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Alduraibi FK, Tsokos GC. Lupus Nephritis Biomarkers: A Critical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:805. [PMID: 38255879 PMCID: PMC10815779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN), a major complication in individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, substantially increases morbidity and mortality. Despite marked improvements in the survival of patients with severe LN over the past 50 years, complete clinical remission after immunosuppressive therapy is achieved in only half of the patients. Therefore, timely detection of LN is vital for initiating prompt therapeutic interventions and improving patient outcomes. Biomarkers have emerged as valuable tools for LN detection and monitoring; however, the complex role of these biomarkers in LN pathogenesis remains unclear. Renal biopsy remains the gold standard for the identification of the histological phenotypes of LN and guides disease management. However, the molecular pathophysiology of specific renal lesions remains poorly understood. In this review, we provide a critical, up-to-date overview of the latest developments in the field of LN biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima K. Alduraibi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Teaching Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - George C. Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Teaching Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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2
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Larsen ML, Troldborg A, Toonen EJM, Hurler L, Prohaszka Z, Cervenak L, Gudmann Hansen A, Thiel S. Differentiating between activation via the lectin or the classical complement pathway in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 214:18-25. [PMID: 37407023 PMCID: PMC10711355 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Complement activation is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and can proceed through the classical (CP), lectin (LP), or alternative pathway (AP). When managing SLE patients, pathway-specific complement activation is rarely monitored as clinical assays are unavailable. In this study, we aim to differentiate between CP- or LP-mediated complement activation in SLE patients by quantifying pathway-specific protein complexes, namely C1s/C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) (CP-specific activation) and MASP-1/C1-INH (LP-specific activation). Levels for both complexes were assessed in 156 SLE patients and 50 controls using two newly developed ELISAs. We investigated whether pathway-specific complement activation was associated with disease activity and lupus nephritis (LN). Disease activity stratification was performed using SLEDAI scores assessed at inclusion. C1s/C1-INH concentrations were significantly increased in active SLE patients (SLEDAI ≥6) when compared with SLE patients with low disease activity (SLEDAI <6, P < 0.01) and correlated with SLEDAI score (r = .29, P < 0.01). In active LN, MASP-1/C1-INH plasma concentrations were significantly increased compared with nonactive LN (P = 0.02). No differences in MASP-1/C1-INH plasma concentrations were observed between active SLE patients and patients with low disease activity (P = 0.11) nor did we observe a significant correlation with disease activity (r = 0.12, P = 0.15). Our data suggest that the CP and the LP are activated in SLE. The CP is activated in active SLE disease, whereas activation of the LP might be more specific to disease manifestations like LN. Our results warrant further research into specific complement pathway activation in SLE patients to potentially improve specific-targeted and tailored-treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Lamm Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Troldborg
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Lisa Hurler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Prohaszka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University-Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Cervenak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Steffen Thiel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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3
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Lasorsa F, Rutigliano M, Milella M, Ferro M, Pandolfo SD, Crocetto F, Simone S, Gesualdo L, Battaglia M, Ditonno P, Lucarelli G. Complement System and the Kidney: Its Role in Renal Diseases, Kidney Transplantation and Renal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16515. [PMID: 38003705 PMCID: PMC10671650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The crosstalk among the complement system, immune cells, and mediators of inflammation provides an efficient mechanism to protect the organism against infections and support the repair of damaged tissues. Alterations in this complex machinery play a role in the pathogenesis of different diseases. Core complement proteins C3 and C5, their activation fragments, their receptors, and their regulators have been shown to be active intracellularly as the complosome. The kidney is particularly vulnerable to complement-induced damage, and emerging findings have revealed the role of complement system dysregulation in a wide range of kidney disorders, including glomerulopathies and ischemia-reperfusion injury during kidney transplantation. Different studies have shown that activation of the complement system is an important component of tumorigenesis and its elements have been proved to be present in the TME of various human malignancies. The role of the complement system in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been recently explored. Clear cell and papillary RCC upregulate most of the complement genes relative to normal kidney tissue. The aim of this narrative review is to provide novel insights into the role of complement in kidney disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lasorsa
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Monica Rutigliano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Martina Milella
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Ferro
- Division of Urology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 71013 Milan, Italy
| | - Savio Domenico Pandolfo
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Simone
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Loreto Gesualdo
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Battaglia
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Ditonno
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucarelli
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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4
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Renaudineau Y, Brooks W, Belliere J. Lupus Nephritis Risk Factors and Biomarkers: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14526. [PMID: 37833974 PMCID: PMC10572905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) represents the most severe organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in terms of morbidity and mortality. To reduce these risks, tremendous efforts have been made in the last decade to characterize the different steps of the disease and to develop biomarkers in order to better (i) unravel the pre-SLE stage (e.g., anti-nuclear antibodies and interferon signature); (ii) more timely initiation of therapy by improving early and accurate LN diagnosis (e.g., pathologic classification was revised); (iii) monitor disease activity and therapeutic response (e.g., recommendation to re-biopsy, new urinary biomarkers); (iv) prevent disease flares (e.g., serologic and urinary biomarkers); (v) mitigate the deterioration in the renal function; and (vi) reduce side effects with new therapeutic guidelines and novel therapies. However, progress is poor in terms of improvement with early death attributed to active SLE or infections, while later deaths are related to the chronicity of the disease and the use of toxic therapies. Consequently, an individualized treat-to-target strategy is mandatory, and for that, there is an unmet need to develop a set of accurate biomarkers to be used as the standard of care and adapted to each stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Renaudineau
- Department of Immunology, Referral Medical Biology Laboratory, University Hospital of Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1291, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) U5051, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Wesley Brooks
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA;
| | - Julie Belliere
- Department of Nephrology and Organ Transplantation, Referral Centre for Rare Kidney Diseases, University Hospital of Toulouse, INSERM U1297, 31400 Toulouse, France;
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5
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Miyata KN, Nast CC. Implications of Incomplete Immunostaining in Membranous Lupus Nephritis. Kidney360 2023; 4:868-869. [PMID: 37499070 PMCID: PMC10374139 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000000000000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kana N. Miyata
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Cynthia C. Nast
- Department of Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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6
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Holers VM. Contributions of animal models to mechanistic understandings of antibody-dependent disease and roles of the amplification loop. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:181-193. [PMID: 36111456 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The complement system plays an important pathophysiologic role in human diseases associated with immune or ischemic insults. In addition to understanding the effector mechanisms that are important for the biological effects of the system, substantial efforts have gone into understanding which specific complement activation pathways generate these potent effects. These approaches include the use of gene-targeted mice and specific pathway inhibitors, as well as the integration of human disease genetic and biomarker studies. In some disease states, it is quite clear that the alternate pathway plays a unique role in the initiation of the complement system. However, although initially a widely unexpected finding, it has now been shown in many tissue-based disease models and in initial human studies that engagement of the amplification loop is also essential for tissue injury when the classical and/or lectin pathways initiate pathway activation through pathogenic autoantibodies. This review provides evidence for such a conclusion through animal models, focusing on pathogenic antibody passive transfer models but also other relevant experimental systems. These data, along with initial biomarkers and clinical trial outcomes in human diseases that are associated with pathogenic autoantibodies, suggest that targeting the alternative pathway amplification loop may have near-universal therapeutic utility for tissue-based diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Michael Holers
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Abstract
Dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway predisposes individuals to a number of diseases. It can either be evoked by genetic alterations in or by stabilizing antibodies to important pathway components and typically leads to severe diseases such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 glomerulopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. In addition, the alternative pathway may also be involved in many other diseases where its amplifying function for all complement pathways might play a role. To identify specific alternative pathway inhibitors that qualify as therapeutics for these diseases, drug discovery efforts have focused on the two central proteases of the pathway, factor B and factor D. Although drug discovery has been challenging for a number of reasons, potent and selective low-molecular weight (LMW) oral inhibitors have now been discovered for both proteases and several molecules are in clinical development for multiple complement-mediated diseases. While the clinical development of these inhibitors initially focuses on diseases with systemic and/or peripheral tissue complement activation, the availability of LMW inhibitors may also open up the prospect of inhibiting complement in the central nervous system where its activation may also play an important role in several neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schubart
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Flohr
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Junt
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Eder
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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8
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Daina E, Cortinovis M, Remuzzi G. Kidney diseases. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:239-261. [PMID: 36369988 PMCID: PMC10099622 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation and accelerated activation of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement is known to cause or accentuate several pathologic conditions in which kidney injury leads to the appearance of hematuria and proteinuria and ultimately to the development of chronic renal failure. Multiple genetic and acquired defects involving plasma- and membrane-associated proteins are probably necessary to impair the protection of host tissues and to confer a significant predisposition to AP-mediated kidney diseases. This review aims to explore how our current understanding will make it possible to identify the mechanisms that underlie AP-mediated kidney diseases and to discuss the available clinical evidence that supports complement-directed therapies. Although the value of limiting uncontrolled complement activation has long been recognized, incorporating complement-targeted treatments into clinical use has proved challenging. Availability of anti-complement therapy has dramatically transformed the outcome of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, one of the most severe kidney diseases. Innovative drugs that directly counteract AP dysregulation have also opened new perspectives for the management of other kidney diseases in which complement activation is involved. However, gained experience indicates that the choice of drug should be tailored to each patient's characteristics, including clinical, histologic, genetic, and biochemical parameters. Successfully treating patients requires further research in the field and close collaboration between clinicians and researchers who have special expertise in the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Daina
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Monica Cortinovis
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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9
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Zhao J, Jiang J, Wang Y, Liu D, Li T, Zhang M. Significance of urine complement proteins in monitoring lupus activity. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14383. [PMID: 36420131 PMCID: PMC9677877 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Complement activation is a critical feature in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Whether there are changes of complement components in the urine of SLE has not been reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the complement-related proteins in the urine of SLE, verify differentially expressed proteins(DEPs) in the active phase of SLE, further explore their clinical application value. Methods First, we used bioinformatics and functional enrichment to screen and identify the urine protein profile of SLE patients. Then, analyzed and verified the proteins related to the complement pathway by western-blot and Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) technology. Further evaluated the relationship between urinary DEPs related to complement pathway and disease activity. Results A total of 14 complement pathway-related proteins were screened for differences in expression between the active group and the stable group, eight of these DEPs were up-regulated and six were down-regulated. These DEPs may play a key role in SLE disease activity. We used PRM technology to verify the eight up-regulated proteins, and found that four of these complement proteins, namely C9, C8A, C4B, and C8G, were significantly increased in active group. Furthermore, these four DEPs were highly correlated with disease activity. In the urine of SLE patients, AUCs of 0.750, 0.840, 0.757 and 0.736 were achieved with C9, C8A, C4B, and C8G, respectively. Conclusions Complement-related DEPs in urine have a certain correlation with SLE disease activity. Urine C9, C8A, C4B and C8G present promising non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring lupus activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhao
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhua Wang
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Urinary Cellular Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing, China
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10
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Koopman JJE, Rennke HG, McMahon GM, Waikar SS, Costenbader KH. Associations between renal deposits of complement factors, disease activity and loss of renal function in lupus nephritis. J Clin Pathol 2022; 75:789-790. [PMID: 34969783 PMCID: PMC10015506 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2021-207788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J E Koopman
- Section of Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands .,Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helmut G Rennke
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gearoid M McMahon
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sushrut S Waikar
- Section of Nephrology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen H Costenbader
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Caza T, Wijewardena C, Al-Rabadi L, Perl A. Cell type-specific mechanistic target of rapamycin-dependent distortion of autophagy pathways in lupus nephritis. Transl Res 2022; 245:55-81. [PMID: 35288362 PMCID: PMC9240418 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory immune system development, metabolomic defects, and deregulation of autophagy play interconnected roles in driving the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus nephritis (LN) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE. While the causes of SLE have not been clearly delineated, skewing of T and B cell differentiation, activation of antigen-presenting cells, production of antinuclear autoantibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines are known to contribute to disease development. Underlying this process are defects in autophagy and mitophagy that cause the accumulation of oxidative stress-generating mitochondria which promote necrotic cell death. Autophagy is generally inhibited by the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a large protein kinase that underlies abnormal immune cell lineage specification in SLE. Importantly, several autophagy-regulating genes, including ATG5 and ATG7, as well as mitophagy-regulating HRES-1/Rab4A have been linked to lupus susceptibility and molecular pathogenesis. Moreover, genetically-driven mTOR activation has been associated with fulminant lupus nephritis. mTOR activation and diminished autophagy promote the expansion of pro-inflammatory Th17, Tfh and CD3+CD4-CD8- double-negative (DN) T cells at the expense of CD8+ effector memory T cells and CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). mTOR activation and aberrant autophagy also involve renal podocytes, mesangial cells, endothelial cells, and tubular epithelial cells that may compromise end-organ resistance in LN. Activation of mTOR complexes 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2) has been identified as biomarkers of disease activation and predictors of disease flares and prognosis in SLE patients with and without LN. This review highlights recent advances in molecular pathogenesis of LN with a focus on immuno-metabolic checkpoints of autophagy and their roles in pathogenesis, prognosis and selection of targets for treatment in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chathura Wijewardena
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, College of Medicine, Syracuse, New York
| | - Laith Al-Rabadi
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Andras Perl
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, College of Medicine, Syracuse, New York; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, College of Medicine, Syracuse, New York; Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, College of Medicine, Syracuse, New York.
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12
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Yang M, Yang B, Deng D. Targeting of EIF4EBP1 by miR-99a-3p affects the functions of B lymphocytes via autophagy and aggravates SLE disease progression. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10291-10305. [PMID: 34668631 PMCID: PMC8572797 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive activation of immune cells plays a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The regulation of immune cells by miRNAs is a research hotspot. In this study, second-generation high-throughput sequencing revealed a reduction in miR-99a-3p expression in patients with SLE; however, the specific mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. After transfection with an miR-99a-3p agomir, the proliferation of Ball-1 cells decreased and the levels of their apoptosis increased. The opposite effects were observed in cells transfected with the miR-99a-3p antagomir. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-99a-3p directly targeted EIF4EBP1. Rescue experiments confirmed the proposed interaction between miR-99a-3p and EIF4EBP1. In vitro, in vivo and clinical investigations further confirmed that the miR-99a-3p agomir reduced the expression of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP-2A. In the in vivo experiments, serum levels of anti-nuclear antibodies, double-stranded DNA, IgE, IgM, IL-6, IL-10 and B lymphocyte stimulator were higher in mice from the antagomir group than those in mice from the MRL/lpr group. Furthermore, the protein and mRNA levels of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP-2A, the intensity of immunohistochemical staining of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP-2A, the urinary protein levels, and the C3 immunofluorescence deposition increased in mice from the antagomir group. The upregulation of miR-99a-3p expression protected B cells from EIF4EBP1-mediated autophagy, whilst the downregulation of miR-99a-3p expression induced autophagy via the EIF4EBP1-mediated regulation of the autophagy signalling pathway in B cells isolated from individuals with SLE. Based on these results, miR-99a-3p and EIF4EBP1 may be considered potential targets for SLE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yang
- Department of DermatologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
- Department of DermatologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiChina
| | - Binbin Yang
- Department of DermatologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Danqi Deng
- Department of DermatologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
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13
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Lu Q, Hou Q, Cao K, Sun X, Liang Y, Gu M, Xue X, Zhao AZ, Dai C. Complement factor B in high glucose-induced podocyte injury and diabetic kidney disease. JCI Insight 2021; 6:147716. [PMID: 34622800 PMCID: PMC8525650 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.147716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The role and mechanisms for upregulating complement factor B (CFB) expression in podocyte dysfunction in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are not fully understood. Here, analyzing Gene Expression Omnibus GSE30528 data, we identified genes enriched in mTORC1 signaling, CFB, and complement alternative pathways in podocytes from patients with DKD. In mouse models, podocyte mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling activation was induced, while blockade of mTORC1 signaling reduced CFB upregulation, alternative complement pathway activation, and podocyte injury in the glomeruli. Knocking down CFB remarkably alleviated alternative complement pathway activation and DKD in diabetic mice. In cultured podocytes, high glucose treatment activated mTORC1 signaling, stimulated STAT1 phosphorylation, and upregulated CFB expression, while blockade of mTORC1 or STAT1 signaling abolished high glucose–upregulated CFB expression. Additionally, high glucose levels downregulated protein phosphatase 2Acα (PP2Acα) expression, while PP2Acα deficiency enhanced high glucose–induced mTORC1/STAT1 activation, CFB induction, and podocyte injury. Taken together, these findings uncover a mechanism by which CFB mediates podocyte injury in DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kai Cao
- Center for Kidney Disease and
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | | | - Xian Xue
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Allan Zijian Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunsun Dai
- Center for Kidney Disease and.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Liu T, Yang M, Xia Y, Jiang C, Li C, Jiang Z, Wang X. Microarray-based analysis of renal complement components reveals a therapeutic target for lupus nephritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:223. [PMID: 34433493 PMCID: PMC8385907 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02605-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Screening abnormal pathways and complement components in the kidneys of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and NZB/W mice may help to identify complement-related therapeutic targets for LN. Methods KEGG and GO enrichment assays were used to analyze kidney microarray data of LN patients and NZB/W mice. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays were used to measure renal expression of complement-related proteins and TGFβ1. Cytokines were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA. Results We screened the renal pathogenic pathways present in LN patients and NZB/W mice and selected the complement activation pathway for further study. The results indicated greater renal expression of C1qa, C1qb, C3, C3aR1, and C5aR1 at the mRNA and protein levels. C3 appeared to be a key factor in LN and the renal signaling downstream of C1 was inhibited. There were significant correlations between the expression of TGFβ1 and C3. Analysis of primary cell cultures indicated that TGFβ1 promoted the expression of C3 and that a TGFβ1 antagonist decreased the levels of C3 and C3aR. TGFβ1 inhibition significantly inhibited the deposition of complement-related factors in the kidneys of NZB/W mice. Conclusions At the onset of LN, there are significant increases in the renal levels of C3 and other complement pathway-related factors in patients with LN and NZB/W mice. C3 may lead to albuminuria and participate in the pathogenesis of LN. TGFβ1 promotes C3 synthesis, and TGFβ1 inhibition may block the progression of LN by inhibiting the synthesis of C3 and other complement components. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-021-02605-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Mingyue Yang
- Department of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Chenxu Li
- Department of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zhenyu Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Xiaosong Wang
- Department of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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Morell M, Pérez-Cózar F, Marañón C. Immune-Related Urine Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Lupus Nephritis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7143. [PMID: 34281193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The kidney is one of the main organs affected by the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus nephritis (LN) concerns 30-60% of adult SLE patients and it is significantly associated with an increase in the morbidity and mortality. The definitive diagnosis of LN can only be achieved by histological analysis of renal biopsies, but the invasiveness of this technique is an obstacle for early diagnosis of renal involvement and a proper follow-up of LN patients under treatment. The use of urine for the discovery of non-invasive biomarkers for renal disease in SLE patients is an attractive alternative to repeated renal biopsies, as several studies have described surrogate urinary cells or analytes reflecting the inflammatory state of the kidney, and/or the severity of the disease. Herein, we review the main findings in the field of urine immune-related biomarkers for LN patients, and discuss their prognostic and diagnostic value. This manuscript is focused on the complement system, antibodies and autoantibodies, chemokines, cytokines, and leukocytes, as they are the main effectors of LN pathogenesis.
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Su B, Chen B, Lu G. Relationship of complement activation pathway to clinical and pathological characteristics and renal outcome in patients with lupus nephritis. Z Rheumatol 2021. [PMID: 34152436 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-021-00999-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Involvement of the complement system in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN) is well accepted, but its exact role remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of complement activation pathway to clinical and pathological characteristics and renal outcome in patients with LN. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with LN were divided into two groups: those in whom the complement system was mainly activated through the classical pathway (low serum C3 and C4 levels; CP group); and those in whom the complement system was solely activated through the alternative pathway (low serum C3 with normal C4 levels; AP group). Clinical and pathological data and renal outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 102 LN patients were enrolled in this study, 63 patients (61.8%) in the CP group and 39 patients (38.2%) in the AP group. LN patients in the CP group had significantly higher SLEDAI (p < 0.001), more anti-dsDNA (p = 0.001), higher renal activity index (p < 0.001), and more class IV LN (p = 0.008) than LN patients in the AP group. Mean length of follow-up was 50.6 ± 26.4 months. Renal outcome in the form of progression of kidney disease was significantly poorer in the CP group in the AP group (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that evaluation of the complement activation pattern may be useful for evaluating disease activity and predicting the prognosis of LN.
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Li NL, Birmingham DJ, Rovin BH. Expanding the Role of Complement Therapies: The Case for Lupus Nephritis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:626. [PMID: 33562189 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is an innate immune surveillance network that provides defense against microorganisms and clearance of immune complexes and cellular debris and bridges innate and adaptive immunity. In the context of autoimmune disease, activation and dysregulation of complement can lead to uncontrolled inflammation and organ damage, especially to the kidney. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by loss of tolerance, autoantibody production, and immune complex deposition in tissues including the kidney, with inflammatory consequences. Effective clearance of immune complexes and cellular waste by early complement components protects against the development of lupus nephritis, while uncontrolled activation of complement, especially the alternative pathway, promotes kidney damage in SLE. Therefore, complement plays a dual role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. Improved understanding of the contribution of the various complement pathways to the development of kidney disease in SLE has created an opportunity to target the complement system with novel therapies to improve outcomes in lupus nephritis. In this review, we explore the interactions between complement and the kidney in SLE and their implications for the treatment of lupus nephritis.
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