Gas6/TAM System: A Key Modulator of the Interplay between Inflammation and Fibrosis
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
Authors: Bellan, Mattia; Cittone, Micol Giulia; Tonello, Stelvio; Rigamonti, Cristina; Castello, Luigi Mario; Gavelli, Francesco; Pirisi, Mario; Sainaghi, Pier Paolo
Abstract
Fibrosis is the result of an overly abundant deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) due to the fact of repetitive tissue injuries and/or dysregulation of the repair process. Fibrogenesis is a pathogenetic phenomenon which is involved in different chronic human diseases, accounting for a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Despite being triggered by different causative factors, fibrogenesis follows common pathways, the knowledge of which is, however, still unsatisfactory. This represents a significant limit for the development of effective antifibrotic drugs. In the present paper, we aimed to review the current evidence regarding the potential role played in fibrogenesis by growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) and its receptors Tyro3 protein tyrosine kinase (Tyro3), Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (Axl), and Mer tyrosine kinase protooncogene (MerTK) (TAM). Moreover, we aimed to review data about the pathogenetic role of this system in the development of different human diseases characterized by fibrosis. Finally, we aimed to explore the potential implications of these findings in diagnosis and treatment.
Therapeutic efficacy of Tyro3, Axl, and Mer tyrosine kinase agonists in collagen-induced arthritis
ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
Authors: van den Brand, B. T.; Abdollahi-Roodsaz, S.; Vermeij, E. A.; Bennink, M. B.; Arntz, O. J.; Rothlin, C. V.; van den Berg, W. B.; van de Loo, F. A. J.
Abstract
Objective Hyperactivation of innate immunity by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can contribute to the development of autoinflammatory or autoimmune diseases. This study evaluated the activation of Tyro3, Axl, Mer (TAM) receptors, physiologic negative regulators of TLRs, by their agonists, growth arrestspecific protein 6 (GAS-6) and protein S, in the prevention of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Methods Adenoviruses overexpressing GAS-6 and protein S were injected intravenously or intraarticularly into mice during CIA. Splenic T helper cell subsets from intravenously injected mice were studied by flow cytometry, and the knee joints of mice injected intravenously and intraarticularly were assessed histologically. Synovium from mice injected intraarticularly was evaluated for cytokine and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) expression. Results Protein S significantly reduced ankle joint swelling when overexpressed systemically. Further analysis of knee joints revealed a moderate reduction in pathologic changes in the joint and a significant reduction in the number of splenic Th1 cells when protein S was overexpressed systemically. Local overexpression of GAS-6 decreased joint inflammation and joint pathology. Protein S treatment showed a similar trend of protection. Consistently, GAS-6 and protein S reduced cytokine production in the synovium. Moreover, levels of messenger RNA for interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23 were reduced by GAS-6 and protein S treatment, with a corresponding decrease in the production of interferon- and IL-17. TAM ligand overexpression was associated with an increase in SOCS-3 levels, which likely contributed to the amelioration of arthritis. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence that TAM receptor stimulation by GAS-6 and protein S can be used to ameliorate arthritis when applied systemically or locally. TAM receptor stimulation limits proinflammatory signaling and adaptive immunity. This pathway provides a novel strategy by which to combat rheumatoid arthritis.