scholarly journals Amiselimod (MT-1303), a Novel Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor-1 Modulator, Potently Inhibits the Progression of Lupus Nephritis in Two Murine SLE Models

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunio Sugahara ◽  
Yasuhiro Maeda ◽  
Kyoko Shimano ◽  
Mikako Murase ◽  
Sachiko Mochiduki ◽  
...  

Amiselimod (MT-1303) is a novel and selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1P1) modulator with a more favorable cardiac safety profile than other S1P1 receptor modulators. In this study, we evaluated the effects of MT-1303 on the progression of lupus nephritis in two well-known murine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) models, MRL/lpr and NZBWF1 mice, compared with those of FK506. Daily oral doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg MT-1303 not only inhibited the development of lupus nephritis when administered before onset in MRL/lpr and NZBWF1 mice but also improved symptoms of lupus nephritis when administered after onset in MRL/lpr mice. Its efficacy in these models was more potent or comparable to that of FK506 (1 and 3 mg/kg). In histological analysis, treatment with MT-1303 inhibited infiltration of T cells into the kidneys, mesangial expansion, and glomerular sclerosis. MT-1303 treatment resulted in a marked reduction in T cells and B cells in the peripheral blood and significantly inhibited increases in the number of plasma cells in the spleen and T cells in the kidneys. In addition, administration of MT-1303 suppressed elevations in serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels in MRL/lpr mice, but not in NZBWF1 mice. Our findings show that MT-1303 exhibits marked therapeutic effects on lupus nephritis in two SLE models, likely by reducing the infiltration of autoreactive T cells into the kidneys. These results suggest that MT-1303 has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for patients suffering from SLE, including lupus nephritis.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Se Gwang Jang ◽  
Jaeseon Lee ◽  
Seung-Min Hong ◽  
Young-Seok Song ◽  
Min Jun Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. Autoantibody production against endogenous cellular components is pathogenic feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Follicular helper T (TFH) cells aid in B cell differentiation into autoantibody-producing plasma cells (PCs). The IL-6 and IL-21 cytokine-mediated STAT3 signaling are crucial for the differentiation to TFH cells. Niclosamide is an anti-helminthic drug used to treat parasitic infections but also exhibits a therapeutic effect on autoimmune diseases due to its potential immune regulatory effects. In this study, we examined whether Niclosamide treatment could relieve lupus-like autoimmunity by modulating the differentiation of TFH cells in two murine models of lupus.Methods. 10-week-old MRL/lpr mice were orally administered with 100 mg/kg of Niclosamide or with 0.5% methylcellulose (MC, vehicle) daily for 7 weeks. TLR7 agonist, resiquimod was topically applied to an ear of 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice 3 times a week for 5 weeks. And they were orally administered with 100 mg/kg of Niclosamide or with 0.5% MC daily for 5 weeks. Every mouse was analyzed for lupus nephritis, proteinuria, autoantibodies, immune complex, immune cell subsets at the time of the euthanization.Results. Niclosamide treatment greatly improved proteinuria, anti-dsDNA antibody levels, immunoglobulin subclass titers, histology of lupus nephritis, and C3 deposition in MRL/lpr and R848-induced mice. In addition, Niclosamide inhibited the proportion of TFH cells and PCs in the spleens of these animals, and effectively suppressed differentiation of TFH-like cells and expression of associated genes in vitro.Conclusions. Niclosamide exerted therapeutic effects on murine lupus models by suppressing TFH cells and plasma cells through STAT3 inhibition.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8477
Author(s):  
Seung-Min Hong ◽  
Jaeseon Lee ◽  
Se Gwang Jang ◽  
Youngseok Song ◽  
Minjun Kim ◽  
...  

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the main contributors to organ damage are antibodies against autoantigens, such as double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Calorie restriction and intermittent fasting (IF) have been shown to improve autoimmune disease symptoms in patients and animal models. Here, we tested the hypothesis that IF might improve symptoms in MRL/lpr mice, which spontaneously develop an SLE-like disease. Groups of mice were fed every other day (IF) or provided food ad libitum (controls), and various lupus-associated clinicopathological parameters were analyzed for up to 28 weeks. Contrary to expectations, anti-dsDNA antibody levels, immune complex deposition in the kidney, and glomerular injury were higher in the IF group than the control group, although there were no differences in spleen and lymph node weights between groups. Proteinuria was also worsened in the IF group. IF also increased the abundance of B cells, plasmablasts, and plasma cells and elevated autophagy in plasma cells in the spleen and lymph nodes. Secretion of anti-dsDNA antibody by splenocytes in vitro was reduced by chloroquine-induced inhibition of autophagy. These results suggest that IF exacerbates lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice by increasing autoantibody immune complex formation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Se Gwang Jang ◽  
Jaeseon Lee ◽  
Seung-Min Hong ◽  
Young-Seok Song ◽  
Min Jun Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Autoantibody production against endogenous cellular components is pathogenic feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Follicular helper T (TFH) cells aid in B cell differentiation into autoantibody-producing plasma cells (PCs). The IL-6 and IL-21 cytokine-mediated STAT3 signaling are crucial for the differentiation to TFH cells. Niclosamide is an anti-helminthic drug used to treat parasitic infections but also exhibits a therapeutic effect on autoimmune diseases due to its potential immune regulatory effects. In this study, we examined whether niclosamide treatment could relieve lupus-like autoimmunity by modulating the differentiation of TFH cells in two murine models of lupus. Methods 10-week-old MRL/lpr mice were orally administered with 100 mg/kg of niclosamide or with 0.5% methylcellulose (MC, vehicle) daily for 7 weeks. TLR7 agonist, resiquimod was topically applied to an ear of 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice 3 times a week for 5 weeks. And they were orally administered with 100 mg/kg of niclosamide or with 0.5% MC daily for 5 weeks. Every mouse was analyzed for lupus nephritis, proteinuria, autoantibodies, immune complex, immune cell subsets at the time of the euthanization. Results Niclosamide treatment greatly improved proteinuria, anti-dsDNA antibody levels, immunoglobulin subclass titers, histology of lupus nephritis, and C3 deposition in MRL/lpr and R848-induced mice. In addition, niclosamide inhibited the proportion of TFH cells and PCs in the spleens of these animals, and effectively suppressed differentiation of TFH-like cells and expression of associated genes in vitro. Conclusions Niclosamide exerted therapeutic effects on murine lupus models by suppressing TFH cells and plasma cells through STAT3 inhibition.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1386-1391
Author(s):  
Dagui Chen ◽  
Fusheng Shang ◽  
Shuyan Zhang ◽  
Danhuan Zhang

The main purpose of this study was to explore treatment effect of hydroxychloroquine-loaded OX7 nanoliposomes in murine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease model. Modification of OX7 monoclonal antibody conferred hydroxychloroquine-loaded OX7 nanoliposomes targeting to renal mesangial cells. The SLE mice models were treated with functional nano liposome via tail vein injection, and then the therapeutic effects on lupus nephritis and complicated pneumonia were evaluated. Our research showed that chronic graft versus host disease lupus nephritis mice model has similar characteristic features of renal pathological damage with human SLE, and is reliable for related study. The symptoms and incidence of pneumonia in model mice were significantly alleviated and reduced after treatment with functional nano liposomes prepared in this experiment.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoko Kawahara ◽  
Tomoyuki Mukai ◽  
Masanori Iseki ◽  
Akiko Nagasu ◽  
Hajime Nagasu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The adaptor protein Src homology 3 domain-binding protein 2 (SH3BP2) is widely expressed in immune cells, such as myeloid cells, B cells, and T cells. It controls intracellular signaling pathways, including Syk and Src. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of SH3BP2 in a murine systemic lupus erythematosus model.Methods: For the lupus model, we used Faslpr/lpr mice (C57BL/6 background). Clinical and immunological phenotypes were compared between Faslpr/lpr and SH3BP2-deficient Faslpr/lpr mice. Splenomegaly and renal involvement were assessed in 35-week-old mice. Serum levels of anti-dsDNA antibody and rheumatoid factor were determined using ELISA. Lymphocyte subsets in the spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry. To examine the role of SH3BP2 in specific cells, B cell-specific SH3BP2-deficient lupus mice were generated and analyzed; T cells and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and macrophages were analyzed in vitro. Results: SH3BP2 deficiency significantly reduced lupus-like phenotypes, presented as splenomegaly, renal involvement, elevated serum anti-dsDNA antibody and rheumatoid factor, and increased splenic B220+CD4-CD8- T cells. Notably, SH3BP2 deficiency in B cells did not rescue the lupus-like phenotypes. Furthermore, SH3BP2 deficiency did not substantially affect the characteristics of T cells and macrophages in vitro. Interestingly, SH3BP2 deficiency suppressed the differentiation of dendritic cells in vitro and reduced the number of dendritic cells in the spleen of the lupus-prone mice.Conclusions: SH3BP2 deficiency ameliorated clinical and immunological manifestations in lupus-prone mice, possibly via targeting dendritic cell differentiation. Modulating SH3BP2 expression could thus provide a novel therapeutic approach to autoimmune diseases.


1993 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-61
Author(s):  
B A Kiberd

The therapeutic effects of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) to the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) were examined in the MRL-lpr/lpr murine lupus nephritis model. Animals (15 wk old) were treated with ip mAb IL-6R for 5 wk. GFR in these mice at the end of this treatment period were comparable to those of congenic strain disease-resistant MRL-(+)/+ controls treated with rat immunoglobulin G (IgG) (254 +/- 61 versus 285 +/- 26 microL/min; P = not significant). GFR was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in lpr/lpr mice receiving ip rat IgG (disease controls) at the same time (165 +/- 76 microL/min). The fractional mesangial volume (Mv) and surface density of open glomerular capillaries (Sv) in mAb II-6R-treated lpr/lpr and IgG-treated +/+ mice (Mv, 0.21 +/- 0.04 and 0.19 +/- 0.04 micron3/micron3; Sv, 0.18 +/- 0.01 and 0.20 +/- 0.01 micron/micron2, respectively) were similar. However, Mv (0.40 +/- 0.04) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) and Sv (0.13 +/- 0.04) was lower (P < 0.01) in IgG-treated lpr/lpr animals. Treatment with mAb IL-6R significantly reduced anti-dsDNA antibody levels after Week 2 of treatment, but these values rebounded at Week 4. The late development of neutralizing antibodies and the increased secretion of IL-6 at Week 4 were likely responsible. Despite these events, neutralizing mAb to the IL-6R proved to be effective therapeutically, as demonstrated by preserved glomerular function and structure.


Lupus ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1468-1472 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Yoshida ◽  
F He ◽  
V C Kyttaris

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 is a regulator of T-cell responses to external stimuli, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We have previously shown that STAT3 is activated (phosphorylated) at high levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) T cells and mediates chemokine-induced migration and T:B cell interactions. Stattic, a small molecular STAT3 inhibitor, can partially ameliorate lupus nephritis in mice. To understand the role of STAT3 better in T-cell pathophysiology in lupus nephritis and its potential as a treatment target, we silenced its expression in T cells using a cd4-driven CRE-Flox model. We found that lupus-prone mice that do not express STAT3 in T cells did not develop lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, or glomerulonephritis. Moreover, the production of anti-dsDNA antibodies was decreased in these mice compared to controls. To dissect the mechanism, we also used a nephrotoxic serum model of nephritis. In this model, T cell–specific silencing of STAT3 resulted in amelioration of nephrotoxic serum-induced kidney damage. Taken together, our results suggest that in mouse models of autoimmune nephritis, T cell–specific silencing of STAT3 can hamper their ability to help B cells to produce autoantibodies and induce cell tissue infiltration. We propose that STAT3 inhibition in T cells represents a novel approach in the treatment of SLE and lupus nephritis in particular.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 345.1-345
Author(s):  
M. Morita ◽  
S. Masuyama ◽  
M. Mizui ◽  
Y. Isaka

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibody and systemic tissue damages including glomerulonephritis. Immune responses mediated by autoreactive T-cells, as well as by autoantibody, is involved in the development and progression of end-organ damages1. Biologic agents which manipulate T-cell function such as CTLA4-Ig and anti-CD40L have been revisited and tried to treat human SLE, however, both of them failed to demonstrate efficacy.A mouse specific anti-CD3ε mAb, clone 145-2C11 (2C11) is known to be immunosuppressive by down-modulation of TCR and depletion of T-cells2. Administration of Fc-deleted 145-2C11 F(ab’)2to lupus-prone mice was reported to reduce lymphadenopathy and prolong survival, but had no significant effect on anti-DNA antibody titer3. The mechanisms by which 2C11 ameliorates lupus are still unclear.In this study, we used non-mitogenic Fc-modified silent 145-2c11 (2C11S), which disables interaction between target cells and Fc receptor-bearing cells, abolishes antibody directed cytotoxicity, and has longer half-life than F(ab’)2. 2C11S is expected to exert its effect in safe and stable as compared with functional parent-2C11 (2C11P) antibody.Objectives:The purpose of our study is to clarify the difference between 2C11S and 2C11P and to examine their therapeutic effects against murine lupus-prone (NZB/W F1) mice.Methods:20 μg of 2C11P (absolute antibody), 2C11S (absolute antibody), or isotype control immunoglobulin G1 κ (IC)(BioLegend) were administered intraperitoneally to C57BL6 mice. The difference of their action on T-cells were evaluated in a time series from peripheral blood. Plasma cytokine levels were measured within 24 hours after antibody administration.In NZB/W F1 mice from weeks 10 or 20, 2C11P, 2C11S, and IC were administered (100 μg / week, 4 times, intraperitoneally). Plasma anti-dsDNA antibody titer, spleen and kidney blood cell subpopulation, and histology of renal tissue were evaluated before and/or after treatment.Results:Duration of reduced TCR expression in 2C11S group was approximately twice as long as that in 2C11P group, and the levels of plasma TNF-α was not increased in 2C11S group while significant increase was observed in 2C11P group (IC; mean 48.3 ± SD 16.7 pg/ml, 2C11S; 57.9 ± 6.12, 2C11P; 168 ± 50.6, IC VS 2C11S; p>0.99, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.03, ANOVA).In NZB/W F1 mice, the number of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in spleen significantly decreased in 2C11S group (IC; median 9.0*104[interquartile range 8.5*104], 2C11S; 1.8*104[1.0*104], 2C11P; 1.0*105[9.4*104], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.03, IC VS 2C11P; p>0.99, Kruskal-Wallis). The number of germinal center B (GCB) cells in spleen also decreased in 2C11S group (IC; 1.2*105[1.7*105], 2C11S; 9.0*103[2.3*104], 2C11P; 8.0*104[2.3*105], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.03, IC VS 2C11P; p>0.99). The number of infiltrating CD4+T-cells in kidney significantly reduced in 2C11S group (IC; 3.4*103[1.0*104], 2C11S; 6.4*102[8.8*102], 2C11P; 1.2*103[4.4*103], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.048, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.23). In addition, the rate of increase in anti-dsDNA IgG titers significantly decreased in 2C11S group (IC; 2.3 [1.3], 2C11S; 0.9 [1.0], 2C11P; 1.3 [1.4], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.03, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.24). Finally, glomerular hypercellularity was markedly alleviated only in 2C11S group (IC; 4.4*10 [8.4], 2C11S; 3.8*10 [1.1], 2C11P; 3.9*10 [8.2], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.02, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.57).Conclusion:2C11S did not induce cytokine release with maintaining longer effect on TCR down-modulation. 2C11S reduced autoantibody production by suppressing GCB differentiation, possibly through down-regulation of Tfh cell number. Consequently, 2C11S ameliorated lupus nephritis. On the other hand, 2C11P did not show therapeutic effect.References:[1]George C Tsokos. et al. Nat. Rev. Rheum (2016) 12: 716-730.[2]Kuhn C. et al. Immunotherapy (2016) 8: 889-906.[3]Henrickson M. et al. Arthritis Rheum (1994) 37: 587-589.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyan Zhou ◽  
Bojiang Li ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Tongqian Wu ◽  
Xiaoqian Jin ◽  
...  

Accumulating evidence indicates a critical role for T cells and relevant cytokines in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the specific contribution of T cells together with the related circulating cytokines in disease pathogenesis and organ involvement is still not clear. In the current study, we investigated relevant molecule expressions and cytokine levels in blood samples from 49 SLE patients and 22 healthy control subjects. The expression of HLA-DR and costimulatory molecules on T cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Concentrations of serum C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody, total lgG, complement 3, and complement 4 were measured. Serum cytokines and chemokines were measured by a cytometric bead array assay. Elevated frequencies of HLA-DR+ T cells and ICOS+ T cells were observed in SLE patients with positive anti-dsDNA antibodies compared with those in healthy controls (P<0.001). The expression of HLA-DR+ T cells was positively correlated with SLEDAI (r=0.15, P<0.01). Furthermore, levels of serum IL-6, MCP-1, TNFRI, IL-10, IL-12, and CCL20 were higher in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. In addition, patients with hematologic manifestations displayed elevated frequencies of HLA-DR+ T cells and ICOS+ T cells. Patients with renal manifestations had a decreased frequency of TIGIT+ T cells. These results suggested a dysregulated T cell activity and cytokine expression profiles in SLE subjects. We also developed a chemokine and cytokine profiling strategy to predict the activity of SLE, which has clinical implication for better monitoring the flares and remission during the course of SLE and for assessing therapeutic interventions.


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