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Nilforoushzadeh MA, Heidari N, Heidari A, Ghane Y, Lotfi Z, Jaffary F, Najar Nobari M, Najar Nobari N. The role of BAFF and BAFF-R inhibitors in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia; a focused review. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111827. [PMID: 38460303 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune-driven disease characterized by increased destruction and impaired platelet production resulting in an enhanced risk of bleeding. Immunosuppressant agents are the most common treatment strategies for ITP. Despite their efficacy, these medications often cause unpredictable side effects. Recent investigations revealed that patients with ITP exhibit elevated B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels in both their spleens and serum. Belimumab, a BAFF inhibitor, illustrated a promising therapeutic avenue for managing ITP by interfering with BAFF activity and long-lived plasma cell production. Both clinical and experimental studies have yielded positive outcomes when combining rituximab with an anti-BAFF monoclonal antibody in treating ITP. In addition, ianalumab, a monoclonal antibody with a dual mechanism that targets BAFF-R and deletes peripheral BAFF-R+ B cells, is currently being used for ITP treatment [NCT05885555]. The upcoming results from novel BAFF inhibitors, such as ianalumab, could offer clinicians an additional therapeutic option for treating ITP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Nilforoushzadeh
- Skin Repair Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nazila Heidari
- Skin Repair Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amirhossein Heidari
- Skin Repair Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Yekta Ghane
- Skin Repair Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Lotfi
- Skin Repair Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fariba Jaffary
- Skin Repair Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Minou Najar Nobari
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Niloufar Najar Nobari
- Skin Repair Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Dermatology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Min Q, Csomos K, Li Y, Dong L, Hu Z, Meng X, Yu M, Walter JE, Wang JY. B cell abnormalities and autoantibody production in patients with partial RAG deficiency. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1155380. [PMID: 37475856 PMCID: PMC10354446 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1155380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the recombination activating gene 1 (RAG1) and RAG2 in humans are associated with a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes, from severe combined immunodeficiency to immune dysregulation. Partial (hypomorphic) RAG deficiency (pRD) in particular, frequently leads to hyperinflammation and autoimmunity, with several underlying intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms causing a break in tolerance centrally and peripherally during T and B cell development. However, the relative contributions of these processes to immune dysregulation remain unclear. In this review, we specifically focus on the recently described tolerance break and B cell abnormalities, as well as consequent molecular and cellular mechanisms of autoantibody production in patients with pRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Min
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Krisztian Csomos
- Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology, University of South Florida at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
| | - Yaxuan Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Dong
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziying Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin Meng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiping Yu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jolan E Walter
- Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology, University of South Florida at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
- Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ji-Yang Wang
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Shanghai Huashen Institute of Microbes and Infections, Shanghai, China
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3
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Merino-Vico A, Frazzei G, van Hamburg JP, Tas SW. Targeting B cells and plasma cells in autoimmune diseases: From established treatments to novel therapeutic approaches. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2149675. [PMID: 36314264 PMCID: PMC10099814 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the recognition of self-antigens by the immune system, which leads to inflammation and tissue damage. B cells are directly and indirectly involved in the pathophysiology of autoimmunity, both via antigen-presentation to T cells and production of proinflammatory cytokines and/or autoantibodies. Consequently, B lineage cells have been identified as therapeutic targets in autoimmune diseases. B cell depleting strategies have proven beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), multiple sclerosis (MS), and a wide range of other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). However, not all patients respond to treatment or may not reach (drug-free) remission. Moreover, B cell depleting therapies do not always target all B cell subsets, such as short-lived and long-lived plasma cells. These cells play an active role in autoimmunity and in certain diseases their depletion would be beneficial to achieve disease remission. In the current review article, we provide an overview of novel strategies to target B lineage cells in autoimmune diseases, with the focus on rheumatic diseases. Both advanced therapies that have recently become available and more experimental treatments that may reach the clinic in the near future are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Merino-Vico
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Giulia Frazzei
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan Piet van Hamburg
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sander W Tas
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
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4
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Giovannini D, Belbezier A, Baillet A, Bouillet L, Kawano M, Dumestre-Perard C, Clavarino G, Noble J, Pers JO, Sturm N, Huard B. Heterogeneity of antibody-secreting cells infiltrating autoimmune tissues. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1111366. [PMID: 36895558 PMCID: PMC9989216 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1111366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The humoral response is frequently dysfunctioning in autoimmunity with a frequent rise in total serum immunoglobulins, among which are found autoantibodies that may be pathogenic by themselves and/or propagate the inflammatory reaction. The infiltration of autoimmune tissues by antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) constitutes another dysfunction. The known high dependency of ASCs on the microenvironment to survive combined to the high diversity of infiltrated tissues implies that ASCs must adapt. Some tissues even within a single clinical autoimmune entity are devoid of infiltration. The latter means that either the tissue is not permissive or ASCs fail to adapt. The origin of infiltrated ASCs is also variable. Indeed, ASCs may be commonly generated in the secondary lymphoid organ draining the autoimmune tissue, and home at the inflammation site under the guidance of specific chemokines. Alternatively, ASCs may be generated locally, when ectopic germinal centers are formed in the autoimmune tissue. Alloimmune tissues with the example of kidney transplantation will also be discussed own to their high similarity with autoimmune tissues. It should also be noted that antibody production is not the only function of ASCs, since cells with regulatory functions have also been described. This article will review all the phenotypic variations indicative of tissue adaptation described so for at the level of ASC-infiltrating auto/alloimmune tissues. The aim is to potentially define tissue-specific molecular targets in ASCs to improve the specificity of future autoimmune treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Giovannini
- Department of Pathology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France.,Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France
| | - Aude Belbezier
- Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France.,Department of Internal Medicine, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Athan Baillet
- Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France.,Department of Rheumatology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Laurence Bouillet
- Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France.,Department of Internal Medicine, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Mitsuhiro Kawano
- Department of Rheumatology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Johan Noble
- Department of Nephrology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Jacques-Olivier Pers
- B Lymphocytes, Autoimmunity and Immunotherapies, Brest University, INSERM, UMR1227, Brest, France.,Odontology Unit, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - Nathalie Sturm
- Department of Pathology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France.,Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France
| | - Bertrand Huard
- Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France
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5
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Eslami M, Willen D, Papasouliotis O, Schuepbach-Mallpell S, Willen L, Donzé O, Yalkinoglu Ö, Schneider P. Kinetics of free and ligand-bound atacicept in human serum. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1035556. [PMID: 36532058 PMCID: PMC9756848 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1035556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BAFF (B cell activation factor of the TNF family/B lymphocyte stimulator, BLyS) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) are targeted by atacicept, a decoy receptor consisting of the extracellular domain of TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin (CAML) interactor) fused to the Fc portion of human IgG1. The purpose of the study was to characterize free and ligand-bound atacicept in humans. Total and active atacicept in serum of healthy volunteers receiving a single dose of subcutaneous atacicept or in patients treated weekly for one year were measured by ELISA, Western blot, or cell-based assays. Pharmacokinetics of free and bound atacicept were predicted based on total atacicept ELISA results. Persistence of complexes of purified atacicept bound to recombinant ligands was also monitored in mice. Results show that unbound or active atacicept in human serum exceeded 0.1 µg/ml for one week post administration, or throughout a 1-year treatment with weekly administrations. After a single administration of atacicept, endogenous BAFF bound to atacicept was detected after 8 h then increased about 100-fold within 2 to 4 weeks. Endogenous heteromers of BAFF and APRIL bound to atacicept also accumulated, but atacicept-APRIL complexes were not detected. In mice receiving intravenous injections of purified complexes pre-formed in vitro, atacicept-BAFF persisted longer (more than a week) than atacicept-APRIL (less than a day). Thus, only biologically inactive BAFF and BAFF-APRIL heteromers accumulate on atacicept in vivo. The measure of active atacicept provides further support for the once-weekly dosing regimen implemented in the clinical development of atacicept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Eslami
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Willen
- Clinical Pharmacology, Translational Medicine, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Orestis Papasouliotis
- Translational Medicine, Merck Institute for Pharmacometrics (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Laure Willen
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Özkan Yalkinoglu
- Clinical Pharmacology, Translational Medicine, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Pascal Schneider,
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6
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Kang N, Liu X, You X, Sun W, Haneef K, Sun X, Liu W. Aberrant B-Cell Activation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. KIDNEY DISEASES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 8:437-445. [PMID: 36590680 PMCID: PMC9798842 DOI: 10.1159/000527213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background B lymphocytes (B cells) are essential in humoral response, and their activation is an important first step for the production of antibodies. However, aberrant B-cell activation is common in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is characterized by the generation of superfluous autoantibodies. SLE exhibits clinical manifestation such as excessive inflammation and tissue damage. This review aims to summarize the recent emerging studies on aberrant B-cell activation and the associated concurrent therapeutic targets in SLE. Summary Aberrant B-cell activation is closely associated with the pathogenesis of SLE. Among a variety of mechanisms, dysregulations of B-cell receptor (BCR), toll-like receptor (TLR), and B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) pathways are the common and dominating factors involved in aberrant B-cell activation. These aberrant signaling transductions play diverse and integrated roles in the development and the pathogenesis of SLE. Therapies targeting aberrant B-cell activation have shown promising efficacy in achieving the clinical alleviation of SLE, suggesting the discovery of new drug targets from these aberrant signaling pathways is imminent. Here, an integrated survey or review of published high-throughput sequencing database covering RNAs of B cells from SLE versus criteria-matched healthy controls highlights that reported signaling molecules in BCR pathway (VAV2, PLC-γ2), TLR pathway (TLR9, P105, IRF7, TAB1), and BAFF-R pathway (SDF-1α) are attitudinally upregulated in SLE patients. This review thus suggests the concurrent and future therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers in both basic and clinical studies of SLE. Key Messages This review focuses on core B-cell signaling pathways, discussing the progress in the role of aberrant B-cell activation during the pathogenesis of SLE. This review also highlights the signaling molecules from published studies and database for the possible prevention and treatment targets serving the future clinical treatments of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Kang
- Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohang Liu
- Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xujie You
- Department of Rheumatology, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenbo Sun
- Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kabeer Haneef
- Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing Key Lab for Rheumatism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wanli Liu
- Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Macrophages in Lupus Nephritis: Exploring a potential new therapeutic avenue. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2022; 21:103211. [PMID: 36252930 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that occurs in about half of patients. LN is characterized by glomerular deposition of immune complexes, leading to subendothelial, mesangial and subepithelial electron dense deposits, triggering immune cell infiltration and glomerular as well as tubulointerstitial injury. Monocytes and macrophages are abundantly present in inflammatory lesions, both in glomeruli and the tubulointerstitium. Here we discuss how monocytes and macrophages are involved in this process and how monocytes and macrophages may represent specific therapeutic targets to control LN.
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8
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Manolakou T, Nikolopoulos D, Gkikas D, Filia A, Samiotaki M, Stamatakis G, Fanouriakis A, Politis P, Banos A, Alissafi T, Verginis P, Boumpas DT. ATR-mediated DNA damage responses underlie aberrant B cell activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo5840. [PMID: 36306362 PMCID: PMC9616496 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo5840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
B cells orchestrate autoimmune responses in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but broad-based B cell-directed therapies show only modest efficacy while blunting humoral immune responses to vaccines and inducing immunosuppression. Development of more effective therapies targeting pathogenic clones is a currently unmet need. Here, we demonstrate enhanced activation of the ATR/Chk1 pathway of the DNA damage response (DDR) in B cells of patients with active SLE disease. Treatment of B cells with type I IFN, a key driver of immunity in SLE, induced expression of ATR via binding of interferon regulatory factor 1 to its gene promoter. Pharmacologic targeting of ATR in B cells, via a specific inhibitor (VE-822), attenuated their immunogenic profile, including proinflammatory cytokine secretion, plasmablast formation, and antibody production. Together, these findings identify the ATR-mediated DDR axis as the orchestrator of the type I IFN-mediated B cell responses in SLE and as a potential novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Manolakou
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Corresponding author. (T.M.); (P.V.); (D.T.B.)
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Filia
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Martina Samiotaki
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Vari, Attica, Greece
- Centre of New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine (CNBPM) School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 115 27, Greece
| | - George Stamatakis
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Vari, Attica, Greece
- Centre of New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine (CNBPM) School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 115 27, Greece
| | | | - Panagiotis Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, 1516, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Aggelos Banos
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Themis Alissafi
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Panayotis Verginis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, 700 13 Heraklion, Greece
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Division of Basic Sciences, University of Crete Medical School, 700 13 Heraklion, Greece
- Corresponding author. (T.M.); (P.V.); (D.T.B.)
| | - Dimitrios T. Boumpas
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 124 62 Athens, Greece
- Corresponding author. (T.M.); (P.V.); (D.T.B.)
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9
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Ben Mrid R, Bouchmaa N, Ainani H, El Fatimy R, Malka G, Mazini L. Anti-rheumatoid drugs advancements: New insights into the molecular treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113126. [PMID: 35643074 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of more than 100 types of arthritis. This chronic autoimmune disorder affects the lining of synovial joints in about 0.5% of people and may induce severe joints deformity and disability. RA impacts health life of people from all sexes and ages with more prevalence in elderly and women people. Significant improvement has been noted in the last two decades revealing the mechanisms of the development of RA, the improvement of the early diagnosis and the development of new treatment options. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) remain the most known treatments used against RA. However, not all patients respond well to these drugs and therefore, new solutions are of immense need to improve the disease outcomes. In the present review, we discuss and highlight the recent findings concerning the different classes of RA therapies including the conventional and modern drug therapies, as well as the recent emerging options including the phyto-cannabinoid and cell- and RNA-based therapies. A better understanding of their mechanisms and pathways might help find a specific target against inflammation, cartilage damage, and reduce side effects in arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda Ben Mrid
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Najat Bouchmaa
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Hassan Ainani
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Rachid El Fatimy
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Gabriel Malka
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Loubna Mazini
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco.
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10
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Atzeni F, Gozza F, Cafaro G, Perricone C, Bartoloni E. Cardiovascular Involvement in Sjögren’s Syndrome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:879516. [PMID: 35634284 PMCID: PMC9134348 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.879516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sjögren Syndrome (SS) seems to be associated with a greater “overall risk” of cardiovascular (CV) and cerebrovascular events. Although not conventionally considered a feature of the disease, CV events represent a major burden in SS patients. CV risk is the consequence of a complex combination of multiple factors, including traditional risk factors and disease-related mechanisms. A complex relationships between disease-related features, endothelial dysfunction and traditional risk factor has been suggested. Several drugs are available for treating the systemic manifestations of SS, however they have shown positive effects on different outcomes of the disease, but until today the data on the role of these drugs on CV events are scarse. Given these data, the aim of this review was to evaluate the risk of CV risk in primary SS and the effect of the drugs on this manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Atzeni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- *Correspondence: Fabiola Atzeni,
| | - Francesco Gozza
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giacomo Cafaro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carlo Perricone
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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11
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van Beers JJBC, Damoiseaux JGMC. Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases with Therapeutic Antibodies: Lessons Learned from PID Patients Allow for Stratification of the Infection Risk. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2313:27-44. [PMID: 34478130 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1450-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, a wide variety of therapeutic antibodies has been successfully introduced in the autoimmunology clinic and many more are on the edge to follow. Many of these treatments address either a pathogenic circulating molecule or a cell-bound molecule. Whereas the former target results in neutralization of the soluble factor, the latter target either inhibits cellular function or induces selective cell death. If this targeted molecule or cell is part of the immune system, this therapy evokes a state of immunodeficiency. Knowing the exact function of the respective components enables the risk stratification for possible infectious complications in patients treated with biologics. Much of the understanding of the function of immune cells and their associated molecules, in relation to redundancy in the immune system, is derived from studies in knockout mice. However, as mice are not men in terms of their life-expectancy, their infection exposure, or the composition of their immune system, the most useful knowledge for estimating the consequence of therapeutic intervention on immune competence comes from monitoring patients. In the current chapter, we focus on patients with a primary immunodeficiency (PID) because they provide us with a unique perspective to estimate the redundancy of a certain genetic defect for overall immune competence. These patients have inborn errors of the immune system that, in general, are due to single gene defects. Depending on the immunological pathway that is defective, patients can present with different types of (opportunistic) infectious diseases, as well as other clinical manifestations. Based on selected examples, we focus in this chapter on finding parallels in the infectious risk of autoimmune patients treated with biologics and PID patients with a defect in the immunological pathway that is affected by the respective biologic. The goal is to learn from the (dis)similarities between both patient populations in terms of safety profiles of biologic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce J B C van Beers
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan G M C Damoiseaux
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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12
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Kaegi C, Steiner UC, Wuest B, Crowley C, Boyman O. Systematic review of safety and efficacy of belimumab in treating immune-mediated disorders. Allergy 2021; 76:2673-2683. [PMID: 33368349 DOI: 10.1111/all.14704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biologic agents (also termed biologics or biologicals) are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. However, the diversity of clinical trials along with the fast pace of publication makes it difficult to determine the level of evidence for the use of a biologic for a given disorder. To address this challenge, we are publishing a series of systematic reviews evaluating the safety and efficacy of B cell-targeting biologics for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. In this article, we have assessed the safety and efficacy of belimumab, a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the cytokine B cell-activating factor (BAFF). OBJECTIVE To evaluate belimumab's safety and efficacy for the treatment of immune-mediated disorders compared to placebo, conventional treatment or other biologics. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist guided the reporting of the data. We searched the PubMed database between October 4, 2016, and June 23, 2019, concentrating on immune-mediated disorders. RESULTS The literature search identified 583 articles. After screening titles and abstracts against the inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessing full texts, 17 articles were finally included in a narrative synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Belimumab is both safe and effective for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Results were further promising for the use of belimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome. Conversely, results using belimumab in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and myasthenia gravis were rather disappointing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Kaegi
- Department of Immunology University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Urs C. Steiner
- Department of Immunology University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Wuest
- Department of Immunology University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Catherine Crowley
- Department of Immunology University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
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13
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APRIL limits atherosclerosis by binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Nature 2021; 597:92-96. [PMID: 34433968 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03818-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease causes heart attacks and strokes, which are the leading causes of mortality worldwide1. The formation of atherosclerotic plaques is initiated when low-density lipoproteins bind to heparan-sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs)2 and become trapped in the subendothelial space of large and medium size arteries, which leads to chronic inflammation and remodelling of the artery wall2. A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is a cytokine that binds to HSPGs3, but the physiology of this interaction is largely unknown. Here we show that genetic ablation or antibody-mediated depletion of APRIL aggravates atherosclerosis in mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that APRIL confers atheroprotection by binding to heparan sulfate chains of heparan-sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2), which limits the retention of low-density lipoproteins, accumulation of macrophages and formation of necrotic cores. Indeed, antibody-mediated depletion of APRIL in mice expressing heparan sulfate-deficient HSPG2 had no effect on the development of atherosclerosis. Treatment with a specific anti-APRIL antibody that promotes the binding of APRIL to HSPGs reduced experimental atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the serum levels of a form of human APRIL protein that binds to HSPGs, which we termed non-canonical APRIL (nc-APRIL), are associated independently of traditional risk factors with long-term cardiovascular mortality in patients with atherosclerosis. Our data reveal properties of APRIL that have broad pathophysiological implications for vascular homeostasis.
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14
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Olaso D, Manook M, Moris D, Knechtle S, Kwun J. Optimal Immunosuppression Strategy in the Sensitized Kidney Transplant Recipient. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3656. [PMID: 34441950 PMCID: PMC8396983 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with previous sensitization events against anti-human leukocyte antigens (HLA) often have circulating anti-HLA antibodies. Following organ transplantation, sensitized patients have higher rates of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) compared to those who are non-sensitized. More stringent donor matching is required for these patients, which results in a reduced donor pool and increased time on the waitlist. Current approaches for sensitized patients focus on reducing preformed antibodies that preclude transplantation; however, this type of desensitization does not modulate the primed immune response in sensitized patients. Thus, an optimized maintenance immunosuppressive regimen is necessary for highly sensitized patients, which may be distinct from non-sensitized patients. In this review, we will discuss the currently available therapeutic options for induction, maintenance, and adjuvant immunosuppression for sensitized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stuart Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (D.O.); (M.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (D.O.); (M.M.); (D.M.)
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15
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Eslami M, Schneider P. Function, occurrence and inhibition of different forms of BAFF. Curr Opin Immunol 2021; 71:75-80. [PMID: 34182216 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
B cell activating factor (BAFF or BLyS), an important cytokine for B cell survival and humoral immune responses, is targeted in the clinic for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. This review focuses on the structure, function and inhibition profiles of membrane-bound BAFF, soluble BAFF 3-mer and soluble BAFF 60-mer, all of which have distinct properties. BAFF contains a loop region not required for receptor binding but essential for receptor activation via promotion of BAFF-to-BAFF contacts. This loop region additionally allows formation of BAFF 60-mer, in which epitopes of the BAFF inhibitor belimumab are inaccessible. If 60-mer forms in humans, it is predicted to be short-lived and to act locally because adult serum contains a BAFF 60-mer dissociating activity. Cord blood contains elevated levels of BAFF, part of which displays attributes of 60-mer, suggesting a role for this form of BAFF in the development of foetal or neonate B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Eslami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.
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16
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Depascale R, Gatto M, Zen M, Saccon F, Larosa M, Zanatta E, Bindoli S, Doria A, Iaccarino L. Belimumab: a step forward in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:563-573. [PMID: 33630721 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1895744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic B cell-mediated autoimmune disease which can potentially involve several organs and systems. The development of SLE is associated with a complexity of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors leading to immune deregulation and production of autoantibodies. Therefore, novel therapies have focused on B cells as key effectors of SLE pathogenesis. Belimumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that antagonizes B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS); it is the first and the only biological drug approved for SLE in over 50 years.Areas covered: In this review we discuss the pharmacological properties of belimumab, new recommendations for its use in clinical practice and its evidence of efficacy and safety based on clinical trial and real-life data.Expert opinion: Efficacy and safety of belimumab in clinical practice have been well established. To date, it is known that early introduction of belimumab in SLE can maximize the efficacy of the drug. A number of questions are still open, such as the timing of belimumab discontinuation and its possible association with other biological drugs, which need to be assessed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Zen
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Sara Bindoli
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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17
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Zhang K, Roy NK, Vicioso Y, Woo J, Beck R, de Lima M, Caimi P, Feinberg D, Parameswaran R. BAFF receptor antibody for mantle cell lymphoma therapy. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1893501. [PMID: 33747637 PMCID: PMC7939563 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1893501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive form of B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and remains incurable under current treatment modalities. One of the main reasons for treatment failure is the development of drug resistance. Accumulating evidence suggests that B cell activating factor (BAFF) and BAFF receptor (BAFF-R) play an important role in the proliferation and survival of malignant B cells. High serum BAFF levels are often correlated with poor drug response and relapse in MCL patients. Our study shows that BAFF-R is expressed on both MCL patient cells and cell lines. BAFF-R knockdown leads to MCL cell death showing the importance of BAFF-R signaling in MCL survival. Moderate knockdown of BAFF-R in MCL cells did not affect its viability, but sensitized them to cytarabine treatment in vitro and in vivo, with prolonged mice survival. Anti-BAFF-R antibody treatment promoted drug-induced MCL cell death. Conversely, the addition of recombinant BAFF (rhBAFF) to MCL cells protected them from cytarabine-induced apoptosis. We tested the efficacy of a humanized defucosylated ADCC optimized anti-BAFF-R antibody in killing MCL. Our data show both in vitro and in vivo efficacy of this antibody for MCL therapy. To conclude, our data indicate that BAFF/BAFF-R signaling is crucial for survival and involved in drug resistance of MCL. Targeting BAFF-R using BAFF-R antibody might be a promising therapeutical strategy to treat MCL patients resistant to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keman Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nand K Roy
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yorleny Vicioso
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Janghee Woo
- Novartis Institute for BioMedical Research, Translational Clinical Oncology, NJ, USA
| | - Rose Beck
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Marcos de Lima
- Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Paolo Caimi
- Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel Feinberg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Reshmi Parameswaran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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18
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Chauhan PS, Wagner JG, Benninghoff AD, Lewandowski RP, Favor OK, Wierenga KA, Gilley KN, Ross EA, Harkema JR, Pestka JJ. Rapid Induction of Pulmonary Inflammation, Autoimmune Gene Expression, and Ectopic Lymphoid Neogenesis Following Acute Silica Exposure in Lupus-Prone Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:635138. [PMID: 33732257 PMCID: PMC7959771 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational exposure to crystalline silica (cSiO2) is etiologically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) and other autoimmune diseases. cSiO2's autoimmune effects in humans can be mimicked chronically in female lupus-prone NZBWF1 mice following repeated exposure to the particle. However, the immediate and short-term effects of cSiO2 in this widely used model of autoimmune disease are not well-understood. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that a single acute cSiO2 dose triggers early presentation of cellular, histopathological, transcriptomic, and protein biomarkers of inflammation and autoimmunity in lupus-prone mice. Eight-week old female NZBWF1 mice were intranasally instilled once with 2.5 mg cSiO2 or saline vehicle and necropsied at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d post-instillation (PI). Analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue revealed that by 7 d PI, acute cSiO2 exposure persistently provoked: (i) robust recruitment of macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes into the alveoli, (ii) cell death as reflected by increased protein, double-stranded DNA, and lactate dehydrogenase activity, (iii) elevated secretion of the cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, and B cell activation factor (BAFF), and (iv) upregulation of genes associated with chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines, lymphocyte activation, and type I interferon signaling. The appearance of these endpoints was subsequently followed by the emergence in the lung of organized CD3+ T cells (14 d PI) and CD45R+ B cells (21 d PI) that were indicative of ectopic lymphoid structure (ELS) development. Taken together, acute cSiO2 exposure triggered a rapid onset of autoimmune disease pathogenesis that was heralded in the lung by unresolved inflammation and cell death, proinflammatory cytokine production, chemokine-driven recruitment of leukocytes, an interferon response signature, B and T cell activation, and ELS neogenesis. This short-term murine model provides valuable new insight into potential early mechanisms of cSiO2-induced lupus flaring and, furthermore, offers a rapid venue for evaluating interventions against respirable particle-triggered inflammation and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti S. Chauhan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - James G. Wagner
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Abby D. Benninghoff
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Ryan P. Lewandowski
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Olivia K. Favor
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Kathryn A. Wierenga
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Kristen N. Gilley
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Ross
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Jack R. Harkema
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - James J. Pestka
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, East Lansing, MI, United States
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19
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Eslami M, Meinl E, Eibel H, Willen L, Donzé O, Distl O, Schneider H, Speiser DE, Tsiantoulas D, Yalkinoglu Ö, Samy E, Schneider P. BAFF 60-mer, and Differential BAFF 60-mer Dissociating Activities in Human Serum, Cord Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:577662. [PMID: 33240880 PMCID: PMC7677505 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.577662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell activation factor of the TNF family (BAFF/BLyS), an essential B cell survival factor of which circulating levels are elevated in several autoimmune disorders, is targeted in the clinic for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The soluble form of BAFF can exist as 3-mer, or as 60-mer that results from the ordered assembly of twenty 3-mers and that can be obtained from naturally cleaved membrane-bound BAFF or made as a recombinant protein. However, which forms of soluble BAFF exist and act in humans is unclear. In this study, BAFF 3-mer and 60-mer in biological fluids were characterized for size, activity and response to specific stimulators or inhibitors of BAFF. Human cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from patients with multiple sclerosis and adult human sera contained exclusively BAFF 3-mer in these assays, also when BAFF concentrations were moderately SLE or highly (BAFFR-deficient individual) increased. Human sera, but not CSF, contained a high molecular weight, saturable activity that dissociated preformed recombinant BAFF 60-mer into 3-mer. This activity was lower in cord blood. Cord blood displayed BAFF levels 10-fold higher than in adults and consistently contained a fair proportion of active high molecular weight BAFF able to dissociate into 3-mer but not endowed with all properties of recombinant BAFF 60-mer. If BAFF 60-mer is produced in humans, it is dissociated, or at least attenuated in the circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Eslami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Edgar Meinl
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hermann Eibel
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Holm Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Özkan Yalkinoglu
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Translational Medicine, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Eileen Samy
- Business of Merck KGaA, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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20
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Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of immune checkpoints has garnered significant attention in the area of cancer immunotherapy, in which efforts have focused in particular on cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and PD1, both of which are members of the CD28 family. In autoimmunity, these same pathways can be targeted to opposite effect: to curb the over-exuberant immune response. The CTLA4 checkpoint serves as an exemplar, whereby CTLA4 activity is blocked by antibodies in cancer immunotherapy and augmented by the provision of soluble CTLA4 in autoimmunity. Here, we review the targeting of co-stimulatory molecules in autoimmune diseases, focusing in particular on agents directed at members of the CD28 or tumour necrosis factor receptor families. We present the state of the art in co-stimulatory blockade approaches, including rational combinations of immune inhibitory agents, and discuss the future opportunities and challenges in this field.
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21
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Wardowska A, Komorniczak M, Skoniecka A, Bułło-Piontecka B, Lisowska KA, Dębska-Ślizień MA, Pikuła M. Alterations in peripheral blood B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with renal insufficiency. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 83:106451. [PMID: 32248020 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the autoimmune diseases, believed to be closely related to hyperactivity of B cells, overproduction of autoantibodies and immune complex formation and deposition in affected tissue. The autoreactive inflammation leads to multiorgan damage with kidney dysfunction in the forefront. Studies on lupus nephritis (LN), affecting the majority of SLE patients, are mainly focused on cells causing local inflammation. The aim of our work was to detect alterations in more accessible peripheral blood B cells in the course of SLE focusing on the influence of renal insufficiency (RI) on those parameters. METHODS We performed a comprehensive flow cytometry analysis of B cell subpopulations, analyzed gene expression patterns with qPCR, and examined serum cytokine levels with multiplex cytokine/chemokine assay. RESULTS We discovered distribution of specific B cell subsets, especially CD38+ cells, plasmablasts, associated with the presence and severity of the disease. Changes in expression of MBD2, DNMT1 and APRIL genes were not only associated with activity of SLE but also were significantly changed in patients with RI. CONCLUSIONS All these results shed new light on the role of circulating B cells, their subpopulations, function, and activity in the SLE with kidney manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wardowska
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Michał Komorniczak
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Aneta Skoniecka
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Barbara Bułło-Piontecka
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - M Alicja Dębska-Ślizień
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Michał Pikuła
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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22
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Kaegi C, Steiner UC, Wuest B, Crowley C, Boyman O. Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy of Atacicept in Treating Immune-Mediated Disorders. Front Immunol 2020; 11:433. [PMID: 32265917 PMCID: PMC7105675 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Biological agents (also termed biologics or biologicals) play a growingly central role in the treatment of immunological diseases. However, the numerous studies published on biologics complicate the decision on the most appropriate biologic for a given disease. We aim to address this problem by publishing a series of systematic reviews evaluating the safety and efficacy of B cell-targeting biologics for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. This article assesses the safety and efficacy of atacicept, a recombinant fusion protein consisting of the binding portion of transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI; also known as tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 13B), which is able to bind the cytokines B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). Objective: To evaluate atacicept's safety and efficacy for the treatment of immune-mediated disorders compared to placebo, conventional treatment or other biologics. Methods: The PRISMA checklist guided the reporting of the data. We searched the PubMed database between 4 October 2016 and 26 July 2018 concentrating on immune-mediated disorders. Results: The literature search identified 118 articles. After screening titles and abstracts against the inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessing full texts, ten articles were finally included in a narrative synthesis. Conclusions: Atacicept failed to show an effect in multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, atacicept led to increased infection rates, but this adverse effect was not seen in the other treated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Kaegi
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs C Steiner
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Wuest
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Crowley
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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23
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Positive and negative cooperativity of TNF and Interferon-γ in regulating synovial fibroblast function and B cell survival in fibroblast/B cell co-cultures. Sci Rep 2020; 10:780. [PMID: 31964950 PMCID: PMC6972945 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57772-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synovial fibroblasts (SF) were reported to produce B cell activating factor (BAFF) in response to stimulation with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF). However, the influence of these pro-inflammatory cytokines on other receptors/ligands of the TNF superfamily or associated cytokine receptors in SF has not been investigated yet. Here we show the differential regulation of BAFF (CD257), Fn14 (CD266), TACI (CD267), BAFF-R (CD268), BCMA (CD269), CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154), IFN-γR (CD119), Leptin receptor (ObR, CD295), VCAM-1 (CD106) and membrane TGF-β in isolated SF and the impact of IFN-γ/TNF co-incubation on proliferation, IL-6 and IL-8 production. In addition, the impact of differentially stimulated SF on B cell survival in co-cultures was assessed. Surface cytokines and cytokine receptors were detected by flow cytometry. Soluble cytokine receptors and cytokines were quantified by ELISA. Proliferation was assessed by cell titer blue. Murine B cell survival in fibroblast/ B cell co-cultures was determined by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. IFN-γ together with TNF synergistically and significantly increased the cell surface levels of BAFF, Fn14, TACI, BAFF-R, BCMA, CD40L, ObR and IFN-γR in rheumatoid arthritis SF after 72 h incubation. Soluble BAFF was only induced by IFN-γ and inhibited by TNF. Addition of TWEAK had no influence on proliferation or IL-8 production but decreased TNF-induced IL-6 production, whereas APRIL, BAFF and leptin did not modulate TNF or TNF/IFN-γ-induced proliferation or cytokine production. Proliferation was increased by TNF and further enhanced by the addition of IFN-γ. In co-culture experiments, SF stimulated with TNF/IFN but not TNF or IFN-γ alone increased shedding of VCAM-1 and expression of membrane TGFβ, which was associated with reduced survival of murine B cells. IFN-γ and TNF regulate the expression of TNF family member cytokines and associated receptors. Ligation of IFN-γR and Fn14 under pro-inflammatory conditions modulated IL-6/IL-8 production and proliferation. In B cell/SF co-cultures, the combination of TNF/IFN reduced B cell survival possibly via enhanced VCAM-1 shedding and/or increased TGF-β production. IFN-γ is necessary for the observed effects on B cell survival and SF cytokine production and emphasizes its anti-inflammatory role in rheumatoid arthritis.
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Feng Y, Yang M, Wu H, Lu Q. The pathological role of B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: From basic research to clinical. Autoimmunity 2019; 53:56-64. [PMID: 31876195 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2019.1700232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that often occurs in females of child-bearing age. It involves multiple systems and severely threatens human life. One of the typical characteristics of SLE is the formation of immune complexes with autoantibodies produced by B cells that target various autoantigens, thus indicating the pivotal role of B cells in the pathogenesis of SLE. Increasing evidence has shown abnormal expression of B cells in the peripheral blood of SLE patients. Moreover, numerous studies have shown that B cells in SLE patients are abnormally activated, as well as aberrantly differentiated, and are involved in the inflammatory cytokine milieu, abnormal transcription factor activity, and signalling pathways. Several biological therapies targeting B cells, such as anti-CD20 antibodies, have been intensively studied in preclinical and clinical trials. However, the results have not met expectations. Therefore, new therapies targeting B cells are in great need. This review will summarize the latest progress in basic research on B cells to better understand the pathogenesis of SLE and will discuss the outcomes of B-cell-targeting treatments that provide potential therapeutic targets and strategies for SLE. Studies have clarified high levels of IL-21 in serum from SLE patients and animal models. IL-21 promotes B cell differentiation, which results in antibodies accumulation leads to SLE. Therefore, further studies on IL-21 will give new perspectives on SLE treatments. In addition, the application of drugs targeting plasma cell depletion in SLE patients may also achieve satisfied results in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Feng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Lee WS, Amengual O. B cells targeting therapy in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunol Med 2019; 43:16-35. [PMID: 32107989 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2019.1698929] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease which affects the majority of organs and systems. Traditional therapies do not lead to complete remission of disease but only relieve symptoms and inflammation. B cells are the most important effector cell types in the pathogenesis of SLE. Therefore, therapies targeting B cells and their related cytokines are a very important milestone for SLE treatment. Several biologics that modulate B cells, either depleting B cells or blocking B cell functions, have been developed and evaluated in clinical trials. Belimumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds B cells activating factor (BAFF), was the first of these agents approved for SLE treatment. In this review, we explore the currently available evidence in B cell targeted therapies in SLE including agents that target B cell surface antigens (CD19, CD20, CD22), B cell survival factors (BAFF and a proliferation-inducing ligand, APRIL), cytokines (interleukin-1 and type 1 interferons) and co-stimulatory molecules (CD40 ligand). We highlighted the mechanisms of action and the individual characteristics of these biologics, and present an update on the clinical trials that have evaluated their efficacy and safety. Finally, we describe some of the emerging and promising therapies for SLE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Shi Lee
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Olga Amengual
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Jackson SW, Davidson A. BAFF inhibition in SLE-Is tolerance restored? Immunol Rev 2019; 292:102-119. [PMID: 31562657 PMCID: PMC6935406 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The B cell activating factor (BAFF) inhibitor, belimumab, is the first biologic drug approved for the treatment of SLE, and exhibits modest, but durable, efficacy in decreasing disease flares and organ damage. BAFF and its homolog APRIL are TNF-like cytokines that support the survival and differentiation of B cells at distinct developmental stages. BAFF is a crucial survival factor for transitional and mature B cells that acts as rheostat for the maturation of low-affinity autoreactive cells. In addition, BAFF augments innate B cell responses via complex interactions with the B cell receptor (BCR) and Toll like receptor (TLR) pathways. In this manner, BAFF impacts autoreactive B cell activation via extrafollicular pathways and fine tunes affinity selection within germinal centers (GC). Finally, BAFF and APRIL support plasma cell survival, with differential impacts on IgM- and IgG-producing populations. Therapeutically, BAFF and combined BAFF/APRIL inhibition delays disease onset in diverse murine lupus strains, although responsiveness to BAFF inhibition is model dependent, in keeping with heterogeneity in clinical responses to belimumab treatment in humans. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms whereby BAFF/APRIL signals promote autoreactive B cell activation, discuss whether altered selection accounts for therapeutic benefits of BAFF inhibition, and address whether new insights into BAFF/APRIL family complexity can be exploited to improve human lupus treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun W Jackson
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anne Davidson
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
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Molecular structure, expression, and bioactivity of B-cell-activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) and its receptor BAFF-R in cats (Felis catus). Mol Immunol 2019; 112:59-71. [PMID: 31078117 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
B-cell survival depends on signals induced by binding of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) to its receptor (BAFF-R). In this study, the full-length cDNAs of cat BAFF (cBAFF) and BAFF-R (cBAFF-R) were amplified from the spleen by reverse transcription PCR. The open reading frame of cBAFF cDNA encodes a protein of 285 amino acids containing a predicted transmembrane domain and a furin protease cleavage site, similar to mammalian, avian, and reptile BAFFs. The cBAFF-R gene encodes a 189 amino acid protein. Real-time quantitative PCR analyses revealed that the two genes are predominantly expressed in the spleen. csBAFF, EGFP/csBAFF, and cBAFF-R were efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), as confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting analyses. After purification, the EGFP/csBAFF fusion protein showed a fluorescence spectrum similar to that of EGFP. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that EGFP/csBAFF bound to its receptor. In vitro, csBAFF promoted the survival of cat and mouse splenic B cells with/without a priming agent (Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1, SAC) or anti-mouse IgM. Furthermore, it stimulated the survival of mouse B cells, similar to msBAFF. Recombinant cBAFF-R blocked the function of sBAFF in vitro. These findings indicate that csBAFF plays an important role in the survival of cat B cells and has functional cross reactivity between cats and other mammals, and suggest a role for the BAFF-BAFF-R system in regulating B-cell survival. Therefore, BAFF and BAFF-R show promise for enhancing the immune systems of animals.
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