Prostaglandin D2 amplifies lupus disease through basophil accumulation in lymphoid organs

Nat Commun. 2018 Feb 20;9(1):725. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-03129-8.

Abstract

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoantibody production can lead to kidney damage and failure, known as lupus nephritis. Basophils amplify the synthesis of autoantibodies by accumulating in secondary lymphoid organs. Here, we show a role for prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in the pathophysiology of SLE. Patients with SLE have increased expression of PGD2 receptors (PTGDR) on blood basophils and increased concentration of PGD2 metabolites in plasma. Through an autocrine mechanism dependent on both PTGDRs, PGD2 induces the externalization of CXCR4 on basophils, both in humans and mice, driving accumulation in secondary lymphoid organs. Although PGD2 can accelerate basophil-dependent disease, antagonizing PTGDRs in mice reduces lupus-like disease in spontaneous and induced mouse models. Our study identifies the PGD2/PTGDR axis as a ready-to-use therapeutic modality in SLE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Basophils / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / blood
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Lymphatic System / immunology*
  • Male
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostaglandin D2 / blood
  • Prostaglandin D2 / immunology*
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / blood
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / immunology
  • Receptors, Immunologic / blood
  • Receptors, Immunologic / immunology
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin / blood
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin / immunology
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin
  • Prostaglandin D2
  • prostaglandin D2 receptor