| 1. |
- Romero-Castillo, Laura, et al.
(author)
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Human MHC Class II and Invariant Chain Knock-in Mice Mimic Rheumatoid Arthritis with Allele Restriction in Immune Response and Arthritis Association
- 2024
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In: Advanced Science. - 2198-3844.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Transgenic mice expressing human major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) risk alleles are widely used in autoimmune disease research, but limitations arise due to non-physiologic expression. To address this, physiologically relevant mouse models are established via knock-in technology to explore the role of MHCII in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The gene sequences encoding the ectodomains are replaced with the human DRB1*04:01 and 04:02 alleles, DRA, and CD74 (invariant chain) in C57BL/6N mice. The collagen type II (Col2a1) gene is modified to mimic human COL2. Importantly, DRB1*04:01 knock-in mice display physiologic expression of human MHCII also on thymic epithelial cells, in contrast to DRB1*04:01 transgenic mice. Humanization of the invariant chain enhances MHCII expression on thymic epithelial cells, increases mature B cell numbers in spleen, and improves antigen presentation. To validate its functionality, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model is used, where DRB1*04:01 expression led to a higher susceptibility to arthritis, as compared with mice expressing DRB1*04:02. In addition, the humanized T cell epitope on COL2 allows autoreactive T cell-mediated arthritis development. In conclusion, the humanized knock-in mouse faithfully expresses MHCII, confirming the DRB1*04:01 alleles role in rheumatoid arthritis and being also useful for studying MHCII-associated diseases.
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| 2. |
- Xu, Zhongwei, et al.
(author)
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A subset of type-II collagen-binding antibodies prevents experimental arthritis by inhibiting FCGR3 signaling in neutrophils
- 2023
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In: Nature Communications. - 2041-1723. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves several classes of pathogenic autoantibodies, some of which react with type-II collagen (COL2) in articular cartilage. We previously described a subset of COL2 antibodies targeting the F4 epitope (ERGLKGHRGFT) that could be regulatory. Here, using phage display, we developed recombinant antibodies against this epitope and examined the underlying mechanism of action. One of these antibodies, R69-4, protected against cartilage antibody- and collagen-induced arthritis in mice, but not autoimmune disease models independent of arthritogenic autoantibodies. R69-4 was further shown to cross-react with a large range of proteins within the inflamed synovial fluid, such as the complement protein C1q. Complexed R69-4 inhibited neutrophil FCGR3 signaling, thereby impairing downstream IL-1β secretion and neutrophil self-orchestrated recruitment. Likewise, human isotypes of R69-4 protected against arthritis with comparable efficiency. We conclude that R69-4 abrogates autoantibody-mediated arthritis mainly by hindering FCGR3 signaling, highlighting its potential clinical utility in acute RA.
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| 3. |
- Bersellini Farinotti, Alex, et al.
(author)
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Cartilage-binding antibodies induce pain through immune complex-mediated activation of neurons
- 2019
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In: Journal of Experimental Medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 1540-9538 .- 0022-1007. ; 216:8, s. 1904-1924
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rheumatoid arthritis-associated joint pain is frequently observed independent of disease activity, suggesting unidentified pain mechanisms. We demonstrate that antibodies binding to cartilage, specific for collagen type II (CII) or cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), elicit mechanical hypersensitivity in mice, uncoupled from visual, histological and molecular indications of inflammation. Cartilage antibody-induced pain-like behavior does not depend on complement activation or joint inflammation, but instead on tissue antigen recognition and local immune complex (IC) formation. smFISH and IHC suggest that neuronal Fcgr1 and Fcgr2b mRNA are transported to peripheral ends of primary afferents. CII-ICs directly activate cultured WT but not FcRγ chain-deficient DRG neurons. In line with this observation, CII-IC does not induce mechanical hypersensitivity in FcRγ chain-deficient mice. Furthermore, injection of CII antibodies does not generate pain-like behavior in FcRγ chain-deficient mice or mice lacking activating FcγRs in neurons. In summary, this study defines functional coupling between autoantibodies and pain transmission that may facilitate the development of new disease-relevant pain therapeutics.
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| 4. |
- Dahdah, Albert, et al.
(author)
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Germinal Center B Cells Are Essential for Collagen-Induced Arthritis
- 2018
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In: Arthritis & Rheumatology. - Hoboken : John Wiley & Sons. - 2326-5191 .- 2326-5205. ; 70:2, s. 193-203
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered to be a prototypical autoimmune disorder. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the known pathologic function of B cells in RA, including antigen presentation, cytokine secretion, and humoral immunity. The aim of this study was to address the function of B lymphocytes in experimental arthritis.METHODS: We mapped the adaptive immune response following collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). We subsequently monitored these responses and disease outcomes in genetically modified mouse strains that lack mature B cell or germinal center (GC) functionality in a B cell-intrinsic manner.RESULTS: Following primary immunization, the draining lymph nodes broadly reacted against type II collagen (CII) with the formation of GCs and T cell activation. Mice that lacked mature B cell function were fully protected against CIA and had a severely attenuated ability to mount isotype-switched humoral immune responses against CII. Almost identical results were observed in mice that were selectively deficient in GC responses. Importantly, GC-deficient mice were fully susceptible to collagen antibody-induced arthritis.CONCLUSION: We identified GC formation and anticollagen antibody production as the key pathogenic functions of B cells in CIA. The role of B cells in RA is likely to be more complex. However, targeting the GC reaction could allow for therapeutic interventions that are more refined than general B cell depletion.
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| 5. |
- Ge, Changrong, et al.
(author)
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Key interactions in the trimolecular complex consisting of the rheumatoid arthritis-associated DRB1*04:01 molecule, the major glycosylated collagen II peptide and the T-cell receptor
- 2022
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 81:4, s. 480-489
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease strongly associated with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II allele DRB1*04:01, which encodes a protein that binds self-peptides for presentation to T cells. This study characterises the autoantigen-presenting function of DRB1*04:01 (HLA-DRA*01:01/HLA-DRB1*04:01) at a molecular level for prototypic T-cell determinants, focusing on a post-translationally modified collagen type II (Col2)-derived peptide.Methods The crystal structures of DRB1*04:01 molecules in complex with the peptides HSP70(289-306), citrullinated CILP982-996 and galactosylated Col2(259-273) were determined on cocrystallisation. T cells specific for Col2(259-273) were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with DRB1*04:01-positive RA by cytofluorometric detection of the activation marker CD154 on peptide stimulation and binding of fluorescent DRB1*0401/Col2(259-273) tetramer complexes. The cDNAs encoding the T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha-chains and beta-chains were cloned from single-cell sorted tetramer-positive T cells and transferred via a lentiviral vector into TCR-deficient Jurkat 76 cells.Results The crystal structures identified peptide binding to DRB1*04:01 and potential side chain exposure to T cells. The main TCR recognition sites in Col2(259-273) were lysine residues that can be galactosylated. RA T-cell responses to DRB1*04:01-presented Col2(259-273) were dependent on peptide galactosylation at lysine 264. Dynamic molecular modelling of a functionally characterised Col2(259-273)-specific TCR complexed with DRB1*04:01/Col2(259-273) provided evidence for differential allosteric T-cell recognition of glycosylated lysine 264.Conclusions The MHC-peptide-TCR interactions elucidated in our study provide new molecular insights into recognition of a post-translationally modified RA T-cell determinant with a known dominant role in arthritogenic and tolerogenic responses in murine Col2-induced arthritis.
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| 6. |
- Ge, Changrong, et al.
(author)
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Structural Basis of Cross-Reactivity of Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies
- 2019
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In: Arthritis & Rheumatology. - : WILEY. - 2326-5191 .- 2326-5205. ; 71:2, s. 210-221
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) develop many years before the clinical onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to address the molecular basis of the specificity and cross-reactivity of ACPAs from patients with RA. Methods Antibodies isolated from RA patients were expressed as monoclonal chimeric antibodies with mouse Fc. These antibodies were characterized for glycosylation using mass spectrometry, and their cross-reactivity was assessed using Biacore and Luminex immunoassays. The crystal structures of the antigen-binding fragment (Fab) of the monoclonal ACPA E4 in complex with 3 different citrullinated peptides were determined using x-ray crystallography. The prevalence of autoantibodies reactive against 3 of the citrullinated peptides that also interacted with E4 was investigated by Luminex immunoassay in 2 Swedish cohorts of RA patients. Results Analysis of the crystal structures of a monoclonal ACPA from human RA serum in complex with citrullinated peptides revealed key residues of several complementarity-determining regions that recognized the citrulline as well as the neighboring peptide backbone, but with limited contact with the side chains of the peptides. The same citrullinated peptides were recognized by high titers of serum autoantibodies in 2 large cohorts of RA patients. Conclusion These data show, for the first time, how ACPAs derived from human RA serum recognize citrulline. The specific citrulline recognition and backbone-mediated interactions provide a structural explanation for the promiscuous recognition of citrullinated peptides by RA-specific ACPAs.
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| 7. |
- He, Yibo, et al.
(author)
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A subset of antibodies targeting citrullinated proteins confers protection from rheumatoid arthritis.
- 2023
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In: Nature communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although elevated levels of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the in vivo functions of these antibodies remain unclear. Here, we have expressed monoclonal ACPAs derived from patients with RA, and analyzed their functions in mice, as well as their specificities. None of the ACPAs showed arthritogenicity nor induced pain-associated behavior in mice. However, one of the antibodies, clone E4, protected mice from antibody-induced arthritis. E4 showed a binding pattern restricted to skin, macrophages and dendritic cells in lymphoid tissue, and cartilage derived from mouse and human arthritic joints. Proteomic analysis confirmed that E4 strongly binds to macrophages and certainRA synovial fluid proteins such as α-enolase. The protective effect of E4 was epitope-specific and dependent on the interaction between E4-citrullinated α-enolase immune complexes with FCGR2B on macrophages, resulting in increased IL-10 secretion and reduced osteoclastogenesis. These findings suggest that a subset of ACPAs have therapeutic potential in RA.
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| 8. |
- Kutty Selva, Nandakumar, et al.
(author)
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A recombinant vaccine effectively induces c5a-specific neutralizing antibodies and prevents arthritis.
- 2010
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In: PLoS ONE. - San Francisco, CA : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 5:10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a recombinant vaccine to attenuate inflammation in arthritis by sustained neutralization of the anaphylatoxin C5a. METHODS: We constructed and expressed fusion protein of C5a and maltose binding protein. Efficacy of specific C5a neutralization was tested using the fusion protein as vaccine in three different arthritis mouse models: collagen induced arthritis (CIA), chronic relapsing CIA and collagen antibody induced arthritis (CAIA). Levels of anti-C5a antibodies and anti-collagen type II were measured by ELISA. C5a neutralization assay was done using a rat basophilic leukemia cell-line transfected with the human C5aR. Complement activity was determined using a hemolytic assay and joint morphology was assessed by histology. RESULTS: Vaccination of mice with MBP-C5a led to significant reduction of arthritis incidence and severity but not anti-collagen antibody synthesis. Histology of the MBP-C5a and control (MBP or PBS) vaccinated mice paws confirmed the vaccination effect. Sera from the vaccinated mice developed C5a-specific neutralizing antibodies, however C5 activation and formation of the membrane attack complex by C5b were not significantly altered. CONCLUSIONS: Exploitation of host immune response to generate sustained C5a neutralizing antibodies without significantly compromising C5/C5b activity is a useful strategy for developing an effective vaccine for antibody mediated and C5a dependent inflammatory diseases. Further developing of such a therapeutic vaccine would be more optimal and cost effective to attenuate inflammation without affecting host immunity.
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| 9. |
- Li, Yanpeng, et al.
(author)
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Cartilage-binding antibodies initiate joint inflammation and promote chronic erosive arthritis
- 2020
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In: Arthritis Research & Therapy. - : BMC. - 1478-6362. ; 22
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Antibodies binding to cartilage proteins are present in the blood and synovial fluid of early rheumatoid arthritis patients. In order to develop animal models mimicking the human disease, we have characterized the arthritogenic capacity of monoclonal antibodies directed towards different joint proteins in the cartilage.Methods: Purified antibodies specific to unmodified or citrullinated collagen type II (CII), collagen type XI (CXI), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were produced as culture supernatant, affinity purified, pooled as antibody cocktails (Cab3 and Cab4), and injected intravenously into mice to induce arthritis. An adjuvant (lipopolysaccharide or mannan) was subsequently injected intraperitoneally on either day 5 or day 60 to enhance arthritis. Antibody binding and complement activation on the cartilage surface were analyzed by immunohistochemical methods. Bone erosions and joint deformations were analyzed by histological assessments, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and micro-CT. Luminex was used to detect CII-triple helical epitope-specific antibody responses.Results: The new cartilage antibody cocktails induced an earlier and more severe disease than anti-CII antibody cocktail. Many of the mouse strains used developed severe arthritis with 3 antibodies, binding to collagen II, collagen XI, and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (the Cab3 cocktail). Two new models of arthritis including Cab3-induced LPS-enhanced arthritis (lpsCAIA) and Cab3-induced mannan-enhanced arthritis (mCAIA) were established, causing severe bone erosions and bone loss, as well as epitope spreading of the B cell response. Cab4, with addition of an antibody to citrullinated collagen II, induced arthritis more efficiently in moderately susceptible C57BL/6 J mice.Conclusions: The new mouse model for RA induced with cartilage antibodies allows studies of chronic development of arthritis and epitope spreading of the autoimmune response and bone erosion.
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| 10. |
- Nandakumar, Kutty Selva, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Streptococcal Endo-β-N-Acetylglucosaminidase Suppresses Antibody-Mediated Inflammation In Vivo
- 2018
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In: Frontiers in Immunology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-3224. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (EndoS) is a family 18 glycosyl hydrolase secreted by Streptococcus pyogenes. Recombinant EndoS hydrolyzes the β-1,4-di-N-acetylchitobiose core of the N-linked complex type glycan on the asparagine 297 of the γ-chains of IgG. Here, we report that EndoS and IgG hydrolyzed by EndoS induced suppression of local immune complex (IC)-mediated arthritis. A small amount (1 µg given i.v. to a mouse) of EndoS was sufficient to inhibit IgG-mediated arthritis in mice. The presence of EndoS disturbed larger IC lattice formation both in vitro and in vivo, as visualized with anti-C3b staining. Neither complement binding in vitro nor antigen-antibody binding per se were affected. Thus, EndoS could potentially be used for treating patients with IC-mediated pathology.
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| 11. |
- Okmane, Laura, et al.
(author)
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Glucomannan and beta-glucan degradation by Mytilus edulis Cel45A : Crystal structure and activity comparison with GH45 subfamily A, B and C
- 2022
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In: Carbohydrate Polymers. - : Elsevier. - 0144-8617 .- 1879-1344. ; 277
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The enzymatic hydrolysis of barley beta-glucan, konjac glucomannan and carboxymethyl cellulose by a beta-1,4-D-endoglucanase MeCel45A from blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, which belongs to subfamily B of glycoside hydrolase family 45 (GH45), was compared with GH45 members of subfamilies A (Humicola insolens HiCel45A), B (Trichoderma reesei TrCel45A) and C (Phanerochaete chrysosporium PcCel45A). Furthermore, the crystal structure of MeCel45A is reported.Initial rates and hydrolysis yields were determined by reducing sugar assays and product formation was characterized using NMR spectroscopy. The subfamily B and C enzymes exhibited mannanase activity, whereas the subfamily A member was uniquely able to produce monomeric glucose. All enzymes were confirmed to be inverting glycoside hydrolases. MeCel45A appears to be cold adapted by evolution, as it maintained 70% activity on cellohexaose at 4 degrees C relative to 30 degrees C, compared to 35% for TrCel45A. Both enzymes produced cellobiose and cellotetraose from cellohexaose, but TrCel45A additionally produced cellotriose.
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| 12. |
- Sareila, Outi, et al.
(author)
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Reactive Oxygen Species Regulate Both Priming and Established Arthritis, but with Different Mechanisms
- 2017
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In: Antioxidants and Redox Signaling. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1523-0864 .- 1557-7716. ; 27:18, s. 1473-1490
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: Neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1) is a key regulatory component of the phagocytic NOX2 complex, which produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). Polymorphism of the Ncf1 gene is associated with increased arthritis severity. In this study, we generated targeted Ncf1 knock-in mice with inducible Ncf1 expression and determined the critical time window during which the NOX2-derived ROS protect the mice from arthritis.Results: Targeted Ncf1 knock-in mice lacked NOX2-derived ROS, and in vivo allelic conversion of Ncf1 by the CreER(T2) recombinase led to full protein expression and ROS production within 10 days. Mice in which Ncf1 had been activated before immunization with type II collagen (CII) developed only mild clinical symptoms of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), whereas the ROS-deficient littermates had severe arthritis. The functional Ncf1 restricted the expansion of IL-17A-producing T cells specific for the immunodominant CII peptide. When the Ncf1 gene was activated after the priming phase, Ncf1-dependent protection from autoimmune arthritis was still observed, together with a reduced number of splenic monocytes but it was not associated with alterations in peptide-specific T cell response. The Ncf1-deficient mice expressed pronounced interferon signature, which could be normalized by conditional expression of Ncf1 and was also present in the Ncf1-mutated mouse during arthritis.Innovation and Conclusion: Ncf1 deficiency has been known to predispose to autoimmunity in both humans and rodents. Our in vivo results point to a regulatory role of NOX2-derived ROS not only during priming but also during the effector phase of CIA, most likely via different mechanisms.
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| 13. |
- Urbonaviciute, Vilma, et al.
(author)
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Therapy targeting antigen-specific T cells by a peptide-based tolerizing vaccine against autoimmune arthritis
- 2023
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In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - Stockholm : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 0027-8424 .- 1091-6490. ; 120:25
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A longstanding goal has been to find an antigen-specific preventive therapy, i.e., a vaccine, for autoimmune diseases. It has been difficult to find safe ways to steer the targeting of natural regulatory antigen. Here, we show that the administration of exog-enous mouse major histocompatibility complex class II protein bounding a unique galactosylated collagen type II (COL2) peptide (Aq-galCOL2) directly interacts with the antigen-specific TCR through a positively charged tag. This leads to expanding a VISTA-positive nonconventional regulatory T cells, resulting in a potent dominant suppressive effect and protection against arthritis in mice. The therapeutic effect is dom-inant and tissue specific as the suppression can be transferred with regulatory T cells, which downregulate various autoimmune arthritis models including antibody-induced arthritis. Thus, the tolerogenic approach described here may be a promising dominant antigen-specific therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, and in principle, for autoimmune diseases in general.
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| 14. |
- Xu, Bingze
(author)
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Endoglucanase and Mannanase from Blue Mussel, Mytilus edulis: Purification, Characterization, Gene and Three Dimensional Structure
- 2002
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Two polysaccharide-degrading enzymes (endo-1,4-D-glucanase and β-mannanase) from blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, have been purified to homogeneity using a combination of several chromatographic steps. Each enzyme has been characterized with regard to its molecular weight, isoelectric point, pH and temperature stability, pH and temperature optimum and substrate specificity. The amino acid sequence of the endoglucanase has been determined at the protein level. The two enzymes are true blue mussel proteins as confirmed at the DNA level. The nucleotide sequences of synthesized cDNA from digestive gland and of genomic DNA from gill tissue were compared. Both genes contain introns, a property typical of eucaryotic organisms. Amino acid sequence based classification has revealed that the endoglucanase belongs to the glycoside hydrolase family 45, subfamily 2 while β-mannanase is a member of family 5. Both enzymes form insoluble inclusion bodies when expressed in Escherichia coli. Refolding attempts were unsuccessful. However, the β-mannanase was successfully expressed in the methylotropic yeast Pichia pastoris with an expression level above 100 mg/l in shaking culture. Crystals of the endoglucanase were made from the native protein and a dataset was collected to 1.85 Å resolution using an in-house rotating anode x-ray source. Crystals were also produced using recombinant β-mannanase and a dataset was collected to 1.4 Å resolution at the ESRF synchrotron beamline ID14-EH1. The three dimensional structure of the endoglucanase was solved by X-ray crystallography.
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| 15. |
- Yang, Min, et al.
(author)
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Cutting Edge : Processing of Oxidized Peptides in Macrophages Regulates T Cell Activation and Development of Autoimmune Arthritis
- 2017
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In: Journal of Immunology. - : The American Association of Immunologists. - 0022-1767 .- 1550-6606. ; 199:12, s. 3937-3942
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- APCs are known to produce NADPH oxidase (NOX) 2-derived reactive oxygen species; however, whether and how NOX2-mediated oxidation affects redox-sensitive immunogenic peptides remains elusive. In this study, we investigated a major immunogenic peptide in glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6PI), a potential autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis, which can form internal disulfide bonds. Ag presentation assays showed that presentation of this G6PI peptide was more efficient in NOX2-deficient (Ncf1(m1J/m1J) mutant) mice, compared with wild-type controls. IFN-gamma-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT), which facilitates disulfide bond-containing Ag processing, was found to be upregulated in macrophages from Ncf1 mutant mice. Ncf1 mutant mice exhibited more severe G6PI peptide-induced arthritis, which was accompanied by the increased GILT expression in macrophages and enhanced Ag-specific T cell responses. Our results show that NOX2-dependent processing of the redox-sensitive autoantigens by APCs modify T cell activity and development of autoimmune arthritis.
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