Work

Calcium/Calmodulin Kinase IV Controls the Function of Both T Cells and Kidney Resident Cells

Year: 2018

Type: review

Abstract: Calcium calmodulin kinase IV (CaMK4) regulates multiple processes that significantly contribute to the lupus-related pathology by controlling the production of IL-2 and IL-17 by T cells, the proliferation of mesangial cells, and the function and structure of podocytes. CaMK4 is also upregulated in podocytes from patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). In both immune and non-immune podocytopathies, CaMK4 disrupts and structure and function of podocytes. In lupus-prone mice, targeted delivery of a CaMK4 inhibitor to CD4+ T cells suppress both autoimmunity and the development of nephritis. Targeted delivery though to podocytes averts the deposition of immune complexes without affecting autoimmunity in lupus-prone mice and averts pathology induced by adriamycin in normal mice. Therefore, targeted delivery of a CaMK4 inhibitor to podocytes holds high therapeutic promise for both immune (lupus nephritis) and non-immune (FSGS) podocytopathies.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02113

Authors: Andrew P. Ferretti, Rhea Bhargava, Shani Dahan, Maria G. Tsokos, George C. Tsokos

Institutions: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801