Irradiation Attenuates Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Like Morbidity in NZBWF1 Mice: Focusing on CD180-Negative Cells

• Published in: Journal of immunology research Vol. 2023; pp. 1 - 11
• Main Authors: Fujita, Kazuko, Kuwabara, Taku, Wang, Bing, Tanaka, Kaoru, Ito, Kei, Akishima-Fukasawa, Yuri, Mikami, Tetuo, Akasaka, Yoshikiyo, Ishii, Toshiharu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Hindawi 18-10-2023; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Anti-DNA antibodies; Antibodies; Autoantibodies; Autoimmune diseases; CD18 antigen; Clinical trials; Disease; Immunology; Life span; Lupus; Morbidity; Proteins; Radiation therapy; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Therapeutic targets; Ultraviolet radiation; X-rays; United States > US; Japan
• ISSN: 2314-8861; 2314-7156
• DOI: 10.1155/2023/9969079

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies that can induce systemic inflammation. Ultraviolet-A and X-ray irradiation have been reported to have therapeutic effects in patients with SLE. We previously demonstrated that CD180-negative cells, these are radiosensitive, contribute to the development of SLE-like morbidity in NZBWF1 mice. In this study, the effects of irradiation on SLE-like morbidity manifestations in NZBWF1 mice and on CD180-negative cells were investigated. Whole-body irradiation, excluding the head, attenuated SLE-like morbidity in vivo, as indicated by the prevention of the renal lesion development, inhibition of anti-dsDNA antibody production, reduction of urinary protein levels, and prolongation of the lifespan. Irradiation also reduced the proportion of CD180-negative cells in the spleen. Although other immune cells or molecules may be triggered because of the whole-body irradiation treatment, previous research, and the current results suggest a strong relationship between the radiation-induced decrease in CD180-negative cells and the amelioration of SLE-like morbidities. Clinical trials assessing CD180-negative cells as a therapeutic target for SLE have been hampered by the lack of validated cell markers; nonetheless, the present findings suggest that radiotherapy may be a new therapeutic strategy for managing SLE symptoms.