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Rekvig OP. The greatest contribution to medical science is the transformation from studying symptoms to studying their causes-the unrelenting legacy of Robert Koch and Louis Pasteur-and a causality perspective to approach a definition of SLE. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1346619. [PMID: 38361929 PMCID: PMC10867267 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1346619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The basic initiative related to this study is derived from the fact that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a unique and fertile system science subject. We are, however, still far from understanding its nature. It may be fair to indicate that we are spending more time and resources on studying the complexity of classified SLE than studying the validity of classification criteria. This study represents a theoretical analysis of current instinctual SLE classification criteria based on "the causality principle." The discussion has its basis on the radical scientific traditions introduced by Robert Koch and Louis Pasteur. They announced significant changes in our thinking of disease etiology through the implementation of the modern version of "the causality principle." They influenced all aspects of today's medical concepts and research: the transformation of medical science from studies of symptoms to study their causes, relevant for monosymptomatic diseases as for syndromes. Their studies focused on bacteria as causes of infectious diseases and on how the immune system adapts to control and prevent contagious spreading. This is the most significant paradigm shift in the modern history of medicine and resulted in radical changes in our view of the immune system. They described acquired post-infection immunity and active immunization by antigen-specific vaccines. The paradigm "transformation" has a great theoretical impact also on current studies of autoimmune diseases like SLE: symptoms and their cause(s). In this study, the evolution of SLE classification and diagnostic criteria is discussed from "the causality principle" perspective, and if contemporary SLE classification criteria are as useful as believed today for SLE research. This skepticism is based on the fact that classification criteria are not selected based on cogent causal strategies. The SLE classification criteria do not harmonize with Koch's and Pasteur's causality principle paradigms and not with Witebsky's Koch-derived postulates for autoimmune and infectious diseases. It is not established whether the classification criteria can separate SLE as a "one disease entity" from "SLE-like non-SLE disorders"-the latter in terms of SLE imitations. This is discussed here in terms of weight, rank, and impact of the classification criteria: Do they all originate from "one basic causal etiology"? Probably not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Petter Rekvig
- Section for Autoimmunity, Fürst Medical Laboratory, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Ju J, Wang H, Lian M, Bao Y, Zhang Y, Xu Z. A murine Skint6 W168X allele contributes to autoimmune disease in a transgenic model. Lupus 2022; 31:297-306. [PMID: 35045734 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221074544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic factor is a great driver of systemic lupus erythematosus. A Skint6 W168X allele was previously identified in the murine lupus susceptibility rec1d1 sublocus. The purpose of this study is to investigate the pathogenic role and mechanism of the Skint6 W168X allele in lupus autoimmune disease. METHODS The gene-editing CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to generate transgenic models with the Skint6 W168X allele. PCR and Sanger's sequencing techniques were applied to mRNA quantification and DNA sequence detection. Flow cytometry was adopted for immunophenotyping. Pathological evaluation of kidneys and lungs was performed using several immunopathological approaches. RESULTS The transgenic models with the Skint6 W168X allele were created, including B6.Skint6X/X and B6.lpr.Skint6X/X strains. The B6.lpr.Skint6X/X mice showed bigger spleen and lymph nodes, more lymphocytes and effector T cell populations, more severe nephritis with more IgG and C3 deposit in glomeruli as well as worse proteinuria, and more severe lung inflammation than control B6.lpr mice. In addition, a skint6 receptor binding Skint6 peptide was identified from T and B lymphocytes. B6.Skint6X/X mice have lower percentages of skint6 receptor+ T and B cells in spleen than B6 mice. CONCLUSION The Skint6 W168X allele in murine lupus rec1d1 sublocus was validated to be a pathogenic mutant gene and contributes to autoimmune disease through producing a truncated Skint6 peptide of binding the skint6 receptors on lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyu Ju
- Department of Immunology, 372527Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Immunology, 372527Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Meng Lian
- Department of Immunology, 372527Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yatao Bao
- Department of Immunology, 372527Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, 372527Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhiwei Xu
- Department of Immunology, 372527Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Lupus B cells not only produce autoantibodies against nuclear antigens but also provide co-stimulation to T cells. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the mechanism underlying lupus B cell hyperactivation. METHODS This study focuses on the detection of B cell activation status, analysis of early BCR signaling response, DNA sequencing, and quantity determination of BCR signaling regulators in murine lupus models. RESULTS Our result showed that there is a B cell hyperactivation with a significant elevation of B cell activation markers, and a BCR signaling hyperactivity with an abnormal increase of phosphorylated BCR signaling molecules and cytoplasmic calcium in the early response to BCR crosslinking in B6.Sle1/2/3 lupus mouse. Whole exome sequencing identified a multiple point mutation in the exon of many BCR signaling regulators in common murine lupus models, MRL/lpr, NZM2410, BXSB, NZB, and NZW strains. cNDA sequencing confirmed FcγR2b, Ly9, Pirb, Siglecg, and CD22 BCR signaling regulator variants in B6.Sle1/2/3 lupus mouse, but surface protein expression of these regulators on B cells showed an abnormal increase. CONCLUSION Our findings support that these BCR signaling regulator variants are potential causative genes of B cell hyperactivation in murine lupus models through their possible functional reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Y Ju
- Department of Immunology, 372527Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Z W Xu
- Department of Immunology, 372527Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Ju J, Xu J, Zhu Y, Fu X, Morel L, Xu Z. A Variant of the Histone-Binding Protein sNASP Contributes to Mouse Lupus. Front Immunol 2019; 10:637. [PMID: 31001259 PMCID: PMC6454087 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sle2c1rec1c (rec1c) sublocus is derived from the mouse lupus susceptibility 2 (Sle2) locus identified in the NZM2410 model. Our current study dissected the functional characters and the genetic basis of the rec1c locus relative to lupus when co-expressed with the Faslpr mutation, an established inducer of autoimmunity. The rec1c.lpr mice exhibited mild expansion of lymph nodes and had a normal T cell cellularity, but developed significantly kidney and lung inflammation, indicating that the rec1c amplifies lpr-induced autoimmune pathogenesis. A variant of somatic nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (sNASP) was identified from the rec1c interval as a substitution of two consecutive amino acid residues in the histone-binding domain, resulting in an increased binding affinity to histone H4 and H3.1/H4 tetramer. To determine the role of the sNASP rec1c allele in mouse lupus, a novel strain was generated by introducing the rec1c mutations into the B6 genome. In this transgenic model, the sNASP allele synergized with the lpr mutation leading to moderate autoimmune phenotypes and aggravating inflammatory pathology alterations in kidney and lung that were similar to those observed in the rec1c.lpr mice. These results establish that the sNASP allele is a pathogenic genetic element in the rec1c sublocus, which not only promotes autoimmunity, but also exacerbates the inflammation reaction of end organs in mouse lupus pathogenesis. It also shows the complexity of the Sle2c locus, initially mapped as the major locus associated with B1a cell expansion. In addition to Cdkn2c, which regulates this expansion, we have now identified in the same locus a protective allele of Csf3r, a variant of Skint6 associated with T cell activation, and now a variant of sNASP that amplifies autoimmunity and tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyu Ju
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yaoqiang Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Fu
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Laurence Morel
- Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Zhiwei Xu
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Xu Z, Xu J, Ju J, Morel L. A Skint6 allele potentially contributes to mouse lupus. Genes Immun 2017; 18:111-117. [DOI: 10.1038/gene.2017.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Maqbool F, Niaz K, Hassan FI, Khan F, Abdollahi M. Immunotoxicity of mercury: Pathological and toxicological effects. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2017; 35:29-46. [PMID: 28055311 DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2016.1278299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is toxic and hazardous metal that causes natural disasters in the earth's crust. Exposure to Hg occurs via various routes; like oral (fish), inhalation, dental amalgams, and skin from cosmetics. In this review, we have discussed the sources of Hg and its potential for causing toxicity in humans. In addition, we also review its bio-chemical cycling in the environment; its systemic, immunotoxic, genotoxic/carcinogenic, and teratogenic health effects; and the dietary influences; as well as the important considerations in risk assessment and management of Hg poisoning have been discussed in detail. Many harmful outcomes have been reported, which will provide more awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Maqbool
- a International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Toxicology and Diseases Group , Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Kamal Niaz
- a International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Toxicology and Diseases Group , Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Fatima Ismail Hassan
- a International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Toxicology and Diseases Group , Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Fazlullah Khan
- a International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Toxicology and Diseases Group , Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- a International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Toxicology and Diseases Group , Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- c Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology , Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- d Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center , Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
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Lam T, Kulp DV, Wang R, Lou Z, Taylor J, Rivera CE, Yan H, Zhang Q, Wang Z, Zan H, Ivanov DN, Zhong G, Casali P, Xu Z. Small Molecule Inhibition of Rab7 Impairs B Cell Class Switching and Plasma Cell Survival To Dampen the Autoantibody Response in Murine Lupus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:3792-3805. [PMID: 27742832 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
IgG autoantibodies mediate pathology in systemic lupus patients and lupus-prone mice. In this study, we showed that the class-switched IgG autoantibody response in MRL/Faslpr/lpr and C57/Sle1Sle2Sle2 mice was blocked by the CID 1067700 compound, which specifically targeted Ras-related in brain 7 (Rab7), an endosome-localized small GTPase that was upregulated in activated human and mouse lupus B cells, leading to prevention of disease development and extension of lifespan. These were associated with decreased IgG-expressing B cells and plasma cells, but unchanged numbers and functions of myeloid cells and T cells. The Rab7 inhibitor suppressed T cell-dependent and T cell-independent Ab responses, but it did not affect T cell-mediated clearance of Chlamydia infection, consistent with a B cell-specific role of Rab7. Indeed, B cells and plasma cells were inherently sensitive to Rab7 gene knockout or Rab7 activity inhibition in class switching and survival, respectively, whereas proliferation/survival of B cells and generation of plasma cells were not affected. Impairment of NF-κB activation upon Rab7 inhibition, together with the rescue of B cell class switching and plasma cell survival by enforced NF-κB activation, indicated that Rab7 mediates these processes by promoting NF-κB activation, likely through signal transduction on intracellular membrane structures. Thus, a single Rab7-inhibiting small molecule can target two stages of B cell differentiation to dampen the pathogenic autoantibody response in lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonika Lam
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Dennis V Kulp
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Zheng Lou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Julia Taylor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Carlos E Rivera
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Hui Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Zhonghua Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Hong Zan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Dmitri N Ivanov
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Guangming Zhong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Paolo Casali
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
| | - Zhenming Xu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229; and
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