1
|
Aubert A, Jung K, Hiroyasu S, Pardo J, Granville DJ. Granzyme serine proteases in inflammation and rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:361-376. [PMID: 38689140 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Granzymes (granule-secreted enzymes) are a family of serine proteases that have been viewed as redundant cytotoxic enzymes since their discovery more than 30 years ago. Predominantly produced by cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells, granzymes are delivered into the cytoplasm of target cells through immunological synapses in cooperation with the pore-forming protein perforin. After internalization, granzymes can initiate cell death through the cleavage of intracellular substrates. However, evidence now also demonstrates the existence of non-cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory, intracellular and extracellular functions that are granzyme specific. Under pathological conditions, granzymes can be produced and secreted extracellularly by immune cells as well as by non-immune cells. Depending on the granzyme, accumulation in the extracellular milieu might contribute to inflammation, tissue injury, impaired wound healing, barrier dysfunction, osteoclastogenesis and/or autoantigen generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Aubert
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen Jung
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sho Hiroyasu
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Julian Pardo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA); Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Paediatrics and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bhattacharya D, Theodoropoulos J, Nurmi K, Juutilainen T, Eklund KK, Koivuniemi R, Kelkka T, Mustjoki S, Lönnberg T. Single-cell characterisation of tissue homing CD4 + and CD8 + T cell clones in immune-mediated refractory arthritis. Mol Med 2024; 30:48. [PMID: 38594612 PMCID: PMC11005137 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00802-1] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune-mediated arthritis is a group of autoinflammatory diseases, where the patient's own immune system attacks and destroys synovial joints. Sustained remission is not always achieved with available immunosuppressive treatments, warranting more detailed studies of T cell responses that perpetuate synovial inflammation in treatment-refractory patients. METHODS In this study, we investigated CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes from the synovial tissue and peripheral blood of patients with treatment-resistant immune-mediated arthritis using paired single-cell RNA and TCR-sequencing. To gain insights into the trafficking of clonal families, we compared the phenotypes of clones with the exact same TCRß amino acid sequence between the two tissues. RESULTS Our results show that both CD4 + and CD8 + T cells display a more activated and inflamed phenotype in the synovial tissue compared to peripheral blood both at the population level and within individual T cell families. Furthermore, we found that both cell subtypes exhibited clonal expansion in the synovial tissue. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the local environment in the synovium drives the proliferation of activated cytotoxic T cells, and both CD4 + and CD8 + T cells may contribute to tissue destruction and disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dipabarna Bhattacharya
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jason Theodoropoulos
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Katariina Nurmi
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinicum, Translational Immunology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Kari K Eklund
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinicum, Translational Immunology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riitta Koivuniemi
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina Kelkka
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.
- Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Tapio Lönnberg
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
- InFlames Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Van Espen B, Prideaux EB, Wilson AR, Machado CRL, Sendo S, Parker J, Seumois G, Sacchetti C, Belongia AC, Perumal NB, Vijayanand P, Linnik MD, Benschop RJ, Wang W, Bottini N, Firestein GS, Stanford SM. Laser Capture Microscopy RNA Sequencing for Topological Mapping of Synovial Pathology During Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024. [PMID: 38556917 DOI: 10.1002/art.42853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the joint lining or synovium becomes highly inflamed and majorly contributes to disease progression. Understanding pathogenic processes in RA synovium is critical for identifying therapeutic targets. We performed laser capture microscopy (LCM) followed by RNA sequencing (LCM-RNAseq) to study regional transcriptomes throughout RA synovium. METHODS Synovial lining, sublining, and vessel samples were captured by LCM from seven patients with RA and seven patients with osteoarthritis (OA). RNAseq was performed on RNA extracted from captured tissue. Principal component analysis was performed on the sample set by disease state. Differential expression analysis was performed between disease states based on log2 fold change and q value parameters. Pathway analysis was performed using the Reactome Pathway Database on differentially expressed genes among disease states. Significantly enriched pathways in each synovial region were selected based on the false discovery rate. RESULTS RA and OA transcriptomes were distinguishable by principal component analysis. Pairwise comparisons of synovial lining, sublining, and vessel samples between RA and OA revealed substantial differences in transcriptional patterns throughout the synovium. Hierarchical clustering of pathways based on significance revealed a pattern of association between biologic function and synovial topology. Analysis of pathways uniquely enriched in each region revealed distinct phenotypic abnormalities. As examples, RA lining samples were marked by anomalous immune cell signaling, RA sublining samples were marked by aberrant cell cycle, and RA vessel samples were marked by alterations in heme scavenging. CONCLUSION LCM-RNAseq confirms reported transcriptional differences between the RA synovium and the OA synovium and provides evidence supporting a relationship between synovial topology and molecular anomalies in RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sho Sendo
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pandurangan Vijayanand
- University of California, San Diego, and La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | | | | | - Wei Wang
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Nunzio Bottini
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, and Kao Autoimmunity Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen Y, Teng Y, Xu P, Wang S. The Role of Citrullination Modification in CD4 + T Cells in the Pathogenesis of Immune-Related Diseases. Biomolecules 2024; 14:400. [PMID: 38672418 PMCID: PMC11047979 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040400] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins play a crucial role in increasing the functional diversity of proteins and are associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases. This review focuses on a less explored PTM called citrullination, which involves the conversion of arginine to citrulline. This process is catalyzed by peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs). Different members of the PAD family have distinct tissue distribution patterns and functions. Citrullination is a post-translational modification of native proteins that can alter their structure and convert them into autoantigens; thus, it mediates the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. CD4+ T cells, including Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, are important immune cells involved in mediating autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, and tumor immunity. PADs can induce citrullination in CD4+ T cells, suggesting a role for citrullination in CD4+ T cell subset differentiation and function. Understanding the role of citrullination in CD4+ T cells may provide insights into immune-related diseases and inflammatory processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China;
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yi Teng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou 215505, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China;
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kared H, Jyssum I, Alirezaylavasani A, Egner IM, The Tran T, Tietze L, Lund KP, Tveter AT, Provan SA, Ørbo H, Haavardsholm EA, Vaage JT, Jørgensen K, Syversen SW, Lund-Johansen F, Goll GL, Munthe LA. Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 immunity after vaccination and breakthrough infection in rituximab-treated rheumatoid arthritis patients: a prospective cohort study. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1296273. [PMID: 38455062 PMCID: PMC10917913 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1296273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with B cell-depleting drugs induced limited seroconversion but robust cellular response. We aimed to document specific T and B cell immunity in response to vaccine booster doses and breakthrough infection (BTI). Methods We included 76 RA patients treated with rituximab who received up to four SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses or three doses plus BTI, in addition to vaccinated healthy donors (HD) and control patients treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi). We quantified anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) Spike IgG, anti-nucleocapsid (NC) IgG, 92 circulating inflammatory proteins, Spike-binding B cells, and Spike-specific T cells along with comprehensive high-dimensional phenotyping and functional assays. Findings The time since the last rituximab infusion, persistent inflammation, and age were associated with the anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG seroconversion. The vaccine-elicited serological response was accompanied by an incomplete induction of peripheral Spike-specific memory B cells but occurred independently of T cell responses. Vaccine- and BTI-elicited cellular immunity was similar between RA and HD ex vivo in terms of frequency or phenotype of Spike-specific cytotoxic T cells and in vitro in terms of the functionality and differentiation profile of Spike-specific T cells. Interpretation SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in RA can induce persistent effector T-cell responses that are reactivated by BTI. Paused rituximab medication allowed serological responses after a booster dose (D4), especially in RA with lower inflammation, enabling efficient humoral and cellular immunity after BTI, and contributed overall to the development of potential durable immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassen Kared
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Jyssum
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amin Alirezaylavasani
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid M. Egner
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trung The Tran
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- ImmunoLingo Convergence Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisa Tietze
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- ImmunoLingo Convergence Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katrine Persgård Lund
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Therese Tveter
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sella A. Provan
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Ørbo
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen A. Haavardsholm
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - John Torgils Vaage
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Jørgensen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Silje Watterdal Syversen
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fridtjof Lund-Johansen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- ImmunoLingo Convergence Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guro Løvik Goll
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludvig A. Munthe
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
El-Shafai NM, Mostafa YS, Ramadan MS, M El-Mehasseb I. Enhancement efficiency delivery of antiviral Molnupiravir-drug via the loading with self-assembly nanoparticles of pycnogenol and cellulose which are decorated by zinc oxide nanoparticles for COVID-19 therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107028. [PMID: 38086240 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107028] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The target of the study is to modify the efficiency of Molnupiravir-drug (MOL) for COVID-19 therapy via the rearrangement of the building engineering of MOL-drug by loading it with self-assembly biomolecules nanoparticles (NPs) of pycnogenol (Pyc) and cellulose (CNC) which are decorated by zinc oxide nanoparticles. The synthesis and characterization of the modified drug are performing successfully, the loading and release process of the MOL drug on a nano surface is measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy under room temperature and different pH. The release efficiency of the MOL drug is calculated to be 65% (pH 6.8) and 69% (pH 7.4). The modified MOL drug displays 71% (pH 6.8) and 78% (pH 7.4) for CNC@Pyc.MOL nanocomposite, while CNC@Pyc.MOL.ZnO nanocomposite gave values at 76% (pH 6.8) and 78% (pH 7.4), the efficiency recorded after 19 h. The biological activity of the MOL-drug and modified MOL-drug is measured, and the cytotoxicity is performed by SRB technique, where the self-assembly (CNC@Pyc) appears to be a safe healthy, and high viability against the examined cell line. The antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory are evaluated, where the nanocomposite that has ZnO NPs (CNC@Pyc.MOL.ZnO) gave high efficiency compared to the composite without ZnO NPs. The CPE-inhibition assay is used to identify potential antivirals against CVID-19 (229E virus), the viral inhibition (%) was reported at 37.6 % (for 800 µg/ml) and 18.02 % (for 400 µg/ml) of CNC@Pyc.MOL.ZnO. So, the modified MOL-drug was suggested as a replacement drug for the therapy of COVID-19 compared to MOL-drug, but the results need clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nagi M El-Shafai
- Nanotechnology Center, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516, Egypt.
| | - Yasser S Mostafa
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S Ramadan
- Department of Chemistry - Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M El-Mehasseb
- Nanotechnology Center, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mullan KA, de Vrij N, Valkiers S, Meysman P. Current annotation strategies for T cell phenotyping of single-cell RNA-seq data. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1306169. [PMID: 38187377 PMCID: PMC10768068 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1306169] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has become a popular technique for interrogating the diversity and dynamic nature of cellular gene expression and has numerous advantages in immunology. For example, scRNA-seq, in contrast to bulk RNA sequencing, can discern cellular subtypes within a population, which is important for heterogenous populations such as T cells. Moreover, recent advancements in the technology allow the parallel capturing of the highly diverse T-cell receptor (TCR) sequence with the gene expression. However, the field of single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis is still hampered by a lack of gold-standard cell phenotype annotation. This problem is particularly evident in the case of T cells due to the heterogeneity in both their gene expression and their TCR. While current cell phenotype annotation tools can differentiate major cell populations from each other, labelling T-cell subtypes remains problematic. In this review, we identify the common automated strategy for annotating T cells and their subpopulations, and also describe what crucial information is still missing from these tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry A. Mullan
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS) Consortium, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicky de Vrij
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS) Consortium, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute for Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Valkiers
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS) Consortium, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Meysman
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS) Consortium, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hughes CD, Ryan SE, Steel KJA, van den Beukel MD, Trouw LA, van Schie KAJ, Toes REM, Menon B, Kirkham BW, Taams LS. Type 17-specific immune pathways are active in early spondyloarthritis. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003328. [PMID: 38123480 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Undifferentiated, early inflammatory arthritis (EIA) can differentiate into seropositive or seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA), peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA) or remain as seronegative undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis (UIA). Little is known about immune pathways active in the early stages of SpA and seronegative UIA, in contrast to detailed knowledge of seropositive RA. The aim of this study was to examine if specific immune pathways were active in synovial CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in EIA. METHODS Synovial fluid (SF) samples from 30 patients with EIA were analysed for expression of IL-17A, IFNγ and TNFα in CD8+ or CD4+ T cells. Final clinical diagnoses were made at least 12 months after sample collection, by two independent clinicians blind to the study data. RESULTS Flow cytometry analysis of all EIA samples indicated considerable variation in synovial IL-17A+CD8+ T cells (Tc17) cell frequencies between patients. The group with a final diagnosis of SpA (psoriatic arthritis or peripheral SpA, n=14) showed a significant enrichment in the percentage of synovial Tc17 cells compared with the group later diagnosed with seronegative UIA (n=10). The small number of patients later diagnosed with seropositive RA (n=6) patients had few Tc17 cells, similar to our previous findings in established disease. In contrast, RA SF contained a significantly higher percentage of CD8+IFNγ+ T cells compared with SpA or seronegative UIA. CONCLUSION These results suggest that adaptive T cell cytokine pathways differ not only between RA and SpA but also seronegative UIA early in the disease process, with a particular activation of Tc17 pathways in early SpA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Hughes
- Centre for Inflammation Biology & Cancer Immunology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah E Ryan
- Centre for Inflammation Biology & Cancer Immunology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kathryn J A Steel
- Centre for Inflammation Biology & Cancer Immunology, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - L A Trouw
- Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Karin A J van Schie
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - René E M Toes
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bina Menon
- Department of Rheumatology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Bruce W Kirkham
- Department of Rheumatology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Leonie S Taams
- Centre for Inflammation Biology & Cancer Immunology, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhong S, Lan L, Zheng Z, Zhang H, Wen Y. Association between genetically predicted rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia areata: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269640. [PMID: 38022630 PMCID: PMC10644376 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269640] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although numerous observational studies have indicated a potential association between autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and alopecia areata (AA), the research reports lack a clear causal relationship. In this study, our objective is to utilize the Mendelian randomization (MR) design to examine the potential causal association between RA and AA. Methods To investigate the causal relationship between RA and AA, we utilized large-scale gene aggregation data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including RA (n=58,284) and AA (n=361,822) based on previous observational studies. In our analysis, we mainly employed the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method of the random effects model, supplemented by the weighted median (WM) method and the MR Egger method. Results The findings from the IVW methods revealed a significant association between genetically predicted RA and an increased likelihood of AA, as evidenced by an odds ratio of 1.21 (95%CI = 1.11-1.32; P < 0.001. Both the WM method and MR-Egger regression consistently showed significant directional outcomes (Both P < 0.05), indicating a robust association between RA and AA. Additionally, both the funnel plot and the MR-Egger intercepts provided evidence of the absence of directional pleiotropy, suggesting that the observed association is not influenced by other common genetic factors. Conclusions The results of the study suggest a possible link between genetically predicted RA and AA. This finding highlights the importance for individuals diagnosed with RA to remain vigilant and aware of the potential development of AA. Regular monitoring and early detection can be crucial in managing and addressing this potential complication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengdong Zhong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Liting Lan
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Clinical Research Center, Longgang Maternity and Child Clinical Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zicheng Zheng
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Huaiyuan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqing Wen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Inamo J, Keegan J, Griffith A, Ghosh T, Horisberger A, Howard K, Pulford J, Murzin E, Hancock B, Jonsson AH, Seifert J, Feser ML, Norris JM, Cao Y, Apruzzese W, Louis Bridges S, Bykerk V, Goodman S, Donlin L, Firestein GS, Perlman H, Bathon JM, Hughes LB, Tabechian D, Filer A, Pitzalis C, Anolik JH, Moreland L, Guthridge JM, James JA, Brenner MB, Raychaudhuri S, Sparks JA, Michael Holers V, Deane KD, Lederer JA, Rao DA, Zhang F. Deep immunophenotyping reveals circulating activated lymphocytes in individuals at risk for rheumatoid arthritis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.03.547507. [PMID: 37461737 PMCID: PMC10349983 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.03.547507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with currently no universally highly effective prevention strategies. Identifying pathogenic immune phenotypes in 'At-Risk' populations prior to clinical disease onset is crucial to establishing effective prevention strategies. Here, we applied mass cytometry to deeply characterize the immunophenotypes in blood from At-Risk individuals identified through the presence of serum antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPA) and/or first-degree relative (FDR) status (n=52), as compared to established RA (n=67), and healthy controls (n=48). We identified significant cell expansions in At-Risk individuals compared with controls, including CCR2+CD4+ T cells, T peripheral helper (Tph) cells, type 1 T helper cells, and CXCR5+CD8+ T cells. We also found that CD15+ classical monocytes were specifically expanded in ACPA-negative FDRs, and an activated PAX5 low naïve B cell population was expanded in ACPA-positive FDRs. Further, we developed an "RA immunophenotype score" classification method based on the degree of enrichment of cell states relevant to established RA patients. This score significantly distinguished At-Risk individuals from controls. In all, we systematically identified activated lymphocyte phenotypes in At-Risk individuals, along with immunophenotypic differences among both ACPA+ and ACPA-FDR At-Risk subpopulations. Our classification model provides a promising approach for understanding RA pathogenesis with the goal to further improve prevention strategies and identify novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mantel I, Fein MR, Donlin LT. Emerging synovial cell states in rheumatoid arthritis as potential therapeutic targets. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:249-254. [PMID: 37040654 PMCID: PMC10219846 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize recently discovered novel cell states in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium that could have important implications for disease treatment. RECENT FINDINGS The use of multiomic technologies, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics and mass cytometry, has led to the discovery of several novel cell states, which could have important implications for the treatment of RA. These cells can be found in patient blood, synovial fluid, or synovial tissue and span several immune cell subsets as well as stromal cell types. These diverse cell states may represent the targets of current or future therapeutics, while their fluctuations may inform the ideal timing for therapy. Future efforts are needed to implicate how each cell state functions in the pathophysiologic network within affected joints and how medications perturb each cell state and ultimately the tissue. SUMMARY Multiomic molecular technologies have afforded the discovery of numerous novel cellular states in RA synovium; the next challenge will be to link these states to pathophysiology and treatment response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Mantel
- Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Miriam R Fein
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura T Donlin
- Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Trier NH, Houen G. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies as biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:895-911. [PMID: 37578277 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2247986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The serological biomarker anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) may have several functions but is especially important for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) along with clinical symptoms. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of ACPAs, which are useful in RA diagnostics and may improve our understanding of disease etiology. PubMed was searched with combinations of words related to antibodies recognizing epitopes containing the post-translationally modified amino acid citrulline in combination with rheumatoid arthritis; cyclic citrullinated peptide, CCP, anti-CCP, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, ACPA, citrullination, peptide/protein arginine deiminase, PAD, filaggrin, vimentin, keratin, collagen, perinuclear factor, EBNA1, EBNA2, and others. From this search, we made a qualitative extract of publications relevant to the discovery, characterization, and clinical use of these antibodies in relation to RA. We highlight significant findings and identify areas for improvement. EXPERT OPINION ACPAs have high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for RA and recognize citrullinated epitopes from several proteins. The best-performing single epitope originates from Epstein-Barr Virus nuclear antigen 2 and contains a central Cit-Gly motif, which is recognized by ACPAS when located in a flexible peptide structure. In addition, ACPAs may also have prognostic value, especially in relation to early treatment, although ACPAs' main function is to aid in the diagnosis of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gunnar Houen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fenton KA, Pedersen HL. Advanced methods and novel biomarkers in autoimmune diseases ‑ a review of the recent years progress in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1183535. [PMID: 37425332 PMCID: PMC10326284 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1183535] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
There are several autoimmune and rheumatic diseases affecting different organs of the human body. Multiple sclerosis (MS) mainly affects brain, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mainly affects joints, Type 1 diabetes (T1D) mainly affects pancreas, Sjogren's syndrome (SS) mainly affects salivary glands, while systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects almost every organ of the body. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by production of autoantibodies, activation of immune cells, increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and activation of type I interferons. Despite improvements in treatments and diagnostic tools, the time it takes for the patients to be diagnosed is too long, and the main treatment for these diseases is still non-specific anti-inflammatory drugs. Thus, there is an urgent need for better biomarkers, as well as tailored, personalized treatment. This review focus on SLE and the organs affected in this disease. We have used the results from various rheumatic and autoimmune diseases and the organs involved with an aim to identify advanced methods and possible biomarkers to be utilized in the diagnosis of SLE, disease monitoring, and response to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Andreassen Fenton
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre of Clinical Research and Education, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hege Lynum Pedersen
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre of Clinical Research and Education, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Grillet B, Pereira RVS, Van Damme J, Abu El-Asrar A, Proost P, Opdenakker G. Matrix metalloproteinases in arthritis: towards precision medicine. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:363-377. [PMID: 37161083 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00966-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis of structural molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an irreversible post-translational modification in all arthropathies. Common joint disorders, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, have been associated with increased levels of matrix remodelling enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs, in concert with other host proteinases and glycanases, destroy proteoglycans, collagens and other ECM molecules. MMPs may also control joint remodelling indirectly by signalling through cell-surface receptors or by proteolysis of cytokines and receptor molecules. After synthesis as pro-forms, MMPs can be activated by various types of post-translational modifications, including proteolysis. Once activated, MMPs are controlled by general and specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In rheumatoid arthritis, proteolysis of the ECM results in so-called remnant epitopes that enhance and perpetuate autoimmune processes in susceptible hosts. In osteoarthritis, the considerable production of MMP-13 by chondrocytes, often concurrent with mechanical overload, is a key event. Hence, information about the regulation, timing, localization and activities of MMPs in specific disease phases and arthritic entities will help to develop better diagnostics. Insights into beneficial and detrimental effects of MMPs on joint tissue inflammation are also necessary to plan and execute (pre)clinical studies for better therapy and precision medicine with MMP inhibitors. With the advances in proteomics and single-cell transcriptomics, two critical points need attention: neglected neutrophil MMP biology, and the analysis of net proteolytic activities as the result of balances between MMPs and their inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Grillet
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rafaela Vaz Sousa Pereira
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Damme
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ahmed Abu El-Asrar
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Ophthalmology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paul Proost
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Ophthalmology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- University Hospitals Gasthuisberg, UZ Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chemin K, Malmström V. Citrulline immunity in RA: CD8 + T cells enter the scene. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:259-260. [PMID: 36914789 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Chemin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vivianne Malmström
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|