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Neys SFH, Heutz JW, van Hulst JAC, Vink M, Bergen IM, de Jong PHP, Lubberts E, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Aberrant B cell receptor signaling in circulating naïve and IgA + memory B cells from newly-diagnosed autoantibody-positive rheumatoid arthritis patients. J Autoimmun 2024; 143:103168. [PMID: 38350168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103168] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Altered B cell receptor (BCR) signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here we aimed to identify signaling aberrations in autoantibody-positive and autoantibody-negative RA patients by performing a comprehensive analysis of the BCR signaling cascade in different B cell subsets. METHODS We first optimized phosphoflow cytometry for an in-depth analysis of BCR signaling across immunoglobulin isotypes in healthy donors. Subsequently, we compared BCR signaling in circulating B cell subsets from treatment-naïve, newly-diagnosed autoantibody-positive RA and autoantibody-negative RA patients and healthy controls (HCs). RESULTS We observed subset-specific phosphorylation patterns of the BCR signalosome in circulating B cells from healthy donors. Compared with HCs, autoantibody-positive RA patients displayed enhanced responses to BCR stimulation for multiple signaling proteins, specifically in naïve and IgA+ memory B cells. Whereas in unstimulated healthy donor B cells, the phosphorylation status of individual signaling proteins showed only limited correlation, BCR stimulation enhanced the interconnectivity in phosphorylation within the BCR signalosome. However, this strong interconnectivity within the BCR signalosome in stimulated B cells from HCs was lost in RA, especially in autoantibody-positive RA patients. Finally, we observed strong correlations between SYK and BTK protein expression, and IgA and IgG anti-citrullinated protein antibody concentrations in serum from autoantibody-positive RA patients. CONCLUSION Collectively, the isotype-specific analysis of multiple key components of the BCR signalosome identified aberrant BCR signaling responses in treatment-naïve autoantibody-positive RA patients, particularly in naïve B cells and IgA+ memory B cells. Our findings support differential involvement of dysregulated BCR signaling in the pathogenesis of autoantibody-positive and autoantibody-negative RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan F H Neys
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith W Heutz
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Madelief Vink
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M Bergen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal H P de Jong
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Lubberts
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Belderbos RA, Corneth OBJ, Dumoulin D, Hendriks RW, Aerts JGJV, Willemsen M. Atypical B cells (CD21-CD27-IgD-) correlate with lack of response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy in NSCLC. Eur J Cancer 2024; 196:113428. [PMID: 38039777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113428] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Checkpoint inhibitor (CI) therapy has revolutionized treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, a proportion of patients do not respond to CI therapy for unknown reasons. Although the current paradigm in anti-tumor immunity evolves around T cells, the presence of tertiary lymphoid structures and memory B cells has been positively correlated with response to CI therapy in NSCLC. In addition, double negative (DN) (CD27- IgD-) B cells have been shown to be abundant in NSCLC compared to healthy lung tissue and inversely correlate with the intratumoral presence of memory B cells. Nonetheless, no study has correlated DN B cells to survival in NSCLC. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the presence and phenotype of B cells in peripheral blood with flow cytometry of patients with NSCLC and mesothelioma before receiving CI therapy and correlated these with clinical outcome. RESULTS Non-responding patients showed decreased frequencies of B cells, yet increased frequencies of antigen-experienced CD21- DN (Atypical) B cells compared to responding patients and HC, which was confirmed in patients with mesothelioma treated with CI therapy. CONCLUSIONS These data show that the frequency of CD21- DN B cells correlates with lack of response to CI therapy in thoracic malignancies. The mechanism by which CD21- DN B cells hamper CI therapy remains unknown. Our findings support the hypothesis that CD21- DN B cells resemble phenotypically identical exhausted B cells that are seen in chronic infection or function as antigen presenting cells that induce regulatory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Belderbos
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - D Dumoulin
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, the Netherlands
| | - J G J V Aerts
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - M Willemsen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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3
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Miedema JR, de Jong LJ, van Uden D, Bergen IM, Kool M, Broos CE, Kahlmann V, Wijsenbeek MS, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Circulating T cells in sarcoidosis have an aberrantly activated phenotype that correlates with disease outcome. J Autoimmun 2023:103120. [PMID: 37863732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103120] [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] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Disease course in sarcoidosis is highly variable. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and mediastinal lymph nodes show accumulation of activated T cells with a T-helper (Th)17.1 signature, which correlates with non-resolving sarcoidosis. We hypothesize that the peripheral blood (PB) T cell phenotype may correlate with outcome. OBJECTIVES To compare frequencies, phenotypes and function of circulating T cell populations in sarcoidosis patients with healthy controls (HCs) and correlate these parameters with outcome. METHODS We used multi-color flow cytometry to quantify activation marker expression on PB T cell subsets in treatment-naïve patients and HCs. The disease course was determined after 2-year follow-up. Cytokine production was measured after T cell stimulation in vitro. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We observed significant differences between patients and HCs in several T cell populations, including CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, Th1/Th17 subsets, CD4+ T memory stem cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and γδ T cells. Decreased frequencies of CD4+ T cells and increased frequencies of Tregs and CD8+ γδ T cells correlated with worse outcome. Naïve CD4+ T cells displayed an activated phenotype with increased CD25 expression in patients with active chronic disease at 2-year follow-up. A distinctive Treg phenotype with increased expression of CD25, CTLA4, CD69, PD-1 and CD95 correlated with chronic sarcoidosis. Upon stimulation, both naïve and memory T cells displayed a different cytokine profile in sarcoidosis compared to HCs. CONCLUSIONS Circulating T cell subpopulations of sarcoidosis patients display phenotypic abnormalities that correlate with disease outcome, supporting a critical role of aberrant T cell activation in sarcoidosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle R Miedema
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Lieke J de Jong
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Denise van Uden
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M Bergen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Kool
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Danone Nutricia Research, Center of Excellence Immunology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline E Broos
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vivienne Kahlmann
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marlies S Wijsenbeek
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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4
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Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. B Cell Signaling and Activation in Autoimmunity. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030499. [PMID: 36766841 PMCID: PMC9914404 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoreactive B cells play a key role in the initiation or aggravation of many systemic and tissue-specific autoimmune disorders [...].
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5
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Abstract
Aberrant B cell signaling plays a critical in role in various systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. This is supported by genetic evidence by many functional studies in B cells from patients or specific animal models and by the observed efficacy of small-molecule inhibitors. In this review, we first discuss key signal transduction pathways downstream of the B cell receptor (BCR) that ensure that autoreactive B cells are removed from the repertoire or functionally silenced. We provide an overview of aberrant BCR signaling that is associated with inappropriate B cell repertoire selection and activation or survival of peripheral B cell populations and plasma cells, finally leading to autoantibody formation. Next to BCR signaling, abnormalities in other signal transduction pathways have been implicated in autoimmune disease. These include reduced activity of several phosphates that are downstream of co-inhibitory receptors on B cells and increased levels of BAFF and APRIL, which support survival of B cells and plasma cells. Importantly, pathogenic synergy of the BCR and Toll-like receptors (TLR), which can be activated by endogenous ligands, such as self-nucleic acids, has been shown to enhance autoimmunity. Finally, we will briefly discuss therapeutic strategies for autoimmune disease based on interfering with signal transduction in B cells.
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Neys SFH, Verstappen GM, Bootsma H, Kroese FGM, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Decreased BAFF Receptor Expression and Unaltered B Cell Receptor Signaling in Circulating B Cells from Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients at Diagnosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095101. [PMID: 35563492 PMCID: PMC9103204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of autoimmunity and human genetic association studies indicate that the dysregulation of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling is an important driver of autoimmunity. We previously showed that in circulating B cells from primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients with high systemic disease activity, protein expression of the BCR signaling molecule Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) was increased and correlated with T-cell infiltration in the target organ. We hypothesized that these alterations could be driven by increased B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels in pSS. Here, we investigated whether altered BCR signaling was already present at diagnosis and distinguished pSS from non-SS sicca patients. Using (phospho-)flow cytometry, we quantified the phosphorylation of BCR signaling molecules, and investigated BTK and BAFF receptor (BAFFR) expression in circulating B cell subsets in an inception cohort of non-SS sicca and pSS patients, as well as healthy controls (HCs). We found that both BTK protein levels and BCR signaling activity were comparable among groups. Interestingly, BAFFR expression was significantly downregulated in pSS, but not in non-SS sicca patients, compared with HCs, and correlated with pSS-associated alterations in B cell subsets. These data indicate reduced BAFFR expression as a possible sign of early B cell involvement and a diagnostic marker for pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan F. H. Neys
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Gwenny M. Verstappen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (G.M.V.); (H.B.); (F.G.M.K.)
| | - Hendrika Bootsma
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (G.M.V.); (H.B.); (F.G.M.K.)
| | - Frans G. M. Kroese
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (G.M.V.); (H.B.); (F.G.M.K.)
| | - Rudi W. Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: (R.W.H.); (O.B.J.C.)
| | - Odilia B. J. Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: (R.W.H.); (O.B.J.C.)
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Kaaij MH, Rip J, Jeucken KCM, Kan YY, van Rooijen CCN, Saris J, Pots D, Frey S, Grootjans J, Schett G, van Duivenvoorde LM, Nolte MA, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ, van Hamburg JP, Baeten DLP, Tas SW. Overexpression of Transmembrane TNF Drives Development of Ectopic Lymphoid Structures in the Bone Marrow and B Cell Lineage Alterations in Experimental Spondyloarthritis. J Immunol 2021; 207:2337-2346. [PMID: 34561228 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
TNF is important in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including spondyloarthritis (SpA). Transgenic (tg) mice overexpressing transmembrane TNF (tmTNF) develop features resembling human SpA. Furthermore, both tmTNF tg mice and SpA patients develop ectopic lymphoid aggregates, but it is unclear whether these contribute to pathology. Therefore, we characterized the lymphoid aggregates in detail and studied potential alterations in the B and T cell lineage in tmTNF tg mice. Lymphoid aggregates developed in bone marrow (BM) of vertebrae and near the ankle joints prior to the first SpA features and displayed characteristics of ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS) including presence of B cells, T cells, germinal centers, and high endothelial venules. Detailed flow cytometric analyses demonstrated more germinal center B cells with increased CD80 and CD86 expression, along with significantly more T follicular helper, T follicular regulatory, and T regulatory cells in tmTNF tg BM compared with non-tg controls. Furthermore, tmTNF tg mice exhibited increased IgA serum levels and significantly more IgA+ plasma cells in the BM, whereas IgA+ plasma cells in the gut were not significantly increased. In tmTNF tg × TNF-RI-/- mice, ELS were absent, consistent with reduced disease symptoms, whereas in tmTNF tg × TNF-RII-/- mice, ELS and clinical symptoms were still present. Collectively, these data show that tmTNF overexpression in mice results in osteitis and ELS formation in BM, which may account for the increased serum IgA levels that are also observed in human SpA. These effects are mainly dependent on TNF-RI signaling and may underlie important aspects of SpA pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlijn H Kaaij
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; .,Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kim C M Jeucken
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yik Y Kan
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte C N van Rooijen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Job Saris
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Tytgat Institute for Intestinal and Liver Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Desiree Pots
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Silke Frey
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; and
| | - Joep Grootjans
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Tytgat Institute for Intestinal and Liver Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; and
| | - Leonie M van Duivenvoorde
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn A Nolte
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Piet van Hamburg
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dominique L P Baeten
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sander W Tas
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; .,Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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8
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Szumilas N, Corneth OBJ, Lehmann CHK, Schmitt H, Cunz S, Cullen JG, Chu T, Marosan A, Mócsai A, Benes V, Zehn D, Dudziak D, Hendriks RW, Nitschke L. Siglec-H-Deficient Mice Show Enhanced Type I IFN Responses, but Do Not Develop Autoimmunity After Influenza or LCMV Infections. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698420. [PMID: 34497606 PMCID: PMC8419311 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Siglec-H is a DAP12-associated receptor on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and microglia. Siglec-H inhibits TLR9-induced IFN-α production by pDCs. Previously, it was found that Siglec-H-deficient mice develop a lupus-like severe autoimmune disease after persistent murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) infection. This was due to enhanced type I interferon responses, including IFN-α. Here we examined, whether other virus infections can also induce autoimmunity in Siglec-H-deficient mice. To this end we infected Siglec-H-deficient mice with influenza virus or with Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) clone 13. With both types of viruses we did not observe induction of autoimmune disease in Siglec-H-deficient mice. This can be explained by the fact that both types of viruses are ssRNA viruses that engage TLR7, rather than TLR9. Also, Influenza causes an acute infection that is rapidly cleared and the chronicity of LCMV clone 13 may not be sufficient and may rather suppress pDC functions. Siglec-H inhibited exclusively TLR-9 driven type I interferon responses, but did not affect type II or type III interferon production by pDCs. Siglec-H-deficient pDCs showed impaired Hck expression, which is a Src-family kinase expressed in myeloid cells, and downmodulation of the chemokine receptor CCR9, that has important functions for pDCs. Accordingly, Siglec-H-deficient pDCs showed impaired migration towards the CCR9 ligand CCL25. Furthermore, autoimmune-related genes such as Klk1 and DNase1l3 are downregulated in Siglec-H-deficient pDCs as well. From these findings we conclude that Siglec-H controls TLR-9-dependent, but not TLR-7 dependent inflammatory responses after virus infections and regulates chemokine responsiveness of pDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Szumilas
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christian H K Lehmann
- Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen (MICE), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Heike Schmitt
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Svenia Cunz
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jolie G Cullen
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Talyn Chu
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Anita Marosan
- Department of Immune Modulation, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Attila Mócsai
- Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vladimir Benes
- Genomics Core Facility, EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Zehn
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Diana Dudziak
- Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen (MICE), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lars Nitschke
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen (MICE), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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9
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Abstract
Systemic autoimmune disorders are complex heterogeneous chronic diseases involving many different immune cells. A significant proportion of patients respond poorly to therapy. In addition, the high burden of adverse effects caused by "classical" anti-rheumatic or immune modulatory drugs provides a need to develop more specific therapies that are better tolerated. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a crucial signaling protein that directly links B-cell receptor (BCR) signals to B-cell activation, proliferation, and survival. BTK is not only expressed in B cells but also in myeloid cells, and is involved in many different signaling pathways that drive autoimmunity. This makes BTK an interesting therapeutic target in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The past decade has seen the emergence of first-line BTK small-molecule inhibitors with great efficacy in the treatment of B-cell malignancies, but with unfavorable safety profiles for use in autoimmunity due to off-target effects. The development of second-generation BTK inhibitors with superior BTK specificity has facilitated the investigation of their efficacy in clinical trials with autoimmune patients. In this review, we discuss the role of BTK in key signaling pathways involved in autoimmunity and provide an overview of the different inhibitors that are currently being investigated in clinical trials of systemic autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as available results from completed trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan F H Neys
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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10
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Rip J, de Bruijn MJW, Neys SFH, Singh SP, Willar J, van Hulst JAC, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibition induces rewiring of proximal and distal B-cell receptor signaling in mice. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:2251-2265. [PMID: 34323286 PMCID: PMC9291019 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Bruton′s tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a crucial signaling molecule in BCR signaling and a key regulator of B‐ cell differentiation and function. Btk inhibition has shown impressive clinical efficacy in various B‐cell malignancies. However, it remains unknown whether inhibition additionally induces changes in BCR signaling due to feedback mechanisms, a phenomenon referred to as BCR rewiring. In this report, we studied the impact of Btk activity on major components of the BCR signaling pathway in mice. As expected, NF‐κB and Akt/S6 signaling was decreased in Btk‐deficient B cells. Unexpectedly, phosphorylation of several proximal signaling molecules, including CD79a, Syk, and PI3K, as well as the key Btk‐effector PLCγ2 and the more downstream kinase Erk, were significantly increased. This pattern of BCR rewiring was essentially opposite in B cells from transgenic mice overexpressing Btk. Importantly, prolonged Btk inhibitor treatment of WT mice or mice engrafted with leukemic B cells also resulted in increased phosho‐CD79a and phospho‐PLCγ2 in B cells. Our findings show that Btk enzymatic function determines phosphorylation of proximal and distal BCR signaling molecules in B cells. We conclude that Btk inhibitor treatment results in rewiring of BCR signaling, which may affect both malignant and healthy B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein J W de Bruijn
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan F H Neys
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simar Pal Singh
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jonas Willar
- Department of Biology, Institute of Genetics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer A C van Hulst
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Neys SFH, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Targeting Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase in Inflammatory and Autoimmune Pathologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:668131. [PMID: 34150760 PMCID: PMC8213343 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.668131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) was discovered due to its importance in B cell development, and it has a critical role in signal transduction downstream of the B cell receptor (BCR). Targeting of BTK with small molecule inhibitors has proven to be efficacious in several B cell malignancies. Interestingly, recent studies reveal increased BTK protein expression in circulating resting B cells of patients with systemic autoimmune disease (AID) compared with healthy controls. Moreover, BTK phosphorylation following BCR stimulation in vitro was enhanced. In addition to its role in BCR signaling, BTK is involved in many other pathways, including pattern recognition, Fc, and chemokine receptor signaling in B cells and myeloid cells. This broad involvement in several immunological pathways provides a rationale for the targeting of BTK in the context of inflammatory and systemic AID. Accordingly, numerous in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies support the potential of BTK targeting in these conditions. Efficacy of BTK inhibitors in various inflammatory and AID has been demonstrated or is currently evaluated in clinical trials. In addition, very recent reports suggest that BTK inhibition may be effective as immunosuppressive therapy to diminish pulmonary hyperinflammation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we review BTK's function in key signaling pathways in B cells and myeloid cells. Further, we discuss recent advances in targeting BTK in inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies.
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12
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Neys SFH, Heukels P, van Hulst JAC, Rip J, Wijsenbeek MS, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Aberrant B Cell Receptor Signaling in Naïve B Cells from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061321. [PMID: 34073225 PMCID: PMC8226954 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061321] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and ultimately fatal disease in which an impaired healing response to recurrent micro-injuries is thought to lead to fibrosis. Recent findings hint at a role for B cells and autoimmunity in IPF pathogenesis. We previously reported that circulating B cells from a fraction of patients, compared with healthy controls, express increased levels of the signaling molecule Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). However, it remains unclear whether B cell receptor (BCR) signaling is altered in IPF. Here, we show that the response to BCR stimulation is enhanced in peripheral blood B cells from treatment-naïve IPF patients. We observed increased anti-immunoglobulin-induced phosphorylation of BTK and its substrate phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) in naïve but not in memory B cells of patients with IPF. In naïve B cells of IPF patients enhanced BCR signaling correlated with surface expression of transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) but not B cell activating factor receptor (BAFFR), both of which provide pro-survival signals. Interestingly, treatment of IPF patients with nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory activity, induced substantial changes in BCR signaling. These findings support the involvement of B cells in IPF pathogenesis and suggest that targeting BCR signaling has potential value as a treatment option.
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13
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Heukels P, Corneth OBJ, van Uden D, van Hulst JAC, van den Toorn LM, van den Bosch AE, Wijsenbeek MS, Boomars KA, Kool M, Hendriks RW. Loss of immune homeostasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Thorax 2021; 76:1209-1218. [PMID: 33963088 PMCID: PMC8606455 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215460] [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: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoreactivity against pulmonary vascular structures is thought to be involved in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We hypothesised that aberrant B-cell activation contributes to IPAH aetiology. METHODS Mice with enhanced B-cell activation due to B-cell-specific overexpression of the B-cell receptor (BCR) signalling molecule Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) were subjected to lung injury and examined for several pulmonary hypertension (PH) indices. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with IPAH (n=13), connective tissue disease-associated PAH (CTD-PAH, n=9), congenital heart disease PAH (n=7), interstitial lung disease associated PH (n=17) and healthy controls (n=19) were characterised by 14-colour flow cytometry. RESULTS Following pulmonary injury, BTK-overexpressing mice showed prolonged activation of B cells and CXCR5+ follicular T-helper (Tfh) cells, as well as features of PH development. Patients with CTD-PAH and CHD-PAH displayed reduced proportions of circulating non-switched-memory B cells (p=0.03, p=0.02, respectively). Interestingly, we observed increased BTK protein expression in naive (p=0.007) and memory B-cell subsets of patients with IPAH and CTD-PAH. BTK was particularly high in patients with IPAH with circulating autoantibodies (p=0.045). IPAH patients had low frequencies of circulating CXCR5+ Tfh cells (p=0.005). Hereby, the increased BTK protein expression in B cells was associated with high proportions of Tfh17 (p=0.018) and Tfh17.1 (p=0.007) cells within the circulating Tfh population. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that pulmonary injury in combination with enhanced B-cell activation is sufficient to induce PH symptoms in mice. In parallel, immune homeostasis in patients with IPAH is compromised, as evidenced by increased BCR signalling and cTfh17 polarisation, indicating that adaptive immune activation contributes to IPAH disease induction or progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Heukels
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Denise van Uden
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer A C van Hulst
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leon M van den Toorn
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marlies S Wijsenbeek
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karin A Boomars
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Kool
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Rip J, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. A Versatile Protocol to Quantify BCR-mediated Phosphorylation in Human and Murine B Cell Subpopulations. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e3902. [PMID: 33732789 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction is the process by which molecular signals are transmitted from the cell surface to its interior, resulting in functional changes inside the cell. B cell receptor (BCR) signaling is of crucial importance for B cells, as it regulates their differentiation, selection, survival, cellular activation and proliferation. Upon BCR engagement by antigen several protein kinases, lipases and linker molecules become phosphorylated. Phosphoflow cytometry (phosphoflow) is a flow cytometry-based method allowing for analysis of protein phosphorylation in single cells. Due to recent advances in methodology and antibody availability - together with the relatively easy quantification of phosphorylation - phosphoflow is increasingly and more commonly used, compared to classical western blot analysis. It can however be challenging to set-up a method that works for all targets of interest. Here, we present a step-by-step phosphoflow protocol allowing the evaluation of the phosphorylation status of signaling molecules in conjunction with extensive staining to identify various human and murine B cell subpopulations, as was previously published in the original paper by Rip et al. (2020). Next to a description of phosphoflow targets from the original paper, we provide directions on additional targets that play a pivotal role in BCR signaling. The step-by-step phosphoflow protocol is user-friendly and provides sensitive detection of phosphorylation of various BCR signaling molecules in human and murine B cell subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Rip J, de Bruijn MJW, Kaptein A, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Phosphoflow Protocol for Signaling Studies in Human and Murine B Cell Subpopulations. J Immunol 2020; 204:2852-2863. [PMID: 32253241 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BCR signaling, involving phosphorylation of various downstream molecules, including kinases, lipases, and linkers, is crucial for B cell selection, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Phosphoflow cytometry (phosphoflow) is a single-cell-based technique to measure phosphorylated intracellular proteins, providing a more quantitative read-out than Western blotting. Recent advances in phosphoflow basically allow simultaneous analysis of protein phosphorylation in B cell (sub)populations, without prior cell sorting. However, fixation and permeabilization procedures required for phosphoflow often affect cell surface epitopes or mAb conjugates, precluding the evaluation of the phosphorylation status of signaling proteins across different B cell subpopulations present in a single sample. In this study, we report a versatile phosphoflow protocol allowing extensive staining of B cell subpopulations in human peripheral blood or various anatomical compartments in the mouse, starting from freshly isolated or frozen cell suspensions. Both human and mouse B cell subpopulations showed different basal and BCR stimulation-induced phosphorylation levels of downstream signaling proteins. For example, peritoneal B-1 cells and splenic marginal zone B cells exhibited significantly increased basal (ex vivo) signaling and increased responsiveness to in vitro BCR stimulation compared with peritoneal B-2 cells and splenic follicular B cells, respectively. In addition, whereas stimulation with anti-IgM or anti-Igκ L chain Abs resulted in strong pCD79a and pPLCγ2 signals, IgD stimulation only induced CD79a but not pPLCγ2 phosphorylation. In summary, the protocol is user friendly and quantifies BCR-mediated phosphorylation with high sensitivity at the single-cell level, in combination with extensive staining to identify individual B cell development and differentiation stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | - Marjolein J W de Bruijn
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | | | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and
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16
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Pal Singh S, de Bruijn MJW, Velaso Gago da Graça C, Corneth OBJ, Rip J, Stadhouders R, Meijers RWJ, Schurmans S, Kerr WG, Ter Burg J, Eldering E, Langerak AW, Pillai SY, Hendriks RW. Overexpression of SH2-Containing Inositol Phosphatase Contributes to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Survival. J Immunol 2019; 204:360-374. [PMID: 31836657 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Balanced activity of kinases and phosphatases downstream of the BCR is essential for B cell differentiation and function and is disturbed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In this study, we employed IgH.TEμ mice, which spontaneously develop CLL, and stable EMC CLL cell lines derived from these mice to explore the role of phosphatases in CLL. Genome-wide expression profiling comparing IgH.TEμ CLL cells with wild-type splenic B cells identified 96 differentially expressed phosphatase genes, including SH2-containing inositol phosphatase (Ship2). We found that B cell-specific deletion of Ship2, but not of its close homolog Ship1, significantly reduced CLL formation in IgH.TEμ mice. Treatment of EMC cell lines with Ship1/2 small molecule inhibitors resulted in the induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis. Using flow cytometry and Western blot analysis, we observed that blocking Ship1/2 abrogated EMC cell survival by exerting dual effects on the BCR signaling cascade. On one hand, specific Ship1 inhibition enhanced calcium signaling and thereby abrogated an anergic response to BCR stimulation in CLL cells. On the other hand, concomitant Ship1/Ship2 inhibition or specific Ship2 inhibition reduced constitutive activation of the mTORC1/ribosomal protein S6 pathway and downregulated constitutive expression of the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1, in both EMC cell lines and primary IgH.TEμ CLL cells. Importantly, also in human CLL, we found overexpression of many phosphatases including SHIP2. Inhibition of SHIP1/SHIP2 reduced cellular survival and S6 phosphorylation and enhanced basal calcium levels in human CLL cells. Taken together, we provide evidence that SHIP2 contributes to CLL pathogenesis in mouse and human CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simar Pal Singh
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ralph Stadhouders
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud W J Meijers
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stéphane Schurmans
- Laboratoire de Génétique Fonctionnelle, GIGA-Research Centre, Université de Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - William G Kerr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210; and
| | - Johanna Ter Burg
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Eldering
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anton W Langerak
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Saravanan Y Pillai
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, NL 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands;
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von Borstel A, Abdulahad WH, Sanders JS, Rip J, Neys SFH, Hendriks RW, Stegeman CA, Heeringa P, Rutgers A, Corneth OBJ. Evidence for enhanced Bruton's tyrosine kinase activity in transitional and naïve B cells of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2019; 58:2230-2239. [PMID: 31209475 PMCID: PMC6880857 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) protein and phosphorylation levels in B cell subsets of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) patients and to investigate the effect of BTK blockade on in vitro B cell cytokine production, subset distribution and (auto)antibody production. METHODS BTK protein and phosphorylation levels were determined by flow cytometry in peripheral blood B cells of 29 untreated GPA patients [9 active and 20 remission GPA patients (10 ANCA- and 10 ANCA+)], 9 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) and 9 untreated active RA patients. The effect of BTK blockade on in vitro B cell cytokine production, subset distribution and (auto)antibody production was determined in the same donors in peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures. RESULTS BTK protein levels were significantly increased in transitional and naïve B cells of active GPA and RA patients compared with remission GPA patients and HCs. Both B cell subsets of active patients were more sensitive to B cell receptor stimulation, as BTK and phospholipase Cγ2 phosphorylation were increased in these patients. In vitro BTK blockade had profound effects on B cell cytokine production, plasma cell formation and (auto)antibody production in both GPA patients and HCs. Interestingly, the effect of BTK blockade was less pronounced in active GPA patients, possibly due to increased activation of B cells. CONCLUSION We show that BTK protein and phosphorylation levels are most profoundly increased in newly emerging B cells of active GPA patients compared with remission patients. BTK blockade greatly inhibits in vitro B cell effector functions in GPA patients and HCs. These promising data identify BTK as an interesting novel therapeutic target in the treatment of GPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk von Borstel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The Netherlands
| | - Wayel H Abdulahad
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan F H Neys
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Coen A Stegeman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham Rutgers
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Heukels P, van Hulst JAC, van Nimwegen M, Boorsma CE, Melgert BN, von der Thusen JH, van den Blink B, Hoek RAS, Miedema JR, Neys SFH, Corneth OBJ, Hendriks RW, Wijsenbeek MS, Kool M. Enhanced Bruton's tyrosine kinase in B-cells and autoreactive IgA in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2019; 20:232. [PMID: 31651327 PMCID: PMC6814043 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-019-1195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is thought to be triggered by repeated alveolar epithelial cell injury. Current evidence suggests that aberrant immune activation may contribute. However, the role of B-cell activation remains unclear. We determined the phenotype and activation status of B-cell subsets and evaluated the contribution of activated B-cells to the development of lung fibrosis both in humans and in mice. Methods B-cells in blood, mediastinal lymph node, and lung single-cell suspensions of IPF patients and healthy controls (HC) were characterized using 14-color flow cytometry. Mice were exposed to bleomycin to provoke pulmonary fibrosis. Results More IgA+ memory B-cells and plasmablasts were found in blood (n = 27) and lungs (n = 11) of IPF patients compared to HC (n = 21) and control lungs (n = 9). IPF patients had higher levels of autoreactive IgA in plasma, which correlated with an enhanced decline of forced vital capacity (p = 0.002, r = − 0.50). Bruton’s tyrosine kinase expression was higher in circulating IPF B-cells compared to HC, indicating enhanced B-cell activation. Bleomycin-exposed mice had increased pulmonary IgA+ germinal center and plasma cell proportions compared to control mice. The degree of lung fibrosis correlated with pulmonary germinal center B-cell proportions (p = 0.010, r = 0.88). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that IPF patients have more circulating activated B-cells and autoreactive IgA, which correlate with disease progression. These B-cell alterations were also observed in the widely used mouse model of experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Autoreactive IgA could be useful as a biomarker for disease progression in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Heukels
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amphia hospital Breda, Breda, The Netherlands.
| | - Jennifer A C van Hulst
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Menno van Nimwegen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carian E Boorsma
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Rogier A S Hoek
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle R Miedema
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan F H Neys
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies S Wijsenbeek
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Kool
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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19
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Abstract
Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an intracellular signaling molecule first identified as the molecule affected in X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) patients, who almost completely lack peripheral B cells and serum immunoglobulins. BTK is crucial for B cell development and various B cell functions, including cytokine and natural antibody production. Importantly, it is also expressed in numerous other cells, including monocytes, macrophages, granulocytes, dendritic cells, and osteoclasts. A few rare cases of autoimmune disease in XLA patients have been described. Interestingly, increased BTK protein expression in patients with systemic autoimmune disease appears to be correlated with autoantibody production. In addition, BTK may promote autoimmunity as an important driver of an imbalance in B-T cell interaction. Because of this overwhelming evidence of a pathogenic role of BTK in autoimmunity, several clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus patients with BTK inhibitors are currently running. Here, we review BTK function in different signaling pathways and in different cell lineages, focusing on the growing body of literature indicating a critical role for BTK in autoimmunity. We also discuss BTK and the promising results of BTK inhibition in animal models of autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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20
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Corneth OBJ, Schaper F, Luk F, Asmawidjaja PS, Mus AMC, Horst G, Heeringa P, Hendriks RW, Westra J, Lubberts E. Lack of IL-17 Receptor A signaling aggravates lymphoproliferation in C57BL/6 lpr mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4032. [PMID: 30858513 PMCID: PMC6412096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39483-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Defects in Fas function correlate with susceptibility to systemic autoimmune diseases like autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). C57BL/6 lpr (B6/lpr) mice are used as an animal model of ALPS and develop a mild SLE phenotype. Involvement of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) has been suggested in both phenotypes. Since IL-17 receptor A is part of the signaling pathway of many IL-17 family members we investigated the role of IL-17 receptor signaling in disease development in mice with a B6/lpr background. B6/lpr mice were crossed with IL-17 receptor A deficient (IL-17RA KO) mice and followed over time for disease development. IL-17RA KO/lpr mice presented with significantly enhanced lymphoproliferation compared with B6/lpr mice, which was characterized by dramatic lymphadenomegaly/splenomegaly and increased lymphocyte numbers, expansion of double-negative (DN) T-cells and enhanced plasma cell formation. However, the SLE phenotype was not enhanced, as anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) titers and induction of glomerulonephritis were not different. In contrast, levels of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) and anti-HMGB1 autoantibodies were significantly increased in IL-17RA KO/lpr mice compared to B6/lpr mice. These data show that lack of IL-17RA signaling aggravates the lymphoproliferative phenotype in B6/lpr mice but does not affect the SLE phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fleur Schaper
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Franka Luk
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick S Asmawidjaja
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana M C Mus
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerda Horst
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna Westra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Lubberts
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Rip J, de Bruijn MJW, Appelman MK, Pal Singh S, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Toll-Like Receptor Signaling Drives Btk-Mediated Autoimmune Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:95. [PMID: 30761150 PMCID: PMC6363707 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [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: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a signaling molecule involved in development and activation of B cells through B-cell receptor (BCR) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. We have previously shown that transgenic mice that overexpress human Btk under the control of the CD19 promoter (CD19-hBtk) display spontaneous germinal center formation, increased cytokine production, anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANAs), and systemic autoimsmune disease upon aging. As TLR and BCR signaling are both implicated in autoimmunity, we studied their impact on splenic B cells. Using phosphoflow cytometry, we observed that phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6, a downstream Akt target, was increased in CD19-hBtk B cells following BCR stimulation or combined BCR/TLR stimulation, when compared with wild-type (WT) B cells. The CD19-hBtk transgene enhanced BCR-induced B cell survival and proliferation, but had an opposite effect following TLR9 or combined BCR/TLR9 stimulation. Although the expression of TLR9 was reduced in CD19-hBtk B cells compared to WT B cells, a synergistic effect of TLR9 and BCR stimulation on the induction of CD25 and CD80 was observed in CD19-hBtk B cells. In splenic follicular (Fol) and marginal zone (MZ) B cells from aging CD19-hBtk mice BCR signaling stimulated in vitro IL-10 production in synergy with TLR4 and particularly TLR9 stimulation, but not with TLR3 and TLR7. The enhanced capacity of CD19-hBtk Fol B cells to produce the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFNγ and IL-6 compared with WT B cells was however not further increased following in vitro BCR or TLR9 stimulation. Finally, we used crosses with mice deficient for the TLR-associated molecule myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) to show that TLR signaling was crucial for spontaneous formation of germinal centers, increased IFNγ, and IL-6 production by B cells and anti-nuclear autoantibody induction in CD19-hBtk mice. Taken together, we conclude that high Btk expression does not only increase B cell survival following BCR stimulation, but also renders B cells more sensitive to TLR stimulation, resulting in increased expression of CD80, and IL-10 in activated B cells. Although BCR-TLR interplay is complex, our findings show that both signaling pathways are crucial for the development of pathology in a Btk-dependent model for systemic autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Simar Pal Singh
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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22
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Verstappen GM, Meiners PM, Corneth OBJ, Visser A, Arends S, Abdulahad WH, Hendriks RW, Vissink A, Kroese FGM, Bootsma H. Attenuation of Follicular Helper T Cell-Dependent B Cell Hyperactivity by Abatacept Treatment in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 69:1850-1861. [DOI: 10.1002/art.40165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gwenny M. Verstappen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Petra M. Meiners
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | | | - Annie Visser
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Arends
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Wayel H. Abdulahad
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan Vissink
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Frans G. M. Kroese
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Hendrika Bootsma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
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23
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Singh SP, Pillai SY, de Bruijn MJW, Stadhouders R, Corneth OBJ, van den Ham HJ, Muggen A, van IJcken W, Slinger E, Kuil A, Spaargaren M, Kater AP, Langerak AW, Hendriks RW. Cell lines generated from a chronic lymphocytic leukemia mouse model exhibit constitutive Btk and Akt signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:71981-71995. [PMID: 29069762 PMCID: PMC5641105 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of mature CD5+ B cells in blood. Spontaneous apoptosis of CLL cells in vitro has hampered in-depth investigation of CLL pathogenesis. Here we describe the generation of three monoclonal mouse cell lines, EMC2, EMC4 and EMC6, from the IgH.TEμ CLL mouse model based on sporadic expression of SV40 large T antigen. The cell lines exhibit a stable CD5+CD43+IgM+CD19+ CLL phenotype in culture and can be adoptively transferred into Rag1−/− mice. RNA-seq analysis revealed only minor differences between the cell lines and their primary tumors and suggested that NF-κB and mTOR signaling pathways were involved in cell line outgrowth. In vitro survival and proliferation was dependent on constitutive phosphorylation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) at Y551/Y223, and Akt(S473). Treatment of the cell lines with small molecule inhibitors specific for Btk (ibrutinib) or PI3K (idelalisib), which is upstream of Akt, resulted in reduced viability, proliferation and fibronectin-dependent cell adhesion. Treatment of cell line-engrafted Rag1−/− mice with ibrutinib was associated with transient lymphocytosis, reduced splenomegaly and increased overall survival. Thus, by generating stable cell lines we established a novel platform for in vitro and in vivo investigation of CLL signal transduction and treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simar Pal Singh
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Post graduate school Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saravanan Y Pillai
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ralph Stadhouders
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona Spain
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alice Muggen
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Erik Slinger
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Kuil
- Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Spaargaren
- Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arnon P Kater
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anton W Langerak
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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24
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Corneth OBJ, Verstappen GMP, Paulissen SMJ, de Bruijn MJW, Rip J, Lukkes M, van Hamburg JP, Lubberts E, Bootsma H, Kroese FGM, Hendriks RW. Enhanced Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Activity in Peripheral Blood B Lymphocytes From Patients With Autoimmune Disease. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 69:1313-1324. [PMID: 28141917 DOI: 10.1002/art.40059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) transmits crucial survival signals from the B cell receptor (BCR) in B cells. Pharmacologic BTK inhibition effectively diminishes disease symptoms in mouse models of autoimmunity; conversely, transgenic BTK overexpression induces systemic autoimmunity in mice. We undertook this study to investigate BTK expression and activity in human B cells in the context of autoimmune disease. METHODS Using intracellular flow cytometry, we quantified BTK expression and phosphorylation in subsets of peripheral blood B cells from 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 26 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and matched healthy controls. RESULTS In circulating B cells, BTK protein expression levels correlated with BTK phosphorylation. BTK expression was up-regulated upon BCR stimulation in vitro and was significantly higher in CD27+ memory B cells than in CD27-IgD+ naive B cells. Importantly, BTK protein and phospho-BTK were significantly increased in B cells from anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-positive RA patients but not in B cells from ACPA-negative RA patients. BTK was increased both in naive B cells and in memory B cells and correlated with frequencies of circulating CCR6+ Th17 cells. Likewise, BTK protein was increased in B cells from a major fraction of patients with primary SS and correlated with serum rheumatoid factor levels and parotid gland T cell infiltration. Interestingly, targeting T cell activation in patients with primary SS using the CTLA-4Ig fusion protein abatacept restored BTK protein expression in B cells to normal levels. CONCLUSION These data indicate that autoimmune disease in humans is characterized by enhanced BTK activity, which is linked not only to autoantibody formation but also to T cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jasper Rip
- Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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de Bruijn MJW, Rip J, van der Ploeg EK, van Greuningen LW, Ta VTB, Kil LP, Langerak AW, Rimmelzwaan GF, Ellmeier W, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Distinct and Overlapping Functions of TEC Kinase and BTK in B Cell Receptor Signaling. J Immunol 2017; 198:3058-3068. [PMID: 28275136 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The Tec tyrosine kinase is expressed in many cell types, including hematopoietic cells, and is a member of the Tec kinase family that also includes Btk. Although the role of Btk in B cells has been extensively studied, the role of Tec kinase in B cells remains largely unclear. It was previously shown that Tec kinase has the ability to partly compensate for loss of Btk activity in B cell differentiation, although the underlying mechanism is unknown. In this study, we confirm that Tec kinase is not essential for normal B cell development when Btk is present, but we also found that Tec-deficient mature B cells showed increased activation, proliferation, and survival upon BCR stimulation, even in the presence of Btk. Whereas Tec deficiency did not affect phosphorylation of phospholipase Cγ or Ca2+ influx, it was associated with significantly increased activation of the intracellular Akt/S6 kinase signaling pathway upon BCR and CD40 stimulation. The increased S6 kinase phosphorylation in Tec-deficient B cells was dependent on Btk kinase activity, as ibrutinib treatment restored pS6 to wild-type levels, although Btk protein and phosphorylation levels were comparable to controls. In Tec-deficient mice in vivo, B cell responses to model Ags and humoral immunity upon influenza infection were enhanced. Moreover, aged mice lacking Tec kinase developed a mild autoimmune phenotype. Taken together, these data indicate that in mature B cells, Tec and Btk may compete for activation of the Akt signaling pathway, whereby the activating capacity of Btk is limited by the presence of Tec kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein J W de Bruijn
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Esmee K van der Ploeg
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lars W van Greuningen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Van T B Ta
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laurens P Kil
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anton W Langerak
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Guus F Rimmelzwaan
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | - Wilfried Ellmeier
- Division of Immunobiology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands;
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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26
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Corneth OBJ, Reijmers RM, Mus AMC, Asmawidjaja PS, van Hamburg JP, Papazian N, Siegers JY, Mourcin F, Amin R, Tarte K, Hendriks RW, Cupedo T, Lubberts E. Loss of IL-22 inhibits autoantibody formation in collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Eur J Immunol 2016; 46:1404-14. [PMID: 27067635 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201546241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin 22 (IL-22) expression is associated with increased joint destruction and disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although IL-22 is considered a pro-inflammatory cytokine, its mechanism of action in RA remains incompletely understood. Here, we used the collagen-induced arthritis model in IL-22 deficient (IL-22(-/-) ) mice to study the role of IL-22 in RA. In spite of normal disease incidence, disease severity is significantly diminished in IL-22(-/-) mice. Moreover, pathogenicity of Th17 cells and development and function of B cells are unaffected. In contrast, splenic plasma cells, as well as serum autoantibody titers, are reduced in the absence of IL-22. At the peak of disease, germinal centers (GCs) are severely reduced in the spleens of IL-22(-/-) mice, correlating with a decline in GC B-cell numbers. Within the GC, we identified IL-22R1 expressing follicular dendritic cell-like stromal cells. Human lymphoid stromal cells respond to IL-22 ex vivo by inducing transcription of CXCL12 and CXCL13. We therefore postulate IL-22 as an important enhancer of the GC reaction, maintaining chemokine levels for the persistence of GC reactions, essential for the production of autoantibody-secreting plasma cells. Blocking IL-22 might therefore prevent immune-complex deposition and destruction of joints in RA patients.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibody Formation/genetics
- Antibody Formation/immunology
- Antibody Specificity/immunology
- Arthritis, Experimental/etiology
- Arthritis, Experimental/metabolism
- Arthritis, Experimental/pathology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/pathology
- Autoantibodies/immunology
- Cells, Cultured
- Chemokines/genetics
- Chemokines/metabolism
- Coculture Techniques
- Disease Models, Animal
- Germinal Center/immunology
- Germinal Center/metabolism
- Interleukins/deficiency
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Plasma Cells/immunology
- Plasma Cells/metabolism
- Receptors, Interleukin/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin/metabolism
- Severity of Illness Index
- Stromal Cells/metabolism
- Th17 Cells/immunology
- Th17 Cells/metabolism
- Interleukin-22
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Affiliation(s)
- Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rogier M Reijmers
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adriana M C Mus
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick S Asmawidjaja
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Piet van Hamburg
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Natalie Papazian
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jurre Y Siegers
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rada Amin
- INSERM U917, Rennes 1 University, EFS, Rennes, France
| | - Karin Tarte
- INSERM U917, Rennes 1 University, EFS, Rennes, France
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tom Cupedo
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Lubberts
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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27
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Corneth OBJ, de Bruijn MJW, Rip J, Asmawidjaja PS, Kil LP, Hendriks RW. Enhanced Expression of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase in B Cells Drives Systemic Autoimmunity by Disrupting T Cell Homeostasis. J Immunol 2016; 197:58-67. [PMID: 27226091 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Upon BCR stimulation, naive B cells increase protein levels of the key downstream signaling molecule Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Transgenic CD19-hBtk mice with B cell-specific BTK overexpression show spontaneous germinal center formation, anti-nuclear autoantibodies, and systemic autoimmunity resembling lupus and Sjögren syndrome. However, it remains unknown how T cells are engaged in this pathology. In this study, we found that CD19-hBtk B cells were high in IL-6 and IL-10 and disrupted T cell homeostasis in vivo. CD19-hBtk B cells promoted IFN-γ production by T cells and expression of the immune-checkpoint protein ICOS on T cells and induced follicular Th cell differentiation. Crosses with CD40L-deficient mice revealed that increased IL-6 production and autoimmune pathology in CD19-hBtk mice was dependent on B-T cell interaction, whereas IL-10 production and IgM autoantibody formation were CD40L independent. Surprisingly, in Btk-overexpressing mice, naive B cells manifested increased CD86 expression, which was dependent on CD40L, suggesting that T cells interact with B cells in a very early stage of immune pathology. These findings indicate that increased BTK-mediated signaling in B cells involves a positive-feedback loop that establishes T cell-propagated autoimmune pathology, making BTK an attractive therapeutic target in autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | | | - Jasper Rip
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | | | - Laurens P Kil
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and
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Brkic Z, Corneth OBJ, Versnel MA, Lubberts E. Response to ‘T-helper 17 cell cytokines and interferon type I: partners in crime in systemic lupus erythematosus?’ – Authors’ reply. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 16:410. [PMID: 25166913 PMCID: PMC4075253 DOI: 10.1186/ar4578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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29
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Corneth OBJ, de Bruijn MJW, Bijer-Liefers SC, de Leeuw K, Kroese FGM, Bootsma H, Kil LP, Hendriks RW. A2.18 Dysregulated BTK expression in peripheral blood B lymphocytes in systemic autoimmune disease. Ann Rheum Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-207259.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Abstract
Since the original identification of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) as the gene defective in the primary immunodeficiency X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) in 1993, our knowledge on the physiological function of BTK has expanded impressively. In this review, we focus on the role of BTK during B cell differentiation in vivo, both in the regulation of expansion and in the developmental progression of pre-B cells in the bone marrow and as a crucial signal transducer of signals downstream of the IgM or IgG B cell antigen receptor (BCR) in mature B cells governing proliferation, survival, and differentiation. In particular, we highlight BTK function in B cells in the context of host defense and autoimmunity. Small-molecule inhibitors of BTK have very recently shown impressive anti-tumor activity in clinical studies in patients with various B cell malignancies. Since promising effects of BTK inhibition were also seen in experimental animal models for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, BTK may be a good target for controlling autoreactive B cells in patients with systemic autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Room Ee2251a, PO Box 2040, NL 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roel G J Klein Wolterink
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Room Ee2251a, PO Box 2040, NL 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Room Ee2251a, PO Box 2040, NL 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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31
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Corneth OBJ, Mus AMC, Asmawidjaja PS, Klein Wolterink RGJ, van Nimwegen M, Brem MD, Hofman Y, Hendriks RW, Lubberts E. Absence of interleukin-17 receptor a signaling prevents autoimmune inflammation of the joint and leads to a Th2-like phenotype in collagen-induced arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2014; 66:340-9. [PMID: 24504806 DOI: 10.1002/art.38229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) signals through the IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) A/C heterodimer. IL-17RA serves as a common receptor subunit for several IL-17 cytokine family members. Lack of IL-17RA signaling may therefore have additional effects beyond those of lack of IL-17A alone. The present study was undertaken to determine the role of IL-17RA signaling in autoimmune arthritis. METHODS Disease incidence and severity were scored in type II collagen-treated wild-type, IL-17RA-deficient, and IL-23p19-deficient mice. T helper cell profiles and humoral immune responses were analyzed at several time points. Pathogenicity of T cells and total splenocytes was determined by in vitro functional assay. IL-17RA signaling was blocked in vivo in mice with antigen-induced arthritis (AIA). RESULTS Comparable to the findings in IL-23p19-deficient mice, IL-17RA-deficient mice were completely protected against the development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). However, IL-17RA-deficient mice exhibited an increased number of IL-4-producing CD4+ T cells, distinct from IL-17A+CD4+ T cells. This was associated with fewer plasma cells, lower production of pathogenic IgG2c antibody, and increased production of IgG1 antibody. Both isolated CD4+ T cells and total splenocytes from IL-17RA-deficient mice had a reduced ability to induce IL-6 production by synovial fibroblasts in the setting of CIA, in a functional in vitro assay. Furthermore, blocking of IL-17RA signaling in AIA reduced synovial inflammation. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that absence of IL-17RA leads to a Th2-like phenotype characterized by IL-4 production and suggest that IL-17RA signaling plays a critical role in the regulation of IL-4 in CIA and the development of autoimmune inflammation of the joint.
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32
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Brkic Z, Corneth OBJ, van Helden-Meeuwsen CG, Dolhain RJEM, Maria NI, Paulissen SMJ, Davelaar N, van Hamburg JP, van Daele PL, Dalm VA, van Hagen PM, Hazes JMW, Versnel MA, Lubberts E. T-helper 17 cell cytokines and interferon type I: partners in crime in systemic lupus erythematosus? Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 16:R62. [PMID: 24598455 PMCID: PMC4060204 DOI: 10.1186/ar4499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A hallmark of systemic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the increased expression of interferon (IFN) type I inducible genes, so-called IFN type I signature. Recently, T-helper 17 subset (Th17 cells), which produces IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22, has been implicated in SLE. As CCR6 enriches for Th17 cells, we used this approach to investigate whether CCR6+ memory T-helper cells producing IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and/or IL-22 are increased in SLE patients and whether this increase is related to the presence of IFN type I signature. Methods In total, 25 SLE patients and 15 healthy controls (HCs) were included. SLE patients were divided into IFN type I signature-positive (IFN+) (n = 16) and negative (IFN-) (n = 9) patients, as assessed by mRNA expression of IFN-inducible genes (IFIGs) in monocytes. Expression of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22 by CD4+CD45RO+CCR6+ T cells (CCR6+ cells) was measured with flow cytometry and compared between IFN+, IFN- patients and HCs. Results Increased percentages of IL-17A and IL-17A/IL-17F double-producing CCR6+ cells were observed in IFN+ patients compared with IFN- patients and HCs. IL-17A and IL-17F expression within CCR6+ cells correlated significantly with IFIG expression. In addition, we found significant correlation between B-cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis family (BAFF)–a factor strongly correlating with IFN type I - and IL-21 producing CCR6+ cells. Conclusions We show for the first time higher percentages of IL-17A and IL-17A/IL-17F double-producing CCR6+ memory T-helper cells in IFN+ SLE patients, supporting the hypothesis that IFN type I co-acts with Th17 cytokines in SLE pathogenesis.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin (IL)-17A and Th17 cells are critically involved in T cell-mediated synovial inflammation. Besides IL-17A, Th17 cells produce IL-22. Recently, Th22 cells were discovered, which produce IL-22 in the absence of IL-17. However, it remains unclear whether IL-22 and Th22 cells contribute to T cell-mediated synovial inflammation. Therefore, we examined the potential of IL-22 and Th22 cells to induce synovial inflammation and whether IL-22 is required for T cell-mediated experimental arthritis. METHODS Peripheral and synovial Th17 and Th22 cells were identified and sorted from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Co-culture experiments of these primary T cell populations with RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF) were performed. The in vivo IL-22 contribution to synovial inflammation was investigated by inducing T cell-mediated arthritis in IL-22 deficient mice and wild-type mice. RESULTS Peripheral Th17 and Th22 cell populations were increased in patients with RA and present in RA synovial fluid. In T cell-RASF co-cultures, IL-22 in the presence of IL-17A had limited effects on IL-6, IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-3 production. Furthermore, primary peripheral blood and synovial Th17 cells were more potent in the induction of these factors by RASF compared with Th22 cells. In line with this, similar synovial inflammation and disease severity was found between IL-22 deficient and wild-type mice in T cell-mediated experimental arthritis. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that IL-17A/Th17 cell-mediated synovial inflammation is independent of IL-22 and Th22 cells. This implies that targeting IL-17A/Th17 cells, rather than IL-22/Th22 cells, should be the focus for treatment of T cell-mediated synovial inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Piet van Hamburg
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Dankers W, Hamburg JPV, Mus AMC, Asmawidjaja PS, Corneth OBJ, Luk F, Leeuwen JPTMV, Hendriks RW, Boon L, Colin EM, Lubberts E. A3.1 1.25(OH) 2D 3Inhibits Th17 Polarisation and RORγt Expression through GATA3-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms. Ann Rheum Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-203216.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Corneth OBJ, Mus AMC, Asmawidjaja AS, Hendriks RW, Lubberts E. IL-27 receptor signaling is critical for B cell differentiation in collagen induced arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2011-201239.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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van Hamburg JP, Asmawidjaja PS, Mus AMC, Corneth OBJ, Colin EM, Hazes JMW, Dolhain RJEM, Lubberts E. CCR6 Th17 but not CCR6 Th1 cells cooperate with synovial fibroblasts in a proinflammatory feedback loop in early rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2010. [DOI: 10.1136/ard.2010.129668t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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