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ObjectivesMacrophage subsets, activated by T cells, are increasingly recognised to play a central role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have proven beneficial clinical effects in RA. In this study, we investigated the effect of JAK inhibitors on the generation of cytokine-activated T (Tck) cells and the production of cytokines and chemokines induced by Tck cell/macrophage interactions.MethodsCD14+monocytes and CD4+T cells were purified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from buffy coats of healthy donors. As representative JAK inhibitors, tofacitinib or ruxolitinib were added during Tck cell differentiation. Previously validated protocols were used to generate macrophages and Tck cells from monocytes and CD4+T cells, respectively. Cytokine and chemokine including TNF, IL-6, IL-15, IL-RA, IL-10, MIP1α, MIP1β and IP10 were measured by ELISA.ResultsJAK inhibitors prevented cytokine-induced maturation of Tck cells and decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-6, IL-15, IL-1RA and the chemokines IL-10, MIP1α, MIP1β, IP10 by Tck cell-activated macrophages in vitro (pConclusionsOur findings show that JAK inhibition disrupts T cell-induced macrophage activation and reduces downstream proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine responses, suggesting that suppressing the T cell-macrophage interaction contributes to the therapeutic effect of JAK inhibitors.

Kara et al. show that ACKR4 regulates early activated B cell differentiation fate. ACKR4 limits the early proliferation of activated B cells by restricting their initial access to the splenic interfollicular zone., Activated B cells can initially differentiate into three functionally distinct fates—early plasmablasts (PBs), germinal center (GC) B cells, or early memory B cells—by mechanisms that remain poorly understood. Here, we identify atypical chemokine receptor 4 (ACKR4), a decoy receptor that binds and degrades CCR7 ligands CCL19/CCL21, as a regulator of early activated B cell differentiation. By restricting initial access to splenic interfollicular zones (IFZs), ACKR4 limits the early proliferation of activated B cells, reducing the numbers available for subsequent differentiation. Consequently, ACKR4 deficiency enhanced early PB and GC B cell responses in a CCL19/CCL21-dependent and B cell–intrinsic manner. Conversely, aberrant localization of ACKR4-deficient activated B cells to the IFZ was associated with their preferential commitment to the early PB linage. Our results reveal a regulatory mechanism of B cell trafficking via an atypical chemokine receptor that shapes activated B cell fate.

Tendon injuries (tendinopathies) are common in human and equine athletes and characterized by dysregulated collagen matrix, resulting in tendon damage. We have previously demonstrated a functional role for microRNA29a (miR29a) as a post-transcriptional regulator of collagen 3 expression in murine and human tendon injury. Given the translational potential, we designed a randomized, blinded trial to evaluate the potential of a miR29a replacement therapy as a therapeutic option to treat tendinopathy in an equine model that closely mimics human disease. Tendon injury was induced in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of 17 horses. Tendon lesions were treated 1 week later with an intralesional injection of miR29a or placebo. miR29a treatment reduced collagen 3 transcript levels at week 2, with no significant changes in collagen 1. The relative lesion cross-sectional area was significantly lower in miR29a tendons compared to control tendons. Histology scores were significantly better for miR29a-treated tendons compared to control tendons. These data support the mechanism of microRNA-mediated modulation of early pathophysiologic events that facilitate tissue remodeling in the tendon after injury and provides a strong proof of principle that a locally delivered miR29a therapy improves early tendon healing.

Background Alarmins- also referred to as damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPS)- are endogenous molecules mobilised in response to tissue damage known to activate the innate immune system in the early stages of disease. The molecular mechanisms that regulate inflammatory and remodelling pathways in tendinopathy are largely unknown therefore identifying early immune effectors is essential to understanding the pathology. S100A8 and S100A9 are constitutively expressed by cells of myeloid origin; under pathological conditions they are induced in other cell types in response to environmental triggers and cellular damage. Objectives Based on previous investigations we sought evidence of S100A8/A9 expression in human tendinopathy and thereafter, to explore mechanisms whereby S100 proteins may regulate release of inflammatory mediators and matrix synthesis in human tenocytes. Methods Torn supraspinatus tendon (established pathology) and intact subscapularis tendon (early pathology) biopsies were collected from patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Control samples of healthy hamstring tendon were collected from patients undergoing hamstring tendon ACL reconstruction. S100A8/A9 expression was analysed at transcript and protein level using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Primary human tenocytes were cultured from hamstring tendon tissue. The in vitro effect of recombinant human S100A8/A9 on human tenocytes was measured using quantitative RT-PCR and release of inflammatory mediators was measured at protein level by ELISA. Results Immunohistochemical staining of tendinopathic tissues indicated the presence of S100A8 and S100A9 in tendinopathy with early diseased tissue displaying a distinct increase in S100A8 and S100A9 expression compared with control and established pathology. These findings were mirrored by data obtained at transcript level from both early and late pathology. Treating tenocytes with exogenous S100A8/9 significantly increased release of IL-6 and CCL2; however, no alterations in genes associated with matrix remodelling were observed at a transcript level. Conclusions The presence of S100A8 and S100A9 in early tendinopathic lesions suggests expression is upregulated in response to cellular damage. We have confirmed the presence of S100A8, S100A9, CCL2 and IL-6 in tendinopathy and propose that S100A8 and S100A9 participate in early pathology by modulating the stromal microenvironment and influencing the inflammatory profile of tenocytes. S100A8 and S100A9 may participate in a positive feedback mechanism involving enhanced leukocyte recruitment and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from tenocytes that perpetuates the inflammatory response within the tendon in the early stages of disease. This, in turn, may contribute aberrant matrix remodelling and associated morphological deficiencies within the tendon. We propose S100A8 and S100A9 are active alarmins in early tendinopathy that indirectly influence matrix remodelling by perpetuating the stromal inflammatory environment. Selective targeting of DAMP signalling may offer novel therapeutic approaches in the management of human tendon disorders. Reference [1] Millar NL, et al. MicroRNA29a regulates IL-33-mediated tissue remodelling in tendon disease. Nat Commun2015;6:6774. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Although the role of IL-23/Th17 axis in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is well known1, little data is available on the contribution of stromal cells to this pathway2. Enthesitis is a common feature of PsA and it may represent the site of onset3,4, suggesting tendon stromal cells (tenocytes) may have an initiating role in Th17 driven pathogenesis. Objectives To assess the ability of stromal cells to produce CCL20, a chemokine able to recruit Th17 cells, and to induce T cell migration. Methods Healthy tenocytes cultured from hamstring tendons and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from PsA patients were stimulated with human recombinant IL-1β (1 ng/ml) and IL-17A (1, 10 and 100 ng/ml). Expression of CCL20 transcript and protein were assessed by quantitative PCR and ELISA, respectively. T cell migration assays were performed with magnetically enriched CD3+ cells from peripheral blood of PsA patients and healthy controls using a Transwell system. Following incubation with conditioned media from stimulated stromal cells, the migrated cells were harvested and analysed via light microscopy and flow cytometry. Results Both tenocytes and FLS were able to produce CCL20 following stimulation with IL-1β. Furthermore, the addition of IL-17A induced a synergistic effect with IL-1β. Following cytokine stimulation, diseased stromal cells produced greater levels of CCL20 compared to stimulated healthy tenocytes. In addition, conditioned media from stimulated tenocytes promoted T cell migration, compared with supernatants from unstimulated tenocytes. Conclusions We have shown that tendon and PsA synovium stromal cells are able to produce CCL20 and induce T cell recruitment, suggesting a role in the chemotaxis of Th17 cells. The positive feedback observed with IL1β and IL-17A suggests a close relationship between stromal cells and Th17 cells. References [1] Frleta M, Siebert S, McInnes IB. Curr. Rheumatol. Rep. 2014;16:414. [2] Millar NL, Murrell GAC, McInnes IB. Nat. Rev. Rheumatol. 2017;13:110–122. [3] Benjamin M, McGonagle D. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 2009;649:57–70. [4] Sherlock JP, et al. Nat. Med. 2012;18:1069–1076. Acknowledgements Giacomo Cafaro was supported by Partner Fellowship and EULAR Fellowship Disclosure of Interest None declared

B1 B cells produce natural IgM and play a critical role in the early defense against bacterial and viral infection. The polyreactive IgM also contributes to the clearance of apoptotic products and plays an important role in autoimmune pathogenesis. However, the mechanism of activation and proliferation of B1 cells remains obscure. In this study, we report that IL-33, a new member of IL-1 family, activates B1 cells, which express the IL-33 receptor α, ST2. IL-33 markedly activated B1 cell proliferation and enhanced IgM, IL-5, and IL-13 production in vitro and in vivo in a ST2-dependent manner. The IL-33–activated B1 cell functions could be largely abolished by IL-5 neutralization and partially reduced by T cell or mast cell deficiency in vivo. ST2-deficient mice developed less severe oxazolone-induced contact sensitivity (CS) than did wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, IL-33 treatment significantly exacerbated CS in WT mice with enhanced B1 cell proliferation and IgM and IL-5 production. Moreover, IL-33–activated B1 cells from WT mice could adoptively transfer enhanced CS in ST2−/− mice challenged with IL-33. Thus, we demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, a hitherto unrecognized mechanism of B1 cell activation and IL-33 function, and suggest that IL-33 may play an important role in delayed-type hypersensitivity.

LPS comprises a major PAMP and is a key target of the immune system during bacterial infection. While LPS can be recognised by innate immune cells via the TLR4 complex, it is unknown whether T lymphocytes, especially CD8(+) T cells are also capable of doing so. We report here that naive human CD8(+) T cells, after activation by TCR stimulation, express surface TLR4 and CD14. These activated CD8(+) T cells can then secrete high concentrations of IFN-gamma, granzyme and perforin in response to LPS. These effects can be specifically inhibited using siRNA for TLR4. Furthermore, LPS can synergize with IL-12 to polarize the CD8(+) T cells into cytotoxic T-cell 1 (Tc1) that produce IFN-gamma but not IL-4, with or without TCR activation. Moreover, CD8(+)CD45RO(+) memory T cells constitutively expressed TLR4 and markedly enhanced IFN-gamma production when stimulated with LPS. In contrast, activated murine CD8(+) T cells lack TLR4 and CD14 expression and fail to respond to LPS for proliferation and cytokine production. Thus, human but not murine CD8(+) T cells are able to directly recognise bacterial LPS via LPS receptor complex and TLR4 provides a novel signal for the activation of effector and memory human CD8(+) T cells.

Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin that plays an important role in inflammatory diseases. It also interacts with the surface carbohydrates of many pathogens, including LPS. However, its role in infection is not fully understood. Data presented herein demonstrate for the first time that galectin-3 is a negative regulator of LPS-induced inflammation. Galectin-3 is constitutively produced by macrophages and directly binds to LPS. Galectin-3-deficient macrophages had markedly elevated LPS-induced signaling and inflammatory cytokine production compared with wild-type cells, which was specifically inhibited by the addition of recombinant galectin-3 protein. In contrast, blocking galectin-3 binding sites by using a neutralizing Ab or its ligand, β-lactose, enhanced LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine expression by wild-type macrophages. In vivo, mice lacking galectin-3 were more susceptible to LPS shock associated with excessive induction of inflammatory cytokines and NO production. However, these changes conferred greater resistance to Salmonella infection. Thus, galectin-3 is a previously unrecognized, naturally occurring, negative regulator of LPS function, which protects the host from endotoxin shock but, conversely, favors Salmonella survival.

A subset of CC chemokines, acting through CC chemokine receptors (CCRs) 1 to 5, is instrumental in shaping inflammatory responses. Recently, we and others have demonstrated that the atypical chemokine receptor D6 actively sequesters and destroys many of these proinflammatory CC chemokines. This is critical for effective resolution of inflammation in vivo. Inflammation can be protumorigenic, and proinflammatory CC chemokines have been linked with various aspects of cancer biology, yet there is scant evidence supporting a critical role for these molecules in de novo tumor formation. Here, we show that D6-deficient mice have increased susceptibility to cutaneous tumor development in response to chemical carcinogenesis protocols and, remarkably, that D6 deletion is sufficient to make resistant mouse strains susceptible to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Conversely, transgenic D6 expression in keratinocytes dampens cutaneous inflammation and can confer considerable protection from tumor formation in susceptible backgrounds. Tumor susceptibility consistently correlated with the level of recruitment of T cells and mast cells, cell types known to support the development of skin tumors in mice. These data demonstrate the importance of proinflammatory CC chemokines in de novo tumorigenesis and reveal chemokine sequestration by D6 to be a novel and effective method of tumor suppression.

MicroRNA (miRNA) has the potential for cross-regulation and functional integration of discrete biological processes during complex physiological events. Utilizing the common human condition tendinopathy as a model system to explore the cross-regulation of immediate inflammation and matrix synthesis by miRNA we observed that elevated IL-33 expression is a characteristic of early tendinopathy. Using in vitro tenocyte cultures and in vivo models of tendon damage, we demonstrate that such IL-33 expression plays a pivotal role in the transition from type 1 to type 3 collagen (Col3) synthesis and thus early tendon remodelling. Both IL-33 effector function, via its decoy receptor sST2, and Col3 synthesis are regulated by miRNA29a. Downregulation of miRNA29a in human tenocytes is sufficient to induce an increase in Col3 expression. These data provide a molecular mechanism of miRNA-mediated integration of the early pathophysiologic events that facilitate tissue remodelling in human tendon after injury., Collagen 3 is increased during tendon repair, but is then replaced by Collagen 1 that has superior biomechanical properties. Here the authors show that IL-33 is induced by tendon damage and regulates miR-29a, which controls Collagen 3 production and feeds back on IL-33, orchestrating tendon repair.

Background Although GATA1 is one of the most extensively studied haematopoietic transcription factors little is currently known about the physiological functions of its naturally occurring isoforms GATA1s and GATA1FL in humans—particularly whether the isoforms have distinct roles in different lineages and whether they have non-redundant roles in haematopoietic differentiation. As well as being of general interest to understanding of haematopoiesis, GATA1 isoform biology is important for children with Down syndrome associated acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (DS-AMKL) where GATA1FL mutations are an essential driver for disease pathogenesis. Methods Human primary cells and cell lines were analyzed using GATA1 isoform specific PCR. K562 cells expressing GATA1s or GATA1FL transgenes were used to model the effects of the two isoforms on in vitro haematopoietic differentiation. Results We found no evidence for lineage specific use of GATA1 isoforms; however GATA1s transcripts, but not GATA1FL transcripts, are down-regulated during in vitro induction of terminal megakaryocytic and erythroid differentiation in the cell line K562. In addition, transgenic K562-GATA1s and K562-GATA1FL cells have distinct gene expression profiles both in steady state and during terminal erythroid differentiation, with GATA1s expression characterised by lack of repression of MYB, CCND2 and SKI. Conclusions These findings support the theory that the GATA1s isoform plays a role in the maintenance of proliferative multipotent megakaryocyte-erythroid precursor cells and must be down-regulated prior to terminal differentiation. In addition our data suggest that SKI may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of children with DS-AMKL.

Lymphatic endothelial cells are important for efficient flow of antigen-bearing fluid and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) from peripheral sites to lymph nodes (LNs). APC movement to LNs is dependent on the constitutive chemokine receptor CCR7, although how conflicting inflammatory and constitutive chemokine cues are integrated at lymphatic surfaces during this process is not understood. Here we reveal a previously unrecognized aspect of the regulation of this process. The D6 chemokine-scavenging receptor, which is expressed on lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), maintains lymphatic surfaces free of inflammatory CC-chemokines and minimizes interaction of inflammatory leukocytes with these surfaces. D6 does not alter the level of CCR7 ligands on LECs, thus ensuring selective presentation of homeostatic chemokines for interaction with CCR7+ APCs. Accordingly, in D6-deficient mice, inflammatory CC-chemokine adherence to LECs results in inappropriate perilymphatic accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes at peripheral inflamed sites and draining LNs. This results in lymphatic congestion and impaired movement of APCs, and fluid, from inflamed sites to LNs. We propose that D6, by suppressing inflammatory chemokine binding to lymphatic surfaces, and thereby preventing inappropriate inflammatory leukocyte adherence, is a key regulator of lymphatic function and a novel, and indispensable, contributor to the integration of innate and adaptive immune responses.

MicroRNA (miRNA) species (miR) regulate mRNA translation and are implicated as mediators of disease pathology via coordinated regulation of molecular effector pathways. Unraveling miR disease-related activities will facilitate future therapeutic interventions. miR-155 recently has been identified with critical immune regulatory functions. Although detected in articular tissues, the functional role of miR-155 in inflammatory arthritis has not been defined. We report here that miR-155 is up-regulated in synovial membrane and synovial fluid (SF) macrophages from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The increased expression of miR-155 in SF CD14 + cells was associated with lower expression of the miR-155 target, Src homology 2-containing inositol phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1), an inhibitor of inflammation. Similarly, SHIP-1 expression was decreased in CD68 + cells in the synovial lining layer in RA patients as compared with osteoarthritis patients. Overexpression of miR-155 in PB CD14 + cells led to down-regulation of SHIP-1 and an increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Conversely, inhibition of miR-155 in RA synovial CD14 + cells reduced TNF-α production. Finally, miR-155–deficient mice are resistant to collagen-induced arthritis, with profound suppression of antigen-specific Th17 cell and autoantibody responses and markedly reduced articular inflammation. Our data therefore identify a role of miR-155 in clinical and experimental arthritis and suggest that miR-155 may be an intriguing therapeutic target.

Multiple genetic studies in humans indicate a role for solute carrier family 11a member 1 [SLC11A1; formerly natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1)] in autoimmune disease susceptibility, including ulcerative colitis. Murine Slc11a1 has many pleiotropic effects on macrophage activation and proinflammatory responses. To determine which of these are important in ulcerative colitis, we established a phenotype for oral dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in congenic Slc11a1 wild-type (wt) and mutant (mt) mice on a B10 background. For over 7 days of treatment with 2% DSS in the drinking water, Slc11a1 wt mice showed enhanced acute ulcerative colitis, as demonstrated by significantly greater body weight loss and reduction in colon length, as well as a marked increase in monocyte/macrophage inflammatory infiltrates and histopathology changes in the colon. This was accompanied by a clear, inverse relationship between IFN-γ and IL-10 responses in Slc11a1 wt compared with mt mice, resulting in a significantly higher ratio of IFN-γ:IL-10 in wt compared with mt mice in lymph node and splenic T cells. RNase protection assays confirmed the presence of significantly higher IFN-γ at the RNA level in the colons of wt compared with mt mice at Day 7 of treatment. Interestingly this was accompanied by significantly enhanced RNA levels for the acute-phase protein IL-6, which is known to inhibit the generation of forkhead box P3+ regulatory T cells and help to drive the differentiation of Th17 from naive T cells and not by differences in RNA for IL-12p35 or IL-12p40 molecules that dimerize to form the Th1-inducing cytokine IL-12.

Background The rodent specific reproductive homeobox (Rhox) gene cluster on the X chromosome has been reported to contain twelve homeobox-containing genes, Rhox1-12. Results We have identified a 40 kb genomic region within the Rhox cluster that is duplicated eight times in tandem resulting in the presence of eight paralogues of Rhox2 and Rhox3 and seven paralogues of Rhox4. Transcripts have been identified for the majority of these paralogues and all but three are predicted to produce full-length proteins with functional potential. We predict that there are a total of thirty-two Rhox genes at this genomic location, making it the most gene-rich homoeobox cluster identified in any species. From the 95% sequence similarity between the eight duplicated genomic regions and the synonymous substitution rate of the Rhox2, 3 and 4 paralogues we predict that the duplications occurred after divergence of mouse and rat and represent the youngest homoeobox cluster identified to date. Molecular evolutionary analysis reveals that this cluster is an actively evolving region with Rhox2 and 4 paralogues under diversifying selection and Rhox3 evolving neutrally. The biological importance of this duplication is emphasised by the identification of an important role for Rhox2 and Rhox4 in regulating the initial stages of embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation. Conclusion The gene rich Rhox cluster provides the mouse with significant biological novelty that we predict could provide a substrate for speciation. Moreover, this unique cluster may explain species differences in ES cell derivation and maintenance between mouse, rat and human.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterised by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, infiltration of inflammatory cells, impaired barrier function and alteration of tight junction proteins. The interleukin 1 (IL1) family member IL33 has recently been described as an alarmin expressed in epithelial cells at body barriers, …

Hepatic steatosis is a global epidemic that is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. MicroRNAs (miRs) are regulators that can functionally integrate a range of metabolic and inflammatory pathways in liver. We aimed to investigate the functional role of miR-155 in hepatic steatosis. Male C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and miR-155(-/-) mice were fed either normal chow or high fat diet (HFD) for 6 months then lipid levels, metabolic and inflammatory parameters were assessed in livers and serum of the mice. Mice lacking endogenous miR-155 that were fed HFD for 6 months developed increased hepatic steatosis compared to WT controls. This was associated with increased liver weight and serum VLDL/LDL cholesterol and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, as well as increased hepatic expression of genes involved in glucose regulation (Pck1, Cebpa), fatty acid uptake (Cd36) and lipid metabolism (Fasn, Fabp4, Lpl, Abcd2, Pla2g7). Using miRNA target prediction algorithms and the microarray transcriptomic profile of miR-155(-/-) livers, we identified and validated that Nr1h3 (LXRα) as a direct miR-155 target gene that is potentially responsible for the liver phenotype of miR-155(-/-) mice. Together these data indicate that miR-155 plays a pivotal role regulating lipid metabolism in liver and that its deregulation may lead to hepatic steatosis in patients with diabetes.

Background and objectives Cytokines regulate a broad range of inflammatory pathways in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and cytokine blockade against tumour necrosis factor α and IL-6 has offered substantial advances in the treatment of articular inflammation. However, a large proportion of patients will not respond or exhibit only a partial response to treatment and new therapies are thus required. IL-21 is a member of the four-α-helix bundle family of cytokines that mediates pleiotropic effects through the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R). Since potency of IL-21 is mainly dependent on presence and abundance of its receptor on different cells types, the objective of this study was to characterise expression of IL-21R in the synovium and blood of patients with RA. Materials and methods Immunohistochemistry for IL-21R was carried out on synovial tissue samples derived by arthroplasty from patients with RA (n=5) obtained from the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research Tissue Bank. Mononuclear cells were separated out from peripheral blood (PBMC) of 10 RA patients or 3 healthy controls on a density gradient using Histopaque (Sigma) and analysed by flow cytometry for IL-21R expression on T cells (CD3/CD4/CD8), B cells (CD19/CD27) and NK cells (CD16/CD56). Results Expression of IL-21R was detected in 5/5 synovial RA tissues. The IL-21R + cells were located in the synovial intimal and sublining layers and in lymphoid aggregates. Flow cytometric analysis on blood PBMC revealed that IL-21R is highly expressed on both CD4 + (73.04%, 12.58 MFI) and CD8 + (50.88%, 13.69 MFI) T cells, as well as on a proportion of NK cells (73.83%, 19.15 MFI) in RA patients. On B cells, IL-21R expression was higher on the CD27 - fraction of naive B cells (95.19%, 37.02 MFI), with lower expression on the CD27 + memory B cells (15.2%, 32.22 MFI). Conclusions Our results show increased expression of IL-21R in established RA synovial tissue and peripheral blood, and indicate that targeting of the IL-21/IL-21R pathway may be a valid therapeutic strategy for the treatment of RA.