1
|
Wang X, Li N, Zhang J, Wang J, Wei Y, Yang J, Sun D, Liu L, Nian H, Wei R. AS101 regulates the Teff/Treg balance to alleviate rabbit autoimmune dacryoadenitis through modulating NFATc2. Exp Eye Res 2024; 244:109937. [PMID: 38782179 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109937] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) dry eye can cause ocular surface inflammation and lacrimal gland (LG) damage, leading to discomfort and potential vision problems. The existing treatment options for SS dry eye are currently constrained. We investigated the possible therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanism of AS101 in autoimmune dry eye. AS101 was injected subconjunctivally into a rabbit model of autoimmune dacryoadenitis and its therapeutic effects were determined by evaluating clinical and histological scores. The expressions of effector T cells (Teff)/regulatory T cells (Treg)-related transcription factors and cytokines, inflammation mediators, and transcription factor NFATc2 were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and/or Western blot both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the role of NFATc2 in the immunomodulatory effects of AS101 on T cells was explored by co-culturing activated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) transfected with NFATc2 overexpression lentiviral plasmid with AS101. AS101 treatment potently ameliorated the clinical severity and reduced the inflammation of LG. Further investigation revealed that AS101 treatment led to decreased expression of Th1-related genes (T-bet and IFN-γ) and Th17-related genes (RORC, IL-17A, IL-17F, and GM-CSF) and increased expression of Treg-related gene Foxp3 in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, AS101 suppressed the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, IL-6, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Mechanistically, AS101 downregulated the expression of NFATc2 in inflamed LGs. Overexpression of NFATc2 in activated PBLs partially blunted the effect of AS101 on Teff suppression and Treg promotion. In conclusion, AS101 is a potential regulator of Teff/Treg cell balance and could be an effective treatment agent for SS dry eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Na Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Yankai Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Deming Sun
- Doheny Eye Institute, And Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lin Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Hong Nian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China.
| | - Ruihua Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang YH, Li W, McDermott M, Son GY, Maiti G, Zhou F, Tao A, Raphael D, Moreira AL, Shen B, Vaeth M, Nadorp B, Chakravarti S, Lacruz RS, Feske S. Regulatory T cells and IFN-γ-producing Th1 cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's Syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.23.576314. [PMID: 38328096 PMCID: PMC10849570 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.23.576314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Sjögren's Disease (SjD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive dysfunction, inflammation and destruction of salivary and lacrimal glands, and by extraglandular manifestations. Its etiology and pathophysiology remain incompletely understood, though a role for autoreactive B cells has been considered key. Here, we investigated the role of effector and regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of SjD. Methods Histological analysis, RNA-sequencing and flow cytometry were conducted on glands, lungs, eyes and lymphoid tissues of mice with regulatory T cell-specific deletion of stromal interaction proteins (STIM) 1 and 2 ( Stim1/2 Foxp3 ), which play key roles in calcium signaling and T cell function. The pathogenicity of T cells from Stim1/2 Foxp3 mice was investigated through adoptively transfer into lymphopenic host mice. Additionally, single-cell transcriptomic analysis was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with SjD and control subjects. Results Stim1/2 Foxp3 mice develop a severe SjD-like disorder including salivary gland (SG) and lacrimal gland (LG) inflammation and dysfunction, autoantibodies and extraglandular symptoms. SG inflammation in Stim1/2 Foxp3 mice is characterized by T and B cell infiltration, and transcriptionally by a Th1 immune response that correlates strongly with the dysregulation observed in patients with SjD. Adoptive transfer of effector T cells from Stim1/2 Foxp3 mice demonstrates that the SjD-like disease is driven by interferon (IFN)-γ producing autoreactive CD4 + T cells independently of B cells and autoantiboodies. scRNA-seq analysis identifies increased Th1 responses and attenuated memory Treg function in PBMCs of patients with SjD. Conclusions We report a more accurate mouse model of SjD while providing evidence for a critical role of Treg cells and IFN-γ producing Th1 cells in the pathogenesis of SjD, which may be effective targets for therapy.
Collapse
|
3
|
Blinova VG, Gladilina YA, Abramova AA, Eliseeva DD, Vtorushina VV, Shishparenok AN, Zhdanov DD. Modulation of Suppressive Activity and Proliferation of Human Regulatory T Cells by Splice-Switching Oligonucleotides Targeting FoxP3 Pre-mRNA. Cells 2023; 13:77. [PMID: 38201281 PMCID: PMC10777989 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010077] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The maturation, development, and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are under the control of the crucial transcription factor Forkhead Box Protein 3 (FoxP3). Through alternative splicing, the human FoxP3 gene produces four different splice variants: a full-length variant (FL) and truncated variants with deletions of each of exons 2 (∆2 variant) or 7 (∆7 variant) or a deletion of both exons (∆2∆7 variant). Their involvement in the biology of Tregs as well as their association with autoimmune diseases remains to be clarified. The aim of this work was to induce a single FoxP3 splice variant in human Tregs by splice switching oligonucleotides and to monitor their phenotype and proliferative and suppressive activity. We demonstrated that Tregs from peripheral blood from patients with multiple sclerosis preferentially expressed truncated splice variants, while the FL variant was the major variant in healthy donors. Tregs with induced expression of truncated FoxP3 splice variants demonstrated lower suppressive activity than those expressing FL variants. Reduced suppression was associated with the decreased expression of Treg-associated suppressive surface molecules and the production of cytokines. The deletion of exons 2 and/or 7 also reduced the cell proliferation rate. The results of this study show an association between FoxP3 splice variants and Treg function and proliferation. The modulation of Treg suppressive activity by the induction of the FoxP3 FL variant can become a promising strategy for regenerative immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varvara G. Blinova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.B.); (Y.A.G.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Yulia A. Gladilina
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.B.); (Y.A.G.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Anna A. Abramova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.B.); (Y.A.G.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, 125367 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Daria D. Eliseeva
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, 125367 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Valentina V. Vtorushina
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Academician Oparin st. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anastasia N. Shishparenok
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.B.); (Y.A.G.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.B.); (Y.A.G.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, People’s Friendship University of Russia Named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya st. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li SJ, Cheng RJ, Wei SX, Xia ZJ, Pu YY, Liu Y. Advances in mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles therapy for Sjogren's syndrome-related dry eye disease. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109716. [PMID: 37951337 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109716] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects exocrine glands, particularly lacrimal glands, leading to dry eye disease (DED). DED is a common ocular surface disease that affects millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort, visual impairment, and even blindness in severe cases. However, there is no definitive cure for DED, and existing treatments primarily relieve symptoms. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies based on the pathophysiology of DED. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic tool for various autoimmune disorders, including SS-related DED (SS-DED). A particularly intriguing facet of MSCs is their ability to produce extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain various bioactive components such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These molecules play a key role in facilitating communication between cells and modulating a wide range of biological processes. Importantly, MSC-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) have therapeutic properties similar to those of their parent cells, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. In addition, MSC-EVs offer several notable advantages over intact MSCs, including lower immunogenicity, reduced risk of tumorigenicity, and greater convenience in terms of storage and transport. In this review, we elucidate the underlying mechanisms of SS-DED and discuss the relevant mechanisms and targets of MSC-EVs in treating SS-DED. In addition, we comprehensively review the broader landscape of EV application in autoimmune and corneal diseases. This review focuses on the efficacy of MSC-EVs in treating SS-DED, a field of study that holds considerable appeal due to its multifaceted regulation of immune responses and regenerative functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jia Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, 264099, China
| | - Rui-Juan Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Shi-Xiong Wei
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zi-Jing Xia
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yao-Yu Pu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kuklinski EJ, Yu Y, Ying GS, Asbell PA. Association of Ocular Surface Immune Cells With Dry Eye Signs and Symptoms in the Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:7. [PMID: 37669063 PMCID: PMC10484021 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.12.7] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial, heterogeneous disease of the ocular surface with one etiology being ocular surface inflammation. Studies using animal models demonstrate the role of ocular surface immune cells in the inflammatory pathway leading to DED, but few have evaluated humans. This study described the white blood cell population from the ocular surface of patients with DED and assessed its association with DED signs and symptoms in participants of the Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) study. Methods Participants were assessed for symptoms using the Ocular Surface Disease Index, signs via corneal staining, conjunctival staining, tear break-up time, and Schirmer test, and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) based on the 2012 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Impression cytology of conjunctival cells from each eye was evaluated using flow cytometry: T cells, helper T cells (Th), regulatory T cells (Tregs), cytotoxic T cells, and dendritic cells. Results We assessed 1049 eyes from 527 participants. White blood cell subtype percentages varied widely across participants. Significant positive associations were found for Th and conjunctival staining (mean score of 2.8 for 0% Th and 3.1 for >4.0% Th; P = 0.007), and corneal staining (mean score of 3.5 for 0% Th and 4.3 for >4.0% Th; P = 0.01). SS was associated with higher percent of Tregs (median 0.1 vs. 0.0; P = 0.01). Conclusions Th were associated with more severe conjunctival and corneal staining, possibly indicating their role in inflammation leading to damage of the ocular surface. There is no consistent conclusion about Tregs in SS, but these results support that Tregs are elevated in SS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Kuklinski
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Yinxi Yu
- Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | | | - for the DREAM Study Research Group
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States
- Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
| |
Collapse
|