosome complement in participants with systemic sclerosis (SSc) as well as idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Methods The participants met classification criteria for the diseases. All participants underwent single‐nucleotide polymorphism typing. We examined X and Y single‐nucleotide polymorphism heterogeneity to determine the number of X chromosomes. For statistical comparisons, we used χ2 analyses with calculation of 95% confidence intervals. Results Three of seventy men with SSc had 47,XXY (P = 0.0001 compared with control men). Among the 435 women with SSc, none had 47,XXX. Among 709 men with polymyositis or dermatomyositis (PM/DM), seven had 47,XXY (P = 0.0016), whereas among the 1783 women with PM/DM, two had 47,XXX. Of 147 men with inclusion body myositis (IBM), six had 47,XXY, and 1 of the 114 women with IBM had 47,XXX. For each of these myositis disease groups, the excess 47,XXY and/or 47,XXX was significantly higher compared with in controls as well as the known birth rate of Klinefelter syndrome or 47,XXX. Conclusion Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) is associated with SSc and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, similar to other autoimmune diseases with type 1 interferon pathogenesis, namely, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hal Scofield
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and Oklahoma City US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Valerie M Lewis
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and Oklahoma City US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Joshua Cavitt
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and Oklahoma City US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Biji T Kurien
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and Oklahoma City US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Shervin Assassi
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Javier Martin
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Olga Gorlova
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Peter Gregersen
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Annette Lee
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Lisa G Rider
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Terrance O'Hanlon
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - James Lilleker
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK, and Salford Royal National Health Service Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
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- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuta Kochi
- Tokyo, Japan, and RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Chikacshi Terao
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan, and Shizuoka General Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Ann Igoe
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City
| | - Wendy Stevens
- St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Sahhar
- Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janet Roddy
- Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Maureen Rischmueller
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and University of Adelaide, Woodville, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sue Lester
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and University of Adelaide, Woodville, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Sixia Chen
- College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Matthew A Brown
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maureen D Mayes
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Frederick W Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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38
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Fernandez-Ruiz R, Niewold TB. Type I Interferons in Autoimmunity. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:793-803. [PMID: 35016780 PMCID: PMC8860872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated IFN-1 responses play crucial roles in the development of multiple forms of autoimmunity. Many patients with lupus, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, and dermatomyositis demonstrate enhanced IFN-1 signaling. IFN-1 excess is associated with disease severity and autoantibodies and could potentially predict response to newer therapies targeting IFN-1 pathways. In this review, we provide an overview of the signaling pathway and immune functions of IFN-1s in health and disease. We also review the systemic autoimmune diseases classically associated with IFN-1 upregulation and current therapeutic strategies targeting the IFN-1 system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Fernandez-Ruiz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Timothy B Niewold
- Judith & Stewart Colton Center for Autoimmunity, Department of Medicine Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
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39
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Abstract
Despite numerous studies of immune sexual dimorphism, sexual differences are not rigorously mapped and dimorphic mechanisms are incompletely understood. Current immune research typically studies sex differences in specific cells, tissues, or diseases but without providing an integrated picture. To connect the dots, we suggest comprehensive research approaches to better our understanding of immune sexual dimorphism and its mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Talia Gal-Oz
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tal Shay
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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40
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Acharya M, Jackson SW. Regulatory strategies limiting endosomal Toll-like receptor activation in B cells. Immunol Rev 2022; 307:66-78. [PMID: 35040152 PMCID: PMC8986562 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The recognition of pathogen-associated nucleic acid (NA) promotes effective immunity against invading pathogens. However, endosomal Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation by self-NA also underlies the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For this reason, the activation thresholds of NA-sensing TLRs must be tightly regulated to balance protective and pathogenic immune responses. In this study, we will provide an overview of the evolutionary mechanisms designed to limit the aberrant activation of endosomal TLRs by self-ligands, focusing on four broad strategies. These include the following: 1) the production of nucleases able to degrade self-DNA and RNA; 2) the cell-specific regulation of endosomal TLR expression; 3) the spatial and temporal control of TLR positioning at a sub-cellular level; and 4) the modulation of downstream TLR signaling cascades. Given the critical role of B cells in lupus pathogenesis, where possible, we will describe evidence for B cell-specific induction of these regulatory mechanisms. We will also highlight our own work showing how modulation of B cell endolysosomal flux tunes NA-sensing TLR activation signals. In the face of inevitable generation of self-NA during normal cellular turnover, these parallel mechanisms are vital to protect against pathogenic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mridu Acharya
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shaun W Jackson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
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41
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Satterthwaite AB. TLR7 Signaling in Lupus B Cells: New Insights into Synergizing Factors and Downstream Signals. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2021; 23:80. [PMID: 34817709 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-021-01047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is driven by nucleic acid-containing antigens that stimulate endosomal TLRs. We review new advances in our understanding of how TLR7 signaling in B cells drives autoimmunity. RECENT FINDINGS Pathogenic B cell responses to TLR7 engagement are shaped by the disease-associated cytokine environment. TLR7, IFNγ, and IL-21 together promote the formation of autoreactive germinal centers and the ABC/DN2 B cell subset. BAFF and type 1 IFNs enhance autoantibody production from transitional B cells in concert with TLR7. TLR7 signaling components STAT1, BANK1, IRF5, SLC15A4, and CXorf21/TASL are associated genetically with SLE and important for lupus development in mice, while role of T-bet is controversial. Proper control of TLR7 trafficking by UNC93B1, syntenin-1, and αvβ3 integrin is critical for preventing autoimmunity. A better understanding of TLR7 signaling has revealed potential new therapeutic approaches for SLE, several of which are being tested in animal models or clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne B Satterthwaite
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatic Diseases Division and Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-8884, USA.
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Fang H, Deng X, Disteche CM. X-factors in human disease: Impact of gene content and dosage regulation. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:R285-R295. [PMID: 34387327 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The gene content of the X and Y chromosomes has dramatically diverged during evolution. The ensuing dosage imbalance within the genome of males and females has led to unique chromosome-wide regulatory mechanisms with significant and sex-specific impacts on X-linked gene expression. X inactivation or silencing of most genes on one X chromosome chosen at random in females profoundly affects the manifestation of X-linked diseases, as males inherit a single maternal allele, while females express maternal and paternal alleles in a mosaic manner. An additional complication is the existence of genes that escape X inactivation and thus are ubiquitously expressed from both alleles in females. The mosaic nature of X-linked gene expression and the potential for escape can vary between individuals, tissues, cell types, and stages of life. Our understanding of the specialized nature of X-linked genes and of the multilayer epigenetic regulation that influence their expression throughout the organism has been helped by molecular studies conducted by tissue-specific and single-cell-specific approaches. In turn, the definition of molecular events that control X silencing has helped develop new approaches for the treatment of some X-linked disorders. This review focuses on the peculiarities of the X chromosome genetic content and epigenetic regulation in shaping the manifestation of congenital and acquired X-linked disorders in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
| | | | - Christine M Disteche
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Canny SP, Jackson SW. B Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: From Disease Mechanisms to Targeted Therapies. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2021; 47:395-413. [PMID: 34215370 PMCID: PMC8357318 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
B cells exert a prominent contribution to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we review the immune mechanisms underlying autoreactive B cell activation in SLE, focusing on how B cell receptor and Toll-like receptor signals integrate to drive breaks in tolerance to nuclear antigens. In addition, we discuss autoantibody-dependent and autoantibody-independent B cell effector functions during lupus pathogenesis. Finally, we address efforts to target B cells therapeutically in human SLE. Despite initial disappointing clinical trials testing B cell depletion in lupus, more recent studies show promise, emphasizing how greater understanding of underlying immune mechanisms can yield clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P Canny
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Benaroya Research Institute, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Shaun W Jackson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
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44
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Abstract
Skewing of type I interferon (IFN) production and responses is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Genetic and environmental contributions to IFN production lead to aberrant innate and adaptive immune activation even before clinical development of disease. Basic and translational research in this arena continues to identify contributions of IFNs to disease pathogenesis, and several promising therapeutic options for targeting of type I IFNs and their signaling pathways are in development for treatment of SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirisha Sirobhushanam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, 5568 MSRB 2, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 49109, USA
| | - Stephanie Lazar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, 5568 MSRB 2, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 49109, USA
| | - J Michelle Kahlenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, 5570A MSRB 2, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 49109, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, 5570A MSRB 2, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 49109, USA.
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45
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Lind NA, Rael VE, Pestal K, Liu B, Barton GM. Regulation of the nucleic acid-sensing Toll-like receptors. Nat Rev Immunol 2021; 22:224-235. [PMID: 34272507 PMCID: PMC8283745 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-021-00577-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Many of the ligands for Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are unique to microorganisms, such that receptor activation unequivocally indicates the presence of something foreign. However, a subset of TLRs recognizes nucleic acids, which are present in both the host and foreign microorganisms. This specificity enables broad recognition by virtue of the ubiquity of nucleic acids but also introduces the possibility of self-recognition and autoinflammatory or autoimmune disease. Defining the regulatory mechanisms required to ensure proper discrimination between foreign and self-nucleic acids by TLRs is an area of intense research. Progress over the past decade has revealed a complex array of regulatory mechanisms that ensure maintenance of this delicate balance. These regulatory mechanisms can be divided into a conceptual framework with four categories: compartmentalization, ligand availability, receptor expression and signal transduction. In this Review, we discuss our current understanding of each of these layers of regulation. Activation of nucleic acid-sensing Toll-like receptors is finely tuned to limit self-reactivity while maintaining recognition of foreign microorganisms. The authors describe recent progress made in defining the regulatory mechanisms that facilitate this delicate balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Lind
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Victoria E Rael
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen Pestal
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Bo Liu
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gregory M Barton
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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46
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Nam SW, Lee KS, Yang JW, Ko Y, Eisenhut M, Lee KH, Shin JI, Kronbichler A. Understanding the genetics of systemic lupus erythematosus using Bayesian statistics and gene network analysis. Clin Exp Pediatr 2021; 64:208-222. [PMID: 32683804 PMCID: PMC8103040 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2020.00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The publication of genetic epidemiology meta-analyses has increased rapidly, but it has been suggested that many of the statistically significant results are false positive. In addition, most such meta-analyses have been redundant, duplicate, and erroneous, leading to research waste. In addition, since most claimed candidate gene associations were false-positives, correctly interpreting the published results is important. In this review, we emphasize the importance of interpreting the results of genetic epidemiology meta-analyses using Bayesian statistics and gene network analysis, which could be applied in other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoung Wan Nam
- Department of Rheumatology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Kwang Seob Lee
- Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Won Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Younhee Ko
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin, Korea
| | - Michael Eisenhut
- Department of Pediatrics, Luton & Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Luton, UK
| | - Keum Hwa Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Severance Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Kidney Disease Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Severance Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Kidney Disease Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Andreas Kronbichler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Youness A, Miquel CH, Guéry JC. Escape from X Chromosome Inactivation and the Female Predominance in Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031114. [PMID: 33498655 PMCID: PMC7865432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Women represent 80% of people affected by autoimmune diseases. Although, many studies have demonstrated a role for sex hormone receptor signaling, particularly estrogens, in the direct regulation of innate and adaptive components of the immune system, recent data suggest that female sex hormones are not the only cause of the female predisposition to autoimmunity. Besides sex steroid hormones, growing evidence points towards the role of X-linked genetic factors. In female mammals, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated during embryonic development, resulting in a cellular mosaicism, where about one-half of the cells in a given tissue express either the maternal X chromosome or the paternal one. X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is however not complete and 15 to 23% of genes from the inactive X chromosome (Xi) escape XCI, thereby contributing to the emergence of a female-specific heterogeneous population of cells with bi-allelic expression of some X-linked genes. Although the direct contribution of this genetic mechanism in the female susceptibility to autoimmunity still remains to be established, the cellular mosaicism resulting from XCI escape is likely to create a unique functional plasticity within female immune cells. Here, we review recent findings identifying key immune related genes that escape XCI and the relationship between gene dosage imbalance and functional responsiveness in female cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Youness
- Infinity-Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300 Toulouse, France; (A.Y.); (C.-H.M.)
| | - Charles-Henry Miquel
- Infinity-Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300 Toulouse, France; (A.Y.); (C.-H.M.)
- Arthritis R&D, 92200 Neuilly-Sur-Seine, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Infinity-Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300 Toulouse, France; (A.Y.); (C.-H.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-5-62-74-83-78; Fax: +33-5-62-74-45-58
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48
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Zhao X, Zhang L, Wang J, Zhang M, Song Z, Ni B, You Y. Identification of key biomarkers and immune infiltration in systemic lupus erythematosus by integrated bioinformatics analysis. J Transl Med 2021; 19:35. [PMID: 33468161 PMCID: PMC7814551 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02698-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic, chronic inflammatory disease characterized by destructive systemic organ involvement, which could cause the decreased functional capacity, increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies show that SLE is characterized by autoimmune, inflammatory processes, and tissue destruction. Some seriously-ill patients could develop into lupus nephritis. However, the cause and underlying molecular events of SLE needs to be further resolved. Methods The expression profiles of GSE144390, GSE4588, GSE50772 and GSE81622 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SLE and healthy samples. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichments of DEGs were performed by metascape etc. online analyses. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks of the DEGs were constructed by GENEMANIA software. We performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to further understand the functions of the hub gene, Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) would be utilized to build a gene co‐expression network, and the most significant module and hub genes was identified. CIBERSORT tools have facilitated the analysis of immune cell infiltration patterns of diseases. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were conducted to explore the value of DEGs for SLE diagnosis. Results In total, 6 DEGs (IFI27, IFI44, IFI44L, IFI6, EPSTI1 and OAS1) were screened, Biological functions analysis identified key related pathways, gene modules and co‐expression networks in SLE. IFI27 may be closely correlated with the occurrence of SLE. We found that an increased infiltration of moncytes, while NK cells resting infiltrated less may be related to the occurrence of SLE. Conclusion IFI27 may be closely related pathogenesis of SLE, and represents a new candidate molecular marker of the occurrence and progression of SLE. Moreover immune cell infiltration plays important role in the progession of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwang Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Longlong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhiqiang Song
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Yi You
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Yu B, Qi Y, Li R, Shi Q, Satpathy A, Chang HY. B cell-specific XIST complex enforces X-inactivation and restrains atypical B cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33442682 PMCID: PMC7805439 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.03.425167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) XIST establishes X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female cells in early development and thereafter is thought to be largely dispensable. Here we show XIST is continually required in adult human B cells to silence a subset of X-linked immune genes such as TLR7 . XIST-dependent genes lack promoter DNA methylation and require continual XIST-dependent histone deacetylation. XIST RNA-directed proteomics and CRISPRi screen reveal distinctive somatic cell-specific XIST complexes, and identify TRIM28 that mediates Pol II pausing at promoters of X-linked genes in B cells. XIST dysregylation, reflected by escape of XIST-dependent genes, occurs in CD11c+ atypical memory B cells across single-cell transcriptome data in patients with female-biased autoimmunity and COVID-19 infection. XIST inactivation with TLR7 agonism suffices to promote isotype-switched atypical B cells. These results suggest cell-type-specific diversification of lncRNA-protein complexes increase lncRNA functionalities, and expand roles for XIST in sex-differences in biology and medicine. HIGHLIGHTS XIST prevents escape of genes with DNA hypomethylated promoters in B cells.XIST maintains X-inactivation through continuous deacetylation of H3K27ac.XIST ChIRP-MS and allelic CRISPRi screen reveal a B cell-specific XIST cofactor TRIM28.XIST loss and TLR7 stimulation promotes CD11c+ atypical B cell formation.
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Mousavi MJ, Mahmoudi M, Ghotloo S. Escape from X chromosome inactivation and female bias of autoimmune diseases. Mol Med 2020; 26:127. [PMID: 33297945 PMCID: PMC7727198 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-020-00256-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Generally, autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in females than males. Various predisposing factors, including female sex hormones, X chromosome genes, and the microbiome have been implicated in the female bias of autoimmune diseases. During embryogenesis, one of the X chromosomes in the females is transcriptionally inactivated, in a process called X chromosome inactivation (XCI). This equalizes the impact of two X chromosomes in the females. However, some genes escape from XCI, providing a basis for the dual expression dosage of the given gene in the females. In the present review, the contribution of the escape genes to the female bias of autoimmune diseases will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Mousavi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Somayeh Ghotloo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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