Journal of autoimmunity
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Journal of autoimmunity · Jun 2017
Peptidylarginine deiminase 2 is required for tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced citrullination and arthritis, but not neutrophil extracellular trap formation.
Citrullination, the post-translational conversion of arginines to citrullines, may contribute to rheumatoid arthritis development given the generation of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). However, it is not known which peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) catalyzes the citrullination seen in inflammation. PAD4 exacerbates inflammatory arthritis and is critical for neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). ⋯ Finally, plasma cell numbers as assessed by flow cytometry, IgG levels quantified by ELISA, and inflammatory arthritis as determined by clinical and pathological scoring were all reduced in the absence of PAD2. Thus, PAD2 contributes to TNFα-induced citrullination and arthritis, but is not required for NETosis. In contrast, PAD4, which is critical for NETosis, is dispensable for generalized citrullination supporting the possibility that NETs may not be a major source of citrullinated protein in arthritis.
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Journal of autoimmunity · Mar 2017
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) deficiency augments BAFF production to promote lupus progression.
Sensing of nucleic acids by pattern recognition receptors is the key for the initiation and development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is a novel innate immune receptor, which can amplify Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced inflammatory responses. Although patients with lupus exhibit increased serum levels of soluble TREM-1 (sTREM-1), the role of TREM-1 in SLE remains unknown. ⋯ Activation of membrane-bound TREM-1 could suppress TLR9-induced BAFF expression in bone marrow-derived DCs of B6.lpr mice. Moreover, levels of sTREM-1, which could act as an antagonist of membrane-bound TREM-1, were positively correlated with levels of BAFF in the sera of lupus patients. Our findings suggest a novel modulatory role of TREM-1 in the pathogenesis of SLE. sTREM-1 production is a useful diagnostic marker and a molecular target for combination therapy of lupus.
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Journal of autoimmunity · Jan 2017
ReviewThe antiphospholipid syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the occurrence of venous and/or arterial thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in the presence of pathogenic autoantibodies known as antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). APS may be associated with other diseases, mainly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The presence or absence of SLE might modify the clinical or serological expression of APS. ⋯ The role of novel anticoagulants in APS patients is still to be clearly defined. Novel approaches are needed since the prognosis of SLE patients with APS/aPL is still worse than that of SLE patients with negative aPL. The goal for the future is to improve the outcome of these patients by means of early recognition and optimal preventative treatment.
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The Zika virus outbreak has captivated the attention of the global audience and information has spread rapidly and wildly through the internet and other media channels. This virus was first identified in 1947, when it was isolated from a sentinel rhesus monkey placed by British scientists working at the Yellow Fever Research Laboratory located in the Zika forest area of Uganda, hence its name, and is transmitted primarily by the mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. The fact that the rhesus macaque is an Asian species being placed in an African forest brings to mind the possibility of rapid adaptation of the virus from an African to Asian species, an issue that has not been considered. ⋯ As of this date, there are neither commercially licensed diagnostic tests nor a vaccine. Because cross-reactivity of the Zika virus with dengue and Chikungunya virus is common, it may pose difficulty in being able to quickly develop such tests and vaccines. So far the most effective public health measures include controlling the mosquito populations via insecticides and preventing humans from direct exposure to mosquitoes.
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Journal of autoimmunity · Jan 2016
Review'De novo' and 'recurrent' autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation: A comprehensive review.
Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the liver that responds to immunosuppressive therapy. In patients with AIH who have an acute liver failure presentation or those who develop end stage liver disease despite medical therapy, liver transplantation (LT) may become necessary. Despite good outcomes after LT, AIH can develop/recur in the allograft with an estimated incidence of recurrence between 8 and 12% at 1 year and 36-68% at 5 years. ⋯ Several mechanisms have been implicated in this loss of self-tolerance including impaired thymic regulation, impaired activity of T regulatory cells, molecular mimicry, calcineurin inhibitors, glutathione-s transferase and genetic polymorphisms. While the phenotype of de novo AIH in pediatrics has been uniform, it has been more variable in adults, highlighting the need for uniform diagnostic criteria or scoring system post LT. Better understanding of the development of autoimmunity and its difference from classical rejection after LT will allow better therapeutic strategies and improved outcome.