Critical role of transmethylation in TLR signaling and systemic lupus erythematosus

• Transmethylation inhibitors block B cell activation.
• Transmethylation inhibitors block Toll-like receptor signaling.
• Transmethylation inhibitors are efficacious in two separate models of lupus.

Post-translational protein modifications can play a significant role in immune cell signaling. Recently, we showed that inhibition of transmethylation curtails experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, notably by reducing T cell receptor (TCR)-induced activation of CD4+ T cells. Here, we demonstrate that transmethylation inhibition by a reversible S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine hydrolase inhibitor (DZ2002) led to immunosuppression by reducing TLR-, B cell receptor (BCR)- and TCR-induced activation of immune cells, most likely by blocking NF-κB activity. Moreover, prophylactic treatment with DZ2002 prevented lupus-like disease from developing in both BXSB and MRL-Faslpr mouse models. DZ2002 treatment initiated during active disease significantly improved outcomes in both in vivo models, suggesting methylation inhibition as a novel approach for the treatment of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.