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Ramirez GA, Tassi E, Noviello M, Mazzi BA, Moroni L, Citterio L, Zagato L, Tombetti E, Doglio M, Baldissera EM, Bozzolo EP, Bonini C, Dagna L, Manfredi AA. Histone-Specific CD4 + T Cell Plasticity in Active and Quiescent Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:739-750. [PMID: 38111123 DOI: 10.1002/art.42778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess whether circulating histone-specific T cells represent tools for precision medicine in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Seroprevalence of autoantibodies and HLA-DR beta (DRB) 1 profile were assessed among 185 patients with SLE and combined with bioinformatics and literature evidence to identify HLA-peptide autoepitope couples for ex vivo detection of antigen-specific T cells through flow cytometry. T cell differentiation and polarization was investigated in patients with SLE, patients with Takayasu arteritis, and healthy controls carrying HLA-DRB1*03:01 and/or HLA-DRB1*11:01. SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 and Lupus Low Disease Activity State were used to estimate disease activity and remission. RESULTS Histone-specific CD4+ T cells were selectively detected in patients with SLE. Among patients with a history of anti-DNA antibodies, 77% had detectable histone-specific T cells, whereas 50% had lymphocytes releasing cytokines or upregulating activation markers after in vitro challenge with histone peptide antigens. Histone-specific regulatory and effector T helper (Th) 1-, Th2-, and atypical Th1/Th17 (Th1*)-polarized cells were significantly more abundant in patients with SLE with quiescent disease. In contrast, total Th1-, Th2-, and Th1*-polarized and regulatory T cells were similarly represented between patients and controls or patients with SLE with active versus quiescent disease. Histone-specific effector memory T cells accumulated in the blood of patients with quiescent SLE, whereas total effector memory T cell counts did not change. Immunosuppressants were associated with expanded CD4+ histone-specific naive T (TN) and terminally differentiated T cells. CONCLUSION Histone-specific T cells are selectively detected in patients with SLE, and their concentration in the blood varies with disease activity, suggesting that they represent innovative tools for patient stratification and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe A Ramirez
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, and IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Luca Moroni
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, and IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chiara Bonini
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, and IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, and IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo A Manfredi
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, and IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Zou X, Huo F, Sun L, Huang J. Peripheral helper T cells in human diseases. J Autoimmun 2024; 145:103218. [PMID: 38574420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Peripheral helper T cells (Tph) are a specialized subset of CD4+ T cells with the ability to help B cells and induce antibody production. Although usually located in ectopic lymphoid-like structures (ELS), inside the peripheral blood, Tph cells can also be identified. The aberrant proliferation and functions of Tph cells are commonly found in the patients with disease. In this review, first we will summarize the biological characteristics of Tph cells, such as the expression of surface molecules, transcription factors and cytokines, and discuss its B cell help functions. Tph cells also have roles in a wide range of human diseases, including autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, malignancies etc. Therefore, there is a strong interest in targeting Tph cells to improve treat strategies of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Zou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China
| | - Feifei Huo
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China
| | - Lulu Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China.
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Koga T. Understanding the pathogenic significance of altered calcium-calmodulin signaling in T cells in autoimmune diseases. Clin Immunol 2024; 262:110177. [PMID: 38460894 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMK4) serves as a pivotal mediator in the regulation of gene expression, influencing the activity of transcription factors within a variety of immune cells, including T cells. Altered CaMK4 signaling is implicated in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis, which are characterized by dysregulated immune responses and clinical complexity. These conditions share common disturbances in immune cell functionality, cytokine production, and autoantibody generation, all of which are associated with disrupted calcium-calmodulin signaling. This review underscores the consequences of dysregulated CaMK4 signaling across these diseases, with an emphasis on its impact on Th17 differentiation and T cell metabolism-processes central to maintaining immune homeostasis. A comprehensive understanding of roles of CaMK4 in gene regulation across various autoimmune disorders holds promise for the development of targeted therapies, particularly for diseases driven by Th17 cell dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Koga
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.
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Akiyama M, Alshehri W, Kaneko Y. Does a window of opportunity for rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease exist? Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103501. [PMID: 38086437 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103501] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammatory synovitis, eventually leading to joint destruction. Remarkable advancements in the emergence of molecular targeted therapies and the treatment strategy based on treat-to-target have made it possible for patients to lead their daily lives without disabilities. Specifically, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment without missing a 'window of opportunity' are crucial for improving joint outcomes. On the other hand, interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an extra-articular complication of RA and has an impact on life prognosis. Importantly, it has become evident that achieving remission of arthritis is critical not only for joint outcomes but also to prevent the irreversible progression of pulmonary fibrosis in RA-ILD. Therefore, a 'window of opportunity' may exist not only for joints but also for RA-ILD. However, within RA-ILD, there are cases that progress from an NSIP pattern or airway involvement to a UIP pattern, while there are cases without progression, suggesting that their disease behavior may be diverse. Thus, accumulating evidence is necessary to accurately determine the disease behavior of RA-ILD. This review provides an overview of clinical and radiological features and treatment strategies for RA-ILD, incorporating the latest findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Akiyama
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Waleed Alshehri
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kaneko
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Chen Y, Liang R, Shi X, Shen R, Liu L, Liu Y, Xue Y, Guo X, Dang J, Zeng D, Huang F, Sun J, Zhang J, Wang J, Olsen N, August A, Huang W, Pan Y, Zheng SG. Targeting kinase ITK treats autoimmune arthritis via orchestrating T cell differentiation and function. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115886. [PMID: 37992572 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-2 inducible T cell kinase (ITK) is critical in T helper subset differentiation and its inhibition has been suggested for the treatment of T cell-mediated inflammatory diseases. T follicular helper (Tfh), Th17 and regulatory T cells (Treg) also play important roles in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while the role of ITK in the development of RA and the intricate balance between effector T and regulatory T cells remains unclear. Here, we found that CD4+ T cells from RA patients presented with an elevated ITK activation. ITK inhibitor alleviated existing collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and reduced antigen specific antibody production. Blocking ITK kinase activity interferes Tfh cell generation. Moreover, ITK inhibitor effectively rebalances Th17 and Treg cells by regulating Foxo1 translocation. Furthermore, we identified dihydroartemisinin (DHA) as a potential ITK inhibitor, which could inhibit PLC-γ1 phosphorylation and the progression of CIA by rebalancing Th17 and Treg cells. Out data imply that ITK activation is upregulated in RA patients, and therefore blocking ITK signal may provide an effective strategy to treat RA patients and highlight the role of ITK on the Tfh induction and RA progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China; Department of Immunology, School of Cell and Gene Therapy, Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Rongzhen Liang
- Department of Immunology, School of Cell and Gene Therapy, Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Xiaoyi Shi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Rong Shen
- Department of Geriatrics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, PR China
| | - Liu Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, PR China
| | - Yan Liu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Youqiu Xue
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Xinghua Guo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Junlong Dang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Donglan Zeng
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Feng Huang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Jianbo Sun
- The first Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523710, China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Julie Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Cell and Gene Therapy, Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Nancy Olsen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine at the Penn State University Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Avery August
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Weishan Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Yunfeng Pan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China.
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Cell and Gene Therapy, Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China.
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