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Trinh-Minh T, Györfi AH, Tomcik M, Tran-Manh C, Zhou X, Dickel N, Tümerdem BS, Kreuter A, Burmann SN, Borchert SV, Hussain RI, Hallén J, Klingelhöfer J, Kunz M, Distler JHW. Effect of Anti-S100A4 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment on Experimental Skin Fibrosis and Systemic Sclerosis-Specific Transcriptional Signatures in Human Skin. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:783-795. [PMID: 38108109 DOI: 10.1002/art.42781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE S100A4 is a DAMP protein. S100A4 is overexpressed in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and levels correlate with organ involvement and disease activity. S100A4-/- mice are protected from fibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess the antifibrotic effects of anti-S100A4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in murine models of SSc and in precision cut skin slices of patients with SSc. METHODS The effects of anti-S100A4 mAbs were evaluated in a bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model and in Tsk-1 mice with a therapeutic dosing regimen. In addition, the effects of anti-S100A4 mAbs on precision cut SSc skin slices were analyzed by RNA sequencing. RESULTS Inhibition of S100A4 was effective in the treatment of pre-established bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis and in regression of pre-established fibrosis with reduced dermal thickening, myofibroblast counts, and collagen accumulation. Transcriptional profiling demonstrated targeting of multiple profibrotic and proinflammatory processes relevant to the pathogenesis of SSc on targeted S100A4 inhibition in a bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model. Moreover, targeted S100A4 inhibition also modulated inflammation- and fibrosis-relevant gene sets in precision cut SSc skin slices in an ex vivo trial approach. Selected downstream targets of S100A4, such as AMP-activated protein kinase, calsequestrin-1, and phosphorylated STAT3, were validated on the protein level, and STAT3 inhibition was shown to prevent the profibrotic effects of S100A4 on fibroblasts in human skin. CONCLUSION Inhibition of S100A4 confers dual targeting of inflammatory and fibrotic pathways in complementary mouse models of fibrosis and in SSc skin. These effects support the further development of anti-S100A4 mAbs as disease-modifying targeted therapies for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuong Trinh-Minh
- University Hospital Düsseldorf and Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Cuong Tran-Manh
- University Hospital Düsseldorf and Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Xiang Zhou
- University Hospital Düsseldorf and Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicholas Dickel
- Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Kreuter
- Helios St. Elisabeth Klinik Oberhausen, University Witten-Herdecke, Oberhausen, and Helios St. Johannes Klinik Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Sven-Niklas Burmann
- Helios St. Elisabeth Klinik Oberhausen, University Witten-Herdecke, Oberhausen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Meik Kunz
- Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- University Hospital Düsseldorf and Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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2
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Wang K, Huang H, Zhan Q, Ding H, Li Y. Toll-like receptors in health and disease. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e549. [PMID: 38685971 PMCID: PMC11057423 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are inflammatory triggers and belong to a family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that are central to the regulation of host protective adaptive immune responses. Activation of TLRs in innate immune myeloid cells directs lymphocytes to produce the most appropriate effector responses to eliminate infection and maintain homeostasis of the body's internal environment. Inappropriate TLR stimulation can lead to the development of general autoimmune diseases as well as chronic and acute inflammation, and even cancer. Therefore, TLRs are expected to be targets for therapeutic treatment of inflammation-related diseases, autoimmune diseases, microbial infections, and human cancers. This review summarizes the recent discoveries in the molecular and structural biology of TLRs. The role of different TLR signaling pathways in inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, and even cancers (oral, gastric, breast, colorectal) is highlighted and summarizes new drugs and related clinical treatments in clinical trials, providing an overview of the potential and prospects of TLRs for the treatment of TLR-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunyu Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hanyao Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Qi Zhan
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Haoran Ding
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
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3
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Barisione C, Verzola D, Garibaldi S, Altieri P, Furfaro AL, Nitti M, Pratesi G, Palombo D, Ameri P. Indoxyl sulphate-initiated activation of cardiac fibroblasts is modulated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor and nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18192. [PMID: 38506079 PMCID: PMC10951876 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18192] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, extensive attention has been paid to the uremic toxin indoxyl sulphate (IS) as an inducer of cardiac fibroblast (cFib) activation and cardiac fibrosis in chronic kidney disease. At cellular level, IS engages aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and regulates many biological functions. We analysed how AhR inhibition by CH-223191 (CH) and overexpression of non-functional (dominant negative, DN) nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a transcription factor recruited by AhR, modulate the response of neonatal mouse (nm) cFib to IS. We also evaluated nm-cardiomyocytes after incubation with the conditioned medium (CM) of IS±CH-treated nm-cFib. IS induced activation, collagen synthesis, TLR4 and-downstream-MCP-1, and the genes encoding angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1r) and neprilysin (Nepr) in nm-cFib. CH antagonized IS-initiated nm-cFib activation, but did not affect or even magnified the other features. IS promoted NRF2 nuclear translocation and expression the NRF2 target Nqo1. Both pre-incubation with CH and transfection of DN-NRF2 resulted in loss of NRF2 nuclear localization. Moreover, DN-NRF2 overexpression led to greater TLR4 and MCP-1 levels following exposure to IS. The CM of IS-primed nm-cFib and to a larger extent the CM of IS+CH-treated nm-cFib upregulated AT1r, Nepr and TNFα and myostatin genes in nm-cardiomyocytes. Hence, IS triggers pro-inflammatory activation of nm-cFib partly via AhR, and AhR-NRF2 counteract it. Strategies other than AhR inhibition are needed to target IS detrimental actions on cardiac cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Barisione
- Department of Surgical and Integrated Diagnostic SciencesUniversity of GenovaGenovaItaly
- Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular DepartmentIRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenovaItaly
| | - Daniela Verzola
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of GenovaGenovaItaly
| | | | - Paola Altieri
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of GenovaGenovaItaly
| | | | - Mariapaola Nitti
- Department of Experimental MedicineUniversity of GenovaGenovaItaly
| | - Giovanni Pratesi
- Department of Surgical and Integrated Diagnostic SciencesUniversity of GenovaGenovaItaly
- Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular DepartmentIRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenovaItaly
| | - Domenico Palombo
- Department of Surgical and Integrated Diagnostic SciencesUniversity of GenovaGenovaItaly
| | - Pietro Ameri
- Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular DepartmentIRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenovaItaly
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of GenovaGenovaItaly
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4
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O'Reilly S. S100A4 a classical DAMP as a therapeutic target in fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2024; 127:1-7. [PMID: 38219976 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.01.002] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis regardless of aetiology is characterised by persistently activated myofibroblasts that are contractile and secrete excessive amounts of extracellular matrix molecules that leads to loss of organ function. Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous host-derived molecules that are released from cells dying or under stress that can be triggered by a variety of insults, either chemical or physical, leading to an inflammatory response. Among these DAMPs is S100A4, part of the S100 family of calcium binding proteins that participate in a variety of cellular processes. S100A4 was first described in context of cancer as a pro-metastatic factor. It is now appreciated that aside from its role in cancer promotion, S100A4 is intimately involved in tissue fibrosis. The extracellular form of S100A4 exerts its effects through multiple receptors including Toll-Like Receptor 4 and RAGE to evoke signalling cascades involving downstream mediators facilitating extracellular matrix deposition and myofibroblast generation and can play a role in persistent activation of myofibroblasts. S100A4 may be best understood as an amplifier of inflammatory and fibrotic processes. S100A4 appears critical in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis and blocking the extracellular form of S100A4 in vivo in various animal models of disease mitigates fibrosis and may even reverse established disease. This review appraises S100A4's position as a DAMP and its role in fibrotic conditions and highlight therapeutically targeting this protein to halt fibrosis, suggesting that it is a tractable target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, United Kingdom.
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5
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Jia Q, Wang H, Wang Y, Xue W, Jiang Q, Wang J, Ning F, Zhu Z, Tian L. Investigation of the mechanism of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis: The role of lung microbiota dysbiosis and the LPS/TLR4 signaling pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168948. [PMID: 38048996 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
The widespread manufacture of silica and its extensive use, and potential release of silica into the environment pose a serious human health hazard. Silicosis, a severe global public health issue, is caused by exposure to silica, leading to persistent inflammation and fibrosis of the lungs. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms of silicosis remain elusive. Lung microbiota dysbiosis is associated with the development of inflammation and fibrosis. However, limited information is currently available regarding the role of lung microbiota in silicosis. The study therefore is designed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the role of lung microbiota dysbiosis and establish a basis for future investigations into the potential mechanisms underlying silicosis. Here, the pathological and biochemical parameters were used to systematically assessed the degree of inflammation and fibrosis following silica exposure and treatment with combined antibiotics. The underlying mechanisms were studied via integrative multi-omics analyses of the transcriptome and microbiome. Analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA revealed dysbiosis of the microbial community in silicosis, characterized by a predominance of gram-negative bacteria. Exposure to silica has been shown to trigger lung inflammation and fibrosis, leading to an increased concentration of lipopolysaccharides in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Furthermore, Toll-like receptor 4 was identified as a key molecule in the lung microbiota dysbiosis associated with silica-induced lung fibrosis. All of these outcomes can be partially controlled through combined antibiotic administration. The study findings demonstrate that the dysbiosis of lung microbiota enhances silica-induced fibrosis associated with the lipopolysaccharides/Toll-like receptor 4 pathway and provided a promising target for therapeutic intervention of silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyue Jia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wenming Xue
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Qiyue Jiang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Fuao Ning
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zhonghui Zhu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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6
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Nelson AR, Christiansen SL, Naegle KM, Saucerman JJ. Logic-based mechanistic machine learning on high-content images reveals how drugs differentially regulate cardiac fibroblasts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2303513121. [PMID: 38266046 PMCID: PMC10835125 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303513121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are essential regulators of extracellular matrix deposition following cardiac injury. These cells exhibit highly plastic responses in phenotype during fibrosis in response to environmental stimuli. Here, we test whether and how candidate anti-fibrotic drugs differentially regulate measures of cardiac fibroblast phenotype, which may help identify treatments for cardiac fibrosis. We conducted a high-content microscopy screen of human cardiac fibroblasts treated with 13 clinically relevant drugs in the context of TGFβ and/or IL-1β, measuring phenotype across 137 single-cell features. We used the phenotypic data from our high-content imaging to train a logic-based mechanistic machine learning model (LogiMML) for fibroblast signaling. The model predicted how pirfenidone and Src inhibitor WH-4-023 reduce actin filament assembly and actin-myosin stress fiber formation, respectively. Validating the LogiMML model prediction that PI3K partially mediates the effects of Src inhibition, we found that PI3K inhibition reduces actin-myosin stress fiber formation and procollagen I production in human cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, we establish a modeling approach combining the strengths of logic-based network models and regularized regression models. We apply this approach to predict mechanisms that mediate the differential effects of drugs on fibroblasts, revealing Src inhibition acting via PI3K as a potential therapy for cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders R. Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA22903
| | - Steven L. Christiansen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA22903
- Department of Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT84602
| | - Kristen M. Naegle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA22903
| | - Jeffrey J. Saucerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA22903
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7
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Diwan R, Bhatt HN, Beaven E, Nurunnabi M. Emerging delivery approaches for targeted pulmonary fibrosis treatment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 204:115147. [PMID: 38065244 PMCID: PMC10787600 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115147] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive, and life-threatening interstitial lung disease which causes scarring in the lung parenchyma and thereby affects architecture and functioning of lung. It is an irreversible damage to lung functioning which is related to epithelial cell injury, immense accumulation of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines, and irregular recruitment of extracellular matrix. The inflammatory cytokines trigger the differentiation of fibroblasts into activated fibroblasts, also known as myofibroblasts, which further increase the production and deposition of collagen at the injury sites in the lung. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with PF, there is no available treatment that efficiently and effectively treats the disease by reversing their underlying pathologies. In recent years, many therapeutic regimens, for instance, rho kinase inhibitors, Smad signaling pathway inhibitors, p38, BCL-xL/ BCL-2 and JNK pathway inhibitors, have been found to be potent and effective in treating PF, in preclinical stages. However, due to non-selectivity and non-specificity, the therapeutic molecules also result in toxicity mediated severe side effects. Hence, this review demonstrates recent advances on PF pathology, mechanism and targets related to PF, development of various drug delivery systems based on small molecules, RNAs, oligonucleotides, peptides, antibodies, exosomes, and stem cells for the treatment of PF and the progress of various therapeutic treatments in clinical trials to advance PF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Himanshu N Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Elfa Beaven
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States; The Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States.
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8
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Shi B, Amin A, Dalvi P, Wang W, Lukacs N, Kai L, Cheresh P, Peclat TR, Chini CC, Chini EN, van Schooten W, Varga J. Heavy-chain antibody targeting of CD38 NAD + hydrolase ectoenzyme to prevent fibrosis in multiple organs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22085. [PMID: 38086958 PMCID: PMC10716202 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49450-1] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The functionally pleiotropic ectoenzyme CD38 is a glycohydrolase widely expressed on immune and non-hematopoietic cells. By converting NAD+ to ADP-ribose and nicotinamide, CD38 governs organismal NAD+ homeostasis and the activity of NAD+-dependent cellular enzymes. CD38 has emerged as a major driver of age-related NAD+ decline underlying adverse metabolic states, frailty and reduced health span. CD38 is upregulated in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a chronic disease characterized by fibrosis in multiple organs. We sought to test the hypothesis that inhibition of the CD38 ecto-enzymatic activity using a heavy-chain monoclonal antibody Ab68 will, via augmenting organismal NAD+, prevent fibrosis in a mouse model of SSc characterized by NAD+ depletion. Here we show that treatment of mice with a non-cytotoxic heavy-chain antibody that selectively inhibits CD38 ectoenzyme resulted in NAD+ boosting that was associated with significant protection from fibrosis in multiple organs. These findings suggest that targeted inhibition of CD38 ecto-enzymatic activity could be a potential pharmacological approach for SSc fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shi
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Asif Amin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Wenxia Wang
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nicholas Lukacs
- Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Li Kai
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Paul Cheresh
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Thais R Peclat
- Department of Anesthesiology and Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Claudia C Chini
- Department of Anesthesiology and Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Eduardo N Chini
- Department of Anesthesiology and Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - John Varga
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA.
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9
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Yu Y, Ma M, Zhou Q. The relationship between vaginal microenvironment and pelvic dysfunctional diseases in Chinese women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:2849-2858. [PMID: 37650904 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05635-w] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to synthesize existing evidence on the combined effects of the vaginal microenvironment on pelvic dysfunctional diseases. METHODS This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China Knowledge Network (CNKI) databases were systematically searched up to January 2023 using the following MeSH terms: "pelvic organ prolapse", "stress urinary incontinence" and "vaginal microenvironment", "microenvironment", "vaginal cleanliness", "vaginitis", "lactobacillus" and other related keywords. Study methods were limited to case-control studies or cross-sectional studies. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and meta-analysis of the included literature was performed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS A total of eight articles were included in this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA), which involved a total of 7298 study participants. The pooled results of this meta-analysis showed that the vaginal microenvironment (number of vaginal lactobacilli, leukorrhea cleanliness, and presence of vaginitis) were all statistically significantly associated with pelvic dysfunctional diseases in Chinese women. CONCLUSION This review indicates that the vaginal microenvironment has an impact on the development of PFD in Chinese women. TRIAL REGISTRATION The protocol of this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) has been registered in PROSPERO databases with the Registration number of CRD42023407251.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yu
- The First Clinical College of Medicine, Chongqing Medical University / The First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - MingRong Ma
- The First Clinical College of Medicine, Chongqing Medical University / The First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- The First Clinical College of Medicine, Chongqing Medical University / The First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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10
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Nelson AR, Christiansen SL, Naegle KM, Saucerman JJ. Logic-based mechanistic machine learning on high-content images reveals how drugs differentially regulate cardiac fibroblasts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.01.530599. [PMID: 36909540 PMCID: PMC10002757 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.01.530599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are essential regulators of extracellular matrix deposition following cardiac injury. These cells exhibit highly plastic responses in phenotype during fibrosis in response to environmental stimuli. Here, we test whether and how candidate anti-fibrotic drugs differentially regulate measures of cardiac fibroblast phenotype, which may help identify treatments for cardiac fibrosis. We conducted a high content microscopy screen of human cardiac fibroblasts treated with 13 clinically relevant drugs in the context of TGFβ and/or IL-1β, measuring phenotype across 137 single-cell features. We used the phenotypic data from our high content imaging to train a logic-based mechanistic machine learning model (LogiMML) for fibroblast signaling. The model predicted how pirfenidone and Src inhibitor WH-4-023 reduce actin filament assembly and actin-myosin stress fiber formation, respectively. Validating the LogiMML model prediction that PI3K partially mediates the effects of Src inhibition, we found that PI3K inhibition reduces actin-myosin stress fiber formation and procollagen I production in human cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, we establish a modeling approach combining the strengths of logic-based network models and regularized regression models, apply this approach to predict mechanisms that mediate the differential effects of drugs on fibroblasts, revealing Src inhibition acting via PI3K as a potential therapy for cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders R. Nelson
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Steven L. Christiansen
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Brigham Young University Department of Biochemistry, Provo, UT 84602
| | - Kristen M. Naegle
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
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11
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Li Z, Cao T, Li Q, Zhang J, Du J, Chen J, Bai Y, Hao J, Zhu Z, Qiao H, Fu M, Dang E, Wang G, Shao S. Cross-disease characterization of fibroblast heterogeneities and their pathogenic roles in skin inflammation. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109742. [PMID: 37595936 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109742] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are critical pro-inflammatory regulators in chronic inflammatory and fibrotic skin diseases. However, fibroblast heterogeneity and the absence of a unified cross-disease taxonomy have hindered our understanding of the shared/distinct pathways in non-communicable skin inflammation. By integrating 10× single-cell data from 75 skin samples, we constructed a single-cell atlas across inflammatory and fibrotic skin diseases and identified 9 distinct subsets of skin fibroblasts. We found a shared subset of CCL19+ fibroblasts across these diseases, potentially attracting and educating immune cells. Moreover, COL6A5+ fibroblasts were a distinct subset implicated in the initiation and relapse of psoriasis, which tended to differentiate into CXCL1+ fibroblasts, inducing neutrophil chemotaxis and infiltration; while CXCL1+ fibroblasts exhibited a more heterogeneous response to certain inflammatory conditions. Differentiation trajectory and regulatory factors of these fibroblast subsets were also revealed. Therefore, our study presents a comprehensive atlas of skin fibroblasts and highlights pathogenic fibroblast subsets in skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tianyu Cao
- Department of Dermatology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingyang Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingliang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Du
- Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiaoling Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yaxing Bai
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Junfeng Hao
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhanlai Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongjiang Qiao
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng Fu
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Erle Dang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Shuai Shao
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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12
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O'Reilly S. Toll-like receptor triggering in systemic sclerosis: time to target. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:SI12-SI19. [PMID: 35863054 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SSc is an autoimmune disease that has features of vascular abnormalities, inflammation and skin and lung fibrosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are sentinel receptors that serve to recognize pathogens or internal danger signals leading to downstream signalling pathways that ultimately lead to inflammation and modification of adaptive immunity. Inflammation and fibrosis appear intricately connected in this disease and TLR ligation on fibroblasts can directly activate these cells to produce copious amounts of collagen, a hallmark of disease. The presence of damage-associated molecular patterns in association with fibrosis has been highlighted. Given their prominent role in disease, this review discusses the evidence of their expression and role in disease pathogenesis and possible therapeutic intervention to mitigate fibrosis.
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13
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Substrate stiffness controls proinflammatory responses in human gingival fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1358. [PMID: 36693942 PMCID: PMC9873657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28541-z] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft gingiva is often compromised in gingival health; however, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unknown. Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness is involved in the progression of various fibroblast-related inflammatory disorders via cellular mechanotransduction. Gingival stiffness might regulate cellular mechanotransduction-mediated proinflammatory responses in gingival fibroblasts. This in vitro study aims to investigate the effects of substrate stiffness on proinflammatory responses in human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs). The hGFs isolated from two healthy donors cultured on type I collagen-coated polydimethylsiloxane substrates with different stiffnesses, representing soft (5 kPa) or hard (25 kPa) gingiva. Expression levels of proinflammatory mediators, prostaglandin E2 or interleukin-1β, in hGFs were significantly higher with the soft substrate than with the hard substrate, even without and with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation. Expression levels of gingival ECM and collagen cross-linking agents in hGFs were downregulated more with the soft substrate than with the hard substrate through 14 days of culture. The soft substrate suppressed the expression of mechanotransduction-related transcriptional factors and activated the expression of inflammation-related factors, whereas the hard substrate demonstrated the opposite effects. Soft substrate induced proinflammatory responses and inhibition of ECM synthesis in hGFs by inactivating cellular mechanotransduction. This supports the importance of ECM stiffness in gingival health.
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14
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Direct comparison of non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic synovial fluid-induced intracellular chondrocyte signaling and phenotype changes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2023; 31:60-71. [PMID: 36150677 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since the joint microenvironment and tissue homeostasis are highly dependent on synovial fluid, we aimed to compare the essential chondrocyte signaling signatures of non-osteoarthritic vs end-stage osteoarthritic knee synovial fluid. Moreover, we determined the phenotypic consequence of the distinct signaling patterns on articular chondrocytes. METHODS Protein profiling of synovial fluid was performed using antibody arrays. Chondrocyte signaling and phenotypic changes induced by non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic synovial fluid were analyzed using a phospho-kinase array, luciferase-based transcription factor activity assays, and RT-qPCR. The origin of osteoarthritic synovial fluid signaling was evaluated by comparing the signaling responses of conditioned media from cartilage, synovium, infrapatellar fat pad and meniscus. Osteoarthritic synovial fluid induced pathway-phenotype relationships were evaluated using pharmacological inhibitors. RESULTS Compared to non-osteoarthritic synovial fluid, osteoarthritic synovial fluid was enriched in cytokines, chemokines and growth factors that provoked differential MAPK, AKT, NFκB and cell cycle signaling in chondrocytes. Functional pathway analysis confirmed increased activity of these signaling events upon osteoarthritic synovial fluid stimulation. Tissue secretomes of osteoarthritic cartilage, synovium, infrapatellar fat pad and meniscus activated several inflammatory signaling routes. Furthermore, the distinct pathway signatures of osteoarthritic synovial fluid led to accelerated chondrocyte dedifferentiation via MAPK/ERK signaling, increased chondrocyte fibrosis through MAPK/JNK and PI3K/AKT activation, an elevated inflammatory response mediated by cPKC/NFκB, production of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes by MAPK/p38 and PI3K/AKT routes, and enabling of chondrocyte proliferation. CONCLUSION This study provides the first mechanistic comparison between non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic synovial fluid, highlighting MAPKs, cPKC/NFκB and PI3K/AKT as crucial OA-associated intracellular signaling routes.
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15
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Odell ID, Steach H, Gauld SB, Reinke-Breen L, Karman J, Carr TL, Wetter JB, Phillips L, Hinchcliff M, Flavell RA. Epiregulin is a dendritic cell-derived EGFR ligand that maintains skin and lung fibrosis. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabq6691. [PMID: 36490328 PMCID: PMC9840167 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abq6691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells are fundamental regulators of extracellular matrix (ECM) production by fibroblasts and have important roles in determining extent of fibrosis in response to inflammation. Although much is known about fibroblast signaling in fibrosis, the molecular signals between immune cells and fibroblasts that drive its persistence are poorly understood. We therefore analyzed skin and lung samples of patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that causes debilitating fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Here, we define a critical role of epiregulin-EGFR signaling between dendritic cells and fibroblasts to maintain elevated ECM production and accumulation in fibrotic tissue. We found that epiregulin expression marks an inducible state of DC3 dendritic cells triggered by type I interferon and that DC3-derived epiregulin activates EGFR on fibroblasts, driving a positive feedback loop through NOTCH signaling. In mouse models of skin and lung fibrosis, epiregulin was essential for persistence of fibrosis in both tissues, which could be abrogated by epiregulin genetic deficiency or a neutralizing antibody. Therapeutic administration of epiregulin antibody reversed fibrosis in patient skin and lung explants, identifying it as a previously unexplored biologic drug target. Our findings reveal epiregulin as a crucial immune signal that maintains skin and lung fibrosis in multiple diseases and represents a promising antifibrotic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian D. Odell
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Holly Steach
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Monique Hinchcliff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Richard A. Flavell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Correspondence to: , Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, TAC S-569, Post Office Box 208011, New Haven, CT 06520-8011
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16
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Endotoxin contamination alters macrophage-cancer cell interaction and therapeutic efficacy in pre-clinical 3D in vitro models. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 144:213220. [PMID: 36476713 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The rapid developments in biofabrication, in particular 3D bioprinting, in the recent years have facilitated the need for novel biomaterials that aim to replicate the target tissue in great detail. The presence of endotoxins in these biomaterials is often an overlooked problem. In pre-clinical 3D in vitro models, endotoxins can have significant influence on cell behavior and credibility of the model. In this study we demonstrate the effects of high levels of endotoxins in commercially-available gelatin on the macrophage-cancer cell crosstalk in a 3D bioprinted co-culture model. First, it is demonstrated that, while presenting the same mechanical and structural stimuli, high levels of endotoxin can have significant influence on the metabolic activity of macrophages and cancer cells. Furthermore, this study shows that high endotoxin contamination causes a strong inflammatory reaction in macrophages and significantly inhibits the effects of a paracrine macrophage-cancer cell co-culture. At last, it is demonstrated that the differences in endotoxin levels can drastically alter the efficacy of novel macrophage modulating immunotherapies, AS1517499 and 3-methyladenine. Altogether, this study shows that endotoxin contamination in biomaterials can significantly alter intra- and intercellular communication and thereby drug efficacy, which might lead to misinterpretation of the potency and safety of the tested compounds.
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17
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Wang W, Bale S, Yalavarthi B, Verma P, Tsou PS, Calderone KM, Bhattacharyya D, Fisher GJ, Varga J, Bhattacharyya S. Deficiency of inhibitory TLR4 homolog RP105 exacerbates fibrosis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:160684. [PMID: 36136452 PMCID: PMC9675479 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160684] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of TLR4 by its cognate damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) elicits potent profibrotic effects and myofibroblast activation in systemic sclerosis (SSc), while genetic targeting of TLR4 or its DAMPs in mice accelerates fibrosis resolution. To prevent aberrant DAMP/TLR4 activity, a variety of negative regulators evolved to dampen the magnitude and duration of the signaling. These include radioprotective 105 kDa (RP105), a transmembrane TLR4 homolog that competitively inhibits DAMP recognition of TLR4, blocking TLR4 signaling in immune cells. The role of RP105 in TLR4-dependent fibrotic responses in SSc is unknown. Using unbiased transcriptome analysis of skin biopsies, we found that levels of both TLR4 and its adaptor protein MD2 were elevated in SSc skin and significantly correlated with each other. Expression of RP105 was negatively associated with myofibroblast differentiation in SSc. Importantly, RP105-TLR4 association was reduced, whereas TLR4-TLR4 showed strong association in fibroblasts from patients with SSc, as evidenced by PLA assays. Moreover, RP105 adaptor MD1 expression was significantly reduced in SSc skin biopsies and explanted SSc skin fibroblasts. Exogenous RP105-MD1 abrogated, while loss of RP105 exaggerated, fibrotic cellular responses. Importantly, ablation of RP105 in mice was associated with augmented TLR4 signaling and aggravated skin fibrosis in complementary disease models. Thus, we believe RP105-MD1 to be a novel cell-intrinsic negative regulator of TLR4-MD2-driven sustained fibroblast activation, representing a critical regulatory network governing the fibrotic process. Impaired RP105 function in SSc might contribute to persistence of progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Wang
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Swarna Bale
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Bharath Yalavarthi
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Priyanka Verma
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Ken M. Calderone
- Derpartment of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dibyendu Bhattacharyya
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Gary J. Fisher
- Derpartment of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John Varga
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
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18
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Wang W, Bale S, Wei J, Yalavarthi B, Bhattacharyya D, Yan JJ, Abdala-Valencia H, Xu D, Sun H, Marangoni RG, Herzog E, Berdnikovs S, Miller SD, Sawalha AH, Tsou PS, Awaji K, Yamashita T, Sato S, Asano Y, Tiruppathi C, Yeldandi A, Schock BC, Bhattacharyya S, Varga J. Fibroblast A20 governs fibrosis susceptibility and its repression by DREAM promotes fibrosis in multiple organs. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6358. [PMID: 36289219 PMCID: PMC9606375 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33767-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, variants of the TNFAIP3 gene encoding the ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20 are also associated with fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, it remains unclear how genetic factors contribute to SSc pathogenesis, and which cell types drive the disease due to SSc-specific genetic alterations. We therefore characterize the expression, function, and role of A20, and its negative transcriptional regulator DREAM, in patients with SSc and disease models. Levels of A20 are significantly reduced in SSc skin and lungs, while DREAM is elevated. In isolated fibroblasts, A20 mitigates ex vivo profibrotic responses. Mice haploinsufficient for A20, or harboring fibroblasts-specific A20 deletion, recapitulate major pathological features of SSc, whereas DREAM-null mice with elevated A20 expression are protected. In DREAM-null fibroblasts, TGF-β induces the expression of A20, compared to wild-type fibroblasts. An anti-fibrotic small molecule targeting cellular adiponectin receptors stimulates A20 expression in vitro in wild-type but not A20-deficient fibroblasts and in bleomycin-treated mice. Thus, A20 has a novel cell-intrinsic function in restraining fibroblast activation, and together with DREAM, constitutes a critical regulatory network governing the fibrotic process in SSc. A20 and DREAM represent novel druggable targets for fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Wang
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Swarna Bale
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jun Wei
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bharath Yalavarthi
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Dibyendu Bhattacharyya
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jing Jing Yan
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hiam Abdala-Valencia
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Hanshi Sun
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Roberta G Marangoni
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erica Herzog
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sergejs Berdnikovs
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Stephen D Miller
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kentaro Awaji
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Chinnaswamy Tiruppathi
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anjana Yeldandi
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Bettina C Schock
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - John Varga
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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19
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Tuncer F, Bulik M, Villandre J, Lear T, Chen Y, Tuncer B, Kass DJ, Valenzi E, Morse C, Sembrat J, Lafyatis R, Chen B, Evankovich J. Fibronectin-EDA accumulates via reduced ubiquitination downstream of Toll-like receptor 9 activation in SSc-ILD fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 323:L484-L494. [PMID: 35997276 PMCID: PMC9550569 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00019.2022] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) components from lung fibroblasts is a feature of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), and there is increasing evidence that innate immune signaling pathways contribute to these processes. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune sensors activated by danger signals derived from pathogens or host molecular patterns. Several damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules are elevated in SSc-ILD plasma, including ligands that activate TLR9, an innate immune sensor recently implicated in driving profibrotic responses in fibroblasts. Fibronectin and the isoform fibronectin-extra domain A (FN-EDA) are prominent in pathological extracellular matrix accumulation, but mechanisms promoting FN-EDA accumulation are only partially understood. Here, we show that TLR9 activation increases FN-EDA accumulation in MRC5 and SSc-ILD fibroblasts, but that this effect is independent of changes in FN-EDA gene transcription. Rather, we describe a novel mechanism where TLR9 activation inhibits FN-EDA turnover via reduced FN-EDA ubiquitination. TLR9 ligand ODN2006 reduces ubiquitinated FN-EDA destined for lysosomal degradation, an effect abrogated with TLR9 knockdown or inhibition. Taken together, these results provide rationale for disrupting the TLR9 signaling axis or FN-EDA degradation pathways to reduce FN-EDA accumulation in SSc-ILD fibroblasts. More broadly, enhancing intracellular degradation of ECM components through TLR9 inhibition or enhanced ECM turnover could be a novel strategy to attenuate pathogenic ECM accumulation in SSc-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferhan Tuncer
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa Bulik
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Villandre
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Travis Lear
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yanwen Chen
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Beyza Tuncer
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Eleanor Valenzi
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Christina Morse
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Bill Chen
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Evankovich
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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20
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Katifelis H, Filidou E, Psaraki A, Yakoub F, Roubelakis MG, Tarapatzi G, Vradelis S, Bamias G, Kolios G, Gazouli M. Amniotic Fluid-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Derived Secretome and Exosomes Improve Inflammation in Human Intestinal Subepithelial Myofibroblasts. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2357. [PMID: 36289619 PMCID: PMC9598363 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102357] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-derived secretome and secreted extracellular vesicles may offer novel therapeutic opportunities in patients with IBD. Thus, exosomes may be utilized as a novel cell-free approach for IBD therapy. The aim of our study was to examine the possible anti-inflammatory effects of secretome/exosomes on an IBD-relevant, in vitro model of LPS-induced inflammation in human intestinal SubEpithelial MyoFibroblasts (SEMFs). The tested CM (Conditioned Media)/exosomes derived from a specific population of second-trimester amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, the spindle-shaped amniotic fluid MSCs (SS-AF-MSCs), and specifically, their secreted exosomes could be utilized as a novel cell-free approach for IBD therapy. Therefore, we studied the effect of SS-AF-MSCs CM and exosomes on LPS-induced inflammation in SEMF cells. SS-AF-MSCs CM and exosomes were collected, concentrated, and then delivered into the cell cultures. Administration of both secretome and exosomes derived from SS-AF-MSCs reduced the severity of LPS-induced inflammation. Specifically, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TLR-4 mRNA expression was decreased, while the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was elevated. Our results were also verified at the protein level, as secretion of IL-1β was significantly reduced. Overall, our results highlight a cell-free and anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent for potential use in IBD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Katifelis
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Filidou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Adriana Psaraki
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Farinta Yakoub
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G. Roubelakis
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Centre of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Gesthimani Tarapatzi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Stergios Vradelis
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Giorgos Bamias
- GI Unit, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George Kolios
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Gazouli
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
- Department of Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patra, Greece
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21
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Natural polysaccharides as potential anti-fibrotic agents: A review of their progress. Life Sci 2022; 308:120953. [PMID: 36103957 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120953] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis, as a common disease which could be found in nearly all organs, is normally initiated by organic injury and eventually ended in cellular dysfunction and organ failure. Currently, effective and safe therapeutic strategies targeting fibrogenesis still in highly demand. Natural polysaccharides derived from natural resources possess promising anti-fibrosis potential, with no deleterious side effects. Based on the etiology and pathogenesis of fibrosis, this review summarizes the intervention effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides in the prevention and treatment of fibrosis. Natural polysaccharides are able to regulate each phase of the fibrogenic response, including primary injury to organs, activation of effector cells, the elaboration of extracellular matrix (ECM) and dynamic deposition. In addition, polysaccharides significantly reduce fibrosis levels in multiple organs including heart, lung, liver and kidney. The investigation of the pathogenesis of fibrosis indicates that mechanisms including the inhibition of TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, HMGB1/TLR4, cAMP/PKA signaling pathways, MMPs/TIMPs system as well as microRNAs are promising therapeutic targets. Natural polysaccharides can target these mediators or pathways to alleviate fibrosis. The information reviewed here offer new insights into the understanding the protective role of natural polysaccharides against fibrosis, help design further experimental studies related to polysaccharides and fibrotic responses, and shed light on a potential treatment for fibrosis.
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22
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Xie X, Gan H, Tian J, Li F, Chen J, Wang J, Liao J, Li S. Iguratimod inhibits skin fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway in systemic sclerosis. Eur J Clin Invest 2022; 52:e13791. [PMID: 35441708 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iguratimod (T-614), exerting a powerful anti-inflammatory ability, has therapeutic efficacy in multiple autoimmune diseases. However, the effect of T-614 on systemic sclerosis (SSc) is unclear. Here, we investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of T-614 in experimental SSc models. METHODS In vitro, cultured dermal fibroblasts from four SSc patients were subjected to different doses of T-614 in the presence or absence of TGF-β1 stimulation. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were determined by CCK-8, flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. Fibrosis markers and smad signalling pathway-related proteins were detected by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. In vivo, a bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model was used to evaluate the effect of T-614 on skin fibrosis. Pathological changes in skin tissues were evaluated by HE, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In the study, we found T-614 inhibited TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation, migration and promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner (all p < 0.01). T-614 partially reversed TGF-β1-induced upregulation of fibrosis markers and phosphorylation of smad2 and smad3 and blocked p-Smad3 nuclear translocation (all p < 0.05), suggesting T-614 may inhibit dermal fibroblasts activation by regulating TGF-β1/smad pathway. In vivo experiments, T-614 alleviated skin thickness in bleomycin-induced SSc mice (all p < 0.05). The expression of fibrosis markers and the infiltration of macrophages in skin tissue were significantly decreased after T-614 treatment (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our preliminary data indicated T-614 inhibited dermal fibroblasts activation and skin fibrosis at least partly by regulating TGF-β1/smad pathway in experimental SSc models and may be a promising therapeutic agent for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haina Gan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First People's Hospital of Changde City, Changde, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinwei Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiafeng Liao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
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23
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Tenascin-C in fibrosis in multiple organs: Translational implications. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 128:130-136. [PMID: 35400564 PMCID: PMC10119770 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.019] [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] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex disease with a pathogenic triad of autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis involving the skin and multiple internal organs [1]. Because fibrosis accounts for as much as 45% of all deaths worldwide and appears to be increasing in prevalence [2], understanding its pathogenesis and progression is an urgent scientific challenge. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the key effector cells executing physiologic tissue repair on one hand, and pathological fibrogenesis leading to chronic fibrosing conditions on the other. Recent studies identify innate immune signaling via toll-like receptors (TLRs) as a key driver of persistent fibrotic response in SSc. Repeated injury triggers the in-situ generation of "damage-associated molecular patterns" (DAMPs) or danger signals. Sensing of these danger signals by TLR4 on resident cells elicits potent stimulatory effects on fibrotic gene expression and myofibroblast differentiation triggering the self-limited tissue repair response to self-sustained pathological fibrosis characteristic of SSc. Our unbiased survey for DAMPs associated with SSc identified extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-C as one of the most highly up-regulated ECM proteins in SSc skin and lung biopsies [3,4]. Furthermore, tenascin C is responsible for driving sustained fibroblasts activation, thereby progression of fibrosis [3]. This review summarizes recent studies examining the regulation and complex functional role of tenascin C, presenting tenascin-TLR4 axis in pathological fibrosis, and novel anti-fibrotic approaches targeting their signaling.
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24
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Oatis D, Simon-Repolski E, Balta C, Mihu A, Pieretti G, Alfano R, Peluso L, Trotta MC, D’Amico M, Hermenean A. Cellular and Molecular Mechanism of Pulmonary Fibrosis Post-COVID-19: Focus on Galectin-1, -3, -8, -9. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8210. [PMID: 35897786 PMCID: PMC9332679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a consequence of the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which finally leads to lung scarring. Although the pulmonary fibrogenesis is almost known, the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its post effects added new particularities which need to be explored. Many questions remain about how pulmonary fibrotic changes occur within the lungs of COVID-19 patients, and whether the changes will persist long term or are capable of resolving. This review brings together existing knowledge on both COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis, starting with the main key players in promoting pulmonary fibrosis, such as alveolar and endothelial cells, fibroblasts, lipofibroblasts, and macrophages. Further, we provide an overview of the main molecular mechanisms driving the fibrotic process in connection with Galactin-1, -3, -8, and -9, together with the currently approved and newly proposed clinical therapeutic solutions given for the treatment of fibrosis, based on their inhibition. The work underlines the particular pathways and processes that may be implicated in pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis post-SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. The recent data suggest that galectin-1, -3, -8, and -9 could become valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of lung fibrosis post-COVID-19 and promising molecular targets for the development of new and original therapeutic tools to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Oatis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Doctoral School of Biology, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Erika Simon-Repolski
- Doctoral School of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Department of Pneumology, Arad Clinical Emergency Hospital, 310031 Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310144 Arad, Romania;
| | - Alin Mihu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Gorizio Pieretti
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Roberto Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences “DAMSS”, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luisa Peluso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310144 Arad, Romania;
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
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25
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Ju N, Hayashi H, Shimamura M, Baba S, Yoshida S, Morishita R, Rakugi H, Nakagami H. Prevention of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by a RANKL peptide in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12474. [PMID: 35864207 PMCID: PMC9304352 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16843-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent therapeutic developments for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, its prognosis is still not well controlled, and a novel therapeutic agent is needed. Recently, the critical role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the pathophysiology of pulmonary fibrosis has been reported; however, the effects of multiple TLR signaling inhibition are still unknown. Here, we examined how the inhibition of multiple TLRs affects pulmonary fibrosis using a novel synthetic receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) partial peptide, MHP1-AcN, which could suppress TLR2, 3, 4, 7, and 9 signaling through CD14 and RANK. When MHP1-AcN was administered in the bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model, reduced collagen deposition was observed, with suppressed fibrosis-related gene expression including Col1a1, Col1a2, Acta2, Tgfb1 and Tgfbr2. MHP1-AcN also decreased proinflammatory M1 and profibrotic M2 macrophage marker expression. Furthermore, MHP1-AcN treatment inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF-β)-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and myofibroblast differentiation in human fetal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells. This effect was associated with decreased TGF-β receptor levels and the upregulated Bmp7 and Smad7 expression. These findings suggest that MHP1-AcN protects mice against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. MHP1-AcN might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Ju
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroki Hayashi
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shimamura
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan. .,Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan. .,Department of Health Development and Medicine and Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Centre of Medical Innovation and Translational Research (6Th Floor, Room 0612B), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Baba
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Shota Yoshida
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Morishita
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiromi Rakugi
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hironori Nakagami
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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26
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The Yin and Yang of toll-like receptors in endothelial dysfunction. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108768. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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27
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Targeting fibrosis, mechanisms and cilinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:206. [PMID: 35773269 PMCID: PMC9247101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01070-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by the excessive extracellular matrix deposition due to dysregulated wound and connective tissue repair response. Multiple organs can develop fibrosis, including the liver, kidney, heart, and lung. Fibrosis such as liver cirrhosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis caused substantial disease burden. Persistent abnormal activation of myofibroblasts mediated by various signals, such as transforming growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and fibroblast growh factor, has been recongized as a major event in the occurrence and progression of fibrosis. Although the mechanisms driving organ-specific fibrosis have not been fully elucidated, drugs targeting these identified aberrant signals have achieved potent anti-fibrotic efficacy in clinical trials. In this review, we briefly introduce the aetiology and epidemiology of several fibrosis diseases, including liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Then, we summarise the abnormal cells (epithelial cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts) and their interactions in fibrosis. In addition, we also focus on the aberrant signaling pathways and therapeutic targets that regulate myofibroblast activation, extracellular matrix cross-linking, metabolism, and inflammation in fibrosis. Finally, we discuss the anti-fibrotic drugs based on their targets and clinical trials. This review provides reference for further research on fibrosis mechanism, drug development, and clinical trials.
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28
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Kircheis R, Planz O. Could a Lower Toll-like Receptor (TLR) and NF-κB Activation Due to a Changed Charge Distribution in the Spike Protein Be the Reason for the Lower Pathogenicity of Omicron? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115966. [PMID: 35682644 PMCID: PMC9180620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant B.1.1.529, which emerged in late 2021, is currently active worldwide, replacing other variants, including the Delta variant, due to an enormously increased infectivity. Multiple substitutions and deletions in the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the receptor binding domain (RBD) in the spike protein collaborate with the observed increased infectivity and evasion from therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies after primary/secondary immunization. In contrast, although three mutations near the S1/S2 furin cleavage site were predicted to favor cleavage, observed cleavage efficacy is substantially lower than in the Delta variant and also lower compared to the wild-type virus correlating with significantly lower TMPRSS2-dependent replication in the lungs, and lower cellular syncytium formation. In contrast, the Omicron variant shows high TMPRSS2-independent replication in the upper airway organs, but lower pathogenicity in animal studies and clinics. Based on recent data, we present here a hypothesis proposing that the changed charge distribution in the Omicron’s spike protein could lead to lower activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in innate immune cells, resulting in lower NF-κB activation, furin expression, and viral replication in the lungs, and lower immune hyper-activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Kircheis
- Syntacoll GmbH, 93342 Saal an der Donau, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-151-167-90606
| | - Oliver Planz
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
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29
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Garcia AN, Casanova NG, Kempf CL, Bermudez T, Valera DG, Song JH, Sun X, Cai H, Moreno-Vinasco L, Gregory T, Oita RC, Hernon VR, Camp SM, Rogers C, Kyubwa EM, Menon N, Axtelle J, Rappaport J, Bime C, Sammani S, Cress AE, Garcia JGN. eNAMPT Is a Novel Damage-associated Molecular Pattern Protein That Contributes to the Severity of Radiation-induced Lung Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2022; 66:497-509. [PMID: 35167418 PMCID: PMC9116358 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0357oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The paucity of therapeutic strategies to reduce the severity of radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RILF), a life-threatening complication of intended or accidental ionizing radiation exposure, is a serious unmet need. We evaluated the contribution of eNAMPT (extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase), a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) protein and TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4) ligand, to the severity of whole-thorax lung irradiation (WTLI)-induced RILF. Wild-type (WT) and Nampt+/- heterozygous C57BL6 mice and nonhuman primates (NHPs, Macaca mulatta) were exposed to a single WTLI dose (9.8 or 10.7 Gy for NHPs, 20 Gy for mice). WT mice received IgG1 (control) or an eNAMPT-neutralizing polyclonal or monoclonal antibody (mAb) intraperitoneally 4 hours after WTLI and weekly thereafter. At 8-12 weeks after WTLI, NAMPT expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, and plasma biomarker studies. RILF severity was determined by BAL protein/cells, hematoxylin and eosin, and trichrome blue staining and soluble collagen assays. RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses identified differentially expressed lung tissue genes/pathways. NAMPT lung tissue expression was increased in both WTLI-exposed WT mice and NHPs. Nampt+/- mice and eNAMPT polyclonal antibody/mAb-treated mice exhibited significantly attenuated WTLI-mediated lung fibrosis with reduced: 1) NAMPT and trichrome blue staining; 2) dysregulated lung tissue expression of smooth muscle actin, p-SMAD2/p-SMAD1/5/9, TGF-β, TSP1 (thrombospondin-1), NOX4, IL-1β, and NRF2; 3) plasma eNAMPT and IL-1β concentrations; and 4) soluble collagen. Multiple WTLI-induced dysregulated differentially expressed lung tissue genes/pathways with known tissue fibrosis involvement were each rectified in mice receiving eNAMPT mAbs.The eNAMPT/TLR4 inflammatory network is essentially involved in radiation pathobiology, with eNAMPT neutralization an effective therapeutic strategy to reduce RILF severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hua Cai
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jay Rappaport
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | | | - Anne E. Cress
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona
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30
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The role of eCIRP in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266163. [PMID: 35377906 PMCID: PMC8979429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN We examined the role of eCIRP in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). MATERIAL AND METHODS Publicly available gene expression omnibus datasets were analyzed for the expression of CIRP in lung samples from patients with PF. Wild type (WT) or CIRP-/- mice received daily injections of 10 μg/g bleomycin for 10 days. A subset of bleomycin-injected WT mice was treated with the eCIRP antagonist C23 (8 μg/g/day) from day 10 to day 19. At three weeks, transthoracic echocardiography was performed to measure the degree of pulmonary hypertension, and lung tissues were collected and analyzed for markers of fibrosis. RESULTS Analysis of the mRNA data of human lung samples showed a significant positive correlation between CIRP and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), an important marker of fibrosis. Moreover, the expression of CIRP was higher in patients with acute exacerbation of PF than in patients with stable PF. CIRP-/- mice showed attenuated induction of α-SMA and collagens (Col1a1, Col3a1), reduced hydroxyproline content, decreased histological fibrosis scores, and improved pulmonary hypertension as compared to WT mice. WT mice treated with C23 also had significant attenuation of the above endpoint measure. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that eCIRP plays a key role in promoting the development of PF, and blocking eCIRP with C23 can significantly attenuate this process.
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31
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Xu D, Bhattacharyya S, Wang W, Ifergan I, Chiang Wong MYA, Procissi D, Yeldandi A, Bale S, Marangoni RG, Horbinski C, Miller SD, Varga J. PLG nanoparticles target fibroblasts and MARCO+ monocytes to reverse multi-organ fibrosis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:151037. [PMID: 35104243 PMCID: PMC8983146 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, multisystem orphan disease with a highly variable clinical course, high mortality rate, and a poorly understood complex pathogenesis. We have identified an important role for a subpopulation of monocytes and macrophages characterized by surface expression of the scavenger receptor macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) in chronic inflammation and fibrosis in SSc and in preclinical disease models. We show that MARCO+ monocytes and macrophages accumulate in lesional skin and lung in topographic proximity to activated myofibroblasts in patients with SSc and in the bleomycin-induced mouse model of SSc. Short-term treatment of mice with a potentially novel nanoparticle, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLG), which is composed of a carboxylated, FDA-approved, biodegradable polymer and modulates activation and trafficking of MARCO+ inflammatory monocytes, markedly attenuated bleomycin-induced skin and lung inflammation and fibrosis. Mechanistically, in isolated cells in culture, PLG nanoparticles inhibited TGF-dependent fibrotic responses in vitro. Thus, MARCO+ monocytes are potent effector cells of skin and lung fibrosis and can be therapeutically targeted in SSc using PLG nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Wenxia Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Igal Ifergan
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Ming-Yi Alice Chiang Wong
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Daniele Procissi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Anjana Yeldandi
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Swarna Bale
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Roberta G Marangoni
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Craig Horbinski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Stephen D Miller
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - John Varga
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
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32
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Xue D, Tabib T, Morse C, Yang Y, Domsic R, Khanna D, Lafyatis R. Expansion of Fcγ Receptor IIIa-Positive Macrophages, Ficolin 1-Positive Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells, and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Associated With Severe Skin Disease in Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:329-341. [PMID: 34042322 PMCID: PMC8626521 DOI: 10.1002/art.41813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we sought a comprehensive understanding of myeloid cell types driving fibrosis in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) skin. METHODS We analyzed the transcriptomes of 2,465 myeloid cells from skin biopsy specimens from 12 dcSSc patients and 10 healthy control subjects using single-cell RNA sequencing. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mo-DCs) were assessed using immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence analyses targeting ficolin-1 (FCN-1). RESULTS A t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding analysis of single-cell transcriptome data revealed 12 myeloid cell clusters, 9 of which paralleled previously described healthy control macrophage/DC clusters, and 3 of which were dcSSc-specific myeloid cell clusters. One SSc-associated macrophage cluster, highly expressing Fcγ receptor IIIA, was suggested on pseudotime analysis to be derived from normal CCR1+ and MARCO+ macrophages. A second SSc-associated myeloid population highly expressed monocyte markers FCN-1, epiregulin, S100A8, and S100A9, but was closely related to type 2 conventional DCs on pseudotime analysis and identified as mo-DCs. Mo-DCs were associated with more severe skin disease. Proliferating macrophages and plasmacytoid DCs were detected almost exclusively in dcSSc skin, the latter clustering with B cells and apparently derived from lymphoid progenitors. CONCLUSION Transcriptional signatures in these and other myeloid populations indicate innate immune system activation, possibly through Toll-like receptors and highly up-regulated chemokines. However, the appearance and activation of myeloid cells varies between patients, indicating potential differences in the underlying pathogenesis and/or temporal disease activity in dcSSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xue
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina Morse
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Robyn Domsic
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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33
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Zhong P, Zhou M, Zhang J, Peng J, Zeng G, Huang H. The role of Cold-Inducible RNA-binding protein in respiratory diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 26:957-965. [PMID: 34953031 PMCID: PMC8831972 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) is a stress‐response protein that is expressed in various types of cells and acts as an RNA chaperone, modifying the stability of its targeted mRNA. Intracellular CIRP could also be released into extracellular space and once released, extracellular CIRP (eCIRP) acts as a damage‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP) to induce and amplify inflammation. Recent studies have found that eCIRP could promote acute lung injury (ALI) via activation of macrophages, neutrophils, pneumocytes and lung vascular endothelial cells in context of sepsis, haemorrhagic shock, intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury and severe acute pancreatitis. In addition, CIRP is also highly expressed in the bronchial epithelial cells and its expression is upregulated in the bronchial epithelial cells of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and rat models with chronic bronchitis. CIRP is a key contributing factor in the cold‐induced exacerbation of COPD by promoting the expression of inflammatory genes and hypersecretion of airway mucus in the bronchial epithelial cells. Besides, CIRP is also involved in regulating pulmonary fibrosis, as eCIRP could directly activate and induce an inflammatory phenotype in pulmonary fibroblast. This review summarizes the findings of CIRP investigation in respiratory diseases and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Miao Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianye Peng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Heart Failure Prevention & Treatment of Hengyang, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Arteriosclerotic Disease of Hunan Province, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Gaofeng Zeng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Heart Failure Prevention & Treatment of Hengyang, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Arteriosclerotic Disease of Hunan Province, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Longhitano L, Tibullo D, Vicario N, Giallongo C, La Spina E, Romano A, Lombardo S, Moretti M, Masia F, Coda ARD, Venuto S, Fontana P, Parenti R, Li Volti G, Di Rosa M, Palumbo GA, Liso A. IGFBP-6/sonic hedgehog/TLR4 signalling axis drives bone marrow fibrotic transformation in primary myelofibrosis. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:25055-25071. [PMID: 34905501 PMCID: PMC8714138 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Primary myelofibrosis is a Ph-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by bone marrow fibrosis and associated with the involvement of several pathways, in addition to bone marrow microenvironment alterations, mostly driven by the activation of the cytokine receptor/JAK2 pathway. Identification of driver mutations has led to the development of targeted therapy for myelofibrosis, contributing to reducing inflammation, although this currently does not translate into bone marrow fibrosis remission. Therefore, understanding the clear molecular cut underlying this pathology is now necessary to improve the clinical outcome of patients. The present study aims to investigate the involvement of IGFBP-6/sonic hedgehog /Toll-like receptor 4 axis in the microenvironment alterations of primary myelofibrosis. We observed a significant increase in IGFBP-6 expression levels in primary myelofibrosis patients, coupled with a reduction to near-normal levels in primary myelofibrosis patients with JAK2V617F mutation. We also found that both IGFBP-6 and purmorphamine, a SHH activator, were able to induce mesenchymal stromal cells differentiation with an up-regulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts markers. Furthermore, TLR4 signaling was also activated after IGFBP-6 and purmorphamine exposure and reverted by cyclopamine exposure, an inhibitor of the SHH pathway, confirming that SHH is involved in TLR4 activation and microenvironment alterations. In conclusion, our results suggest that the IGFBP-6/SHH/TLR4 axis is implicated in alterations of the primary myelofibrosis microenvironment and that IGFBP-6 may play a central role in activating SHH pathway during the fibrotic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Longhitano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Department of Scienze Mediche Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Enrico La Spina
- Division of Hematology, Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romano
- Division of Hematology, Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Sofia Lombardo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande 95029, Italy
| | - Marina Moretti
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06129, Italy
| | - Francesco Masia
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06129, Italy
| | | | - Santina Venuto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71100, Italy
| | - Paolo Fontana
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande 95029, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Giuseppe A Palumbo
- Department of Scienze Mediche Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Liso
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71100, Italy
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35
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Ge S, Yang W, Chen H, Yuan Q, Liu S, Zhao Y, Zhang J. MyD88 in Macrophages Enhances Liver Fibrosis by Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in HSCs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212413. [PMID: 34830293 PMCID: PMC8622429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease mediated by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) leads to liver fibrosis. The signal adaptor MyD88 of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is involved during the progression of liver fibrosis. However, the specific role of MyD88 in myeloid cells in liver fibrosis has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we used a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse fibrosis model in which MyD88 was selectively depleted in myeloid cells. MyD88 deficiency in myeloid cells attenuated liver fibrosis in mice and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, deficiency of MyD88 in macrophages inhibits the secretion of CXC motif chemokine 2 (CXCL2), which restrains the activation of HSCs characterized by NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. Moreover, targeting CXCL2 by CXCR2 inhibitors attenuated the activation of HSCs and reduced liver fibrosis. Thus, MyD88 may represent a potential candidate target for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Ge
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (S.G.); (W.Y.)
| | - Wei Yang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (S.G.); (W.Y.)
| | - Haiqiang Chen
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China; (H.C.); (Q.Y.); (S.L.)
| | - Qi Yuan
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China; (H.C.); (Q.Y.); (S.L.)
| | - Shi Liu
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China; (H.C.); (Q.Y.); (S.L.)
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (S.G.); (W.Y.)
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (S.G.); (W.Y.)
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China; (H.C.); (Q.Y.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
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36
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Soliman H, Theret M, Scott W, Hill L, Underhill TM, Hinz B, Rossi FMV. Multipotent stromal cells: One name, multiple identities. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1690-1707. [PMID: 34624231 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) are vital for development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of most tissues. They can differentiate along multiple connective lineages, but unlike most other stem/progenitor cells, they carry out various other functions while maintaining their developmental potential. MSCs function as damage sensors, respond to injury by fostering regeneration through secretion of trophic factors as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, and contribute to fibrotic reparative processes when regeneration fails. Tissue-specific MSC identity, fate(s), and function(s) are being resolved through fate mapping coupled with single cell "omics," providing unparalleled insights into the secret lives of tissue-resident MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham Soliman
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Aspect Biosystems, Vancouver, BC V6P 6P2, Canada
| | - Marine Theret
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Wilder Scott
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lesley Hill
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Tully Michael Underhill
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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37
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Yang K, He S, Dong W. Gut microbiota and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Pediatr Pulmonol 2021; 56:2460-2470. [PMID: 34077996 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a relatively common and severe complication of prematurity, and its pathogenesis remains ambiguous. Revolutionary advances in microbiological analysis techniques, together with the growing sophistication of the gut-lung axis hypothesis, have resulted in more studies linking gut microbiota dysbiosis to the occurrence and development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The present article builds on current findings to examine the intrinsic associations between gut microbiota and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Gut microbiota dysbiosis may insult the intestinal barrier, triggering inflammation, metabolic disturbances, and malnutrition, consequences of which might impact bronchopulmonary dysplasia by altering the gut-lung axis. By evaluating the potential mechanisms, new therapeutic targets and potential therapeutic modalities for bronchopulmonary dysplasia can be identified from a microecological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Department of Perinatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shasha He
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Department of Perinatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Department of Perinatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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38
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Kiripolsky J, Kasperek EM, Zhu C, Li QZ, Wang J, Yu G, Kramer JM. Immune-Intrinsic Myd88 Directs the Production of Antibodies With Specificity for Extracellular Matrix Components in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome. Front Immunol 2021; 12:692216. [PMID: 34381449 PMCID: PMC8350326 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.692216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that is predominantly seen in women. The disease is characterized by exocrine gland dysfunction in combination with serious systemic manifestations. At present, the causes of pSS are poorly understood. Pulmonary and renal inflammation are observed in pSS mice, reminiscent of a subset of pSS patients. A growing body of evidence indicates that inflammation mediated by Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) contributes to autoimmunity, although this is not well-studied in pSS. Degraded extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents can serve as DAMPs by binding pattern-recognition receptors and activating Myd88-dependent signaling cascades, thereby exacerbating and perpetuating inflammatory cascades. The ECM components biglycan (Bgn) and decorin (Dcn) mediate sterile inflammation and both are implicated in autoimmunity. The objective of this study was to determine whether these ECM components and anti-ECM antibodies are altered in a pSS mouse model, and whether this is dependent on Myd88 activation in immune cells. Circulating levels of Bgn and Dcn were similar among pSS mice and controls and tissue expression studies revealed pSS mice had robust expression of both Bgn and Dcn in the salivary tissue, saliva, lung and kidney. Sera from pSS mice displayed increased levels of autoantibodies directed against ECM components when compared to healthy controls. Further studies using sera derived from conditional knockout pSS mice demonstrated that generation of these autoantibodies relies, at least in part, on Myd88 expression in the hematopoietic compartment. Thus, this study demonstrates that ECM degradation may represent a novel source of chronic B cell activation in the context of pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Kiripolsky
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Eileen M Kasperek
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Chengsong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Microarray & Immune Phenotyping Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Quan-Zhen Li
- Department of Immunology, Microarray & Immune Phenotyping Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Guan Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Jill M Kramer
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Department of Oral Diagnostics Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
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39
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Bolourani S, Sari E, Brenner M, Wang P. Extracellular CIRP Induces an Inflammatory Phenotype in Pulmonary Fibroblasts via TLR4. Front Immunol 2021; 12:721970. [PMID: 34367191 PMCID: PMC8342891 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.721970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP), a new damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), has been recently shown to play a critical role in promoting the development of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Although fibroblast activation is a critical component of the fibrotic process, the direct effects of eCIRP on fibroblasts have never been examined. We studied eCIRP’s role in the induction of inflammatory phenotype in pulmonary fibroblasts and its connection to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. We found that eCIRP causes the induction of proinflammatory cytokines and differentially expression-related pathways in a TLR4-dependent manner in pulmonary fibroblasts. Our analysis further showed that the accessory pathways MD2 and Myd88 are involved in the induction of inflammatory phenotype. In order to study the connection of the enrichment of these pathways in priming the microenvironment for pulmonary fibrosis, we investigated the gene expression profile of lung tissues from mice subjected to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis collected at various time points. We found that at day 14, which corresponds to the inflammatory-to-fibrotic transition phase after bleomycin injection, TLR4, MD2, and Myd88 were induced, and the transcriptome was differentially enriched for genes in those pathways. Furthermore, we also found that inflammatory cytokines gene expressions were induced, and the cellular responses to these inflammatory cytokines were differentially enriched on day 14. Overall, our results show that eCIRP induces inflammatory phenotype in pulmonary fibroblasts in a TLR4 dependent manner. This study sheds light on the mechanism by which eCIRP induced inflammatory fibroblasts, contributing to pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Bolourani
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Ezgi Sari
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Max Brenner
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
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40
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The interplay of DAMPs, TLR4, and proinflammatory cytokines in pulmonary fibrosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1373-1384. [PMID: 34258628 PMCID: PMC8277227 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02113-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic debilitating condition characterized by progressive deposition of connective tissue, leading to a steady restriction of lung elasticity, a decline in lung function, and a median survival of 4.5 years. The leading causes of pulmonary fibrosis are inhalation of foreign particles (such as silicosis and pneumoconiosis), infections (such as post COVID-19), autoimmune diseases (such as systemic autoimmune diseases of the connective tissue), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The therapeutics currently available for pulmonary fibrosis only modestly slow the progression of the disease. This review is centered on the interplay of damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-17) as they contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, and the possible avenues to develop effective therapeutics that disrupt this interplay.
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41
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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and systemic sclerosis: pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5527-5542. [PMID: 34145462 PMCID: PMC8212897 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03874-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases take a very heavy toll in terms of morbidity and mortality equal to or even greater than that caused by metastatic cancer. In this review, we examine the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases, mainly addressing triggers for induction, processes that lead to progression, therapies and therapeutic trials. For the most part, we have focused on two fibrotic diseases with lung involvement, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, in which the contribution of inflammatory mechanisms may be secondary to non-immune triggers, and systemic sclerosis in which the contribution of adaptive immunity may be predominant.
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42
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Xu Q, Cheng D, Li G, Liu Y, Li P, Sun W, Ma D, Ni C. CircHIPK3 regulates pulmonary fibrosis by facilitating glycolysis in miR-30a-3p/FOXK2-dependent manner. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2294-2307. [PMID: 34239356 PMCID: PMC8241722 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.57915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis develops when myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix excessively accumulate in the injured lung, but what drives fibrosis is not fully understood. Glycolysis has been linked to cell growth and proliferation, and several studies have shown enhanced glycolysis promotes pulmonary fibrosis. However, detailed studies describing this switch remain limited. Here, we identified that TGF-β1 effectively increased the expression of circHIPK3 in lung fibroblasts, and circHIPK3 inhibition attenuated the activation, proliferation, and glycolysis of fibroblasts in vitro. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull-down assays showed that circHIPK3 could function as a sponge of miR-30a-3p and inhibit its expression. Furthermore, FOXK2, a driver transcription factor of glycolysis, was identified to be a direct target of miR-30a-3p. Mechanistically, circHIPK3 could enhance the expression of FOXK2 via sponging miR-30a-3p, thereby facilitating fibroblast glycolysis and activation. Besides, miR-30a-3p overexpression or FOXK2 knockdown blocked fibroblast activation induced by TGF-β1 and abrogated the profibrotic effects of circHIPK3. Moreover, circHIPK3 and miR-30a-3p were also dysregulated in fibrotic murine lung tissues induced by silica. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated circHIPK3 silence or miR-30a-3p overexpression alleviated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. In conclusion, our results identified circHIPK3/miR-30a-3p/FOXK2 regulatory pathway as an important glycolysis cascade in pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xu
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Demin Cheng
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Guanru Li
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ping Li
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Wenqing Sun
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Dongyu Ma
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chunhui Ni
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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43
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Wu S, Ye H, Xue T, Wang J. Mechanism of lipopolysaccharide-mediated induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition of alveolar type II epithelial cells in absence of other inflammatory cells. EUR J INFLAMM 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/20587392211014427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that gram-negative bacilli infection can cause acute lung injury, and that consequent pulmonary fibrosis is caused when alveolar type-II epithelial cells undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the mechanism underlying this change remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate whether the main toxin of gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), can induce EMT in human alveolar epithelial cells, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Human alveolar type-II epithelial cells (A549) were used in EMT induction experiments. Cells were collected after LPS exposure, and changes in the expression levels of epithelial and mesenchymal cell markers were determined. Further, the effect of LPS exposure on the expression of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4), Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and Smad2/3 was assessed. The expression level of a mesenchymal cell marker was also assessed after pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 and TGF-β1 prior to addition of LPS, to identify downstream pathways involved in EMT induction. Results showed that LPS exposure caused significant downregulation of epithelial marker E-cadherin, and upregulation of mesenchymal marker vimentin, together with increased expression of TGF-β1 and activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. Furthermore, pretreatment with TGF-β1 and TLR4 inhibitors suppressed EMT, and treatment with the latter also reduced the expression level of TGF-β1. Overall, we conclude that LPS directly induces EMT in A549 cells through upregulation of TLR4 and activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling pathway. Our results suggest that LPS-mediated pulmonary fibrosis may occur in ALI patients even if the LPS-induced inflammatory response is inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - TianJiao Xue
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Jin F, Geng F, Xu D, Li Y, Li T, Yang X, Liu S, Zhang H, Wei Z, Li S, Gao X, Cai W, Mao N, Yi X, Liu H, Sun Y, Yang F, Xu H. Ac-SDKP Attenuates Activation of Lung Macrophages and Bone Osteoclasts in Rats Exposed to Silica by Inhibition of TLR4 and RANKL Signaling Pathways. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:1647-1660. [PMID: 33948088 PMCID: PMC8088302 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s306883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Silica-induced inflammatory activation is associated with silicosis and various non-respiratory conditions. The present study was designed to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) on lung macrophages and bone osteoclasts after silica inhalation in rats. Methods Wistar rats and NR8383 and RAW 264.7 cell lines were used in the present study. The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathways was measured in the lung tissue of rats or NR8383/RAW 264.7 cells exposed to silica. The microarchitecture of the trabecular bone in the tibia and femur was evaluated in silicotic rats. Furthermore, the roles of Ac-SDKP on silicotic rats, silica-treated NR8383/RAW 264.7 cells, and RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation were studied. Results The data indicated that silica inhalation might activate the RANKL and TLR4 signaling pathways in lung macrophages, thus inducing the lung inflammatory and proteolytic phenotype of macrophages and osteoclasts in lung and bone. Ac-SDKP maintained the lung elastin level by inhibiting lung inflammation and macrophage activation via the RANKL and TLR4 signaling pathways. Ac-SDKP also attenuated the reduction in femoral bone mineral density in silicotic rats by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation via the RANKL signaling pathway. Conclusion Our findings support the hypothesis that inhalation of crystalline silica induces activation of lung macrophages and bone osteoclasts via the RANKL and TLR4 signaling pathways. Ac-SDKP has the potential to stabilize lung homeostasis and bone metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyu Jin
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Geng
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Li
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Shupeng Liu
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Yi
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Xianmen, Fujian Province, 361023, People's Republic of China
| | - Heliang Liu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Sun
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Xu
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China.,School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
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De Pieri A, Korman BD, Jüngel A, Wuertz-Kozak K. Engineering Advanced In Vitro Models of Systemic Sclerosis for Drug Discovery and Development. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000168. [PMID: 33852183 PMCID: PMC8717409 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000168] [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: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex multisystem disease with the highest case-specific mortality among all autoimmune rheumatic diseases, yet without any available curative therapy. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic antifibrotic strategies that effectively decrease skin and organ fibrosis is needed. Existing animal models are cost-intensive, laborious and do not recapitulate the full spectrum of the disease and thus commonly fail to predict human efficacy. Advanced in vitro models, which closely mimic critical aspects of the pathology, have emerged as valuable platforms to investigate novel pharmaceutical therapies for the treatment of SSc. This review focuses on recent advancements in the development of SSc in vitro models, sheds light onto biological (e.g., growth factors, cytokines, coculture systems), biochemical (e.g., hypoxia, reactive oxygen species) and biophysical (e.g., stiffness, topography, dimensionality) cues that have been utilized for the in vitro recapitulation of the SSc microenvironment, and highlights future perspectives for effective drug discovery and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Pieri
- Dr. A. De Pieri, Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), 106 Lomb Memorial Rd., Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Benjamin D Korman
- Prof. B. D. Korman, Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Astrid Jüngel
- Prof. A. Jüngel, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
- Prof. A. Jüngel, Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Dr. A. De Pieri, Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), 106 Lomb Memorial Rd., Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
- Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Schön Clinic Munich Harlaching, Spine Center, Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg (Austria), Munich, 81547, Germany
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Cerinic MM, Manetti M. The Role of Pro-fibrotic Myofibroblasts in Systemic Sclerosis: from Origin to Therapeutic Targeting. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:209-239. [PMID: 33823766 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210325102749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by multisystem clinical manifestations resulting from immune dysregulation/autoimmunity, vasculopathy and, most notably, progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. In recent years, it has emerged that the main drivers of SSc-related tissue fibrosis are myofibroblasts, a type of mesenchymal cells with both the extracellular matrix-synthesizing features of fibroblasts and the cytoskeletal characteristics of contractile smooth muscle cells. The accumulation and persistent activation of pro-fibrotic myofibroblasts during SSc development and progression result into elevated mechanical stress and reduced matrix plasticity within the affected tissues and may be ascribed to a reduced susceptibility of these cells to pro-apoptotic stimuli, as well as their increased formation from tissue-resident fibroblasts or transition from different cell types. Given the crucial role of myofibroblasts in SSc pathogenesis, finding the way to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation and accumulation by targeting their formation, function and survival may represent an effective approach to hamper the fibrotic process or even halt or reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the role of myofibroblasts in SSc-related fibrosis, with a special focus on their cellular origin and the signaling pathways implicated in their formation and persistent activation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of potential therapeutic strategies targeting myofibroblasts that may be able to counteract fibrosis in this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
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Song Z, Wu T, Sun J, Wang H, Hua F, Nicolas YSM, Kc R, Chen K, Jin Z, Liu J, Zhang M. Metformin attenuates post-epidural fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 and HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathways. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:3272-3283. [PMID: 33611840 PMCID: PMC8034438 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive post‐epidural fibrosis is a common cause of recurrent back pain after spinal surgery. Though various treatment methods have been conducted, the safe and effective drug for alleviating post‐epidural fibrosis remains largely unknown. Metformin, a medicine used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has been noted to relieve fibrosis in various organs. In the present study, we aimed to explore the roles and mechanisms of metformin in scar formation in a mouse model of laminectomy. Post‐epidural fibrosis developed in a mouse model of laminectomy by spinous process and the T12‐L2 vertebral plate with a rongeur. With the administration of metformin, post‐epidural fibrosis was reduced, accompanied with decreased collagen and fibronectin in the scar tissues. Mechanistically, metformin decreased fibronectin and collagen deposition in fibroblast cells, and this effect was dependent on the HMGB1/TLR4 and TGF‐β1/Smad3 signalling pathways. In addition, metformin influenced the metabolomics of the fibroblast cells. Taken together, our study suggests that metformin may be a potential option to mitigate epidural fibrosis after laminectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyuan Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Emergence Medicine, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinpeng Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haoran Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Hua
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yap San Min Nicolas
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rupesh Kc
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Jin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingshun Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique, Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Aboudounya MM, Heads RJ. COVID-19 and Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4): SARS-CoV-2 May Bind and Activate TLR4 to Increase ACE2 Expression, Facilitating Entry and Causing Hyperinflammation. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:8874339. [PMID: 33505220 PMCID: PMC7811571 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8874339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Causes of mortality from COVID-19 include respiratory failure, heart failure, and sepsis/multiorgan failure. TLR4 is an innate immune receptor on the cell surface that recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) including viral proteins and triggers the production of type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines to combat infection. It is expressed on both immune cells and tissue-resident cells. ACE2, the reported entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is only present on ~1-2% of the cells in the lungs or has a low pulmonary expression, and recently, the spike protein has been proposed to have the strongest protein-protein interaction with TLR4. Here, we review and connect evidence for SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 having direct and indirect binding to TLR4, together with other viral precedents, which when combined shed light on the COVID-19 pathophysiological puzzle. We propose a model in which the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein binds TLR4 and activates TLR4 signalling to increase cell surface expression of ACE2 facilitating entry. SARS-CoV-2 also destroys the type II alveolar cells that secrete pulmonary surfactants, which normally decrease the air/tissue surface tension and block TLR4 in the lungs thus promoting ARDS and inflammation. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2-induced myocarditis and multiple-organ injury may be due to TLR4 activation, aberrant TLR4 signalling, and hyperinflammation in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, TLR4 contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, and its overactivation causes a prolonged or excessive innate immune response. TLR4 appears to be a promising therapeutic target in COVID-19, and since TLR4 antagonists have been previously trialled in sepsis and in other antiviral contexts, we propose the clinical trial testing of TLR4 antagonists in the treatment of severe COVID-19. Also, ongoing clinical trials of pulmonary surfactants in COVID-19 hold promise since they also block TLR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M. Aboudounya
- Department of Cardiology, The Rayne Institute, St Thomas' Hospital, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Richard J. Heads
- Department of Cardiology, The Rayne Institute, St Thomas' Hospital, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, UK
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Bale S, Varga J, Bhattacharyya S. Role of RP105 and A20 in negative regulation of toll-like receptor activity in fibrosis: potential targets for therapeutic intervention. AIMS ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3934/allergy.2021009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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50
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Wang Z, Cheng ZX, Abrams ST, Lin ZQ, Yates E, Yu Q, Yu WP, Chen PS, Toh CH, Wang GZ. Extracellular histones stimulate collagen expression in vitro and promote liver fibrogenesis in a mouse model via the TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:7513-7527. [PMID: 33384551 PMCID: PMC7754552 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i47.7513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis progressing to liver cirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma is very common and causes more than one million deaths annually. Fibrosis develops from recurrent liver injury but the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Recently, the TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway has been reported to contribute to fibrosis. Extracellular histones are ligands of TLR4 but their roles in liver fibrosis have not been investigated. AIM To investigate the roles and potential mechanisms of extracellular histones in liver fibrosis. METHODS In vitro, LX2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were treated with histones in the presence or absence of non-anticoagulant heparin (NAHP) for neutralizing histones or TLR4-blocking antibody. The resultant cellular expression of collagen I was detected using western blotting and immunofluorescent staining. In vivo, the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model was generated in male 6-week-old ICR mice and in TLR4 or MyD88 knockout and parental mice. Circulating histones were detected and the effect of NAHP was evaluated. RESULTS Extracellular histones strongly stimulated LX2 cells to produce collagen I. Histone-enhanced collagen expression was significantly reduced by NAHP and TLR4-blocking antibody. In CCl4-treated wild type mice, circulating histones were dramatically increased and maintained high levels during the duration of fibrosis-induction. Injection of NAHP not only reduced alanine aminotransferase and liver injury scores, but also significantly reduced fibrogenesis. Since the TLR4-blocking antibody reduced histone-enhanced collagen I production in HSC, the CCl4 model with TLR4 and MyD88 knockout mice was used to demonstrate the roles of the TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The levels of liver fibrosis were indeed significantly reduced in knockout mice compared to wild type parental mice. CONCLUSION Extracellular histones potentially enhance fibrogenesis via the TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway and NAHP has therapeutic potential by detoxifying extracellular histones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, United Kingdom
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Simon T Abrams
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, United Kingdom
| | - Zi-Qi Lin
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Edwin Yates
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Qian Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei-Ping Yu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cheng-Hock Toh
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, United Kingdom
- Roald Dahl Haemostasis & Thrombosis Ctr, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L69 7BE, United Kingdom
| | - Guo-Zheng Wang
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, United Kingdom
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