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Hughes BA, O'Buckley TK, Boero G, Morrow AL. Interneuron-selective HCN channel knockdown in prelimbic cortex of female rats mimics effects of chronic ethanol exposure. Alcohol 2024; 121:59-67. [PMID: 39033967 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Our laboratory has previously shown that chronic ethanol exposure elicits enhanced working memory performance in female, but not male, adult Sprague-Dawley rats, indicative of a fundamental sex difference in cortical plasticity. Recent studies have furthermore revealed that females display markedly reduced HCN-mediated channel activity in inhibitory Martinotti interneurons after chronic ethanol exposure that is similarly not observed in males. From these observations we hypothesized that alcohol induces facilitated working memory performance via down-regulation of these channels' activity specifically within interneurons. To test this hypothesis, we employed a Pol-II compatible shRNA expression system to elicit targeted knockdown of HCN channel activity in these cells, and measured performance on a delayed Non-Match-to-Sample (NMS) T-maze test to gauge effects on working memory performance. A significant baseline enhancement of working memory performance with HCN channel knockdown was observed, indicative of a critical role for interneuron-expressed HCNs in maintaining optimal cortical network activity during cognitively-demanding tasks. Consistent with previous observations, ethanol exposure resulted in enhanced NMS T-maze performance, however elevated working memory performance was observed in both scram- and hcn-shRNA infected groups after alcohol administration. We therefore conclude that interneuron-expressed HCN channels, despite representing a minor population of total cortical HCN expression, contribute substantially to maintaining working memory processes. Downregulated HCN channel activity, though, does not alone appear sufficient to manifest alcohol-induced enhancement of working memory performance observed in female rats during acute withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Hughes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Todd K O'Buckley
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Giorgia Boero
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - A Leslie Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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2
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Longhi MS, Zhang L, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. B and T cells: (Still) the dominant orchestrators in autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103591. [PMID: 39117005 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103591] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe hepatopathy characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, presence of serum autoantibodies and histological appearance of interface hepatitis. Liver damage in AIH is initiated by the presentation of a liver autoantigen to uncommitted Th0 lymphocytes, followed by a cascade of effector immune responses culminating with the production of inflammatory cytokines, activation of cytotoxic cells and subsequent hepatocyte injury. B cells actively participate in AIH liver damage by presenting autoantigens to uncommitted T lymphocytes. B cells also undergo maturation into plasma cells that are responsible for production of immunoglobulin G and autoantibodies, which mediate antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity. Perpetuation of effector immunity with consequent progression of liver damage is permitted by impairment in regulatory T cells (Tregs), a lymphocyte subset central to the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Treg impairment in AIH is multifactorial, deriving from numerical decrease, reduced suppressive function, poor response to IL-2 and less stable phenotype. In this review, we discuss the role of B and T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of AIH. Immunotherapeutic strategies that could limit inflammation and halt disease progression while reconstituting tolerance to liver autoantigens are also reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Serena Longhi
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Liver Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Diego Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Liver Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Bergeron HC, Hansen MR, Tripp RA. Interferons-Implications in the Immune Response to Respiratory Viruses. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2179. [PMID: 37764023 PMCID: PMC10535750 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092179] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFN) are an assemblage of signaling proteins made and released by various host cells in response to stimuli, including viruses. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2 are major causes of respiratory disease that induce or antagonize IFN responses depending on various factors. In this review, the role and function of type I, II, and III IFN responses to respiratory virus infections are considered. In addition, the role of the viral proteins in modifying anti-viral immunity is noted, as are the specific IFN responses that underly the correlates of immunity and protection from disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ralph A. Tripp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (H.C.B.); (M.R.H.)
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Yuksel M, Nazmi F, Wardat D, Akgül S, Polat E, Akyildiz M, Arikan Ç. Standard immunosuppressive treatment reduces regulatory B cells in children with autoimmune liver disease. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1053216. [PMID: 36685568 PMCID: PMC9849683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1053216] [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: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease caused by a perturbed immune system. The scarcity of short- and long-term immune monitoring of AIH hampered us to comprehend the interaction between immunosuppressive medication and immune homeostasis. Methods and patients We recruited children with AIH at the time of diagnosis and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th months of immunosuppression (IS). We also enrolled children with AIH being on IS for >2 years. Children with drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and those receiving tacrolimus after liver transplantation (LT), were enrolled as disease/IS control subjects. Healthy children (HC) were also recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from all participants. Healthy liver tissue from adult donors and from livers without inflammation were obtained from children with hepatoblastoma. By using flow cytometry, we performed multi-parametric immune profiling of PBMCs and intrahepatic lymphocytes. Additionally, after IS with prednisolone, tacrolimus, rapamycin, or 6-mercaptopurine, we carried out an in vitro cytokine stimulation assay. Finally, a Lifecodes SSO typing kit was used to type HLA-DRB1 and Luminex was used to analyze the results. Results Untreated AIH patients had lower total CD8 T-cell frequencies than HC, but these cells were more naïve. While the percentage of naïve regulatory T cells (Tregs) (CD4+FOXP3lowCD45RA+) and regulatory B cells (Bregs, CD20+CD24+CD38+) was similar, AIH patients had fewer activated Tregs (CD4+FOXP3highCD45RA - ) compared to HC. Mucosal-associated-invariant-T-cells (MAIT) were also lower in these patients. Following the initiation of IS, the immune profiles demonstrated fluctuations. Bregs frequency decreased substantially at 1 month and did not recover anymore. Additionally, the frequency of intrahepatic Bregs in treated AIH patients was lower, compared to control livers, DILI, and LT patients. Following in vitro IS drugs incubation, only the frequency of IL-10-producing total B-cells increased with tacrolimus and 6MP. Lastly, 70% of AIH patients possessed HLA-DR11, whereas HLA-DR03/DR07/DR13 was present in only some patients. Conclusion HLA-DR11 was prominent in our AIH cohort. Activated Tregs and MAIT cell frequencies were lower before IS. Importantly, we discovered a previously unrecognized and long-lasting Bregs scarcity in AIH patients after IS. Tacrolimus and 6MP increased IL-10+ B-cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Yuksel
- Paediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye,Liver Immunology Lab, Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Farinaz Nazmi
- Paediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye,Liver Immunology Lab, Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Dima Wardat
- Liver Immunology Lab, Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sebahat Akgül
- Transplant Immunology Research Centre of Excellence (TIREX) Tissue Typing Lab, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Esra Polat
- Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sancaktepe Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Murat Akyildiz
- Adult Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Çigdem Arikan
- Paediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye,Liver Immunology Lab, Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye,*Correspondence: Çigdem Arikan,
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Rosa Dos Santos AP, de Oliveira Vaz C, Hounkpe BW, Jacintho BC, Oliveira JD, Tripiquia Vechiatto Mesquita GL, Pereira Dos Santos I, Annichino-Bizzacchi J, Appenzeller S, de Moraes Mazetto Fonseca B, Orsi FA. Association between interferon-I producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells and thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome. Lupus 2022; 31:1067-1077. [PMID: 35612283 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221101731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Thrombotic risk in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is conferred by the association of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies (first hit) with additional pro-coagulant stimulus (second hit), such as inflammation. Among inflammatory responses, the production of large amounts of interferon (IFN)-I by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) is at the basis of the pathophysiology of systemic autoimmune disorders, which raises the hypothesis that this mechanism could also be associated with vascular manifestations of APS. Purpose: Here, we determined the association of pDCs and IFN-I production with thrombotic APS. Research design: Patients with thrombotic primary (t-PAPS) and secondary APS (t-SAPS), asymptomatic aPL carriers and individuals without thrombosis (controls) were included. Data collection and analysis: Circulating pDCs and IFN-α intracellular expression (in the presence or not of oligodeoxynucleotides (CP) stimulus) were quantified by flow cytometry. The expression of five IFN-I inducing genes: ISG15, OASL, Ly6E, MX1, and OAS1 in mononuclear cells was determined by qPCR. Between-group differences were evaluated using chi-square or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: A total of 50 patients with t-PAPS, 50 patients with t-SAPS, 20 aPL carriers, and 50 individuals without thrombosis (controls) were included. Intracellular expression of IFN-α was increased after CPG stimulation in both t-SAPS (1.56%; IQR 1.07-2.02) and t-PAPS (0.96%; IQR 0.55-1.24), when compared to aPL carriers (0.71%; IQR 0.42-0.93) and controls (0.48%; IQR 0.24-0.78; p < .0001). ISG15, OASL, Ly6E, MX1, and OAS1 mRNA expressions were higher in t-SAPS (but not in t-PAPS) than in aPL carriers and controls. The expression of proteins and mRNA related to IFN-I response was similar between the triple aPL-positive profile and other aPL profiles. Conclusion: Our results indicate an association of IFN-I response and t-APS. Since IFN-I expression was not increased in aPL carriers or associated with a higher-risk aPL profile, this mechanism does not appear to be related to the presence of aPL alone. IFN-I response could possibly constitute a complementary mechanism for triggering clinical manifestations in APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Rosa Dos Santos
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, 28132University of Campinas-Unicamp, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Camila de Oliveira Vaz
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas-Unicamp, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna Cardoso Jacintho
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas-Unicamp, Campinas, Brazil
| | - José Diogo Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas-Unicamp, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Joyce Annichino-Bizzacchi
- School of Medical Sciences, Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, 28132University of Campinas-Unicamp, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Simone Appenzeller
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology Unit, 28132University of Campinas-Unicamp, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Andrade Orsi
- School of Medical Sciences, Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, Department of Clinical Pathology,28132University of Campinas-Unicamp, Campinas, Brazil
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Tana MMS, Klepper A, Lyden A, Pisco AO, Phelps M, McGee B, Green K, Feng S, DeRisi J, Crawford ED, Lammert CS. Transcriptomic profiling of blood from autoimmune hepatitis patients reveals potential mechanisms with implications for management. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264307. [PMID: 35312680 PMCID: PMC8936448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a poorly understood, chronic disease, for which corticosteroids are still the mainstay of therapy and most patients undergo liver biopsy to obtain a diagnosis. We aimed to determine if there was a transcriptomic signature of AIH in the peripheral blood and investigate underlying biologic pathways revealed by gene expression analysis. Whole blood RNA from 75 AIH patients and 25 healthy volunteers was extracted and sequenced. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 249 genes that were significantly differentially expressed in AIH patients compared to controls. Using a random forest algorithm, we determined that less than 10 genes were sufficient to differentiate the two groups in our cohort. Interferon signaling was more active in AIH samples compared to controls, regardless of treatment status. Pegivirus sequences were detected in five AIH samples and 1 healthy sample. The gene expression data and clinical metadata were used to determine 12 genes that were significantly associated with advanced fibrosis in AIH. AIH patients with a partial response to therapy demonstrated decreased evidence of a CD8+ T cell gene expression signal. These findings represent progress in understanding a disease in need of better tests, therapies, and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele May-Sien Tana
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- UCSF Liver Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Arielle Klepper
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Amy Lyden
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Maira Phelps
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Breann McGee
- University of Indiana, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
| | - Kelsey Green
- University of Indiana, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
| | - Sandy Feng
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- UCSF Liver Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Joseph DeRisi
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Emily Dawn Crawford
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Craig S. Lammert
- University of Indiana, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
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Vergani D, Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G. A reasoned approach to the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:1381-1393. [PMID: 34162505 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease affecting all ages, characterised by elevated transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on histology and good response to immunosuppressive treatment. If untreated, it has a poor prognosis. The aim of this review is to analyse AIH therapeutic interventions with reference to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of AIH. Standard treatment, based on steroids and azathioprine, leads to disease remission in 80-90% of patients. Alternative first-line treatment with budesonide is effective in adults, but less so in the juvenile form of AIH; first-line treatment with ciclosporin does not provide convincing advantages compared to standard treatment. Second-line treatments are needed for patients not responding or intolerant to first-line standard management. Mycophenolate mofetil is the most widely used second-line drug, and has good efficacy particularly for patients intolerant to azathioprine, but is teratogenic. Only few and heterogeneous data on calcineurin inhibitors and m-TOR inhibitors are available. Biologicals, including anti-tumour necrosis factor- α and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, have given ambivalent results and may have severe side-effects. Clinical trials with new therapeutic options aiming at targeting B lymphocytes and proinflammatory cytokines, or expanding regulatory T cells to restore tolerance are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK; Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland; Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
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Aghabi YO, Yasin A, Kennedy JI, Davies SP, Butler AE, Stamataki Z. Targeting Enclysis in Liver Autoimmunity, Transplantation, Viral Infection and Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:662134. [PMID: 33953725 PMCID: PMC8089374 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.662134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent liver inflammation can lead to cirrhosis, which associates with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are no curative treatments beyond transplantation, followed by long-term immunosuppression. The global burden of end stage liver disease has been increasing and there is a shortage of donor organs, therefore new therapies are desperately needed. Harnessing the power of the immune system has shown promise in certain autoimmunity and cancer settings. In the context of the liver, regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies are in development. The hypothesis is that these specialized lymphocytes that dampen inflammation may reduce liver injury in patients with chronic, progressive diseases, and promote transplant tolerance. Various strategies including intrinsic and extracorporeal expansion of Treg cells, aim to increase their abundance to suppress immune responses. We recently discovered that hepatocytes engulf and delete Treg cells by enclysis. Herein, we propose that inhibition of enclysis may potentiate existing regulatory T cell therapeutic approaches in patients with autoimmune liver diseases and in patients receiving a transplant. Moreover, in settings where the abundance of Treg cells could hinder beneficial immunity, such us in chronic viral infection or liver cancer, enhancement of enclysis could result in transient, localized reduction of Treg cell numbers and tip the balance towards antiviral and anti-tumor immunity. We describe enclysis as is a natural process of liver immune regulation that lends itself to therapeutic targeting, particularly in combination with current Treg cell approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zania Stamataki
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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9
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Liberal R, Gaspar R, Lopes S, Macedo G. Long-term outcome of patients with difficult-to-treat autoimmune hepatitis receiving mycophenolate mofetil. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021; 45:101487. [PMID: 32651078 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) respond to a combination of prednisolone and azathioprine. For patients who are intolerant or refractory to azathioprine, proposed alternative therapies are based on scarce data, limited to transplant centres and with short-term follow-up periods. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of MMF as a second-line therapy in patients with AIH managed at a tertiary non-transplant centre. METHODS Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collated database identified AIH patients who received MMF from 2006 to 2015. Clinical, biochemical and immunological parameters were assessed at 3-, 6- and 12-months, and at last follow-up. Biochemical response (BR) was defined as improvement of transaminases, complete remission (CR) as normalisation of transaminases and IgG, while others were considered non-responders (NR). RESULTS Eighteen out of 151 (12%) AIH patients received MMF. Nine received MMF due to azathioprine-intolerance (group 1), while nine due to refractory disease (group 2). In group 1, CR and BR was achieved in six (67%) and two (22%) patients respectively. In group 2, CR and BR was achieved in one (11%) and five (56%) patients respectively. Adverse events occurred in eight patients (44%), with one patient requiring drug discontinuation. After a medium follow-up of 78 (31-116) months, there was a significant decrease in transaminase levels, mirrored by decrease in prednisolone dose from 25 to 6.25 mg/day (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Long-term therapy with MMF is safe and effective in AIH patients requiring second-line therapies, and these patients can be effectively managed at tertiary non-liver transplant centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Liberal
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Sao Joao, Alameda Prof. Hernani Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) Porto Training Center, Portugal.
| | - Rui Gaspar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Sao Joao, Alameda Prof. Hernani Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) Porto Training Center, Portugal
| | - Susana Lopes
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Sao Joao, Alameda Prof. Hernani Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) Porto Training Center, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Macedo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Sao Joao, Alameda Prof. Hernani Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) Porto Training Center, Portugal
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10
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Longhi MS, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Regulatory T cells in autoimmune hepatitis: an updated overview. J Autoimmun 2021; 119:102619. [PMID: 33652348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are key players in the maintenance of immune homeostasis by preventing immune responses to self-antigens. Defects in Treg frequency and/or function result in overwhelming CD4 and CD8 T cell immune responses participating in the autoimmune attack. Perpetuation of autoimmune damage is also favored by Treg predisposition to acquire effector cell features upon exposure to a proinflammatory challenge. Treg impairment plays a permissive role in the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune liver diseases, namely autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. In this Review, we outline studies reporting the role of Treg impairment in the pathogenesis of these conditions and discuss methods to restore Treg number and function either by generation/expansion in the test tube or through in vivo expansion upon administration of low dose IL-2. Challenges and caveats of these potential therapeutic strategies are also reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Serena Longhi
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Liver Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Diego Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Liver Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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11
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von Borstel A, Abdulahad WH, Dekkema G, Rutgers A, Stegeman CA, Veldman J, Heeringa P, Sanders JS. Mycophenolic acid and 6-mercaptopurine both inhibit B-cell proliferation in granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients, whereas only mycophenolic acid inhibits B-cell IL-6 production. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235743. [PMID: 32645052 PMCID: PMC7347169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an autoimmune disease affecting mainly small blood vessels. B-cells are important in the GPA pathogenesis as precursors of autoantibody-producing cells but likely also contribute (auto)antibody-independently. This has been underlined by the effectiveness of B-cell-depletion (with Rituximab) in inducing and maintaining disease remission. Mycophenolate-mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine (AZA) are immunosuppressive therapies frequently used in GPA-patients. Interestingly, MMF-treated GPA-patients are more prone to relapses than AZA-treated patients, while little is known about the influence of these drugs on B-cells. We investigated whether MMF or AZA treatment (or their active compounds) alters the circulating B-cell subset distribution and has differential effects on in vitro B-cell proliferation and cytokine production in GPA-patients that might underlie the different relapse rate. Circulating B-cell subset frequencies were determined in samples from AZA-treated (n = 13), MMF-treated (n = 12), untreated GPA-patients (n = 19) and matched HCs (n = 41). To determine the ex vivo effects of the active compounds of MMF and AZA, MPA and 6-MP respectively, on B-cell proliferation and cytokine production, PBMCs of untreated GPA-patients (n = 29) and matched HCs (n = 30) were cultured for 3-days in the presence of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG) with MPA or 6-MP. After restimulation (with phorbol myristate acetate, calcium-ionophore), cytokine-positive B-cell frequencies were measured. Finally, to assess the effect of MMF or AZA treatment on in vitro B-cell proliferation and cytokine production, PBMCs of MMF-treated (n = 18), and AZA-treated patients (n = 28) and HCs (n = 41) were cultured with CpG. The memory B-cell frequency was increased in AZA- compared to MMF-treated patients, while no other subset was different. The active compounds of MMF and AZA showed in vitro that MPA decreased B-cell proliferation in GPA-patients and HCs. B-cell proliferation in MMF- and AZA-treated patients was not different. Finally, the IL-6+ B-cell frequency was decreased by MPA compared to 6-MP. No differences in IL-10+, IL-6+ or TNFα+ B-cell proportions or proliferation were found in MMF- and AZA-treated patients. Our results indicate that MMF could be superior to AZA in inhibiting B-cell cytokine production in GPA-patients. Future studies should assess the effects of these immunosuppressive drugs on other immune cells to elucidate mechanisms underlying the potential differences in relapse rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk von Borstel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Wayel H. Abdulahad
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerjan Dekkema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Abraham Rutgers
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Coen A. Stegeman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna Veldman
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Stephan Sanders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Zhang S, Wang L, Li M, Zhang F, Zeng X. The PD-1/PD-L pathway in rheumatic diseases. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 120:48-59. [PMID: 32334916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Autoimmune diseases are diseases in which the body produces an abnormal immune response to self-antigens and damages its own tissues. Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligands (PD-Ls) have been discovered to be important negative regulators of the immune system, playing crucial roles in autoimmunity. METHODS We analyzed the existing scientific literature dealing with this issue. In this review, the PD-1/PD-L pathway in the genetic susceptibility to and pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases is discussed. The PD-1/PD-L pathway might be helpful for diagnosing, evaluating the disease activity of and treating rheumatic diseases. RESULTS PD-1/PD-L gene polymorphisms are associated with a genetic predisposition to rheumatic disorders, which can provide reference information for diagnosis and disease activity. The conclusion of the crucial role of the PD-1/PD-L pathway in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases is consistent, but the details remain controversial. In some animal models, manipulating the PD-1/PD-L pathway could decrease disease severity. PD-1/PD-Ls may enable us to develop new therapeutics for patients with rheumatic diseases in the future. CONCLUSION The PD-1/PD-L pathway plays crucial roles in rheumatic disease. More work is needed to provide a better mechanistic understanding of the PD-1/PD-L pathway and to facilitate the precise therapeutic manipulation of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
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13
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Merli P, Caruana I, De Vito R, Strocchio L, Weber G, Del Bufalo F, Buatois V, Montanari P, Cefalo MG, Pitisci A, Algeri M, Galaverna F, Quintarelli C, Cirillo V, Pagliara D, Ferlin W, Ballabio M, De Min C, Locatelli F. Role of interferon-γ in immune-mediated graft failure after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Haematologica 2019; 104:2314-2323. [PMID: 30792213 PMCID: PMC6821635 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.216101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathophysiology of graft failure (GF) occurring after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) still remains elusive. We measured serum levels of several different cytokines/chemokines in 15 children experiencing GF, comparing their values with those of 15 controls who had sustained donor cell engraftment. Already at day +3 after transplantation, patients developing GF had serum levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and CXCL9 (a chemokine specifically induced by IFNγ) significantly higher than those of controls (8859±7502 vs. 0 pg/mL, P=0.03, and 1514.0±773 vs. 233.6±50.1 pg/mlL, P=0.0006, respectively). The role played by IFNγ in HSCT-related GF was further supported by the observation that a rat anti-mouse IFNγ-neutralizing monoclonal antibody promotes donor cell engraftment in Ifngr1-/-mice receiving an allograft. In comparison to controls, analysis of bone marrow-infiltrating T lymphocytes in patients experiencing GF documented a predominance of effector memory CD8+ cells, which showed markers of activation (overexpression of CD95 and downregulation of CD127) and exhaustion (CD57, CD279, CD223 and CD366). Finally, we obtained successful donor engraftment in 2 out of 3 children with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis who, after experiencing GF, were re-transplanted from the same HLA-haploidentical donor under the compassionate use coverage of emapalumab, an anti-IFNγ monoclonal antibody recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Altogether, these results suggest that the IFNγ pathway plays a major role in GF occurring after HSCT. Increased serum levels of IFNγ and CXCL9 represent potential biomarkers useful for early diagnosis of GF and provide the rationale for exploring the therapeutic/preventive role of targeted neutralization of IFNγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Merli
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita De Vito
- Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Department of Laboratories, Pathology Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Strocchio
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerrit Weber
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Del Bufalo
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Giuseppina Cefalo
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Pitisci
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Algeri
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Galaverna
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta Quintarelli
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Cirillo
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Daria Pagliara
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Franco Locatelli
- Bambino Ges Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cellular and Gene Therapy, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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14
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15
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Taubert R, Hupa-Breier KL, Jaeckel E, Manns MP. Novel therapeutic targets in autoimmune hepatitis. J Autoimmun 2018; 95:34-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Jin L, Bai R, Zhou J, Shi W, Xu L, Sheng J, Peng H, Jin Y, Yuan H. Association of Serum T cell Immunoglobulin Domain and Mucin-3 and Interleukin-17 with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2018; 24:168-176. [PMID: 30348938 PMCID: PMC6213872 DOI: 10.12659/msmbr.910949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have shown that T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin-3 (Tim-3) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) are implicated in the development of several autoimmune diseases. However, it is unclear whether these proteins contribute to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate SLE patient serum Tim-3 and IL-17 levels, and to assess correlations between these proteins and major clinical parameters of SLE. Material/Methods Overall, 55 SLE patients and 55 healthy controls were recruited in a case-control study. Serum Tim-3 and IL-17 levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results Serum Tim-3 and IL-17 levels in SLE patients were significantly elevated relative to healthy controls (all P<0.05). Serum Tim-3 levels were significantly lower in SLE patients with nephritis than in those SLE without nephritis (P<0.05), while no statistically significant correlation between serum IL-17 and nephritis was detected (P>0.05). Serum Tim-3 with IL-17 levels were positively correlated in SLE patients (rs=0.817, P<0.01); however, no statistically significant correlation was found between serum Tim-3 or IL-17 levels and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) scores in those with SLE (all P>0.05). In addition, serum Tim-3 was associated with central lesions in SLE patients, while there were no significant correlations between serum Tim-3 or IL-17 levels and other SLE clinical parameters. Conclusions Increased serum Tim-3 and IL-17 levels and their clinical associations in SLE patients suggest their possible role in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lairun Jin
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Ran Bai
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Jun Zhou
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Shi
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Liang Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Jun Sheng
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Hui Peng
- Administration Office of Hospital Admission and Discharge, Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Yuelong Jin
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Hui Yuan
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
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Czaja AJ. Emerging therapeutic biomarkers of autoimmune hepatitis and their impact on current and future management. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018. [PMID: 29540068 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2018.1453356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis lacks a quantifiable biomarker that is close to its pathogenic mechanisms and that accurately reflects inflammatory activity, correlates with treatment response, and ensures inactive disease before treatment withdrawal. Areas covered: Micro-ribonucleic acids, programmed death-1 protein and its ligands, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, soluble CD163, B cell activating factor, and metabolite patterns in blood were considered the leading candidates as therapeutic biomarkers after search of PubMed from August 1981 to August 2017 using the search words 'biomarkers of autoimmune hepatitis'. Expert commentary: Each of the candidate biomarkers is close to the putative pathogenic mechanisms of autoimmune hepatitis, and each has attributes that support its potential role as a surrogate marker of inflammatory activity that can be monitored during treatment. Future studies must demonstrate the superiority of each biomarker to conventional indices of inflammatory activity and validate their correlation with treatment response and outcome. A reliable therapeutic biomarker would facilitate the individualization of current management algorithms, ensure that pathogenic mechanisms were disrupted or eliminated prior to treatment withdrawal, and reduce the frequency of relapse or unnecessary protracted therapy. The biomarker might also prove to be a target of next-generation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- a Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science , Rochester , MN , USA
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18
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Mycophenolate Mofetil Protects Septic Mice via the Dual Inhibition of Inflammatory Cytokines and PD-1. Inflammation 2018; 41:1008-1020. [PMID: 29455288 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-018-0754-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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19
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Li YM, Shi YY, Li Y, Yan L, Tang JT, Bai YJ, Wu XJ, Dai B, Zou YG, Wang LL. Soluble Tim-3 and Gal-9 are associated with renal allograft dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 55:330-335. [PMID: 29310109 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) has been reported to participate in the regulation of immune response and the induction of allograft tolerance. However, the association between Tim-3 and renal allograft dysfunction is unclear. We studied the expression of cellular and soluble Tim-3 (sTim-3), soluble galectin-9 (sGal-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule-1 (sCEACAM-1) in kidney transplantation recipients (KTRs) to explore their roles in allograft dysfunction. METHODS 96 KTRs (53 with stable graft and 43 with graft dysfunction) and 30 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Among the KTRs, 55 used Tacrolimus (TAC) and 41 used Sirolimus (SRL). In the dysfunction group, 29 recipients have undergone graft biopsy and 14 were classified as biopsy-proven rejection (BPR). Cellular Tim-3 was determined by flow cytometry. sTim-3 was determined by ELISA. sGal-9 and sCEACAM-1 were determined by Bio-Plex® suspension array system. RESULTS KTRs with renal dysfunction showed significantly higher levels of sTim-3 and sGal-9 but similar levels of cellular Tim-3 and sCEACAM-1 compared with stable recipients. Correlation analysis revealed that estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was negatively associated with sTim-3 and sGal-9. Both BPR and non-BPR groups showed comparable levels of Tim-3, Gal-9 and CEACAM-1. Moreover, SRL group showed significantly higher levels of sCEACAM-1 than TAC and HC groups. CONCLUSIONS sTim-3 and sGal-9 were promising biomarkers for allograft dysfunction, but unable to differentiate allograft rejection from other causes of renal dysfunction in KTRs. Moreover, long-term administration of sirolimus would up-regulate sCEACAM-1 level, while exert similar regulatory effects on Tim-3 and Gal-9 compared to tacrolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Mei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Ying Shi
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiang Tao Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Juan Bai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Juan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Gao Zou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lan Lan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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20
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Liberal R, Grant CR, Muhammed Y, Graham J, Kalbasi A, Ma Y, Heneghan MA, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D, Longhi MS. Regulatory T-cell conditioning endows activated effector T cells with suppressor function in autoimmune hepatitis/autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis. Hepatology 2017; 66:1570-1584. [PMID: 28597951 PMCID: PMC5689077 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Imbalance between T regulatory (Treg) and T effector (Teff) cells is likely to contribute to the induction and perpetuation of liver damage in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (AISC) either through inability of Tregs to restrain proliferation and effector cytokine production by responders or through conversion of Tregs into T helper type 1 (Th1) or type 17 (Th17) effector lymphocytes. We investigated the effect of Treg skewing on the phenotypic and functional properties of CD4+ CD127+ CD25high cells, an activated subset of Teff, in 32 patients with AIH and 20 with AISC and in 36 healthy subjects. In AIH/AISC we noted a substantial increase in peripheral blood-derived CD4+ CD127+ CD25high cells that display a Th1/Th17 phenotypic profile, as reflected by heightened interferon gamma and interleukin 17 (IL-17) production as well as by high levels of T-bet and related orphan receptor 3 expression, which is strongly correlated with disease activity. CD4+ CD127+ CD25high cells are unresponsive to low-dose IL-2 and in patients have marked proliferative ability, further enhanced by stimulation with IL-7. CD4+ CD127+ CD25high cells obtained from CD4+ cells exposed to Treg polarizing conditions display enhanced IL-10 production; up-regulate CD49b and LAG-3, markers of T regulatory 1 cells; and effectively suppress responder cell proliferation in both healthy subjects and AIH/AISC patients through a mechanism which is dependent on interferon gamma and IL-17. The suppressive function of CD4+ CD127+ CD25high cells is maintained upon proinflammatory challenge in healthy subjects but not in AIH/AISC. CONCLUSION Treg skewing confers activated Teff phenotypic and functional properties of T regulatory 1 cells in health and in AIH/AISC, though suppressive function is lost in patients upon proinflammatory challenge; protracted modulation of the inflammatory environment is required to attenuate the effector potential while boosting immunoregulatory properties in Teff. (Hepatology 2017;66:1570-1584).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Liberal
- Department of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK,Gastroenterology Department, Centro Hospitalar São João, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Charlotte R Grant
- Department of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yuksel Muhammed
- Department of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jonathon Graham
- Department of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alireza Kalbasi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Yun Ma
- Department of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Department of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- Department of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK,MowatLabs Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- Department of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maria Serena Longhi
- Department of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology & Mucosal Biology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK,Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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