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Targeting the Progression of Lupus-Like Disease in Humanized Mouse Model by Specific Dietary Components
Nikola Ralchev1, Lidiya Kechidzhieva1, Blagovesta Boneva1
1Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Immunology, The "Stephan Аngeloff" Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria.
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
|January 3, 2025
Summary
Supplementing a special diet rich in methyl donors to humanized mice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) reduced disease markers. This indicates a potential therapeutic strategy for SLE by modulating immune cell gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by immune system dysregulation.
- Mouse models, including humanized models engrafted with patient immune cells, are crucial for understanding SLE pathogenesis and developing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of a methyl-donor-rich diet in humanized mouse models of SLE.
- To explore the immunomodulatory effects of methyl donors on immune cells in the context of SLE.
Main Methods:
- Humanized NSG/Rag2-γc- mice were engrafted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients.
- Mice were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with methyl-containing micronutrients and cofactors.
Main Results:
- The supplemented diet significantly decreased anti-dsDNA IgG antibody levels and proteinuria.
- Reduced glomerular proliferation and protected renal structures were observed in mice on the supplemented diet.
- Therapeutic effects correlated with potential alterations in DNA methylation and targeted gene expression suppression in immune cells.
Conclusions:
- Methyl donors possess significant immunomodulatory properties in humanized SLE models.
- Dietary supplementation with methyl donors represents a promising therapeutic avenue for SLE with clinical potential.
