{"title":"Anti-cytokine autoantibodies in human susceptibility to infectious diseases: insights from Inborn errors of immunity.","authors":"Kosuke Noma, Takaki Asano, Maki Taniguchi, Kosuke Ashihara, Satoshi Okada","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2488553","DOIUrl":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2488553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study of Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEIs) is critical for understanding the complex mechanisms of the human immune response to infectious diseases. Specific IEIs, characterized by selective susceptibility to certain pathogens, have enhanced our understanding of the key molecular pathways and cellular subsets involved in host defense against pathogens. These insights revealed that patients with anti-cytokine autoantibodies exhibit phenotypes similar to those with pathogenic mutations in genes encoding signaling molecules. This new disease concept is currently categorized as 'Phenocopies of IEI'. This category includes anti-cytokine autoantibodies targeting IL-17/IL-22, IFN-γ, IL-6, GM-CSF, and type I IFNs. Abundant anti-cytokine autoantibodies deplete corresponding cytokines, impair signaling pathways, and increase susceptibility to specific pathogens. We herein demonstrate the clinical and etiological significance of anti-cytokine autoantibodies in human immunity to pathogens. Insights from studies of rare IEIs underscore the pathological importance of cytokine-targeting autoantibodies. Simultaneously, the diverse clinical phenotype of patients with these autoantibodies suggests that the influences of cytokine dysfunction are broader than previously recognized. Furthermore, comprehensive studies prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the substantial clinical impact of autoantibodies and their potential role in shaping the outcomes of infectious disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"124-140"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143804411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Immunological MedicinePub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-02-14DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2025.2467488
Masataka Kuwana
{"title":"Recent advances in clinical and pathological significance of autoantibodies.","authors":"Masataka Kuwana","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2467488","DOIUrl":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2467488","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"102-103"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143415608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Immunological MedicinePub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2024-06-20DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2024.2370079
Yoko Sunami, Keizo Sugaya, Kazushi Takahashi
{"title":"G protein-coupled receptors related to autoimmunity in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.","authors":"Yoko Sunami, Keizo Sugaya, Kazushi Takahashi","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2024.2370079","DOIUrl":"10.1080/25785826.2024.2370079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterized by exaggerated orthostatic tachycardia in the absence of orthostatic hypotension. The pathophysiology of POTS may involve hypovolemia, autonomic neuropathy, a hyperadrenergic state, and cardiovascular deconditioning, any of which can co-occur in the same patient. Furthermore, there is growing evidence of the role of autoimmunity in a subset of POTS cases. In recent years, investigators have described an increased rate of autoimmune comorbidities as evidenced by the finding of several types of neural receptor autoantibody and non-specific autoimmune marker in patients with POTS. In particular, the association of the disease with several types of anti-G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) antibodies and POTS has frequently been noted. A previous study reported that autoantibodies to muscarinic AChRs may play an important role in POTS with persistent, gastrointestinal symptoms. To date, POTS is recognized as one of the sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its frequency and pathogenesis are still largely unknown. Multiple autoantibody types occur in COVID-related, autonomic disorders, suggesting the presence of autoimmune pathology in these disorders. Herein, we review the association of anti-GPCR autoantibodies with disorders of the autonomic nervous system, in particular POTS, and provide a new perspective for understanding POTS-related autoimmunity.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"141-148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141427904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Immunological MedicinePub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-02-27DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2025.2472449
Shigeaki Suzuki
{"title":"Pathogenesis and detection methods of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies in myasthenia gravis.","authors":"Shigeaki Suzuki","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2472449","DOIUrl":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2472449","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Myasthenia gravis (MG), which affects the endplate region of the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction, is the best-understood autoimmune disease. MG is driven by anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase, and 65% of MG patients have anti-AChR-positive generalized MG. Experimental autoimmune MG is a useful model to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of anti-AChR antibodies and to evaluate the efficacy of new immunotherapies. Since long-term drug treatment is usually necessary for MG patients, the selection of immunotherapy must be chosen based on an understanding of the pathophysiology, including the roles of the thymus, T cells, B cells, autoantibodies, and neuromuscular junction. The main pathogenic mechanism of MG is the activation of the complement system caused by the attack of anti-AChR antibodies. Molecular technology using the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is currently being applied to the development of new MG therapies. Many biological drugs targeting B cells, interleukin-6, FcRn and complement show promise as potential therapeutics for anti-AChR-positive generalized MG. With regard to anti-AChR antibody detection, the overall agreement rate between radioimmunoassay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay is 91%, with positive agreement of 87% and negative agreement of 99%.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"117-123"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143516752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Immunological MedicinePub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2024-10-12DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2024.2413604
Mariko Ogawa-Momohara, Yoshinao Muro
{"title":"Myositis-specific and myositis-associated autoantibodies: their clinical characteristics and potential pathogenic roles.","authors":"Mariko Ogawa-Momohara, Yoshinao Muro","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2024.2413604","DOIUrl":"10.1080/25785826.2024.2413604","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent years, various myositis-specific and myositis-associated autoantibodies have been identified in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, including dermatomyositis (DM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and inclusion body myositis (IBM). These autoantibodies exhibit unique characteristics in terms of organ involvement, severity, and treatment response, making their understanding crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective therapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical features of recently discovered myositis-specific and associated autoantibodies, while exploring their potential roles in the pathogenesis and exacerbation of myositis. Key findings include the production of anti-TIF1γ antibodies in model mice, the upregulation of Mi2-related genes in anti-Mi2 antibody-positive dermatomyositis muscle tissue, and Jo-1 antigen-induced T cell activation, shedding light on whether disease mechanisms are driven by autoantibodies or autoantigens.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"104-116"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142476737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Celeste Peterson, Aili Tagoma, Kristi Alnek, Anu Bärenson, Tamara Vorobjova, Ija Talja, Helis Janson, Anne Kirss, Siiri Kõljalg, Aki Sinkkonen, Marja Irmeli Roslund, Raivo Uibo
{"title":"Antibodies against <i>Clostridium butyricum</i> in the children of mothers at risk for gestational diabetes.","authors":"Celeste Peterson, Aili Tagoma, Kristi Alnek, Anu Bärenson, Tamara Vorobjova, Ija Talja, Helis Janson, Anne Kirss, Siiri Kõljalg, Aki Sinkkonen, Marja Irmeli Roslund, Raivo Uibo","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2504021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2504021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is linked to an imbalance in gut microbiota composition, which can be transferred to the mother's offspring. <i>Clostridium butyricum</i>, known for its health benefits in diabetes and allergy, lacks sufficient data regarding its effect on the immune system's development in the offspring of mothers with GDM. This study assessed antibody responses against <i>C. butyricum</i> T2F3 in children of mothers at risk for GDM, involving 88 children aged 1-6 years. Antibody responses were measured with flow cytometry and immunoblot. Lower IgG median fluorescence intensity (MFI) values and fewer IgA and IgG bands against <i>C. butyricum</i> were detected in children of mothers with GDM. Maternal body mass index was positively associated with children's IgG MFI and number of IgG bands. Fewer IgA bands were detected in children with higher IgE levels, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. More IgG bands were detected in children with higher anti-β-lactoglobulin IgG levels. Children with autoimmune risk-related HLA-DR3/DQ2.5 had fewer IgA bands, while those with neutral HLA-DR1/DQ5 had higher IgA, but lower IgG MFI. These results indicate that maternal prenatal changes could affect their offspring's immune response against <i>C. butyricum</i>. Moreover, <i>C. butyricum</i> could have a protective role against allergic sensitization.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The roles of natural killer cells in bone and arthritic disease: a narrative review.","authors":"Yiming Zhao, Qian Liu, Jinmin Zhao, Dezhi Song","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2506260","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2506260","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The skeletal system is responsible for the body's support and motor functions, and can be pathologically affected by factors, such as metabolism, autoimmune inflammation, tumors, and infections. Regarding tissue localization and biological function, the immune system is deeply involved in the physiological and pathological processes of the skeletal system. As a regulator and effector cell of the innate immune system, natural killer (NK) cells can exert cytotoxic effects through cell contact and immunomodulatory effects through cytokine secretion. In the past 30 years, many advances have been made regarding the role of NK cells and their derived cytokines on bone and joints. In this review, the role of NK cells in the physiological activities of bone remodeling is summarized first, focusing on osteoclast differentiation and function. Subsequently, the roles of NK cells in osteoarthritis, bone tumors, and bone diseases caused by microbial infections are described, meanwhile, some conflicting research results are discussed. By reviewing the state-of-the-art progress of NK cells in the above-mentioned bone physiological and pathological processes, it is helpful to clarify the blind spots of current research and provide some references for the integrated evaluation of immune factors in the study of skeletal system diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144095052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ovariectomy-induced bone loss through inappropriate inflammatory response: an osteoimmunological perspective on postmenopausal osteoporosis.","authors":"Lilika Higuchi, Nozomi Ouchi, Yasuyuki Negishi, Munehiro Naruo, Maiko Kusano, Shunji Suzuki, Takahisa Okuda, Rimpei Morita","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2506870","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2506870","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO) is a prevalent condition that significantly impairs the quality of life in elderly women. While traditionally attributed to estrogen deficiency, emerging evidence suggests that immune dysregulation plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. This study investigates the osteoimmunological mechanisms underlying PO using an ovariectomy (Ovx) mouse model. Our findings indicate that Ovx mice exhibit substantial reductions in bone mineral density and bone volume, accompanied by a marked suppression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production, particularly from natural killer T (NKT) cells. Lipidomic analysis of bone marrow further revealed an upregulation of omega-6 fatty acids, contributing to an inflammatory microenvironment that promotes excessive osteoclast activation. Notably, administration of the glycolipid OCH restored cytokine production and mitigated bone loss in Ovx mice, suggesting its therapeutic potential. These findings highlight the complex interplay between immune responses and lipid metabolism in PO and propose novel therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating immune function to prevent bone loss. This study offers valuable insights into the osteoimmunological mechanisms of PO and underscores the potential of immunomodulatory approaches for its management.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144081131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rapid response of eculizumab: a rescue therapy for ventilator-dependent refractory myasthenic crisis.","authors":"Yohei Takenobu, Kazutoshi Ikeda, Sachiko Hasebe, Noriko Nomura, Shunsuke Tamaki, Kayoko Yukawa, Junichi Miyahara, Kentaro Yamakawa, Manabu Inoue","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2500698","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2500698","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Myasthenic crisis (MC) represents the most severe and life-threatening complication of myasthenia gravis (MG). Some patients exhibit refractory responses to conventional immunotherapies, including intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange. This report describes a patient with MC refractory to repetitive high-dose steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, requiring ventilator support. Within 2 days of eculizumab administration, significant improvement enabled ventilator discontinuation. Subsequent doses further ameliorated limb and pharyngeal weakness, leading to independence. A literature review that identified ten cases reported across five publications highlighted the favorable outcomes achieved with eculizumab in refractory MC, while concomitant respiratory infection was shown to complicate the recovery from MG-related respiratory failure. Although the randomized controlled trials have excluded MC cases, eculizumab has emerged as a promising option for rescue therapy in refractory MC. Larger studies that specifically include MC cases are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144052695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Causal association of immune-related genes with mouth ulcers: findings from summary-based Mendelian randomization and transcriptome-wide association analysis.","authors":"Mengru Shi, Tianqi Wang, Qi Xie, Guangwei Yuan, Juan Xia, Jingyun Yang, Weili Xie, Zetao Chen, Xiaobing Chen","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2498106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2498106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oral ulceration is the most common ulcerative condition in humans, yet its underlying etiology remains poorly understood. To identify potential causal genes involved in the pathogenesis of mouth ulcers, we applied summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) using eQTL data from GTEx and CAGE, along with a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS). The SMR analysis of GTEx data identified 41 significant probes, with <i>LRRC37A4P</i>, <i>RP11-707O23.5</i>, and <i>RP11-259G18.3</i> standing out. In parallel, the CAGE SMR identified 67 probes corresponding to 58 genes, including <i>CCR2</i>, <i>MGC57346</i>, and <i>C17orf69</i>. TWAS further identified 181 significant genes, with 37 overlapping with GTEx SMR findings and 27 with CAGE SMR findings. Functional enrichment analysis revealed a strong involvement of immune-related pathways, especially those involving <i>HLA-DRB1</i> and <i>CCR2</i>. Differential expression analysis reinforced the relevance of <i>IL12RB1</i> and <i>HLA-DRB1</i>, which were consistently significant across both SMR and TWAS analyses. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of immune-regulatory genes, particularly members of the CCR gene family and the HLA complex, in the genetic architecture of mouth ulcers. This integrative approach provides insights into potential therapeutic targets and advances our understanding of the genetic basis underlying this prevalent condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143989780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}