Mirjan M van Timmeren1, Peter Heeringa. 1. Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update on animal models of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-mediated vasculitis and highlight recent insights gained from studies in these models pertaining to immunopathogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS: Animal models support the pathogenic potential of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA. Alternative pathway complement activation has been identified as a novel inflammatory pathway in disease induction and a potential target for intervention. Interventions targeting B cells, antibodies, and signal transduction pathways may hold promise as well. The role of T cells is beginning to be explored, and studies indicate a prominent role for Th17 responses. The link between infection and ANCA vasculitis is well established. In animal models, Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 ligation is involved in disease induction. Ligation of TLRs contributes to the initiation of anti-MPO autoimmune responses in which TLR2 activation induces a Th17 response and TLR9 activation directs a Th1 response. An animal model for PR3-ANCA vasculitis is not available yet but models with a humanized immune system are being developed and show promising first results. SUMMARY: Animal models of MPO-ANCA vasculitis have contributed substantially to our understanding of disease immunopathogenesis and have illuminated novel targets for intervention. The development of PR3-ANCA animal models remains a challenge but recent observations in humanized model systems offer hope.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update on animal models of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-mediated vasculitis and highlight recent insights gained from studies in these models pertaining to immunopathogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS: Animal models support the pathogenic potential of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA. Alternative pathway complement activation has been identified as a novel inflammatory pathway in disease induction and a potential target for intervention. Interventions targeting B cells, antibodies, and signal transduction pathways may hold promise as well. The role of T cells is beginning to be explored, and studies indicate a prominent role for Th17 responses. The link between infection and ANCA vasculitis is well established. In animal models, Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 ligation is involved in disease induction. Ligation of TLRs contributes to the initiation of anti-MPO autoimmune responses in which TLR2 activation induces a Th17 response and TLR9 activation directs a Th1 response. An animal model for PR3-ANCA vasculitis is not available yet but models with a humanized immune system are being developed and show promising first results. SUMMARY: Animal models of MPO-ANCA vasculitis have contributed substantially to our understanding of disease immunopathogenesis and have illuminated novel targets for intervention. The development of PR3-ANCA animal models remains a challenge but recent observations in humanized model systems offer hope.
Authors: Erik M Disteldorf; Christian F Krebs; Hans-Joachim Paust; Jan-Eric Turner; Geraldine Nouailles; André Tittel; Catherine Meyer-Schwesinger; Gesa Stege; Silke Brix; Joachim Velden; Thorsten Wiech; Udo Helmchen; Oliver M Steinmetz; Anett Peters; Sabrina B Bennstein; Anna Kaffke; Chrystel Llanto; Sergio A Lira; Hans-Willi Mittrücker; Rolf A K Stahl; Christian Kurts; Stefan H E Kaufmann; Ulf Panzer Journal: J Am Soc Nephrol Date: 2014-06-05 Impact factor: 10.121