Autophagy machinery as exploited by viruses

Viruses adapt and modulate cellular pathways to allow their replication in host cells. The catabolic pathway of macroautophagy, for simplicity referred to as autophagy, is no exception. In this review, we discuss anti-viral functions of both autophagy and select components of the autophagy machinery, and how viruses have evaded them. Some viruses use the membrane remodeling ability of the autophagy machinery to build their replication compartments in the cytosol or efficiently egress from cells in a non-lytic fashion. Some of the autophagy machinery components and their remodeled membranes can even be found in viral particles as envelopes or single membranes around virus packages that protect them during spreading and transmission. Therefore, studies on autophagy regulation by viral infections can reveal functions of the autophagy machinery beyond lysosomal degradation of cytosolic constituents. Furthermore, they can also pinpoint molecular interactions with which the autophagy machinery can most efficiently be manipulated, and this may be relevant to develop effective disease treatments based on autophagy modulation.

Increased plasma interleukin-1β is associated with accelerated lung function decline in non-smokers

Interleukin-1β is one of the major cytokines involved in the initiation and persistence of airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the association between plasma interleukin-1β and lung function decline remains unclear. We aimed to explore the association between plasma interleukin-1β and lung function decline. This longitudinal evaluation of data from the Early COPD study analysed the association between the plasma interleukin-1β concentration, lung function decline, and COPD exacerbation. Overall, 1,328 participants were included in the baseline analysis, and 1,135 (85%) completed the 1-year follow-up. Increased plasma interleukin-1β was associated with accelerated lung function decline in non-smokers (forced expiratory volume in 1 s: per unit natural log-transformed increase, adjusted unstandardised β [95% confidence interval] 101.46 [16.73-186.18] mL/year, p=0.019; forced vital capacity: per unit natural log-transformed increase, adjusted unstandardised β [95% confidence interval] 146.20 [93.65-198.75] mL/year, p<0.001), but not in smokers. In non-smokers, participants with an interleukin-1β concentration in the top 30% (>5.02 pg/mL) had more respiratory symptoms, more severe emphysema and air trapping, and higher levels of inflammation-related biomarkers. In this study, a subgroup with increased plasma interleukin-1β was identified among non-smokers, and increased plasma interleukin-1β was associated with lung function accelerated decline.

Ginsenoside compound K-based multifunctional liposomes for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

The clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with first-line therapeutic drugs is hindered by the poor solubility, low bioavailability, off-target toxicity, and insufficient accumulation in inflamed joints. Liposomes have been shown to mitigate some of these limitations in drug delivery systems. However, the use of cholesterol to stabilize liposomal structures remains controversial due to its potential association with cardiovascular diseases. Here, we developed a novel liposome based on ginsenoside compound K (CK), which not only serves as an effective therapeutic agent for RA but also replaces cholesterol as a membrane stabilizer to address these challenges. Compared with conventional liposomes, ginsenoside CK Liposomes (CK@Lipo) are excellent nanoparticles, with CK stabilizing the liposomal structure and providing targeting functionality toward inflamed joints. When encapsulated with dexamethasone (Dex), CK@Lipo exhibits a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect, slowing the progression of RA. This study provides a theoretical basis for the future development of multifunctional novel ginsenoside CK@Lipo.

Protection acquired upon intraperitoneal group a Streptococcus immunization is independent of concurrent adaptive immune responses but relies on macrophages and IFN-γ

Group A Streptococcus (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes) is an important bacterial pathogen causing over 700 million superficial infections and around 500.000 deaths due to invasive disease or severe post-infection sequelae yearly. In spite of this major impact on society, there is currently no vaccine available against this bacterium. GAS strains can be separated into >250 distinct emm (M)-types, and protective immunity against GAS is believed to in part be dependent on type-specific antibodies. Here, we analyse the nature of protective immunity generated against GAS in a model of intraperitoneal immunization in mice. We demonstrate that multiple immunizations are required for the ability to survive a subsequent lethal challenge, and although significant levels of GAS-specific antibodies are produced, these are redundant for protection. Instead, our data show that the immunization-dependent protection in this model is induced in the absence of B and T cells and is accompanied by the induction of an altered acute cytokine profile upon subsequent infection, noticeable e.g. by the absence of classical pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased IFN-γ production. Further, the ability of immunized mice to survive a lethal infection is dependent on macrophages and the macrophage-activating cytokine IFN-γ. To our knowledge these findings are the first to suggest that GAS may have the ability to induce forms of trained innate immunity. Taken together, the current study proposes a novel role for the innate immune system in response to GAS infections that potentially could be leveraged for future development of effective vaccines.

The natural immune molecules urinary Tamm-Horsfall protein and pentraxin 3 as predictors for recurrent urinary tract infection severity: a single-center self-control study

OBJECTIVE

The innate immune defense plays a pivotal role in protecting the urinary tract from uropathogenic invasion and maintaining immune homeostasis. Dysregulation of the innate immune system can result in recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI) due to heightened susceptibility to uropathogens. Despite this, predicting the risk of recurrence and the degree of immune compromise in patients who have had one urinary tract infection remains challenging. Also identifying which patients are more susceptible to developing pyelonephritis rather than the more local disease of cystitis is imperfect, although delayed diagnosis of a UTI is a good indicator for developing pyelonephritis. This study aims to assess the potential of urinary Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) and Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) as predictors of RUTI symptom severity and recurrence, while also evaluating the efficacy of the Chinese herbal formulation Tailin Formula (TLF) as a clinical therapeutic intervention for RUTI.

METHODS

A single-center cohort study was conducted involving 142 participants, consisting of 31 healthy individuals (non-RUTI group, n = 31) and 111 patients with RUTI. The RUTI patients were divided into two groups: one group received continuous low-dose antibiotic therapy (CLAT group, n = 55), and the other group received herbal preparations (Tailin formula) (TLF group, n = 56). All patients received consistent lifestyle guidance. Descriptive analysis was performed on the RUTI cohort.

RESULTS

Urinary THP levels were significantly lower in RUTI patients (TLF and CLAT groups) compared to the non-RUTI, whereas PTX3 levels showed a tendency toward elevation. After treatment, urinary THP levels were markedly higher in the TLF group (27.43 ± 7.07) compared to pretreatment levels (10.00 ± 2.79), while levels remained lower in the CLAT group (8.91 ± 2.23) than in the TLF group. Urinary PTX3 levels decreased post-treatment in both groups after treatment than before (CLAT: 0.30 ± 0.13 vs. 1.04 ± 0.38; TLF: 0.29 ± 0.12 vs. 1.15 ± 0.36). Additionally, THP was negatively correlated with renal tubular injury markers NAG/Cr and β2-MG in RUTI patients (r = -0.5041 and -0.6169, respectively), while PTX3 showed a positive correlation with NAG/Cr and β2-MG (r = 0.28 and 0.498, respectively). Notably, as RUTI symptoms improved and recurrence rates decreased, urinary THP levels increased, while PTX3 levels decreased.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that urinary THP and PTX3 are likely involved in the pathogenesis of RUTI. These biomarkers may serve as valuable predictors for assessing symptom severity, recurrence risk, and therapeutic efficacy in patients with RUTI at risk of disease progression.

Calpain 2 regulates IL-1α secretion and inhibits tumor development via modulating calpain 1 expression in the tumor microenvironment

Tumor-promoting inflammation significantly impacts cancer progression, and targeting inflammatory cytokines has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in clinical trials. Interleukin (IL)-1α, a member of the IL-1 cytokine family, plays a crucial role in both inflammation and carcinogenesis. How IL-1α is secreted in the tumor microenvironment has been poorly understood, and we previously showed that calpain 1 cleaves pro-IL-1α for mature IL-1α secretion, which exacerbates hepatocellular carcinoma by recruiting myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In this study, we report that calpain 2 also modulates IL-1α secretion. Notably, a deficiency in calpain 2 resulted in enhanced hepatocellular carcinoma development within an IL-1α-enriched tumor microenvironment. Further investigations revealed that calpain 2 deficiency increased calpain 1 expression, implying a compensatory mechanism between the two calpains. Mechanistically, calpain 2 deficiency led to increased expression of FoxO3, which is a forkhead transcription factor that promotes calpain 1 expression. Collectively, these results suggest that calpain 2 modulates calpain 1 expression, and therefore IL-1α secretion through the induction of FoxO3, offering novel potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

TGF-β: elusive target in diabetic kidney disease

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), a cytokine with near omnipresence, is an integral part of many vital cellular processes across the human body. The family includes three isoforms: Transforming growth factor-beta 1, 2, and 3. These cytokines play a significant role in the fibrosis cascade. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a major complication of diabetes, is increasing in prevalence daily, and the classical diagnosis of diabetes is based on the presence of albuminuria. The occurrence of nonalbuminuric DKD has provided new insight into the pathogenesis of this disease. The emphasis on multifactorial pathways involved in developing DKD has highlighted some markers associated with tissue fibrosis. In diabetic nephropathy, TGF-β is significantly involved in its pathology. Its presence in serum and urine means that it could be a diagnostic tool while its regulation provides potential therapeutic targets. Completely blocking TGF-β signaling could reach untargeted regions and cause unanticipated effects. This paper reviews the basic details of TGF-β as a cytokine, its role in DKD, and updates on research carried out to validate its candidacy.

Bacterial metabolism in the host and its association with virulence

The host restricted pathogens are competently dependent on their respective host for nutritional requirements. The bacterial metabolic pathways are surprisingly varied and remarkably flexible that in turn help them to successfully overcome competition and colonise their host. The metabolic adaptation plays pivotal role in bacterial pathogenesis. The understanding of host-pathogen metabolic crosstalk needs to be prioritized to decipher host-pathogen interactions. The review focuses on various aspects of host pathogen interactions that majorly involves adaptation of bacterial metabolism to counteract immune mechanisms by rectifying metabolic cues that provides pathogen the idea of different anatomical sites and the local physiology of the host. The key set of metabolites that are recognized as centre of competition between host and its pathogens are also briefly discussed. The factors that control the timely expression of virulence of bacterial pathogens is poorly understood. The perspective presented herein will facilitate us with a broader view of molecular mechanisms that modulates the expression of virulence factors in bacterial pathogens. The knowledge of crosslinked metabolic pathways of bacteria and their host will serve to develop novel potential therapeutics.

Oxidation of human mitochondrial RNA strongly potentiates immunostimulation in an interferon-associated manner

Inflammation is associated with a wide range of medical conditions, most leading causes of death, and high healthcare costs. It can thus benefit from new insights. Here we extended previous studies and found that oxidation of human native mtRNA to 'mitoxRNA' strongly potentiated IFNβ and TNFα immunostimulation in human cells, and that this newly identified type 1 interferon potentiation was transcriptional. This potentiation was significantly greater than with mtDNA oxidation, and t-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP) oxidation of RNA was more proinflammatory than hydrogen peroxide (HP). mtRNA triggered a modest increase in apoptosis that was not potentiated by oxidation, and mtDNA triggered a much greater increase. For native mtRNA, we found that chloroquine-inhibitable endosomes and MDA5 are key signaling pathways for IFNβ and TNFα production. For mitoxRNAs, RNAseq revealed a major increase in both tBHP- and HP-mitoxRNA modulated genes compared with native mtRNA. This increase was very prominent for interferon-related genes, identifying them as important mediators of this powerful oxidation effect. Moderately different gene modulations and KEGG pathways were observed for tBHP- versus HP-mitoxRNAs. These studies reveal the profound effect that mitochondrial RNA oxidation has on immunostimulation, providing new insights into DAMP inflammation and identifying potential therapeutic targets to minimize DAMP mtRNA/mitoxRNA-mediated inflammation.

MERTK inhibition improves therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients only achieves response rates of 25%-30%, indicating the necessity of new therapies for non-responder patients. Since myeloid-related suppressive factors are associated with poor responses to ICI in a subgroup of HCC patients, modulation of these targets may improve response rates. Our aim was to characterize the expression of the efferocytosis receptor MERTK in HCC and to analyze its potential as a new therapeutic target. In HCC patients, MERTK was expressed by myeloid cells and was associated with poorer survival. In a murine HCC model with progressive myeloid cell infiltration, MERTK was detected in dendritic cells and macrophages with an activated phenotype, which overexpressed the checkpoint ligand PD-L1. Concomitant expression of PD-1 in tumor T-cells suggested the pertinence of combined PD-1/PD-L1 and MERTK blockade. In vivo experiments in mice showed that inhibition of MERTK improved the therapeutic effect promoted by anti-PD-1 or by ICI combinations currently approved for HCC. This effect was associated with enhanced tumor infiltration and superior activity of antigen presenting cells and effector lymphocytes. Our results indicate that MERTK may behave as a relevant target for immunotherapeutic combinations in those HCC patients with tumors enriched in a myeloid component.

Opportunities and challenges of immuno-oncology: A bibliometric analysis from 2014 to 2023

The emergence of immuno-oncology (IO) has led to revolutionary changes in the field of cancer treatment. Despite notable advancements in this field, a thorough exploration of its full depth and extent has yet to be performed. This study provides a comprehensive overview of publications pertaining to IO. Publications on IO from 2014 to 2023 were retrieved by searching the Web of Science Core Collection database (WoSCC). VOSviewer software and Citespace software were used for the visualized analysis. A total of 1,874 articles have been published in the IO domain. The number of publications and citations has been increasing annually. This study also examines the primary research directions within the field of IO. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges associated with IO, illuminating the current status of research and indicating potential future trajectories in this rapidly progressing field. This study provides a comprehensive survey of the current research status and hot spots within the field of IO. It will assist researchers in comprehending the current research emphasis and development trends in this field and offers guidance for future research directions.

Revealing the role of natural killer cells in ankylosing spondylitis: identifying diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets

BACKGROUND

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the axial joints. Immune cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of AS. This study integrated bioinformatics methods with experimental validation to explore the role of natural killer (NK) cells in AS.

METHODS

Two microarray datasets, GSE25101 and GSE73754, were selected, and the scRNA-seq data were obtained from GSE194315 and Liu's research. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and functional enrichment analysis were performed respectively. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to identify key modules of co-expressed genes and genes involved in NK cell function. The diagnostic value of the identified key genes was evaluated using ROC curves, logistic regression analysis, and a nomogram. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to quantified the expression of genes. Statistical analysis was conducted using the R software package, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Pathways enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of NK cell-mediated immune pathways and regulation of the innate immune response, indicating the crucial role of innate immunity, especially NK cells, in AS pathogenesis. The construction of a co-expression network revealed that the MElightyellow module was most relevant to the NK cell-mediated immune pathway. IL2RB, CD247, PLEKHF1, EOMES, S1PR5, FGFBP2 from the MElightyellow module were identified as key genes involved in NK cell-mediated immune response and served as potential diagnostic biomarkers for AS, with moderate to high diagnostic values based on AUC values. Further analysis using scRNA-seq profiling revealed the higher expression level of IL2RB, CD247, PLEKHF1, S1PR5, FGFBP2 in NK cells compared to that in other cell types. CD247, PLEKHF1, EOMES, S1PR5, and FGFBP2 were reduced expressed in AS patients as compare to control group verified by scRNA-seq data, CD247, EOMES, FGFBP2, IL2RB and S1PR5 were reduced expressed verified by RT-PCR, and PLEKHF1, S1PR5, and FGFBP2 was upregulated after TNF-α blocker therapy.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed the potential role of NK cells and identified IL2RB, CD247, PLEKHF1, EOMES, S1PR5, and FGFBP2 as key genes associated with NK cells in the pathogenesis of AS.

PMA1-containing extracellular vesicles of Candida albicans triggers immune responses and colitis progression

Candida albicans (C. albicans) exhibits aberrant changes in patients with colitis, and it has been reported to dominate the colonic mucosal immune response. Here, we found that PMA1 expression was significantly increased in C. albicans from patients with IBD compared to that in healthy controls. A Crispr-Cas9-based fungal strain editing system was then used to knock out PMA1 expression in C. albicans. Compared to WT-C.a, ΔPMA1-C.a could not aggravate colitis. Proteomic analysis showed that PMA1 was transported by extracellular vesicles (EVs) of C. albicans. PMA1-containing EVs aggravated colitis, modulated the migration of cDC2 from the lamina propria to mesenteric lymph nodes, and induced TH17 cell differentiation. Moreover, the adaptor protein CARD9 was critical in PMA1-containing EV-induced colitis, and CARD9-deficient DCs did not induce TH17 cell differentiation or IL-17A production. Mechanically, CARD9 combines with the glycolytic protein GAPDH (aa2-146 domain) through its CARD region. CARD9 deficiency led to decreased enzyme activity of GAPDH and decreased glycolysis of DCs. These findings indicate that PMA1 is a potential virulence factor responsible for the pathogenesis of C. albicans colitis.

Characterization and anti-tuberculosis effects of γδ T cells expanded and activated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat-resistant antigen

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) that poses a severe threat to human health. A variety of highly immunogenic tuberculosis proteins have been used as targets in vaccine development to mitigate the spread of TB. Although Th1-type immunity has long been considered a crucial part of resistance to Mtb, γδ T cells, the predominant source of IL-17, are not negligible in controlling the early stages of TB infection. In addition to classical phosphoantigens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat-resistant antigens (HAg), a complex containing 564 proteins obtained from live tuberculosis bacteria after heat treatment at 121 °C for 20 min, have been confirmed to be highly effective γδ T cell stimulators as well. Several studies have demonstrated that HAg-activated γδ T cells can participate in TB immunity by secreting multiple cytokines against Mtb or by interacting with other innate immune cells. In this review, we present a possible mechanism of HAg stimulation of γδ T cells and the role of HAg-activated γδ T cells in anti-TB immunity. We also highlight the limitations of studies on HAg activation of γδ T cells and suggest further research directions on the relationship between HAg and γδ T cells.

Update on the correlation between mitochondrial function and osteonecrosis of the femoral head osteocytes

Mitochondrial health is maintained in a steady state through mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy processes. Recent studies have identified healthy mitochondria as crucial regulators of cellular function and survival. This process involves adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), regulation of calcium metabolism and inflammatory responses, and intracellular oxidative stress management. In the skeletal system, they participate in the regulation of cellular behaviors and the responses of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondrocytes, and osteocytes to external stimuli. Indeed, mitochondrial damage or dysfunction occurs in the development of a few bone diseases. For example, mitochondrial damage may lead to an imbalance in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, resulting in osteoporosis, osteomalacia, or poor bone production, and chondrocyte death and inflammatory infiltration in osteoarthritis are the main causes of cartilage degeneration due to mitochondrial damage. However, the opposite exists for osteosarcoma, where overactive mitochondrial metabolism is able to accelerate the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells, which is a major disease feature. Bone is a dynamic organ and osteocytes play a fundamental role in all regions of bone tissue and are involved in regulating bone integrity. This review examines the impact of mitochondrial physiological function on osteocyte health and summarizes the microscopic molecular mechanisms underlying its effects. It highlights that targeted therapies focusing on osteocyte mitochondria may be beneficial for osteocyte survival, providing a new insight for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases associated with osteocyte death.

Predictive value of three nutritional indexes for disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, its ability to predict the disease activity in IBD remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association between malnutrition and disease activity in IBD.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we enrolled 1006 patients diagnosed with IBD from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from 2011 to 2022. Malnutrition was assessed based on the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) scores. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for disease activity. Restricted cubic spline analysis was performed to evaluate the possible nonlinear relations, and subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential interactions. Additionally, prediction performances were compared through receiver operating characteristic curves, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement.

RESULTS

The prevalence of malnutrition calculated by the PNI, GNRI, and CONUT scores in IBD was 16.9%, 72.1%, and 75.6%, respectively and significant correlations were observed among them. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PNI, GNRI, and CONUT were independent risk factors for disease activity, and no significant nonlinear relationship was observed between disease activity and all three indexes. No statistically significant interactive effect was found in nearly all the subgroups. GNRI showed the highest predictive value compared with PNI and CONUT. Additionally, combining any of the three indexes improved the ability of C-reactive protein to predict IBD activity.

CONCLUSIONS

All three nutritional indexes evaluated malnutrition to be an independent risk factor for IBD activity.

Alcaligenes faecalis promotes colitis to colorectal cancer transition through IgA+ B cell suppression and vinculin acetylation

Lymphoid tissue-resident commensal bacteria (LRC), a subtype of gut microbiota essential for inflammation-associated carcinogenesis, predominantly attribute to colorectal cancer(CRC), whereas its role was largely unknown. Herein, we found Alcaligenes faecalis (A. faecalis), the main LRC embedded in Peyer's patches, was abundantly enriched in colitis, adenoma, and stage-dependently observed in CRC tissues. Interestingly, A. faecalis alone can not affect intestinal homeostasis, while during colitis, A. faecalis significantly translocated from Peyer's patches to colon, remarkably attenuated immune response abilities of B cells, T cells, and DC cells in PPs, consequently impeded IgA+ B cells homing. Meanwhile, during colitis, the ectopia of A. faecalis in colon tissues, promoted vinculin acetylation by A. faecalis-derived metabolite acetic acid, which impeded intestinal barrier via hindering the binding of vinculin to β-catenin. Our study revealed A. faecalis not only suppress mucosal immune responses via reducing IgA+ B cells in Peyer's patches but also disrupt intestinal barrier via increasing vinculin acetylation, ultimately promoting inflammation-to-cancer transition in CRC.

C5a/C5aR regulates Th1/Th2 imbalance in sepsis-associated lung injury by promoting neutrophil activation to increase PAD4 expression

OBJECTIVE

Multi-organ failure frequently complicates sepsis, with lungs being the primary target. T helper (Th) cell activation and phenotypic imbalance among them contribute significantly to sepsis-associated lung injury. Additionally, the complement system could regulate the polarized phenotype of T lymphocytes. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of C5a/C5a receptor (C5aR)/Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) on the Th1/Th2 ratio in sepsis-induced lung injury.

METHODS

ELISA was used to detect the expression of PAD4, HBP, MPO, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6, IL-4, syndecan-1, endocan and H3Cit. An LPS-induced septic lung injury mouse model was constructed, with HE and PAS stains evaluating lung damage. BCA kit quantified BALF total protein, Western blot examined C5aR, syndecan-1, endocan, PAD4 levels, while TUNEL and flow cytometry assessed tissue cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, flow cytometry was used to detect the +Th1 and Th2 cells proportion in peripheral blood, and CCK-8 was used to detect BEAS-2B activity.

RESULTS

The results indicated that PAD4 and inflammatory factors were increased in lesion samples compared with controls. In sepsis-induced lung injury mice, addition of GSK484, a PAD4 inhibitor, effectively alleviated sepsis-induced lung edema and inflammatory responses. GSK484 was found to inhibit C5a/C5aR expression and suppress apoptosis and lung injury. Furthermore, GSK484 markedly inhibited Th1 cell phenotypes in vitro. Additionally, GSK484 intervention on Th1 cell phenotype further affected lung epithelial cell injury.

CONCLUSION

In summary, we revealed the mechanism of C5a/C5aR-induced PAD4 upregulation via neutrophil activation in sepsis-associated lung injury, causing a Th1/Th2 imbalance and lung injury, providing a novel approach for sepsis-associated lung injuries treatment.

The role of non-malignant B cells in malignant hematologic diseases

The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a heterogeneous, complicated ecosystem characterized by intricate interactions between tumor cells and immune cells. During the past decade, immune cells especially T cells were found to play an important role in the progression of tumor and many related immune checkpoints drugs were created. In recent years, more and more scientists revealed the critical role of B-cells within the TME, particularly various populations of non-malignant B cells. Some studies indicated that non-malignant B cells may exert a 'double-edged sword' role in solid tumors. However, there has been comparatively less focus on the role of non-malignant B cells in hematologic malignancies. In this review, we characterized the development of B cells and summarized its functions of antitumor immunity within TME, with an emphasis on elucidating the roles and potential mechanisms of non-malignant B cells in the progression of hematologic diseases including classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma.

Maternal probiotic exposure enhances CD8 T cell protective neonatal immunity and modulates offspring metabolome to control influenza virus infection

Maternal gut microbiota composition contributes to the status of the neonatal immune system and could influence the early life higher susceptibility to viral respiratory infections. Using a novel protocol of murine maternal probiotic supplementation, we report that perinatal exposure to Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L.rh) or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B.lac) increases the influenza A/PR8 virus (IAV) clearance in neonates. Following either supplementation, type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1) were amplified in the lymph nodes leading to an enhanced IAV antigen-experienced IFN-γ producing effector CD8 T cells in neonates and IAV-specific resident memory CD8 T cells in adulthood. This was compatible with a higher protection of the offspring upon a secondary infection. Interestingly, only mice born to L.rh supplemented mothers further displayed an increased activation of IFN-γ producing virtual memory CD8 T cells and a production of IL-10 by CD4 and CD8 T cells that could explain a better control of the lung damages upon infection. In the offspring and the mothers, no disturbance of the gut microbiota was observed but, as analyzed through an untargeted metabolomic approach, both exposures modified neonatal plasma metabolites. Among them, we further demonstrated that genistein and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid recapitulate viral clearance or cDC1 activation in neonates exposed to IAV. We conclude that maternal L.rh or B.lac supplementation confers the neonates specific metabolomic modulations with a better CD8 T cell-mediated immune protection against IAV infection.

Safety and immunogenicity of an mRNA-1273 vaccine booster in adolescents

Safety, immunogenicity, and effectiveness of an mRNA-1273 50-μg booster were evaluated in adolescents (12-17 years), with and without pre-booster SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants who had received the 2-dose mRNA-1273 100-µg primary series in the TeenCOVE trial (NCT04649151) were offered the mRNA-1273 50-μg booster. Primary objectives included safety and inference of effectiveness by establishing noninferiority of neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses after the booster compared with the nAb post-primary series of mRNA-1273 among young adults in COVE (NCT04470427). Binding antibody (bAb) responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest and COVID-19 incidence after vaccination were also evaluated. Median boosting interval was 315 days. The mRNA-1273 booster was well-tolerated, with an acceptable safety profile. Relative to pre-booster, nAb geometric mean levels increased after the booster by 17.8-fold and 4.7-fold among pre-booster SARS-CoV-2-negative and -positive participants, respectively. Effectiveness was successfully inferred based on noninferiority of nAb levels from mRNA-1273 booster dose (Day 29) compared with nAb levels after mRNA-1273 primary series (Day 57) among young adults in COVE. Further, the booster increased bAb levels relative to pre-booster baseline against SARS-CoV-2 variants (alpha [B.1.1.7], beta [B.1.351], gamma [P.1], and delta [B.1.617.2]), regardless of pre-booster SARS-CoV-2 status. COVID-19 incidence (cases per 1000 person-months) was lower among boosted (0 cases) than non-boosted (95.766 cases) participants in January 2022, a peak period during the early omicron transmission. In summary, the mRNA-1273 50-μg booster induced robust nAb responses in previously vaccinated adolescents, regardless of SARS-CoV-2 serostatus. Effectiveness was successfully inferred and the booster was well-tolerated, with no new safety concerns identified.

Overexpression of ORP1C gene increases the rice resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae through negatively regulating transcription activator-like effectors translocation

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) has shown a high incidence rate in rice fields in recent years. Rice resistance breeding is considered as the most effective method for achieving economical and sustainable management of BLB disease. The essential basis for resistance breeding is rooted in the exploration of rice resistance genes and the clarification of the molecular mechanisms that underlie Xoo resistance. In our previous research, we showed that Xanthomonas outer protein XopZ and rice oxysterol-binding related protein ORP1C collaboratively regulate the compatible interaction between Xoo strain PXO99 and Nipponbare rice, but the deeper regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we successfully constructed ORP1C overexpression rice using the plant binary expression vector pCAMBIA1301. Through a series of virulence and effector translocation detections in Xoo-rice interactions, we revealed that overexpression of the ORP1C gene largely increases rice resistance to multiple Xoo strains from different countries and regions. Mechanistically, ORP1C plays a Xoo resistant role through negatively regulating transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) translocation, ORP1C has become a potential candidate gene resource for disease-resistant breeding in rice. Further studies also indicated that XopZ and ORP1C collaboratively regulate the compatible interaction of PXO99-Nipponbare by modulating TALEs translocation.

T cells regulate intestinal motility and shape enteric neuronal responses to intestinal microbiota

How the gut microbiota and immune system maintain intestinal homeostasis in concert with the enteric nervous system (ENS) remains incompletely understood. To address this gap, we assessed small intestinal transit, enteric neuronal density, enteric neurogenesis, intestinal microbiota, immune cell populations and cytokines in wildtype and T-cell deficient germ-free mice colonized with specific pathogen-free (SPF) microbiota, conventionally raised SPF and segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB)-monocolonized mice. SPF microbiota increased small intestinal transit in a T cell-dependent manner. SPF microbiota increased neuronal density in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the ileum and colon, similar to conventionally raised SPF mice, independently of T cells. SFB increased neuronal density in the ileum in a T cell-dependent manner, but independently of T cells in the colon. SPF microbiota stimulated enteric neurogenesis (Sox2 expression in enteric neurons) in the ileum in a T cell-dependent manner, but in the colon this effect was T cell-independent. T cells regulated nestin expression in the ENS. SPF colonization increased Th17 cells, RORγT+ Treg cells, and IL-1β and IL-17A levels in the ileum and colon. By neutralizing IL-1β and IL-17A, we observed that they control microbiota-mediated enteric neurogenesis but were not involved in the regulation of motility. Together, these findings provide new insights into the microbiota-neuroimmune dialog that regulates intestinal physiology.

Metabolic heterogeneity in tumor cells impacts immunology in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Metabolic processes are crucial in immune regulation, yet the impact of metabolic heterogeneity on immunological functions remains unclear. Integrating metabolomics into immunology allows the exploration of the interactions of multilayered features in the biological system and the molecular regulatory mechanism of these features. To elucidate such insight in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), we analyzed 106 LUSC tumor tissues. We performed high-resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to obtain spatial metabolic profiles, and immunohistochemistry to detect tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs). Unsupervised k-means clustering and Simpson's diversity index were employed to assess metabolic heterogeneity, identifying five distinct metabolic tumor subpopulations. Our findings revealed that TILs are specifically associated with metabolite distributions, not randomly distributed. Integrating a validation cohort, we found that heterogeneity-correlated metabolites interact with CD8+ TIL-associated genes, affecting survival. High metabolic heterogeneity was linked to worse survival and lower TIL levels. Pathway enrichment analyses highlighted distinct metabolic pathways in each subpopulation and their potential responses to chemotherapy. This study uncovers the significant impact of metabolic heterogeneity on immune functions in LUSC, providing a foundation for tailoring therapeutic strategies.

Topical delgocitinib for the treatment of chronic hand eczema

PURPOSE

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a prevalent dermatological condition characterized by significant morbidity and impaired quality of life. Delgocitinib, a pan-JAK inhibitor, has emerged as a promising topical treatment for CHE, targeting key cytokine-mediated inflammatory pathways involved in the disease. Delgocitinib 20 mg/g (2%) cream was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2024 for moderate-to-severe CHE, and its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review is currently in progress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Medline and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to January 21, 2025, using specific search terms related to delgocitinib and chronic hand eczema.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in improving disease severity, including eczema signs and symptoms such as pain and itching, and enhancing patient-reported outcomes compared to vehicle. Topical delgocitinib has shown a favorable safety profile, with most adverse events being mild and unrelated to treatment. Serious adverse events were rare, and treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was minimal. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on topical delgocitinib's clinical utility and safety in CHE, positioning it as a valuable therapeutic option. Further comparative studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy against oral JAK inhibitors and other topical immunosuppressants, providing insight into optimizing treatment strategies for this chronic condition.

Elevated circulating IL-8 correlates with poor prognosis in urological cancers: a meta-analysis and bioinformatic validation

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a key cytokine that has been implicated in multiple aspects of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Elevated levels of circulating IL-8 (cIL-8) have been implicated in adverse clinical outcomes among patients with urological cancers. However, definitive evidence consolidating these observations remains lacking. The present study aims to synthesize the existing research findings to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based reference for clinical practice.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies that reported on the prognostic impact of cIL-8 levels in urological cancer patients. Hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were extracted and pooled to estimate the overall effect. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier's survival analyses were conducted using RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) through the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA 2) online tool to validate the observed associations.

RESULTS

A total of 19 cohorts encompassing 2740 patients from 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The findings revealed that elevated cIL-8 levels were significantly associated with inferior OS (HR: 1.86; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.72-2.02) and PFS (HR: 1.59; 95%CI: 1.25-2.03) in patients with urological cancers. The consistency and validity of these results were further supported by survival analyses performed using the GEPIA 2 tool.

CONCLUSIONS

This study, which is the first meta-analysis to systematically examine the prognostic significance of cIL-8 in urological cancers, supported by bioinformatics validation, confirms that elevated cIL-8 levels serve as a potential biomarker for predicting adverse outcomes. Our findings underscore the importance of targeting IL-8 as a therapeutic strategy to overcome treatment resistance and improve outcomes for urological cancer patients. Further research into IL-8-targeted therapies and their integration into clinical practice is urgently needed to enhance the treatment landscape for urological cancers.

Integrating multi-omics data to reveal the host-microbiota interactome in inflammatory bowel disease

Numerous studies have accelerated the knowledge expansion on the role of gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the precise mechanisms behind host-microbe cross-talk remain largely undefined, due to the complexity of the human intestinal ecosystem and multiple external factors. In this review, we introduce the interactome concept to systematically summarize how intestinal dysbiosis is involved in IBD pathogenesis in terms of microbial composition, functionality, genomic structure, transcriptional activity, and downstream proteins and metabolites. Meanwhile, this review also aims to present an updated overview of the relevant mechanisms, high-throughput multi-omics methodologies, different types of multi-omics cohort resources, and computational methods used to understand host-microbiota interactions in the context of IBD. Finally, we discuss the challenges pertaining to the integration of multi-omics data in order to reveal host-microbiota cross-talk and offer insights into relevant future research directions.

The effect of rebound exercise on cognition and balance of females with overweight and obesity

Balance issues have been reported to be common among females with overweight or obesity with associated fall risks. Despite the increasing reports of the negative impacts of obesity on balance and cognition, there is a scarcity of research aimed at evaluating effective interventions. To examine the effects of rebound exercises on cognition and balance among females with overweight and obesity. This Quasi-experimental study used the purposive sampling method to recruit 20 female students (aged 17-35 years) with overweight and obese at the Evangel University Akaeze, Ebonyi State Nigeria. Rebound exercise intervention was administered to all participants at the gym for 30 minutes in each session, three times a week for six weeks, while their cognitive performances, stationary balance, and dynamic balance were measured pre-and post-trial using Trail Marking Test Apparatuses, Unilateral Pedal Tests, and Meter Backward Walk Test respectively. There was a significant (p < 0.001) difference in the participants' cognition values across weeks 1, 3, and 6 with a progressive improvement over time. There was also a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the participants' static and dynamic balance values across weeks 1, 3, and 6 with a progressive improvement in balance performance over time. Rebound exercise significantly improved the cognition and balance of females with overweight or obese. This finding suggests a promising intervention to improve balance and cognitive-related problems in this population. Registered retrospectively in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry, identification number for the registry is PACTR202405746557031. Dated 2 May 2024.

Current landscape and future prospects of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) agonists in cancer immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has significantly improved the survival for many patients with advanced malignancy. However, fewer than 50% of patients benefit from ICB, highlighting the need for more effective immunotherapy options. High-dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2) immunotherapy, which is approved for patients with metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, stimulates CD8+ T cells and NK cells and can generate durable responses in a subset of patients. Moreover, HD IL-2 may have potential efficacy in patients whose disease has progressed following ICB and plays a vital role in expanding tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) in TIL therapy. Despite its potential, the use of HD IL-2 is limited by severe toxicities such as hypotension and vascular leak syndrome. Additionally, only a few patients achieve a good outcome after HD IL-2 therapy. To address these challenges, numerous next-generation IL-2 receptor (IL-2 R) agonists have been developed to exhibit treatment effects while minimizing adverse events. This review will explore IL-2 biology, the clinical application of HD IL-2 therapy, and the development of novel IL-2 R agonists for cancer immunotherapy.

NVP-2, in combination with Orlistat, represents a promising therapeutic strategy for acute myeloid leukemia

Cell cycle dysregulation and the corresponding metabolic reprogramming play significant roles in tumor development and progression. CDK9, a kinase that regulates gene transcription and cell cycle, also induces oncogene transcription and abnormal cell cycle in AML cells. The function of CDK9 for gene regulation in AML cells requires further exploration. In this study, we knocked down the CDK9 to investigate its effects on the growth and survival of AML cells. Through RNA-seq analysis, we identified that in U937 cells CDK9 regulates numerous genes involved in proliferation and apoptosis, including mTOR, SREBF1, and Bcl-2. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that both CDK9 and FASN are crucial for the proliferation and survival of Kasumi-1 and U937 cells. Mechanistically, MCL1, c-Myc, and Akt/mTOR/SREBF1 may be critical factors and pathways in the combined therapy of NVP-2 and Orlistat. In summary, our study revealed that CDK9 and FASN are vital for maintaining AML cell survival and proliferation. Treatment with NVP-2 and Orlistat may be a promising clinical candidate for patients with AML.

Efficacy and safety of telitacicept in IgA nephropathy: a real-world study

BACKGROUND

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease in the world, and specific therapeutic methods for IgAN are limited. Telitacicept is a humanized fusion protein composed of a transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor receptor and human IgG.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of telitacicept in adult patients with IgAN in a real-world study.

METHODS

Biopsy-proven IgAN patients with 24-hour proteinuria greater than 0.5 g/d who received 240 mg telitacicept weekly were recruited for this study and 1:1:1 matched with patients who received supportive treatment only or immunosuppressive treatment by propensity score matching. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in 24-hour proteinuria over the 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients in each group were enrolled. Telitacicept reduced median proteinuria by 0.72 g/d (54.6%) from baseline, compared with a reduction of 0.18 g/d (20%) in the supportive treatment group and 1.12 g/d (72.1%) in the immunosuppressive treatment group. Preserved eGFR levels were observed in the telitacicept group, whereas eGFR levels decreased in the other two groups. No serious adverse events were observed in the telitacicept treatment group.

CONCLUSION

Telitacicept may be an effective treatment for IgAN patients by reducing proteinuria and preserving eGFR, and showed a favorable safety profile.

Dual implication of endothelial adhesion molecules in tumor progression and cancer immunity

Adhesion molecules are proteins expressed at the surface of various cell types. Their main contribution to immunity is to allow the infiltration of immune cells in an inflamed site. In cancer, adhesion molecules have been shown to promote tumor dissemination favoring the development of metastasis. While adhesion molecule inhibition approaches were unsuccessful for cancer control, their importance for the generation of an immune response alone or in combination with immunotherapies has gained interest over the past years. Currently, the balance of adhesion molecules for tumor promotion/inhibition is unclear. Here we review the role of selectins, intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM) from the perspective of the dual contribution of adhesion molecules in tumor progression and immunity.

Virulence factors and therapeutic methods of Trueperella pyogenes: A review

Trueperella pyogenes is a prevalent opportunistic pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections in livestock and wildlife, such as in cattle, pigs, European bison and forest musk deer. Much of the successful infection of T. pyogenes relies on its virulence factors, including pyolysin as well as adhesion factors. The swift rise of bacterial resistance has highlighted the urgent need for developing new therapeutic strategies. Currently, virulence factor-mediated vaccine development and other therapeutic approaches are widely regarded as the primary interventions for addressing diseases associated with this pathogen. This review examines the broader virulence potential of T. pyogenes, focusing on haemolysin, host cell adhesion proteins, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, and the development of vaccines mediated by virulence factors. Additionally, it discusses current and future approaches aimed at improving therapeutic interventions.

Distinctive function of Tetraspanins: Implication in viral infections

Harboring four transmembrane domains in their structural hallmark, Tetraspanins (Tspans) are a family of glycoproteins with pivotal functions in a variety of biological and cellular processes. Through interacting laterally with each other or specific membrane proteins, Tspans organize tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs), modulating cellular signaling, adhesion, fusion, and proliferation. An abundance of evidence has identified the multiple functions in the progression of cancer as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. Recently, plenty of studies have focused on the utilities of Tspans by pathogens for infection, especially the infection of viruses. The expression of Tspans correlates with the phase of viral infection, the type of virus, and targeted therapies. In particular, perturbations of Tspans in host cells can affect viral attachment, intracellular trafficking, translation, virus assembly, and release. In this review, we summarize and provide a historical overview of the discovery and characterization of various kinds of virus infection and highlight their diversity and complexity, along with the virus life cycle. Furthermore, we examined the current understanding of how various Tspans are involved in the regulatory mechanisms underlying viral infection. This review aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the targeting of Tspans for therapeutic intervention in infections caused by diverse pathogens.

Role of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis

Viral myocarditis (VMC) is a common inflammatory disease of the myocardium that is characterized mainly by inflammatory cell infiltration and cardiomyocyte necrosis. Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a common cause of VMC, although major progress has been made in the treatment of VMC, the long-term prognosis is still not ideal and further research is needed. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNA molecules without coding functions and include microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which play extensive regulatory roles in gene expression; however, their mechanisms of action in CVB3-induced VMC remain incompletely understood. Here, we review the currently known roles of various ncRNAs in CVB3-induced VMC models, with a focus on cell death, inflammation and viral replication, with the aim of providing a reference for their therapeutic or vaccine development for the treatment of VMC.

Research hotspots and trends of immunotherapy and melanoma: A bibliometric analysis during 2014-2024

Over the last decade, the increasing global prevalence of melanoma has sparked growing interest in immunotherapies, which show significant potential against this form of skin cancer. This research aims to offer a framework to guide future studies and inspire new research directions. In this study, we used the Web of Science Core Collection to collect papers on immunotherapy and melanoma published between 2014 and 2024. With Excel and visualization tools like VOSviewer, COOC 13.2, Citespace, and Bibliometrix (R-Tool of R-Studio), we analyzed the data to spot trends and new focuses in the research. Our findings indicate a substantial surge in research activity concerning immunotherapy and melanoma between 2014 and 2024. The USA and China emerged as leading contributors, engaging in extensive and close collaborative efforts with European counterparts. Furthermore, seven of the top 10 research institutions are located in the USA, with the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas being the most productive. In addition, the Journal of Cancer Immunotherapy is the journal with the most articles published in the field. Professor Georgina V. Long from the Melanoma Institute at the University of Sydney was one of the most productive scholars. Keyword analysis shows that immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor microenvironment and targeted therapies are key areas of interest for the research community. This paper uses bibliometric analysis to outline research trends and key points in immunotherapy and melanoma from 2014 to 2024, which helps understand the current research and guides future research directions.

Exploring the versatility of Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism in biomedical research: a comprehensive review

Drosophila melanogaster is a highly versatile model organism that has profoundly advanced our understanding of human diseases. With more than 60% of its genes having human homologs, Drosophila provides an invaluable system for modelling a wide range of pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic diseases, as well as cardiac and muscular conditions. This review highlights key developments in utilizing Drosophila for disease modelling, emphasizing the genetic tools that have transformed research in this field. Technologies such as the GAL4/UAS system, RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR-Cas9 have enabled precise genetic manipulation, with CRISPR-Cas9 allowing for the introduction of human disease mutations into orthologous Drosophila genes. These approaches have yielded critical insights into disease mechanisms, identified novel therapeutic targets and facilitated both drug screening and toxicological studies. Articles were selected based on their relevance, impact and contribution to the field, with a particular focus on studies offering innovative perspectives on disease mechanisms or therapeutic strategies. Our findings emphasize the central role of Drosophila in studying complex human diseases, underscoring its genetic similarities to humans and its effectiveness in modelling conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and cancer. This review reaffirms Drosophila's critical role as a model organism, highlighting its potential to drive future research and therapeutic advancements.

EphA2 and phosphoantigen-mediated selective killing of medulloblastoma by γδT cells preserves neuronal and stem cell integrity

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a pediatric brain tumor that develops in the cerebellum, representing one of the most common malignant brain cancers in children. Standard treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but despite a 5-y survival rate of approximately 70%, these therapies often lead to significant neurological damage in the developing brain. This underscores the urgent need for less toxic, more effective therapeutic alternatives. Recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy, have revolutionized cancer treatment. One promising avenue is the use of Gamma Delta (γδ)T cells, a unique T cell population with potential advantages, such as non-alloreactivity, potent tumor cell lysis, and broad antigen recognition. However, their capacity to recognize and target MB cells remains underexplored. To investigate the therapeutic potential of γδT cells against MB, we analyzed the proportion and status of MB-infiltrated γδT cells within patient datasets. We next investigated the expression of γδT cell ligands on MB cells and identified the EphA2 receptor and the phosphoantigen/Butyrophilin complex as key ligands, activating Vγ9 Vδ1 and Vγ9 Vδ2 T cells, respectively, leading to significant MB cell lysis in both monolayer and spheroid models. Importantly, preliminary safety data showed that γδT cells did not target differentiated neurons or neuroepithelial stem cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, underscoring the selectivity and safety of this approach. In conclusion, γδT cells trigger an efficient and specific killing of MB and would offer a promising novel therapeutic strategy.

CoronaVac-induced antibodies that facilitate Fc-mediated neutrophil phagocytosis track with COVID-19 disease resolution

Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants raise concerns about decreased vaccine efficacy, vaccines continue to confer robust protection in humans, implying that immunity beyond neutralization contributes to vaccine efficacy. In addition to neutralization, antibodies can mediate various Fc-dependent effector functions, including antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), antibody-dependent neutrophil phagocytosis (ADNP) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, the specific role of each Fc-mediated effector function in contributing to COVID-19 disease attenuation in human remains unclear. To fully define the potential immune correlates of Fc-mediated effector functions, we comprehensively analysed the above Fc-mediated effector functions in two study cohorts. In the CoronaVac vaccinee cohort, individuals without breakthrough infection exhibited higher levels of ADCP and ADNP activities with a greater degree of cross-reactivity compared to those who had breakthrough infection. A predictive model was established incorporating ADNP activity and IgG titre, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.837. In the COVID-19 patient cohort, BA.5-specific ADCP and ADNP responses were significantly reduced in COVID-19 patients with fatal outcomes compared to milder outcomes. The prognostic model incorporating WT, BA.5, and XBB.1.5 spike-specific ADNP demonstrated effective predictive ability, achieving an AUC of 0.890. Meanwhile, transcriptomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from COVID-19 patients in the acute phases of infection highlighted remarkably upregulation of neutrophil activity and phagocytic function, further reinforcing the essential role of ADNP. Collectively, our findings underscored Fc-mediated effector activities, especially neutrophil phagocytosis, as significant antibody biomarkers for the risk of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection and COVID-19 prognosis.

The remodeling of B-cell subsets was correlated with the clearance of hepatitis B antigen during pegylated IFN α-2a therapy in CHB patients

BACKGROUND

B-cell may participate in the cellular immune process of hepatitis B antigen clearance. However, the function and specific mechanism of B-cell during interferon-pegylated interferon α-2a (Peg-IFN-α) treatment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients have not yet been described.

METHODS

A total of 150 CHB patients enrolled in this study, who received 48 weeks of Peg-IFN α treatment. The differentiation clusters CD19, CD24, CD27, CD38, CD40, and CD80 of B cell surface markers in CHB patients were detected by flow cytometry. Spearman correlation and Logistic regression analysis were performed for the analysis.

RESULTS

The clearance rate of HBsAg increased significantly with the duration of Peg-IFN-α treatment, reaching 32.2% by 48 weeks. During the Peg-IFN-α therapy, the frequency of B-cell and its subsets increased significantly. However, we did not observe any significant difference in the frequency of the B-cell and its subsets in patients with or without HBsAg clearance after 48 weeks Peg-IFN-α treatment. The change in HBsAg value was negatively related to the change in plasmablasts (CD19+CD38+) level before and after 48 weeks treatment (r = -0.326, p = 0.006). Moreover, the results showed that HBsAg <288.70 IU/mL at baseline and HBsAg <58.05 IU/mL at 12 weeks were strong predictors of HBsAg clearance in patients with 48 weeks Peg-IFN-α treatment.

CONCLUSION

The remodeling of B cell subsets, especially plasmablasts (CD19+CD38+), during Peg-IFN-α treatment was closed associated with the clearance of hepatitis B antigen.

Digging deeper into necrotizing enterocolitis: bridging clinical, microbial, and molecular perspectives

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe, life-threatening inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, especially affecting preterm infants. This review consolidates evidence from various biomedical disciplines to elucidate the complex pathogenesis of NEC, integrating insights from clinical, microbial, and molecular perspectives. It emphasizes the modulation of NEC-associated inflammatory pathways by probiotics and novel biologics, highlighting their therapeutic potential. We further critically examine dysbiotic alterations within the gut microbiota, with a particular focus on imbalances in bacterial and viral communities, which may contribute to the onset of NEC. The intricate interactions among toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), microvascular integrity, immune activation, and the inflammatory milieu are meticulously summarized, offering a sophisticated understanding of NEC pathophysiology. This academic review aims to enhance the etiological comprehension of NEC, promote the development of targeted therapeutic interventions, and impart the significant impact of perinatal factors on the formulation of preventive and curative strategies for the disease.

IDO1-mediated M2 macrophage polarization alleviates the progression of ankylosing spondylitis

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) plays an anti-inflammatory role in autoimmune disease. However, its specific function in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of IDO1 in AS. Immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and western blot assays were employed to measure gene expression, while ELISA was used to quantify the release of M1 macrophage and M2 macrophage markers. CCK-8, EdU, flow cytometry, ALP staining, and Alizarin red staining (ARS) assays were conducted for functional analysis. JASPAR predicted the binding sites between PPARγ and the promoter, which were further validated by luciferase and ChIP assays. Our findings revealed that the expression of IDO1 was markedly elevated in AS patients. IDO1 overexpression promoted the proliferation of THP-1 cells and M2 macrophage polarization. Conversely, IDO1 knockdown facilitated the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Furthermore, IDO1-mediated upregulation of PPARγ modulated RUNX2 transcription. PPARγ overexpression counteracted the effects of IDO1 knockdown, thereby inhibiting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In conclusion, the IDO1/PPARγ/RUNX2 signaling pathway may protect against AS by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and inhibiting osteogenic differentiation.

Microbial micronutrient sharing, gut redox balance and keystone taxa as a basis for a new perspective to solutions targeting health from the gut

In health, the gut microbiome functions as a stable ecosystem maintaining overall balance and ensuring its own survival against environmental stressors through complex microbial interaction. This balance and protection from stressors is maintained through interactions both within the bacterial ecosystem as well as with its host. As a consequence, the gut microbiome plays a critical role in various physiological processes including maintaining the structure and function of the gut barrier, educating the gut immune system, and modulating the gut motor, digestive/absorptive, as well as neuroendocrine system all of which are crucial for human health and disease pathogenesis. Pre- and probiotics, widely available and clinically established, offer various health benefits primarily by beneficially modulating the gut microbiome. However, their clinical outcomes can vary significantly due to differences in host physiology, diets, individual microbiome compositions, and other environmental factors. This perspective paper highlights emerging scientific insights into the importance of microbial micronutrient sharing, gut redox balance, keystone species, and the gut barrier in maintaining a diverse and functional microbial ecosystem, and their relevance to human health. We propose a novel approach that targets microbial ecosystems and keystone taxa performance by supplying microbial micronutrients in the form of colon-delivered vitamins, and precision prebiotics [e.g. human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) or synthetic glycans] as components of precisely tailored ingredient combinations to optimize human health. Such a strategy may effectively support and stabilize microbial ecosystems, providing a more robust and consistent approach across various individuals and environmental conditions, thus, overcoming the limitations of current single biotic solutions.

Gut microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy: immune microenvironment remodeling and gut microbiota modification

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with limited treatment options at advanced stages. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a pivotal role in regulating immune responses through the gut-liver axis. Emerging evidence underscores its impact on HCC progression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review explores the intricate interactions between gut microbiota and the immune system in HCC, with a focus on key immune cells and pathways involved in tumor immunity. Additionally, it highlights strategies for modulating the gut microbiota - such as fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary interventions, and probiotics - as potential approaches to enhancing immunotherapy outcomes. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving patient prognosis.

Advancing the understanding of the role of apoptosis in lung cancer immunotherapy: Global research trends, key themes, and emerging frontiers

Apoptosis is vital for improving the efficacy of lung cancer (LC) immunotherapy by targeting cancer cell elimination. Despite its importance, there is a lack of comprehensive bibliometric studies analyzing global research on apoptosis in LC immunotherapy. This analysis aims to address this gap by highlighting key trends, contributors, and future directions. A total of 969 publications from 1996 to 2024 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection. Analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package 'bibliometrix.' The study included contributions from 6,894 researchers across 1,469 institutions in 61 countries, with research published in 356 journals. The volume of publications has steadily increased, led by China and the United States, with Sichuan University as the top contributor. The journal Cancers published the most articles, while Cancer Research had the highest co-citations. Yu-Quan Wei was the leading author, and Jemal, A. was the most frequently co-cited. Key research themes include "cell death mechanisms," "immune regulation," "combination therapies," "gene and nanomedicine applications," and "traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)." Future research is likely to focus on "coordinated regulation of multiple cell death pathways," "modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment," "optimization of combination therapies," "novel strategies in gene regulation," and the "integration of TCM" for personalized treatment. This is the first bibliometric analysis on the role of apoptosis in LC immunotherapy, providing an landscape of global research patterns and emerging therapeutic strategies. The findings offer insights to guide future research and optimize treatment approaches.

Pharmacomicrobiomics: a new field contributing to optimizing drug therapy in Parkinson's disease

Gut microbiota, which act as a determinant of pharmacokinetics, have long been overlooked. In recent years, a growing body of evidence indicates that the gut microbiota influence drug metabolism and efficacy. Conversely, drugs also exert a substantial influence on the function and composition of the gut microbiota. Pharmacomicrobiomics, an emerging field focusing on the interplay of drugs and gut microbiota, provides a potential foundation for making certain advances in personalized medicine. Understanding the communication between gut microbiota and antiparkinsonian drugs is critical for precise treatment of Parkinson's disease. Here, we provide a historical overview of the interplay between gut microbiota and antiparkinsonian drugs. Moreover, we discuss potential mechanistic insights into the complex associations between gut microbiota and drug metabolism. In addition, we also draw attention to microbiota-based biomarkers for predicting antiparkinsonian drug efficacy and examine current state-of-the-art knowledge of microbiota-based strategies to optimize drug therapy in Parkinson's disease.

Isolation of a tumor neoantigen specific CD8+ TCR from a skin biopsy of a vaccination site

T cells that recognize tumor-specific mutations are crucial for cancer immunosurveillance and in adoptive transfer of TILs or transgenic-TCR T cell products. However, their challenging identification and isolation limits their use in clinical practice. Therefore, novel approaches to isolate tumor-specific T cells are needed. Here, we report the isolation of neoantigen-specific CD8+ T cells from a vaccination site of a metastatic breast cancer patient who received a personalized vaccine. Based on the somatic mutations, potential MHC binding epitopes were predicted, of which 17 were selected to generate a peptide vaccine. Cutaneous biopsies were processed after the fifth vaccination cycle to obtain infiltrating lymphocytes from the vaccination site (VILs). IFNγ ELISpot revealed reactivity to four peptides used in the vaccine. Reactive T cells from VILs were non-overlapping with those detected in the blood and the tumor-microenvironment. ScTCR Seq analysis revealed the presence of a clonotype in VILs that further expanded after a round of in vitro stimulation and validated to be specific against a private mutation, namely NCOR1L1475R, presented in the context of HLA-B * 07:02, with no reactivity to the wild-type peptide. Our study shows, for the first time, that tumor mutation - specific T cells are generated at high frequencies in the vaccination site and can be isolated with standard methods for TCR screening. The easy and safe accessibility of skin biopsies overcomes the major hurdles of current TCR screening approaches and present exciting opportunities for the development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies.

Spatial transcriptomics combined with single-nucleus RNA sequencing reveals glial cell heterogeneity in the human spinal cord

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202511000-00032/figure1/v/2024-12-20T164640Z/r/image-tiff Glial cells play crucial roles in regulating physiological and pathological functions, including sensation, the response to infection and acute injury, and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Glial cells include astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system, and satellite glial cells and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Despite the greater understanding of glial cell types and functional heterogeneity achieved through single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing in animal models, few studies have investigated the transcriptomic profiles of glial cells in the human spinal cord. Here, we used high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes in the human spinal cord. To explore the conservation and divergence across species, we compared these findings with those from mice. In the human spinal cord, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes were each divided into six distinct transcriptomic subclusters. In the mouse spinal cord, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes were divided into five, four, and five distinct transcriptomic subclusters, respectively. The comparative results revealed substantial heterogeneity in all glial cell types between humans and mice. Additionally, we detected sex differences in gene expression in human spinal cord glial cells. Specifically, in all astrocyte subtypes, the levels of NEAT1 and CHI3L1 were higher in males than in females, whereas the levels of CST3 were lower in males than in females. In all microglial subtypes, all differentially expressed genes were located on the sex chromosomes. In addition to sex-specific gene differences, the levels of MT-ND4 , MT2A , MT-ATP6 , MT-CO3 , MT-ND2 , MT-ND3 , and MT-CO2 in all spinal cord oligodendrocyte subtypes were higher in females than in males. Collectively, the present dataset extensively characterizes glial cell heterogeneity and offers a valuable resource for exploring the cellular basis of spinal cord-related illnesses, including chronic pain, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.

Pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy in spinal cord injury: regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Regulated cell death is a form of cell death that is actively controlled by biomolecules. Several studies have shown that regulated cell death plays a key role after spinal cord injury. Pyroptosis and ferroptosis are newly discovered types of regulated cell deaths that have been shown to exacerbate inflammation and lead to cell death in damaged spinal cords. Autophagy, a complex form of cell death that is interconnected with various regulated cell death mechanisms, has garnered significant attention in the study of spinal cord injury. This injury triggers not only cell death but also cellular survival responses. Multiple signaling pathways play pivotal roles in influencing the processes of both deterioration and repair in spinal cord injury by regulating pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively examine the mechanisms underlying regulated cell deaths, the signaling pathways that modulate these mechanisms, and the potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord injury. Our analysis suggests that targeting the common regulatory signaling pathways of different regulated cell deaths could be a promising strategy to promote cell survival and enhance the repair of spinal cord injury. Moreover, a holistic approach that incorporates multiple regulated cell deaths and their regulatory pathways presents a promising multi-target therapeutic strategy for the management of spinal cord injury.