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Xie K, Li Z, Zhang Y, Wu H, Zhang T, Wang W. Artemisinin and its derivatives as promising therapies for autoimmune diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27972. [PMID: 38596057 PMCID: PMC11001780 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, a traditional Chinese medicine with remarkable antimalarial activity. In recent years, studies demonstrated that artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) showed anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. ARTs have been developed and gradually applied to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, their role in the treament of patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in particular is less well recognized. This review will briefly describe the history of ARTs use in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, the theorized mechanisms of action of the agents ARTs, their efficacy in patients with autoinmmune and inflammatory diseases. Overall, ARTs have numerous beneficial effects in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and have a good safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaidi Xie
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/ AIDS Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/ AIDS Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/ AIDS Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/ AIDS Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/ AIDS Research, Beijing, 100069, China
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2
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Gao X, Lin X, Wang Q, Chen J. Artemisinins: Promising drug candidates for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:867-891. [PMID: 38054758 DOI: 10.1002/med.22001] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the immune system's attack on one's own tissues which are highly diverse and diseases differ in severity, causing damage in virtually all human systems including connective tissue (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), neurological system (e.g., multiple sclerosis) and digestive system (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease). Historically, treatments normally include pain-killing medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressant drugs. However, given the above characteristics, treatment of autoimmune diseases has always been a challenge. Artemisinin is a natural sesquiterpene lactone initially extracted and separated from Chinese medicine Artemisia annua L., which has a long history of curing malaria. Artemisinin's derivatives such as artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, artemether, artemisitene, and so forth, are a family of artemisinins with antimalarial activity. Over the past decades, accumulating evidence have indicated the promising therapeutic potential of artemisinins in autoimmune diseases. Herein, we systematically summarized the research regarding the immunoregulatory properties of artemisinins including artemisinin and its derivatives, discussing their potential therapeutic viability toward major autoimmune diseases and the underlying mechanisms. This review will provide new directions for basic research and clinical translational medicine of artemisinins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Gao
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xian Lin
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingwen Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
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3
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Ghincea A, Woo S, Sheeline Y, Pivarnik T, Fiorini V, Herzog EL, Ryu C. Mitochondrial DNA Sensing Pathogen Recognition Receptors in Systemic Sclerosis Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Review. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN RHEUMATOLOGY 2023; 9:204-220. [PMID: 38230363 PMCID: PMC10791121 DOI: 10.1007/s40674-023-00211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of the review Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a condition of dermal and visceral scar formation characterized by immune dysregulation and inflammatory fibrosis. Approximately 90% of SSc patients develop interstitial lung disease (ILD), and it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Further understanding of immune-mediated fibroproliferative mechanisms has the potential to catalyze novel treatment approaches in this difficult to treat disease. Recent findings Recent advances have demonstrated the critical role of aberrant innate immune activation mediated by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) through interactions with toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and cytosolic cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS). Summary In this review, we will discuss how the nature of the mtDNA, whether oxidized or mutated, and its mechanism of release, either intracellularly or extracellularly, can amplify fibrogenesis by activating TLR9 and cGAS, and the novel insights gained by interrogating these signaling pathways. Because the scope of this review is intended to generate hypotheses for future research, we conclude our discussion with several important unanswered questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ghincea
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Samuel Woo
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Yu Sheeline
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Taylor Pivarnik
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Vitoria Fiorini
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Erica L. Herzog
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Changwan Ryu
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
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Tong X, Chen L, He SJ, Zuo JP. Artemisinin derivative SM934 in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases: therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:3055-3061. [PMID: 36050518 PMCID: PMC9712343 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00978-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are the well-known anti-malarial drugs derived from a traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to antimalarial, artemisinin and its derivatives possess distinguished anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities, but the poor solubility and low bioavailability hinder their clinical application. In the last decades a series of new water-soluble and oil-soluble derivatives were synthesized. Among them, we have found a water-soluble derivative β-aminoarteether maleate (SM934) that exhibits outstanding suppression on lymphocytes proliferation in immunosuppressive capacity and cytotoxicity screening assays with 35-fold higher potency than dihydroartemisinin. SM934 displays significant therapeutic effects on various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and dry eye disease. Here, we summarize the immunomodulatory effects, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-fibrosis activities of SM934 in disease-relevant animal models and present the probable pharmacological mechanisms involved in its therapeutic efficacy. This review also delineates a typical example of natural product-based drug discovery, which might further vitalize natural product exploration and development in pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Tong
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li Chen
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shi-Jun He
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Jian-Ping Zuo
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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5
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Wang X, Liu P, Wu Q, Zheng Z, Xie M, Chen G, Yu J, Wang X, Li G, Kaplan D. Sustainable Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Silk Suture with Surface Modification of Combined-Therapy Drugs for Surgical Site Infection. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:11177-11191. [PMID: 35192338 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Silk sutures with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functions were developed for sustained dual-drug delivery to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). The silk sutures were prepared with core-shell structures braided from degummed silk filaments and then coated with a silk fibroin (SF) layer loaded with berberine (BB) and artemisinin (ART). Both the rapid release of drugs to prevent initial biofilm formation and the following sustained release to maintain effective concentrations for more than 42 days were demonstrated. In vitro assays using human fibroblasts (Hs 865.Sk) demonstrated cell proliferation on the materials, and hemolysis was 2.4 ± 0.8%, lower than that required by ISO 10993-4 standard. The sutures inhibited platelet adhesion and promoted collagen deposition and blood vessel formation. In vivo assessments using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats indicated that the coating reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), shortening the inflammatory period and promoting angiogenesis. The results demonstrated that these new sutures exhibited stable structures, favorable biocompatibility, and sustainable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functions with potential for surgical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchen Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Peixin Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Orthopedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Qinting Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhaozhu Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Maobin Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Guoqiang Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Orthopedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Gang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - David Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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Ahamada MM, Jia Y, Wu X. Macrophage Polarization and Plasticity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2022; 12:734008. [PMID: 34987500 PMCID: PMC8721097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.734008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that attacks almost every organ. The condition mostly happens to adults but is also found in children, and the latter have the most severe manifestations. Among adults, females, especially non-Caucasian, are mostly affected. Even if the etiology of SLE remains unclear, studies show a close relation between this disease and both genetics and environment. Despite the large number of published articles about SLE, we still do not have a clear picture of its pathogenesis, and no specific drug has been found to treat this condition effectively. The implication of macrophages in SLE development is gaining ground, and studying it could answer these gaps. Indeed, both in vivo and in vitro studies increasingly report a strong link between this disease and macrophages. Hence, this review aims to explore the role of macrophages polarization and plasticity in SLE development. Understanding this role is of paramount importance because in-depth knowledge of the connection between macrophages and this systemic disease could clarify its pathogenesis and provide a foundation for macrophage-centered therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariame Mohamed Ahamada
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Jia
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Anti-Inflammatory and Immunoregulatory Action of Sesquiterpene Lactones. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27031142. [PMID: 35164406 PMCID: PMC8839508 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27031142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sesquiterpene lactones (SL), characterized by their high prevalence in the Asteraceae family, are one of the major groups of secondary metabolites found in plants. Researchers from distinct research fields, including pharmacology, medicine, and agriculture, are interested in their biological potential. With new SL discovered in the last years, new biological activities have been tested, different action mechanisms (synergistic and/or antagonistic effects), as well as molecular structure–activity relationships described. The review identifies the main sesquiterpene lactones with interconnections between immune responses and anti-inflammatory actions, within different cellular models as well in in vivo studies. Bioaccessibility and bioavailability, as well as molecular structure–activity relationships are addressed. Additionally, plant metabolic engineering, and the impact of sesquiterpene lactone extraction methodologies are presented, with the perspective of biological activity enhancement. Sesquiterpene lactones derivatives are also addressed. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of sesquiterpene lactones within immune and inflammatory activities, highlighting trends and opportunities for their pharmaceutical/clinical use.
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8
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Li X, Sun X, Guo X, Li X, Peng S, Mu X. Chemical reagents modulate nucleic acid-activated toll-like receptors. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 147:112622. [PMID: 35008000 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-mediated interferon signaling plays a pivotal role in defense against microorganisms, especially during viral infection. Receptors sensing exogenous nucleic acid molecules are localized in the cytosol and endosomes. Cytosolic sensors, including cGAS, RIG-I, and MDA5, and endosome-anchored receptors are toll-like receptors (TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9). These TLRs share the same domain architecture and have similar structures, facing the interior of endosomes so their binding to nucleic acids of invading pathogens via endocytosis is possible. The correct function of these receptors is crucial for cell homeostasis and effective response against pathogen invasion. A variety of endogenous mechanisms modulates their activities. Nevertheless, naturally occurring mutations lead to aberrant TLR-mediated interferon (IFN) signaling. Furthermore, certain pathogens require a more robust defense against control. Thus, manipulating these TLR activities has a profound impact. High-throughput virtual screening followed by experimental validation led to the discovery of numerous chemicals that can change these TLR-mediated IFN signaling activities. Many of them are unique in selectivity, while others regulate more than one TLR due to commonalities in these receptors. We summarized these nucleic acid-sensing TLR-mediated IFN signaling pathways and the corresponding chemicals activating or deactivating their signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin University and Health-Biotech United Group Joint Laboratory of Innovative Drug Development and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xinyuan Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin University and Health-Biotech United Group Joint Laboratory of Innovative Drug Development and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xuemin Guo
- Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou 514031, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Clinical Translation Research of Hakka Population, Meizhou 514031, China
| | - Xueren Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Haihe Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Shouchun Peng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Haihe Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Xin Mu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin University and Health-Biotech United Group Joint Laboratory of Innovative Drug Development and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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Efferth T, Oesch F. The immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin-type drugs towards inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:3023-3061. [PMID: 34288018 DOI: 10.1002/med.21842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. is well established for malaria therapy, but its bioactivity spectrum is much broader. In this review, we give a comprehensive and timely overview of the literature regarding the immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin-type compounds toward inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Numerous receptor-coupled signaling pathways are inhibited by artemisinins, including the receptors for interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), β3-integrin, or RANKL, toll-like receptors and growth factor receptors. Among the receptor-coupled signal transducers are extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK), phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ), and others. All these receptors and signal transduction molecules are known to contribute to the inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB). Artemisinins may inhibit NF-κB by silencing these upstream pathways and/or by direct binding to NF-κB. Numerous NF-κB-regulated downstream genes are downregulated by artemisinin and its derivatives, for example, cytokines, chemokines, and immune receptors, which regulate immune cell differentiation, apoptosis genes, proliferation-regulating genes, signal transducers, and genes involved in antioxidant stress response. In addition to the prominent role of NF-κB, other transcription factors are also inhibited by artemisinins (mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR], activating protein 1 [AP1]/FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologue [FOS]/JUN oncogenic transcription factor [JUN]), hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NF-ATC1), Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), NF E2-related factor-2 (NRF-2), retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor γ (ROR-γt), and forkhead box P-3 (FOXP-3). Many in vivo experiments in disease-relevant animal models demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of artemisinin-type drugs against rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus erythematosus, arthrosis, and gout), lung diseases (asthma, acute lung injury, and pulmonary fibrosis), neurological diseases (autoimmune encephalitis, Alzheimer's disease, and myasthenia gravis), skin diseases (dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis), inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Randomized clinical trials should be conducted in the future to translate the plethora of preclinical results into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz Oesch
- Oesch-Tox Toxicological Consulting and Expert Opinions, Ingelheim, Germany and Institute of Toxicology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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10
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Yang FM, Fan D, Yang XQ, Zhu FH, Shao MJ, Li Q, Liu YT, Lin ZM, Cao SQ, Tang W, He SJ, Zuo JP. The artemisinin analog SM934 alleviates dry eye disease in rodent models by regulating TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:593-603. [PMID: 32747720 PMCID: PMC8114933 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0484-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder of the tears and ocular surface characterized by manifestations of dryness and irritation. Although the pathogenesis is not fully illuminated, it is recognized that inflammation has a prominent role in the development and deterioration of DED. β-aminoarteether maleate (SM934) is a water-soluble artemisinin derivative with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities. In this study, we established scopolamine hydrobromide (SCOP)-induced rodent model as well as benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-induced rat model to investigate the therapeutic potential of SM934 for DED. We showed that topical application of SM934 (0.1%, 0.5%) significantly increased tear secretion, maintained the number of conjunctival goblet cells, reduced corneal damage, and decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, or IL-1β) in conjunctiva in SCOP-induced and BAC-induced DED models. Moreover, SM934 treatment reduced the accumulation of TLR4-expressing macrophages in conjunctiva, and suppressed the expression of inflammasome components, i.e., myeloid differentiation factor88 (MyD88), Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), and cleaved caspase 1. In LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells, we demonstrated that pretreatment with SM934 (10 μM) impeded the upregulation of TLR4 and downstream NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling proteins. Collectively, artemisinin analog SM934 exerts therapeutic benefits on DED by simultaneously reserving the structural integrity of ocular surface and preventing the corneal and conjunctival inflammation, suggested a further application of SM934 in ophthalmic therapy, especially for DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Ming Yang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Di Fan
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Yang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Feng-Hua Zhu
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Mei-Juan Shao
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qian Li
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yu-Ting Liu
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ze-Min Lin
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shi-Qi Cao
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shi-Jun He
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Jian-Ping Zuo
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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11
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Baiula M, Spampinato S. Experimental Pharmacotherapy for Dry Eye Disease: A Review. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:345-358. [PMID: 33790661 PMCID: PMC8001578 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s237487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex multifactorial disease showing heterogenous symptoms, including dryness, photophobia, ocular discomfort, irritation and burning but also pain. These symptoms can affect visual function leading to restrictions in daily life activities and reduction in work productivity with a consequently high impact on quality of life. Several pathological mechanisms contribute to the disease: evaporative water loss leads to impairment and loss of tear homeostasis inducing either directly or indirectly to inflammation, in a self-perpetuating vicious cycle. Dysregulated ocular immune responses result in ocular surface damage, which further contributes to DED pathogenesis. Currently, DED treatment is based on a flexible stepwise approach to identify the most beneficial intervention. Although most of the available treatments may control to a certain extent some signs and symptoms of DED, they show significant limitations and do not completely address the needs of patients suffering from DED. This review provides an overview of the emerging experimental therapies for DED. Several promising therapeutic strategies are under development with the aim of dampening inflammation and restoring the homeostasis of the ocular surface microenvironment. Results from early phase clinical trials, testing the effects of EnaC blockers, TRPM8 agonist or mesenchymal stem cells in DED patients, are especially awaited to demonstrate their therapeutic value for the treatment of DED. Moreover, the most advanced experimental strategies in the pipeline for DED, tivanisiran, IL-1R antagonist EBI-005 and SkQ1, are being tested in Phase III clinical trials, still ongoing. Nevertheless, although promising results, further studies are still needed to confirm efficacy and safety of the new emerging therapies for DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Liu L, Zhao J, Li A, Yang X, Sprangers B, Li S. Artemisinin attenuates IgM xenoantibody production via inhibition of T cell-independent marginal zone B cell proliferation. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 109:583-591. [PMID: 32542769 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4ma0520-717rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) has been shown to suppress B cell activation and plasma cell formation. However, its effect on splenic marginal zone (MZ) B cells is unknown. Splenic MZ B cells play a critical role in rapidly induced Ab production against blood-borne foreign Ags. Dysfunction of MZ B cells, due to inhibition of its proliferation or displacement of its homing, results in an attenuated adaptive humoral response. Here, we investigate the effect of ART on splenic MZ B (CD19+ CD21high CD23low ) and B10 (CD19+ CD1dhigh CD5+ ) B cells to explore the mechanisms of ART-induced immunosuppression in T cell-deficient nude mice challenged with hamster xenoantigens. In this study, we demonstrate that ART decreases T cell-independent xenogeneic IgM Ab production and, this is associated with a strong suppression of MZ B cell proliferation and a relative increase of CD21low CD23+ follicular and B10 B cells. In addition, this suppression impairs IL-10 production. Taken together, our data indicate that ART suppresses B cell immune responses through a distinctive effect on splenic MZ B and other B cells. This represents a new mechanism of ART-induced immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, University of Sun Yat-sen, Zhuhai, P. R. China
| | - Juanzhi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, University of Sun Yat-sen, Zhuhai, P. R. China
| | - An Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, University of Sun Yat-sen, Zhuhai, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, University of Sun Yat-sen, Zhuhai, P. R. China
| | - Ben Sprangers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology (Rega institute), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shengqiao Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, University of Sun Yat-sen, Zhuhai, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, University of Sun Yat-sen, Zhuhai, P. R. China
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Artemisinin analogue SM934 protects against lupus-associated antiphospholipid syndrome via activation of Nrf2 and its targets. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:1702-1719. [PMID: 33481164 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1840-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Kidney is a major target organ in both antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The etiology of antiphospholipid syndrome nephropathy associated lupus nephritis (APSN-LN) is intricate and remains largely unrevealed. We proposed in present work, that generation of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), especially those directed towards the oxidized neoepitopes, are largely linked with the redox status along with disease progression. Moreover, we observed that compromised antioxidative capacity coincided with turbulence of inflammatory cytokine profile in the kidney of male NZW×BXSB F1 mice suffered from APSN-LN. SM934 is an artemisinin derivative that has been proved to have potent immunosuppressive properties. In current study, we elaborated the therapeutic benefits of SM934 in male NZW×BXSB F1 mice, a murine model develops syndrome resembled human APS associated with SLE, for the first time. SM934 treatment comprehensively impeded autoantibodies production, inflammatory cytokine accumulation and excessive oxidative stress in kidney. Among others, we interpreted in present work that both anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of SM934 is closely correlated with the enhancement of Nrf2 signaling and expression of its targets. Collectively, our finding confirmed that therapeutic strategy simultaneously exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacy provide a novel feasible remedy for treating APSN-LN.
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The potential of artemisinins as anti-obesity agents via modulating the immune system. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 216:107696. [PMID: 33022301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are the most effective antimalarial drugs. Besides anti-malarial activity, artemisinin and its derivatives have displayed wide-spectrum bioactivities such as anti-parasite, anti-tumor, and anti-obesity effects. Obesity is an epidemic worldwide which is a big threat to human health, but there are only a few approved anti-obesity drugs in the world. Also, these drugs are efficient to limited patients partly because their safety and efficacy are questioned. Anti-inflammatory therapies may be valuable in obesity treatment since growing evidence shows chronic metabolic inflammation is implicated in metabolic disease pathogenesis. As artemisinin and its derivatives display effective anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties with less toxicity, it provides an insight for novel drug development in obesity therapeutic strategies via immune-regulatory mechanisms. In this review, the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives to treat various metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes is discussed.
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Septembre-Malaterre A, Lalarizo Rakoto M, Marodon C, Bedoui Y, Nakab J, Simon E, Hoarau L, Savriama S, Strasberg D, Guiraud P, Selambarom J, Gasque P. Artemisia annua, a Traditional Plant Brought to Light. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4986. [PMID: 32679734 PMCID: PMC7404215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional remedies have been used for thousand years for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries. Of growing interest, the plant Artemisia annua, known for its malarial properties, has been studied for its numerous biological activities including metabolic, anti-tumor, anti-microbial and immunomodulatory properties. Artemisia annua is very rich in secondary metabolites such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds, of which the biological properties have been extensively studied. The purpose of this review is to gather and describe the data concerning the main chemical components produced by Artemisia annua and to describe the state of the art about the biological activities reported for this plant and its compounds beyond malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Septembre-Malaterre
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Mahary Lalarizo Rakoto
- Faculté de Médecine, Université d’Antananarivo, Campus Universitaire Ambohitsaina, BP 375, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar;
| | - Claude Marodon
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Yosra Bedoui
- INSERM, UMR 1188 Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France;
| | - Jessica Nakab
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Elisabeth Simon
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Ludovic Hoarau
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Stephane Savriama
- EA929 Archéologie Industrielle, Histoire, Patrimoine/Géographie-Développement Environnement de la Caraïbe (AIHP-GEODE), Université des Antilles, Campus Schoelcher, BP7207, 97275 Schoelcher Cedex Martinique, France;
| | - Dominique Strasberg
- Unité Mixte de Recherche Peuplements Végétaux et Bio-agresseurs en Milieu Tropical (PVBMT), Pôle de Protection des Plantes, Université de La Réunion, 7 Chemin de l’IRAT, 97410 Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France;
| | - Pascale Guiraud
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Jimmy Selambarom
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Philippe Gasque
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
- Laboratoire d’immunologie clinique et expérimentale de la zone de l’océan indien (LICE-OI) CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France
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Li T, Zhou Y, Sun X, Bian Y, Wang K, Guo Q, Wang Q, Qiu F. Interleukin-2 maintains the survival of interleukin-17 + gamma/delta T cells in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 86:106721. [PMID: 32615450 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing appreciation of the critical pathogenic role of IL-17 in inflammation and autoimmune diseases, which could be produced from both adaptive Th17 cells and innate γδ T cells. Existing evidences suggest that IL-2 is important for in vivo accumulation of IL-17+ γδ T cells, leaving the mechanisms still elusive. Herein, using lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice, we demonstrated that splenic γδ T cells were potent IL-17 producers at the onset of lupus, which could be diminished by in vivo IL-2 neutralization. Additional in vivo results showed that neutralization of IL-2 also significantly deleted the IL-17-producing γδ T cells in ovalbumin (OVA) /CFA-immunized B6 mice. Using splenic γδ T cells from OVA/CFA-immunized B6 mice, we further demonstrated that IL-2 could induce IL-17 production alone or together with IL-1β or IL-23 or anti-TCRγδ. Mechanism studies demonstrated that IL-2 could support the survival of γδ T cells, rather than induce the proliferation. Through specific pharmacologic inhibitor, we demonstrated that IL-2 could maintain that RORγt expression of γδ T cells in a STAT5-dependent manner. Collectively, this study suggested that the interplay between IL and 2 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines could trigger the rapid IL-17 production from innate γδ T cells, thus to orchestrate an inflammatory response before the development of adaptive Th17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yaxin Zhou
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), No.127 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yang Bian
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.6 Fucheng Road, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Kunyu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.6 Fucheng Road, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qifeng Guo
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.6 Fucheng Road, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.6 Fucheng Road, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Feng Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.6 Fucheng Road, Beijing 100048, China.
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Patinote C, Karroum NB, Moarbess G, Cirnat N, Kassab I, Bonnet PA, Deleuze-Masquéfa C. Agonist and antagonist ligands of toll-like receptors 7 and 8: Ingenious tools for therapeutic purposes. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 193:112238. [PMID: 32203790 PMCID: PMC7173040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the TLRs family and more precisely its functions opened a variety of gates to modulate immunological host responses. TLRs 7/8 are located in the endosomal compartment and activate a specific signaling pathway in a MyD88-dependant manner. According to their involvement into various autoimmune, inflammatory and malignant diseases, researchers have designed diverse TLRs 7/8 ligands able to boost or block the inherent signal transduction. These modulators are often small synthetic compounds and most act as agonists and to a much lesser extent as antagonists. Some of them have reached preclinical and clinical trials, and only one has been approved by the FDA and EMA, imiquimod. The key to the success of these modulators probably lies in their combination with other therapies as recently demonstrated. We gather in this review more than 360 scientific publications, reviews and patents, relating the extensive work carried out by researchers on the design of TLRs 7/8 modulators, which are classified firstly by their biological activities (agonist or antagonist) and then by their chemical structures, which total syntheses are not discussed here. This review also reports about 90 clinical cases, thereby showing the biological interest of these modulators in multiple pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Patinote
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Nour Bou Karroum
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France; Tumorigenèse et Pharmacologie Antitumorale, Lebanese University, EDST, BP 90656, Fanar Jdeideh, Lebanon
| | - Georges Moarbess
- Tumorigenèse et Pharmacologie Antitumorale, Lebanese University, EDST, BP 90656, Fanar Jdeideh, Lebanon
| | - Natalina Cirnat
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Issam Kassab
- Tumorigenèse et Pharmacologie Antitumorale, Lebanese University, EDST, BP 90656, Fanar Jdeideh, Lebanon
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Mohtashami L, Shakeri A, Javadi B. Neuroprotective natural products against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: A review. Neurochem Int 2019; 129:104516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Luo J, Zhang Y, He H, Liu Q, Huang S, Guo X. Artesunate enhances the immune response of rabies vaccine as an adjuvant. Vaccine 2019; 37:7478-7481. [PMID: 31582270 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.09.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rabies is an ancient zoonosis that continues to be an important health problem worldwide. Vaccination with rabies vaccine is the most important strategy to prevent rabies. Adjuvants contribute to the immune response of viral vaccine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether artemisinin derivatives artesunate and dihydroartemisinin could enhance the immunogenicity of inactivated rabies virus in mice. Administration of artesunate or dihydroartemisinin by intramuscular injection at a dose of 5 mg/kg did not cause body weight loss and unusual symptoms in mice. Mice were immunized with inactivated CVS-11 or inactivated rHEP-dG together with either artesunate or dihydroartemisinin through intramuscular injection. Blood samples were collected to investigate the virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA) titers, and challenge assays were then conducted. The results showed that the rabies VNA titers in mice co-treated with artesunate rather than dihydroartemisinin were significantly higher than in the control animals treated with the phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In addition, mice co-treated with artesunate survived from lethal rabies virus challenge compared with those treated with PBS. In contrast, co-treatment with dihydroartemisinin did not improve the survival rate of the challenged mice. The findings indicate that artesunate could be used as a new candidate adjuvant for rabies vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hongling He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shile Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA.
| | - Xiaofeng Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Gu X, Peng Y, Zhao Y, Liang X, Tang Y, Liu J. A novel derivative of artemisinin inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis via down-regulation of cathepsin K in breast cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 858:172382. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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21
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Cao YJ, Xu Y, Liu B, Zheng X, Wu J, Zhang Y, Li XS, Qi Y, Sun YM, Wen WB, Hou L, Wan CP. Dioscin, a Steroidal Saponin Isolated from Dioscorea nipponica, Attenuates Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Inhibiting Th17 Cell Response. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2019; 47:423-437. [PMID: 30827153 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x19500216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Dioscin, a steroidal saponin isolated from Dioscorea nipponica Makino, has previously been shown to possess antiarthritic effects. However, the underlying mechanism is still elusive. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic effects of dioscin on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice and related mechanism. Cytokine production in CII-specific immune responses were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Th17 cell-related gene expression, including IL-17A, ROR[Formula: see text] and IL-23p19, were detected by qPCR analysis; Surface marker, T regulatory (Treg) cells and intracellular cytokines (IL-17A and IFN-[Formula: see text]) were evaluated by flow cytometry. We performed Th17 cell differentiation assay in vitro. Results showed that, in vivo, dioscin treatment significantly reduced the severity of CIA, which was accompanied by decreased Th17 response, but not Th1 and Treg response; dioscin-treated mice also showed lower percentage of CD11b[Formula: see text] Gr-1[Formula: see text] neutrophils; In vitro, dioscin treatment suppressed the differentiation of naive CD4[Formula: see text] T cells into Th17 cell and decreased IL-17A production. Collectively, our results indicate that dioscin exerts antiarthritic effects by inhibiting Th17 cell immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jun Cao
- Department of Rheumatology, Nantong Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P. R. China
| | - Ying Xu
- The No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650021, P. R. China
| | - Bei Liu
- The No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650021, P. R. China
| | - Xi Zheng
- The No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650021, P. R. China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Nantong Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- The No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650021, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Si Li
- The No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650021, P. R. China
| | - Yan Qi
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yu-Meng Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Nantong Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Bo Wen
- The No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650021, P. R. China
| | - Lifei Hou
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chun-Ping Wan
- The No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650021, P. R. China
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22
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Artemisinin and its derivatives: a potential therapeutic approach for oral lichen planus. Inflamm Res 2019; 68:297-310. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-019-01216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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23
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Horuluoglu B, Bayik D, Kayraklioglu N, Goguet E, Kaplan MJ, Klinman DM. PAM3 supports the generation of M2-like macrophages from lupus patient monocytes and improves disease outcome in murine lupus. J Autoimmun 2019; 99:24-32. [PMID: 30679006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune syndrome of unclear etiology. While T and B cell abnormalities contribute to disease pathogenesis, recent work suggests that inflammatory M1-like macrophages also play a role. Previous work showed that the TLR2/1 agonist PAM3CSK4 (PAM3) could stimulate normal human monocytes to preferentially differentiate into immunosuppressive M2-like rather than inflammatory M1-like macrophages. This raised the possibility of PAM3 being used to normalize the M1:M2 ratio in SLE. Consistent with that possibility, monocytes from lupus patients differentiated into M2-like macrophages when treated with PAM3 in vitro. Furthermore, lupus-prone NZB x NZW F1 mice responded similarly to weekly PAM3 treatment. Normalization of the M2 macrophage frequency was associated with delayed disease progression, decreased autoantibody and inflammatory cytokine synthesis, reduced proteinuria and prolonged survival in NZB x NZW F1 mice. The ability of PAM3 to bias monocyte differentiation in favor of immunosuppressive macrophages may represent a novel approach to the therapy of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begum Horuluoglu
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21720, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Defne Bayik
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21720, USA
| | - Neslihan Kayraklioglu
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21720, USA
| | - Emilie Goguet
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21720, USA
| | - Mariana J Kaplan
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dennis M Klinman
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21720, USA.
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Artemisinins—a Promising New Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Descriptive Review. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2018; 20:55. [DOI: 10.1007/s11926-018-0764-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Raffetin A, Bruneel F, Roussel C, Thellier M, Buffet P, Caumes E, Jauréguiberry S. Use of artesunate in non-malarial indications. Med Mal Infect 2018; 48:238-249. [PMID: 29422423 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Artesunate and other artemisinin derivatives are used in various infectious and non-infectious diseases. We aimed to analyze available data on artesunate and artemisinin derivatives activity in humans and their potential clinical benefits in non-malarial indications. MATERIAL AND METHODS Literature review performed on PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases using the PRISMA method. We analyzed studies published in English from January 2008 to August 2017 using the same indicators of drug efficacy. RESULTS We included 19 studies performed in humans (1 meta-analysis, 1 literature review, 4 randomized controlled trials, 3 prospective controlled trials, 3 prospective uncontrolled trials, 2 exploratory phase 1 or 2 trials, 1 case series, and 4 case reports). Artesunate and artemisinin derivatives demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of schistosomiasis in combination with praziquantel (P=0.003). Artesunate monotherapy was less effective than praziquantel alone (P<0.001) probably because its activity only affects the early stages of Schistosoma parasites. Artesunate monotherapy could be interesting as a chemoprophylactic drug against schistosomiasis (P<0.001). Findings seem promising but are still controversial in the treatment of multidrug-resistant CMV infections. Studies do not conclude on artesunate and artemisinin derivatives efficacy in the treatment of cervix, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. CONCLUSION Artesunate and artemisinin derivatives in combination with praziquantel were effective against schistosomiasis, and could be used as a chemoprophylactic drug alone. They could be interesting as anti-CMV and anti-tumor treatment. Additional trials in humans are required to assess the efficacy of artesunate and artemisinin derivatives in diseases other than malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Raffetin
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales et de médecine interne, CHI Lucie-et-Raymond-Aubrac, 94190 Villeneuve Saint-Georges, France
| | - F Bruneel
- Service de réanimation médicale, centre hospitalier de Versailles, hôpital André-Mignot, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - C Roussel
- Inserm, unité biologie intégrée du globule rouge, laboratoire d'excellence GR-Ex, Sorbonne universités, université Paris Descartes, INTS, 75015 Paris, France
| | - M Thellier
- Centre national de référence pour le paludisme, 75013 Paris, France; Service de parasitologie-mycologie, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - P Buffet
- Inserm, unité biologie intégrée du globule rouge, laboratoire d'excellence GR-Ex, Sorbonne universités, université Paris Descartes, INTS, 75015 Paris, France; Centre national de référence pour le paludisme, 75013 Paris, France
| | - E Caumes
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France; Inserm, institut Pierre-Louis d'épidémiologie et de santé publique (UMRS 1136), Sorbonne universités, UPMC université Paris 06, 75013 Paris, France
| | - S Jauréguiberry
- Centre national de référence pour le paludisme, 75013 Paris, France; Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France; Inserm, institut Pierre-Louis d'épidémiologie et de santé publique (UMRS 1136), Sorbonne universités, UPMC université Paris 06, 75013 Paris, France.
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Synthesis of novel C-9 carbon substituted derivatives of artemisinin. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6098-6101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Li H, Zuo J, Tang W. Water-soluble artemisinin derivatives as promising therapeutic immunosuppressants of autoimmune diseases. Cell Mol Immunol 2017; 14:cmi201787. [PMID: 28890548 PMCID: PMC5675962 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2017.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuzhongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- College of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianping Zuo
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuzhongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- College of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuzhongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- College of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
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Natural Modulators of Endosomal Toll-Like Receptor-Mediated Psoriatic Skin Inflammation. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:7807313. [PMID: 28894754 PMCID: PMC5574364 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7807313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that can be initiated by excessive activation of endosomal toll-like receptors (TLRs), particularly TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9. Therefore, inhibitors of endosomal TLR activation are being investigated for their ability to treat this disease. The currently approved biological drugs adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, ustekinumab, ixekizumab, and secukizumab are antibodies against effector cytokines that participate in the initiation and development of psoriasis. Several immune modulatory oligonucleotides and small molecular weight compounds, including IMO-3100, IMO-8400, and CPG-52364, that block the interaction between endosomal TLRs and their ligands are under clinical investigation for their effectiveness in the treatment of psoriasis. In addition, several chemical compounds, including AS-2444697, PF-05387252, PF-05388169, PF-06650833, ML120B, and PHA-408, can inhibit TLR signaling. Although these compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in animal models, their therapeutic potential for the treatment of psoriasis has not yet been tested. Recent studies demonstrated that natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, and bacteria, including mustard seed, Antrodia cinnamomea extract, curcumin, resveratrol, thiostrepton, azithromycin, and andrographolide, inhibited psoriasis-like inflammation induced by the TLR7 agonist imiquimod in animal models. These natural modulators employ different mechanisms to inhibit endosomal TLR activation and are administered via different routes. Therefore, they represent candidate psoriasis drugs and might lead to the development of new treatment options.
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Ethyl Caffeate Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Suppressing Th1 Immune Response. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:7416792. [PMID: 28706956 PMCID: PMC5494568 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7416792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to assess the antiarthritic potential of ECF in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and explore its underlying mechanism. Methods. In vitro, lymphocyte proliferation assay was measured by CCK-8 kit. In vivo, the therapeutic potential of ECF on CIA was investigated; surface marker, Treg cell, and intracellular cytokines (IL-17A and IFN-γ) were detected by flow cytometry. Th1 cell differentiation assay was performed, and mRNA expression in interferon-γ-related signaling was examined by q-PCR analysis. Results. In vitro, ECF markedly inhibited the proliferation of splenocytes in response to ConA and anti-CD3. In vivo, ECF treatment reduced the severity of CIA, inhibited IFN-γ and IL-6 secretion, and decreased the proportion of CD11b+Gr-1+ splenic neutrophil. Meanwhile, ECF treatment significantly inhibited the IFN-γ expression in CD4+T cell without obviously influencing the development of Th17 cells and T regulatory cells. In vitro, ECF suppressed the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Th1. Furthermore, ECF intensely blocked the transcriptional expression in interferon-γ-related signaling, including IFN-γ, T-bet, STAT1, and STAT4. Conclusion. Our results indicated that ECF exerted antiarthritic potential in collagen-induced arthritis by suppressing Th1 immune response and interferon-γ-related signaling.
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Mina-Osorio P. Stem Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases and Application in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. NEXT-GENERATION THERAPIES AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMMUNE-MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY DISEASES 2017. [PMCID: PMC7123283 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-42252-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Current systemic therapies help to improve the symptoms and quality of life for patients with severe life-threatening rheumatic diseases but provide no curative treatment. For the past two decades, preclinical and clinical studies of stem cell transplantation (SCT) have demonstrated tremendous therapeutic potential for patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Herein, the current advances on stem cell therapies, both in animal models and clinical studies, are discussed, with particular attention on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Despite extensive research and promising data, our knowledge on mechanisms of action for SCT, its administration route and timing, the optimal dose of cells, the cells’ fate and distribution in vivo, and the safety and efficacy of the treatments remains limited. Further research on stem cell biology is required to ensure that therapeutic safety and efficacy, as observed in animal models, can be successfully translated in clinical trials. Current understanding, limitations, and future directions for SCT with respect to rheumatic diseases are also discussed.
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Artemisinin analogue SM934 attenuate collagen-induced arthritis by suppressing T follicular helper cells and T helper 17 cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38115. [PMID: 27897259 PMCID: PMC5126690 DOI: 10.1038/srep38115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SM934 is an artemisinin analogue with immunosuppressive properties and potent therapeutic activity against lupus-like diseases in autoimmune mice. In this report, the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of SM934 on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was investigated using collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mice. We demonstrated that SM934 treatment alleviate the severity of arthritis in CIA mice with established manifestations. The therapeutic benefits were associated with ameliorated joint swelling and reduced extent of bone erosion and destruction. Further, administration of SM934 diminished the development of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and Th17 cells and suppressed the production of pathogenic antibodies, without altering the proportion of germinal center B cells. Ex vivo, SM934 treatment inhibited the bovine type II collagen (CII) induced proliferation and inflammatory cytokines secretion of CII -reactive T cells. In vitro, SM934 impeded the polarization of naïve CD4+ T cells into Tfh cells and the expression of its transcript factor Bcl-6. Moreover, SM934 decreased the IL-21-producing CD4+ T cells and dampened the IL-21 downstream signaling through STAT3. These finding offered the convincing evidence that artemisinin derivative might attenuate RA by simultaneously interfering with the generation of Tfh cells and Th17 cells as well as the subsequent antibody-mediated immune responses.
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Abou Rayia DM, Saad AE, Ashour DS, Oreiby RM. Implication of artemisinin nematocidal activity on experimental trichinellosis: In vitro and in vivo studies. Parasitol Int 2016; 66:56-63. [PMID: 27894908 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Benzimidazole drugs are used for treatment of trichinellosis, but they have a limited effect against encapsulated larval stages of Trichinella spiralis. Hence, there is a considerable interest in developing new anthelmintic drugs. Our aim is to investigate the possible effect of artemisinin on T. spiralis in in vitro and in vivo studies. T. spiralis worms were isolated from infected mice and transferred to 3 culture media; group I: with no drugs, group II: contained artemisinin and group III: contained mebendazole, then they were subjected to electron microscopic study. An in vivo study was done where mice were divided into three groups; group I: infected and untreated, group II: received artemisinin and group III: received mebendazole. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by adult and total larval counts, histopathological study of the small intestinal and muscle tissues and immunohistochemical staining of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in muscles. Adult worm teguments showed significant degeneration and destruction with both drugs. Also, significant reduction of total adult and larval counts occurred in treated groups in comparison to the control group. Histopathological examination of the small intestine and muscles showed marked improvement with reduction in the inflammatory infiltrates with both drugs. COX-2 and VEGF expressions were reduced in both treated groups with more reduction in the artemisinin-treated group. This study revealed that artemisinin has the potential to be an alternative drug against trichinellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina M Abou Rayia
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Abeer E Saad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.
| | - Dalia S Ashour
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Radwa M Oreiby
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
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An J, Minie M, Sasaki T, Woodward JJ, Elkon KB. Antimalarial Drugs as Immune Modulators: New Mechanisms for Old Drugs. Annu Rev Med 2016; 68:317-330. [PMID: 27813878 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-043015-123453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The best known of the naturally occurring antimalarial compounds are quinine, extracted from cinchona bark, and artemisinin (qinghao), extracted from Artemisia annua in China. These and other derivatives are now chemically synthesized and remain the mainstay of therapy to treat malaria. The beneficial effects of several of the antimalarial drugs (AMDs) on clinical features of autoimmune disorders were discovered by chance during World War II. In this review, we discuss the chemistry of AMDs and their mechanisms of action, emphasizing how they may impact multiple pathways of innate immunity. These pathways include Toll-like receptors and the recently described cGAS-STING pathway. Finally, we discuss the current and future impact of AMDs on systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and devastating monogenic disorders (interferonopathies) characterized by expression of type I interferon in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie An
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195; email
| | | | | | | | - Keith B Elkon
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195; email .,Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195; , , ,
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Hou L, Huang H. Immune suppressive properties of artemisinin family drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 166:123-7. [PMID: 27411673 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are the first-line antimalarial drugs, and have saved millions of lives across the globe, especially in developing world. The discovery of artemisinin by Youyou Tu was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. In addition to treating malaria, accumulating evidences suggest that artemisinin and its derivatives also possess potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. We recently showed that artesunate, an artemisinin analog, dramatically ameliorated autoimmune arthritis by selectively diminishing germinal center B cells. Herein, we review the immunosuppressive properties of artemisinin family drugs and the potential underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifei Hou
- Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, and Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Haochu Huang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, and Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
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Ebihara S, Tajima H, Ono M. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is a critical target for the treatment of glucocorticoid-resistant lupus nephritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:139. [PMID: 27301376 PMCID: PMC4908698 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1039-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator, has been proven effective for the systemic treatment of multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Nrf2 activators on human renal mesangial cells (HRMCs) and the development of lupus nephritis (LN) in mice. Methods To assess Nrf2 activation in vitro, HRMCs were treated with safe doses of Nrf2 activators and prednisolone. The expression levels of Nrf2 and its target genes were measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds were assessed by measuring tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced cytokine secretion. Experimental LN was induced in female BALB/c mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of pristane. The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was measured at 20 weeks after injection. Pathological changes as well as protein and mRNA expression levels were assessed in the kidney obtained at the experimental end point. Oral administration of DMF or prednisolone to these mice was initiated after pristane injection. Results Nrf2 activators such as sulforaphane and DMF showed anti-inflammatory effects in HRMCs, whereas glucocorticoid (prednisolone) showed partial effects. Moreover, DMF ameliorated the development of kidney diseases in pristane-induced LN mice, whereas glucocorticoid had no effect. Conclusions Nrf2 activators showed stronger anti-inflammatory and organ-protective effects than glucocorticoid in the kidney. Thus, Nrf2 activators are potential therapeutic targets in glucocorticoid-resistant LN in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ebihara
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Tajima
- Department of Clinical laboratory, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center, 280 Sakuranosato, Ibaraki, higashi-ibaraki, Ibaraki, 311-3193, Japan
| | - Masao Ono
- Department of Clinical laboratory, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center, 280 Sakuranosato, Ibaraki, higashi-ibaraki, Ibaraki, 311-3193, Japan
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Feng X, Chen W, Xiao L, Gu F, Huang J, Tsao BP, Sun L. Artesunate inhibits type I interferon-induced production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2016; 26:62-72. [PMID: 27230555 DOI: 10.1177/0961203316651738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key regulator of both atherosclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet factors leading to its overproduction remain unclear. To explore regulation of MIF in SLE, we studied effects and potential mechanisms of type I interferon (IFN) and artesunate (ART), an antimalarial agent extracted from Chinese herbs, on levels of MIF. METHODS Serum and peripheral blood cells from SLE patients and healthy controls were measured for MIF levels by ELISA and type I IFN-inducible gene expressions by real-time PCR, respectively, and assessed for associations by Spearman correlation. ART was added to human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures with or without prior IFNα-1b stimulation and to SLE peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures. Protein levels of STATs and phosphorylated (p-) STATs in HUVECs were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS Serum MIF levels were elevated in SLE patients and positively associated with disease activity (r = 0.86, p < 0.0001), accumulated damage (r = 0.34, p < 0.05), and IFN scores in SLE PBMCs (r = 0.74, p = 0.0002). The addition of IFNα-1b promoted MIF production in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HUVEC cultures. ART could inhibit expressions of IFN-inducible genes (LY6E and ISG15) in both HUVEC and SLE PBMC cultures, and suppress MIF production and over-expression of p-STAT1, but not p-STAT3 or STAT5, induced by IFNα-1b stimulation. IFNγ-induced expression of p-STAT1 in HUVECs was not inhibited by ART. CONCLUSION MIF could be regulated by type I IFN in SLE patients. ART counteracts the effect of IFNα to inhibit MIF production by blocking STAT1 phosphorylation and thus may have therapeutic potential for SLE-associated atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Feng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - W Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - L Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - F Gu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - J Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - B P Tsao
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - L Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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Long H, Xu B, Luo Y, Luo K. Artemisinin protects mice against burn sepsis through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Am J Emerg Med 2015; 34:772-7. [PMID: 26830216 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NLRP3 inflammasome activation is recently reported to be linked to the pathogenesis of sepsis. Artemisinin is shown to play beneficial effects in sepsis. However, the impacts of artemisinin on burn sepsis have not been investigated. This study is designed to investigate the role of artemisinin in burn sepsis and the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. METHODS Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into sham burn, burn, burn sepsis, and artemisinin treated groups. Inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adhesion molecules and neutrophil infiltration in lung and heart were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mortality rates were monitored. Artemisinin was added to Raw 264.7 cells that were stimulated with burn sepsis serum in the presence/absence of an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome, 3, 4-methylenedioxy-β-nitrostyrene. Interleukin (IL) 1β and IL-18 messenger RNA expression as well as NLRP3 and caspase 1 protein were measured. RESULTS Production of inflammatory cytokines in serum, levels of adhesion molecules and neutrophil infiltration in lung and heart, and mortality rate of burn septic mice were significantly higher than those of control. These effects were attenuated by artemisinin. Artemisinin down-regulated protein levels of NLRP3 and caspase 1 and inhibited the increases of IL-1β and IL-18 messenger RNA expression from Raw 264.7 cells that were stimulated with burn sepsis serum. These effects of artemisinin were not further strengthened in the presence of 4-methylenedioxy-β-nitrostyrene. CONCLUSION Artemisinin protects mice from burn sepsis by attenuating the inflammatory response and alleviating inflammatory infiltration in vital organs, likely through inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibao Long
- Department of Emergency, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Bincan Xu
- Department of Emergency, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Yanling Luo
- Department of Emergency, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Keqin Luo
- Department of Emergency, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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Wu YW, Tang W, Zuo JP. Toll-like receptors: potential targets for lupus treatment. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:1395-407. [PMID: 26592511 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2015.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by the loss of tolerance to self-nuclear antigens. Accumulating evidence shows that Toll-like receptors (TLRs), previously proven to be critical for host defense, are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by recognition of self-molecules. Genome-wide association studies, experimental mouse models and clinical sample studies have provided evidence for the involvement of TLRs, including TLR2/4, TLR5, TLR3 and TLR7/8/9, in SLE pathogenesis. A number of downstream proteins in the TLR signaling cascade (such as MyD88, IRAKs and IFN-α) are identified as potential therapeutic targets for SLE treatment. Numerous antagonists targeting TLR signaling, including oligonucleotides, small molecular inhibitors and antibodies, are currently under preclinical studies or clinical trials for SLE treatment. Moreover, the emerging new manipulation of TLR signaling by microRNA (miRNA) regulation shows promise for the future treatment of SLE.
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Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory functions of artemisinin and its derivatives. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:435713. [PMID: 25960615 PMCID: PMC4415672 DOI: 10.1155/2015/435713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are widely used in the world as the first-line antimalarial drug. Recently, growing evidences reveal that artemisinin and its derivatives also possess potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. Meanwhile, researchers around the world are still exploring the unknown bioactivities of artemisinin derivatives. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion on recent advances of artemisinin derivatives affecting inflammation and autoimmunity, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and also drug development of artemisinins beyond antimalarial functions.
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Wu Y, He S, Bai B, Zhang L, Xue L, Lin Z, Yang X, Zhu F, He P, Tang W, Zuo J. Therapeutic effects of the artemisinin analog SM934 on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice via inhibition of TLR-triggered B-cell activation and plasma cell formation. Cell Mol Immunol 2015; 13:379-90. [PMID: 25942599 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2015.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 01/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that SM934, a water-soluble artemisinin derivative, was a viable treatment in murine lupus models. In the current study, we further investigated the therapeutic effects of a modified dosage regimen of SM934 on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice and explored its effects on B cell responses, a central pathogenic event in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). When orally administered twice-daily, SM934 significantly prolonged the life-span of MRL/lpr mice, ameliorated the lymphadenopathy symptoms and decreased the levels of serum anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) and of the pathogenic cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and IL-21. Furthermore, SM934 treatment restored the B-cell compartment in the spleen of MRL/lpr mice by increasing quiescent B cell numbers, maintaining germinal center B-cell numbers, decreasing activated B cell numbers and reducing plasma cell (PC) numbers. Ex vivo, SM934 suppressed the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-triggered activation and proliferation of B cells, as well as antibody secretion. Moreover, the present study demonstrated that SM934 interfered with the B-cell intrinsic pathway by downregulating TLR7/9 mRNA expression, MyD88 protein expression and NF-κB phosphorylation. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), consistent with the results in MRL/lpr mice, SM934 inhibited TLR-associated B-cell activation and PC differentiation. In conclusion, a twice daily dosing regimen of SM934 had therapeutic effects on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice by suppressing B cell activation and plasma cell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Wu
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shijun He
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingxin Bai
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Xue
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zemin Lin
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqian Yang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenghua Zhu
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Peilan He
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Zuo
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Li TT, Zhang XH, Jing JF, Li X, Yang XQ, Zhu FH, Tang W, Zuo JP. Artemisinin analogue SM934 ameliorates the proteinuria and renal fibrosis in rat experimental membranous nephropathy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:188-99. [PMID: 25619396 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2014.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM SM934 is a novel water-soluble artemisinin derivative with immunoregulatory activities that has been used to treat murine lupus nephritis. In the current study, we investigated the effects of SM934 on rat experimental membranous nephropathy. METHODS Passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) was induced in SD rats by intraperitoneal injection of anti-Fx1A serum. The rats were orally administered SM934 (12.5 and 25 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) or prednisolone (5 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) for 28 d. Blood and urine sample, and kidney tissue were collected for analyses. Human complement C3a-induced injury of HK-2 cells was used for in vitro experiments. RESULTS Treatment of PHN rats with SM934 or prednisolone attenuated the progression of glomerulonephritis and renal fibrosis, as evidenced by the reduced level of proteinuria and circulating antibodies, as well as by the reduced immune complex deposition, reversed podocyte injuries, and attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the kidneys. Furthermore, the two drugs suppressed TGF-β1 expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation, and increased Smad7 expression in the kidneys. The two doses of SM934 produced almost identical therapeutic effects on PHN rats. Pretreatment with SM934 or a C3a receptor antagonist blocked the C3a-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HK-2 cells in vitro. CONCLUSION SM934 ameliorates kidney injury and attenuates the tubulointerstitial fibrosis in PHN rats by down-regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
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Hou L, Block KE, Huang H. Artesunate abolishes germinal center B cells and inhibits autoimmune arthritis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104762. [PMID: 25116436 PMCID: PMC4130578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The antimalarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives exhibit potent immunosuppressive activity in several autoimmune disease models, however the mechanisms are not well-understood. This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of the artemisinin analog artesunate using the K/BxN mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. The well-studied disease mechanisms of K/BxN model allowed us to pinpoint the effect of artesunate on disease. Artesunate treatment prevented arthritis development in young K/BxN mice by inhibiting germinal center (GC) formation and production of autoantibodies. In adult K/BxN mice with established arthritis, artesunate diminished GC B cells in a few days. However, artesunate did not affect the follicular helper T cells (Tfh). In contrast to the spontaneous K/BxN model, artesunate treatment exerted minor influence on K/BxN serum transfer induced arthritis suggesting that artesunate has minimal effect on inflammatory responses downstream of antibody production. Finally, we showed that artesunate preferentially inhibits proliferating GC B cells. These results identify GC B cells as a target of artesunate and provide a new rationale for using artemisinin analogues to treat autoimmune diseases mediated by autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifei Hou
- Department of Medicine and Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Katharine E. Block
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Haochu Huang
- Department of Medicine and Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Feng J, Wu Y, Yang Y, Jiang W, Hu S, Li Y, Yang Y. Humulus scandens Exhibits Immunosuppressive Effects in Vitro and in Vivo by Suppressing CD4+ T Cell Activation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2014; 42:921-34. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x1450058x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Humulus scandens, rich in flavonoids, is a traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely used in China to treat tuberculosis, dysentery and chronic colitis. In this study, the major active faction of Humulus scandens (H.S) was prepared. Then, its immunosuppressive effects and underlying mechanisms on T cell activation were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that H.S significantly inhibited the proliferation of splenocytes induced by concanavalin A, lipopolysaccharides, and mixed-lymphocyte reaction in vitro. Additionally, H.S could dramatically suppress the proliferation and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production from T cells stimulated by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28. Flow cytometric results confirmed that H.S could suppress the differentiation of IFN-γ-producing type 1 helper T cells (Th1). Furthermore, using ovalbumin immunization-induced T cell reaction and CD4+ T-cell-mediated delayed type hypersensitivity reaction, H.S the immunosuppressive effects of H.S was also demonstrated in vivo. Western blot results showed that H.S could impede the activation of both Erk1/2 and P38 in primary T cells triggered by anti-CD3/28. Collectively, the active fraction of H.S showed promising immunosuppressive activities both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Feng
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yingchun Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Weiqi Jiang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Shaoping Hu
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yiming Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yifu Yang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Artemisinins: Pharmacological actions beyond anti-malarial. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 142:126-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Yan JW, Wang YJ, Peng WJ, Tao JH, Wan YN, Li BZ, Mei B, Chen B, Yao H, Yang GJ, Li XP, Ye DQ, Wang J. Therapeutic potential of interleukin-17 in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2013; 18:29-41. [PMID: 24147601 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2013.843669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a proinflammatory cytokine that mainly produced by T helper 17 (Th17) cells. In this article, we discussed the role of IL-17 in inflammation and autoimmune diseases, and the therapeutic strategies targeting IL-17. AREAS COVERED In this article, we discussed the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17 and IL-17 receptors signals, and their regulation. IL-17 expression was abnormal in the bacterium, virus and fungus infection, and its higher level caused the tissue inflammation. IL-17 was involved in the pathological process of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus erythematosus, and IL-17 has been put as a therapeutic target in the clinic. EXPERT OPINION IL-17/IL-17R signals and their application in inflammation process still need to be explored. Therapeutic strategies targeting IL-17 in autoimmune diseases ameliorated the inadequate response to anti-TNF-α therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Wei Yan
- Anhui Medical University, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , NO.81, Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, PR , China +86 551 65161175 ; +86 551 65161126 ;
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Chafin CB, Regna NL, Hammond SE, Reilly CM. Cellular and urinary microRNA alterations in NZB/W mice with hydroxychloroquine or prednisone treatment. Int Immunopharmacol 2013; 17:894-906. [PMID: 24121037 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Determining alterations to disease-associated miRNAs induced by specific therapeutics may allow the use of tailored therapy in lupus. We determined miRNA alterations in female NZB/W lupus mice treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or prednisone (PRED) for 12 weeks beginning at 24 weeks-of-age. B cell, PBMC, and urinary miR-let-7a expression were decreased with HCQ or PRED treatment. HCQ or PRED treatment reduced miR-21 expression in mesangial cells, T cells, pDCs, PBMCs, and the urine. MiR-146a expression was reduced in mesangial cells with HCQ treatment and in pDCs with HCQ or PRED treatment. PRED treatment increased miR-155 expression in mesangial, B, and T cells and PBMCs yet decreased miR-155 expression in pDCs and the urine. In vitro studies confirmed that HCQ or PRED's anti-inflammatory actions are dependent on their ability to inhibit miRNA expression. Our studies indicate that lupus therapeutics may work, in part, by altering the expression of disease-associated miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristen B Chafin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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Li X, Li TT, Zhang XH, Hou LF, Yang XQ, Zhu FH, Tang W, Zuo JP. Artemisinin analogue SM934 ameliorates murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through enhancing the expansion and functions of regulatory T cell. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74108. [PMID: 24009768 PMCID: PMC3756992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Artemisinin analogue SM934 was previously reported to possess immunosuppressive properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effects and the underlying mechanisms of SM934 in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods Female C57BL/6 mice immunized with MOG35–55 were treated with or without SM934, then the clinical scores and other relevant parameters were assessed. Th1, Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cell profiles were determined through ELISA, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and BrdU incorporation assay. The effects of SM934 on Th1, Th17 and Treg cells differentiation were explored through intracellular staining and flow cytometry examination. Results In vivo, administration of SM934 significantly inhibited the development of EAE and suppressed the elevation of serum IL-17. Ex vivo, upon antigen-recall stimulation, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-6 production were decreased, whereas IL-10 and TGF-β production were increased from the splenocytes isolated from SM934-treated mice. Consistently, both flow cytometry and qRT-PCR results showed that SM934 treatment significantly increased the Treg, while strongly suppressed the Th17 and Th1, responses in the peripheral. Furthermore, in the spinal lesion, SM934 treatment dramatically decreased the infiltration of CD4+ T cells, within which the Treg cells percentage was enlarged, whereas the Th17, but not Th1 percentage, was significantly decreased comparing with the vehicle-treated groups. Finally, both BrdU incorporation and in vitro Treg differentiation assays revealed that SM934 treatment could directly promote the expansion of Treg cells in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion Taken together, this study demonstrated that SM934 treatment could ameliorate the murine EAE disease, which might be mediated by inducing Treg differentiation and expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian-Tian Li
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Fei Hou
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qian Yang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng-Hua Zhu
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Tang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (JPZ); (WT)
| | - Jian-Ping Zuo
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (JPZ); (WT)
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Kong FY, Chen W, He SJ, Lin ZM, Li X, Zhang XH, Yang XQ, Zhu FH, Tong XK, Zhou Y, Tang W, Duan WH, Zuo JP. Mycophenolic acid derivative 118 improves outcome of skin grafts by suppressing IL-17 production. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2013; 34:921-9. [PMID: 23645010 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2013.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of 118, a novel derivative of mycophenolic acid, in a murine allogeneic skin graft model. METHODS Skin grafts were conducted by grafting BALB/c donor tail skin into C57BL/6 skin beds (allograft) or by grafting female C57BL/6 donor tail skin into female C57BL/6 skin beds (syngraft). The mice were treated with the derivative 118 (40 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), po) for 13 d (3 d before and 10 d after transplantation). Skin grafts, splenocytes and graft-infiltrated lymphocytes were isolated and examined ex vivo. The effects of the derivative 118 on naive CD4(+) T cell differentiation were examined in vitro. RESULTS Treatment with the derivative 118 dramatically increased the survival rate of murine allogeneic skin grafts. Flow cytometric analysis and H&E staining showed that the derivative significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration into the grafts. The levels of the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL7, and CCL2 were reduced in the derivative 118-treated grafts. Additionally, the derivative 118 significantly suppressed the IL-17 levels in the grafts but did not affect the differentiation of systemic helper T cells in the murine allogeneic skin graft model. Furthermore, IL-23p19 expression was suppressed in the grafts from the derivative 118-treated group, which might be due to decreases in TLR4 and MyD88 expression. Finally, the derivative 118 did not exert direct influences on helper T cell differentiation in vitro. CONCLUSION Treatment with the mycophenolic acid derivative 118 improves murine allogeneic skin grafts by decreasing IL-23 expression and suppressing local IL-17 secretion in the grafts, rather than directly inhibiting Th17 differentiation.
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