Neuronal guidance signaling in neurodegenerative diseases: Key regulators that function at neuron-glia and neuroimmune interfaces

The nervous system processes a vast amount of information, performing computations that underlie perception, cognition, and behavior. During development, neuronal guidance genes, which encode extracellular cues, their receptors, and downstream signal transducers, organize neural wiring to generate the complex architecture of the nervous system. It is now evident that many of these neuroguidance cues and their receptors are active during development and are also expressed in the adult nervous system. This suggests that neuronal guidance pathways are critical not only for neural wiring but also for ongoing function and maintenance of the mature nervous system. Supporting this view, these pathways continue to regulate synaptic connectivity, plasticity, and remodeling, and overall brain homeostasis throughout adulthood. Genetic and transcriptomic analyses have further revealed many neuronal guidance genes to be associated with a wide range of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Although the precise mechanisms by which aberrant neuronal guidance signaling drives the pathogenesis of these diseases remain to be clarified, emerging evidence points to several common themes, including dysfunction in neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and endothelial cells, along with dysregulation of neuron-microglia-astrocyte, neuroimmune, and neurovascular interactions. In this review, we explore recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which aberrant neuronal guidance signaling contributes to disease pathogenesis through altered cell-cell interactions. For instance, recent studies have unveiled two distinct semaphorin-plexin signaling pathways that affect microglial activation and neuroinflammation. We discuss the challenges ahead, along with the therapeutic potentials of targeting neuronal guidance pathways for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Particular focus is placed on how neuronal guidance mechanisms control neuron-glia and neuroimmune interactions and modulate microglial function under physiological and pathological conditions. Specifically, we examine the crosstalk between neuronal guidance signaling and TREM2, a master regulator of microglial function, in the context of pathogenic protein aggregates. It is well-established that age is a major risk factor for neurodegeneration. Future research should address how aging and neuronal guidance signaling interact to influence an individual's susceptibility to various late-onset neurological diseases and how the progression of these diseases could be therapeutically blocked by targeting neuronal guidance pathways.

Is age-related myelinodegenerative change an initial risk factor of neurodegenerative diseases?

Myelination, the continuous ensheathment of neuronal axons, is a lifelong process in the nervous system that is essential for the precise, temporospatial conduction of action potentials between neurons. Myelin also provides intercellular metabolic support to axons. Even minor disruptions in the integrity of myelin can impair neural performance and increase susceptibility to neurological diseases. In fact, myelin degeneration is a well-known neuropathological condition that is associated with normal aging and several neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. In the central nervous system, compact myelin sheaths are formed by fully mature oligodendrocytes. However, the entire oligodendrocyte lineage is susceptible to changes in the biological microenvironment and other risk factors that arise as the brain ages. In addition to their well-known role in action potential propagation, oligodendrocytes also provide intercellular metabolic support to axons by transferring energy metabolites and delivering exosomes. Therefore, myelin degeneration in the aging central nervous system is a significant contributor to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Interventions that mitigate age-related myelin degeneration can improve neurological function in aging individuals. In this review, we investigate the changes in myelin that are associated with aging and their underlying mechanisms. We also discuss recent advances in understanding how myelin degeneration in the aging brain contributes to neurodegenerative diseases and explore the factors that can prevent, slow down, or even reverse age-related myelin degeneration. Future research will enhance our understanding of how reducing age-related myelin degeneration can be used as a therapeutic target for delaying or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Stress granules: Guardians of cellular health and triggers of disease

Stress granules are membraneless organelles that serve as a protective cellular response to external stressors by sequestering non-translating messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and regulating protein synthesis. Stress granules formation mechanism is conserved across species, from yeast to mammals, and they play a critical role in minimizing cellular damage during stress. Composed of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein complexes, stress granules are enriched not only in mRNAs but also in noncoding RNAs and various proteins, including translation initiation factors and RNA-binding proteins. Genetic mutations affecting stress granule assembly and disassembly can lead to abnormal stress granule accumulation, contributing to the progression of several diseases. Recent research indicates that stress granule dynamics are pivotal in determining their physiological and pathological functions, with acute stress granule formation offering protection and chronic stress granule accumulation being detrimental. This review focuses on the multifaceted roles of stress granules under diverse physiological conditions, such as regulation of mRNA transport, mRNA translation, apoptosis, germ cell development, phase separation processes that govern stress granule formation, and their emerging implications in pathophysiological scenarios, such as viral infections, cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegeneration, and neuronal trauma.

Microglia overexpressing brain-derived neurotrophic factor promote vascular repair and functional recovery in mice after spinal cord injury

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202601000-00040/figure1/v/2025-06-09T151831Z/r/image-tiff Spinal cord injury represents a severe form of central nervous system trauma for which effective treatments remain limited. Microglia is the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play a critical role in spinal cord injury. Previous studies have shown that microglia can promote neuronal survival by phagocytosing dead cells and debris and by releasing neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory factors. However, excessive activation of microglia can lead to persistent inflammation and contribute to the formation of glial scars, which hinder axonal regeneration. Despite this, the precise role and mechanisms of microglia during the acute phase of spinal cord injury remain controversial and poorly understood. To elucidate the role of microglia in spinal cord injury, we employed the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX5622 to deplete microglia. We observed that sustained depletion of microglia resulted in an expansion of the lesion area, downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and impaired functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Next, we generated a transgenic mouse line with conditional overexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor specifically in microglia. We found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia increased angiogenesis and blood flow following spinal cord injury and facilitated the recovery of hindlimb motor function. Additionally, brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia reduced inflammation and neuronal apoptosis during the acute phase of spinal cord injury. Furthermore, through using specific transgenic mouse lines, TMEM119, and the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX73086, we demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects were predominantly due to brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia rather than macrophages. In conclusion, our findings suggest the critical role of microglia in the formation of protective glial scars. Depleting microglia is detrimental to recovery of spinal cord injury, whereas targeting brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia represents a promising and novel therapeutic strategy to enhance motor function recovery in patients with spinal cord injury.

NLRP3 inflammasome and gut microbiota-brain axis: A new perspective on white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous subtype of stroke, characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates, and frequently leads to significant secondary white matter injury. In recent decades, studies have revealed that gut microbiota can communicate bidirectionally with the brain through the gut microbiota-brain axis. This axis indicates that gut microbiota is closely related to the development and prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage and its associated secondary white matter injury. The NACHT, LRR, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a crucial role in this context. This review summarizes the dysbiosis of gut microbiota following intracerebral hemorrhage and explores the mechanisms by which this imbalance may promote the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These mechanisms include metabolic pathways (involving short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, lactic acid, bile acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide, and tryptophan), neural pathways (such as the vagus nerve and sympathetic nerve), and immune pathways (involving microglia and T cells). We then discuss the relationship between the activated NLRP3 inflammasome and secondary white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage. The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can exacerbate secondary white matter injury by disrupting the blood-brain barrier, inducing neuroinflammation, and interfering with nerve regeneration. Finally, we outline potential treatment strategies for intracerebral hemorrhage and its secondary white matter injury. Our review highlights the critical role of the gut microbiota-brain axis and the NLRP3 inflammasome in white matter injury following intracerebral hemorrhage, paving the way for exploring potential therapeutic approaches.

Changes in border-associated macrophages after stroke: Single-cell sequencing analysis

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202601000-00038/figure1/v/2025-06-09T151831Z/r/image-tiff Border-associated macrophages are located at the interface between the brain and the periphery, including the perivascular spaces, choroid plexus, and meninges. Until recently, the functions of border-associated macrophages have been poorly understood and largely overlooked. However, a recent study reported that border-associated macrophages participate in stroke-induced inflammation, although many details and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we performed a comprehensive single-cell analysis of mouse border-associated macrophages using sequencing data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE174574 and GSE225948). Differentially expressed genes were identified, and enrichment analysis was performed to identify the transcription profile of border-associated macrophages. CellChat analysis was conducted to determine the cell communication network of border-associated macrophages. Transcription factors were predicted using the 'pySCENIC' tool. We found that, in response to hypoxia, border-associated macrophages underwent dynamic transcriptional changes and participated in the regulation of inflammatory-related pathways. Notably, the tumor necrosis factor pathway was activated by border-associated macrophages following ischemic stroke. The pySCENIC analysis indicated that the activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) was obviously upregulated in stroke, suggesting that Stat3 inhibition may be a promising strategy for treating border-associated macrophages-induced neuroinflammation. Finally, we constructed an animal model to investigate the effects of border-associated macrophages depletion following a stroke. Treatment with liposomes containing clodronate significantly reduced infarct volume in the animals and improved neurological scores compared with untreated animals. Taken together, our results demonstrate comprehensive changes in border-associated macrophages following a stroke, providing a theoretical basis for targeting border-associated macrophages-induced neuroinflammation in stroke treatment.

Hidden face of Parkinson's disease: Is it a new autoimmune disease?

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and clinical symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slowed movements. A key feature of Parkinson's disease is the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein, forming insoluble Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra pars compacta, which contributes to neurodegeneration. These α-synuclein aggregates may act as autoantigens, leading to T-cell-mediated neuroinflammation and contributing to dopaminergic cell death. Our perspective explores the hypothesis that Parkinson's disease may have an autoimmune component, highlighting research that connects peripheral immune responses with neurodegeneration. T cells derived from Parkinson's disease patients appear to have the potential to initiate an autoimmune response against α-synuclein and its modified peptides, possibly leading to the formation of neo-epitopes. Recent evidence associates Parkinson's disease with abnormal immune responses, as indicated by increased levels of immune cells, such as CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, observed in both patients and mouse models. The convergence of T cells filtration increasing major histocompatibility complex molecules, and the susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons supports the hypothesis that Parkinson's disease may exhibit autoimmune characteristics. Understanding the immune mechanisms involved in Parkinson's disease will be crucial for developing therapeutic strategies that target the autoimmune aspects of the disease. Novel approaches, including precision medicine based on major histocompatibility complex/human leukocyte antigen typing and early biomarker identification, could pave the way for immune-based treatments aimed at slowing or halting disease progression. This perspective explores the relationship between autoimmunity and Parkinson's disease, suggesting that further research could deepen understanding and offer new therapeutic avenues. In this paper, it is organized to provide a comprehensive perspective on the autoimmune aspects of Parkinson's disease. It investigates critical areas such as the autoimmune response observed in Parkinson's disease patients and the role of autoimmune mechanisms targeting α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. The paper also examines the impact of CD4 + T cells, specifically Th1 and Th17, on neurons through in vitro and ex vivo studies. Additionally, it explores how α-synuclein influences glia-induced neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease. The discussion extends to the clinical implications and therapeutic landscape, offering insights into potential treatments. Consequently, we aim to provide a comprehensive perspective on the autoimmune aspects of Parkinson's disease, incorporating both supportive and opposing views on its classification as an autoimmune disorder and exploring implications for clinical applications.

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.

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.

With great power, comes great responsibility: the importance of broadly measuring Fc-mediated effector function early in the antibody development process

The field of antibody therapeutics is rapidly growing, with over 210 antibodies currently approved or in regulatory review and ~ 1,250 antibodies in clinical development. Antibodies are highly versatile molecules that, with strategic design of their antigen-binding domain (Fab) and the domain responsible for mediating effector functions (Fc), can be used in a wide range of therapeutic indications. Building on many years of progress, the biopharmaceutical industry is now advancing innovative research and development by exploring new targets and new formats and using antibody engineering to fine-tune functions tailored to specific disease requirements. In addition to considering the target and the disease context, however, the unique features of each therapeutic antibody trigger a diverse set of Fc-mediated effector functions. To avoid unexpected results on safety and efficacy outcomes during the later stages of the development process, it is crucial to measure the impact of antibody design on Fc-mediated effector function early in the antibody development process. Given the breadth of effector functions antibodies can deploy and the close interplay between the antibody Fab and Fc functional domains, it is important to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Fc-mediated functions using an array of antigen-specific biophysical and cell-mediated functional assays. Here, we review antibody and Fc receptor properties that influence Fc effector functions and discuss their implications on development of safe and efficacious antibody therapeutics.

Role of macrophages in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritoneal fibrosis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can be used as renal replacement therapy when chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses to end-stage renal disease. However, peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a major cause of PD failure. Studies have demonstrated that PD fluid contains a significantly larger numbers of macrophages compared with the healthy individuals. During PD, macrophages can secrete cytokines to keep peritoneal tissue in sustained low-grade inflammation, and participate in the regulation of fibrosis-related signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, IL4/STAT6, and PI3K/AKT. A series of basic pathological changes occurs in peritoneal tissues, including epithelial mesenchymal transformation, overgeneration of neovasculature, and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix. This review focuses on the role of macrophages in promoting PF during PD, summarizes the targets of macrophage-related inhibition of fibrosis, and provides new ideas for clinical research on delaying PF, maintaining the function and integrity of peritoneum, prolonging duration of PD as a renal replacement modality, and achieving longer survival in CKD patients.

Unraveling cysteinyl leukotrienes and their receptors in inflammation through the brain-gut-lung axis

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), as potent lipid inflammatory mediators, play a pivotal role in systemic multi-organ inflammation and inter-organ communication through interactions with their receptors (CysLTRs). However, However, the function of CysLT3R is unclear and lacks a network of cross-organ metabolite interactions, and the clinical use of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) has certain limitations. This review systematically synthesizes existing evidence and proposes future directions by clarifying receptor subtype specificity, optimizing targeted therapies, exploring CysLTs' applications in neuroimmunology, and elucidating the dual roles of CysLTs in chronic inflammation. It is indicated that CysLTs activate eosinophils, mast cells, and airway tuft cells, driving type 2 immune responses and mucus secretion in the lungs, thereby exacerbating respiratory diseases such as asthma. In the nervous system, CysLTs aggravate neurodegenerative disorders like cerebral ischemia and Alzheimer's disease by disrupting the blood-brain barrier, promoting glial activation, and inducing neuronal damage. In the gut, CysLTs regulate anti-helminth immunity via the tuft cell-ILC2 pathway and collaborate with prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) to modulate bile excretion and mucosal protection. Furthermore, CysLTs mediate communication through the gut-lung and gut-brain axes via metabolites such as succinate, contributing to cross-organ inflammatory regulation. In conclusion, this review highlights the complex roles of CysLTs in chronic inflammation, providing a theoretical foundation for precise intervention in multi-organ inflammatory diseases, which provides a theoretical framework for precision interventions in multi-organ inflammatory diseases and inspires interdisciplinary breakthroughs.

Changes in PD-1 expression on T lymphocyte subsets and related immune indicators before and after definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to observe the dynamic changes in the expression of T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and PD-1 in patients with first-diagnosed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) before and after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and evaluate the impact of PD-1 expression in peripheral blood on the short-term outcome of patients with ESCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-three patients with ESCC who were treated with definitive CRT were enrolled. Before and after CRT, flow cytometry was used to detect thePD-1 expression in the peripheral blood and related immune indicators. Peripheral blood from 10 healthy individuals was used as control.

RESULTS

The percentages of CD3+ (p = 0.018), CD4+ (p < 0.001), and CD8+ T cells (p < 0.001); NK cells (p = 0.009); and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio (p < 0.001), as well as PD-1+CD3+ (p < 0.001), PD-1+CD4+ (p < 0.001), and PD-1+CD8+ (p < 0.001) T cells, before CRT significantly differed from those in the post-CRT group. The percentages of PD-1+CD8+ T cells differed significantly between the radiotherapy alone and CRT groups (p < 0.05). PD-1 expression in CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells significantly decreased in patients achieving overall response rate (all p < 0.05). Compared with those in the incomplete response group, PD-1+CD8+ T cells significantly decreased in the CR group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CRT aggravated immunosuppression and increased PD-1 expression in T lymphocyte subsets in patients with ESCC, possibly related to the radiation field. PD-1 expression in T lymphocyte subsets can predict short-term outcomes in patients and provide a theoretical basis for the sequential application of PD-1 immunosuppressants after radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Chromatin accessibility profiling of Treg cells in acute urticaria

Acute urticaria can be a presenting symptom of anaphylaxis characterized by transient red swellings or fulminant wheals, often accompanied by severe pruritus. Numerous studies have substantiated the important involvement of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the occurrence of allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases. However, the role of Tregs in the pathogenesis of acute urticaria is unclear. In this study, we found that the frequency of Tregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was decreased in patients with acute urticaria compared with normal controls by flow cytometry. Analysis of Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) data identified 28 differentially accessible regions comparing Tregs from healthy individuals and patients with acute urticaria, all showing increased chromatin accessibility in the Tregs from acute urticaria. IL-1b was highly expressed in sera of patients with acute urticaria and the level of IL-1b was moderately positively related to white blood cell count. The elevated expression of IL-1b may be due to the diminished immune-suppressive function following the decline of Tregs in this study. We found that IL1B gene expression was also significantly increased in the skin lesions of both chronic spontaneous urticaria and solar urticaria compared to healthy controls. IL1B might play a key role in the development of acute urticaria and IL1B could be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in urticaria.

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.

Analysis of how antigen mutations disrupt antibody binding interactions toward enabling rapid and reliable antibody repurposing

Antibody repurposing is the process of changing a known antibody so that it binds to a mutated antigen. One of the findings to emerge from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was that it was possible to repurpose neutralizing antibodies for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a related disease, to work for COVID-19. Thus, antibody repurposing is a possible pathway to prepare for and respond to future pandemics, as well as personalizing cancer therapies. For antibodies to be successfully repurposed, it is necessary to know both how antigen mutations disrupt their binding and how they should be mutated to recover binding, with this work describing an analysis to address the first of these topics. Every possible antigen point mutation in the interface of 246 antibody-protein complexes were analyzed using the Rosetta molecular mechanics force field. The results highlight a number of features of how antigen mutations affect antibody binding, including the effects of mutating critical hotspot residues versus other positions, how many mutations are necessary to be likely to disrupt binding, the prevalence of indirect effects of mutations on binding, and the relative importance of changing attractive versus repulsive energies. These data are expected to be useful in guiding future antibody repurposing experiments.

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.

Expanding the immune-related targetome of miR-155-5p by integrating time-resolved RNA patterns into miRNA target prediction

The lack of a sufficient number of validated miRNA targets severely hampers the understanding of their biological function. Even for the well-studied miR-155-5p, there are only 239 experimentally validated targets out of 42,554 predicted targets. For a more complete assessment of the immune-related miR-155 targetome, we used an inverse correlation of time-resolved mRNA profiles and miR-155-5p expression of early CD4+ T cell activation to predict immune-related target genes. Using a high-throughput miRNA interaction reporter (HiTmIR) assay we examined 90 target genes and confirmed 80 genes as direct targets of miR-155-5p. Our study increases the current number of verified miR-155-5p targets approximately threefold and exemplifies a method for verifying miRNA targetomes as a prerequisite for the analysis of miRNA-regulated cellular networks.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the heterogeneity and interactions of immune cells and Müller glia during zebrafish retina regeneration

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202512000-00031/figure1/v/2025-01-31T122243Z/r/image-tiff Inflammation plays a crucial role in the regeneration of fish and avian retinas. However, how inflammation regulates Müller glia (MG) reprogramming remains unclear. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate the cell heterogeneity and interactions of MG and immune cells in the regenerating zebrafish retina. We first showed that two types of quiescent MG (resting MG1 and MG2) reside in the uninjured retina. Following retinal injury, resting MG1 transitioned into an activated state expressing known reprogramming genes, while resting MG2 gave rise to rod progenitors. We further showed that retinal microglia can be categorized into three subtypes (microglia-1, microglia-2, and proliferative) and pseudotime analysis demonstrated dynamic changes in microglial status following retinal injury. Analysis of cell-cell interactions indicated extensive crosstalk between immune cells and MG, with many interactions shared among different immune cell types. Finally, we showed that inflammation activated Jak1-Stat3 signaling in MG, promoting their transition from a resting to an activated state. Our study reveals the cell heterogeneity and crosstalk of immune cells and MG in zebrafish retinal repair, and may provide valuable insights into future mammalian retina regeneration.

Epigenome-wide association study of perceived discrimination in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Perceived discrimination, recognized as a chronic psychosocial stressor, has adverse consequences on health. DNA methylation (DNAm) may be a potential mechanism by which stressors get embedded into the human body at the molecular level and subsequently affect health outcomes. However, relatively little is known about the effects of perceived discrimination on DNAm. To identify the DNAm sites across the epigenome that are associated with discrimination, we conducted epigenome-wide association analyses (EWAS) of three discrimination measures (everyday discrimination, race-related major discrimination, and non-race-related major discrimination) in 1,151 participants, including 565 non-Hispanic White, 221 African American, and 365 Hispanic individuals, from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). We conducted both race/ethnicity-stratified analyses as well as trans-ancestry meta-analyses. At false discovery rate of 10%, 7 CpGs and 4 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) containing 11 CpGs were associated with perceived discrimination exposures in at least one racial/ethnic group or in meta-analysis. Identified CpGs and/or nearby genes have been implicated in cellular development pathways, transcription factor binding, cancer and multiple autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases. Of the identified CpGs (7 individual CpGs and 11 within DMRs), two CpGs and one CpG within a DMR were associated with expression of cis genes NDUFS5, AK1RIN1, NCF4 and ADSSL1. Our study demonstrated the potential influence of discrimination on DNAm and subsequent gene expression.

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.

Transcriptomic insights into Mycobacterium orygis infection-associated pulmonary granulomas reveal multicellular immune networks and tuberculosis biomarkers in cattle

Mycobacterium orygis, a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), has emerged as a significant contributor to tuberculosis (TB) in cattle, wildlife, and humans. However, understanding about its pathogenesis and severity is limited, compounded by the lack of reliable TB biomarkers in cattle. This study delves into the comparative pathology and transcriptomic landscape of pulmonary granulomas in cattle naturally infected with M. orygis, using high-throughput RNA sequencing. Histopathological analysis revealed extensive, multistage granulomatous, necrotic, and cavitary lesions, indicative of severe lung pathology induced by M. orygis. Transcriptomic profiling highlighted numerous differentially expressed genes and dysregulated pathways related to immune response modulation and extracellular matrix remodelling. Additionally, cell type enrichment analysis provided insights into the multicellularity of the granulomatous niche, emphasising complex cell-cell interactions within TB granulomas. Via comparative transcriptomics leveraging publicly available bovine and human TB omics datasets, 14 key immunomodulators (SOD2, IL1α/β, IL15, IL18, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CCL8/MCP-2, CCL20/MIP-3α, CXCL2/MIP-2, CXCL10/IP-10, CXCL11, and IFN-γ) were identified as potential biomarkers for active TB in cattle. These findings significantly advance our understanding of M. orygis pathogenesis in bovine TB and highlight potential targets for the development of diagnostic tools for managing and controlling the disease.

Fusobacterium nucleatum upregulates the immune inhibitory receptor PD-L1 in colorectal cancer cells via the activation of ALPK1

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative oncobacterium that is associated with colorectal cancer. The molecular mechanisms utilized by F. nucleatum to promote colorectal tumor development have largely focused on adhesin-mediated binding to the tumor tissue and on the pro-inflammatory capacity of F. nucleatum. However, the exact manner in which F. nucleatum promotes inflammation in the tumor microenvironment and subsequent tumor promotion remains underexplored. Here, we show that both living F. nucleatum and sterile F. nucleatum-conditioned medium promote CXCL8 release from the intestinal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cell line. We determined that the observed pro-inflammatory effect was ALPK1-dependent in both HEK293 and HT-29 cells and that the released F. nucleatum molecule had characteristics that match those of the pro-inflammatory ALPK1 ligand ADP-heptose or related heptose phosphates. In addition, we determined that not only F. nucleatum promoted an ALPK1-dependent pro-inflammatory environment but also other Fusobacterium species such as F. varium, F. necrophorum and F. gonidiaformans generated similar effects, indicating that ADP-heptose or related heptose phosphate secretion is a conserved feature of the Fusobacterium genus. By performing transcriptional analysis of ADP-heptose stimulated HT-29 cells, we found several inflammatory and cancer-related pathways to be differentially regulated, including DNA mismatch repair genes and the immune inhibitory receptor PD-L1. Finally, we show that stimulation of HT-29 cells with F. nucleatum resulted in an ALPK1-dependent upregulation of PD-L1. These results aid in our understanding of the mechanisms by which F. nucleatum can affect tumor development and therapy and pave the way for future therapeutic approaches.

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.

Serum metabolomic characteristics of COVID-19 patients co-infection with echovirus

Currently, the Omicron variant of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to circulate globally. In our multiplex respiratory pathogen detection, we identified numerous instances of co-infection with Echovirus (ECHO) among Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, which exacerbated the clinical symptoms of these patients. Such co-infections are likely to impact the subsequent medical treatment. To date, there are no reports on the pathogenic mechanisms related to COVID-19 co-infected with ECHO. Therefore, this study employed the TM Widely-Targeted metabolomics approach to analyze the serum metabolomes of COVID-19 patients with single SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), COVID-19 patients co-infected with ECHO (COVID-19  +  ECHO), and healthy individuals (Control) recruited from routine physical examinations during the same period. Concurrent clinical laboratory tests were performed on the patients to reveal the differences in metabolomic characteristics between the COVID-19 patients and the COVID-19  +  ECHO patients, as well as to explore potential metabolic pathways that may exacerbate disease progression. Our findings indicate that both clinical examination indicators and the pathways enriched by differential metabolites confirm that patients with dual infection exhibit higher inflammatory and immune responses compared to those with single COVID-19 infections. This difference is likely reflected through abnormalities in the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, with the metabolite Sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine playing a crucial role in this process. Finally, we established a diagnostic model based on logistic regression using five differential metabolites, which accurately differentiates between the dual infection population and the single COVID-19 infection population (AUC = 0.828).

Porcine cGAS-STING signalling induced apoptosis negatively regulates STING downstream IFN response and autophagy via different mechanisms

The innate immune cGAS-STING signalling pathway recognizes double-stranded DNA and induces the interferon (IFN) response, autophagy and apoptosis, exerting a broad antiviral effect. However, the mechanisms and interrelationship between STING induced downstream IFN, autophagy, and apoptosis in livestock have not been fully elucidated. Our previous study defined porcine STING (pSTING) induced IFN, autophagy and apoptosis, and showed that IFN does not affect autophagy and apoptosis, whereas autophagy inhibits both IFN and apoptosis, likely by promoting pSTING degradation. In this study, we further explored the underlying mechanism of pSTING induced apoptosis and the regulation of IFN and autophagy by apoptosis. First, pSTING induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial damage to activate caspases 9, 3, and 7, which drive intrinsic apoptosis. Second, pSTING triggered apoptosis inhibits the IFN response by activating caspase 7, which cleaves pIRF3 at the species specific D197/D198 site. Third, pSTING activated apoptotic caspases 9, 3, and 7 reduce the expression of ATG proteins, and cleave the ATG5-ATG12L1 complex, effectively inhibiting autophagy. Fourth, knockout of pSTING activated apoptosis heightens the IFN response and autophagy, while suppressing the replication of Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1), Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) and Pseudorabies Virus (PRV). This study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of innate immunity in pigs.

Risk assessment of 2024 cattle H5N1 using age-stratified serosurveillance data

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b has caused a human outbreak in North America since March 2024. Here, we conducted a serosurveillance study to determine the risk of A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b (2024 cattle H5N1) to general population. In the initial screening of 180 serum specimens encompassing all age groups, 2.2% (4/180) had detectable neutralizing antibody (nAb) titres against reverse genetics-derived 2024 cattle H5N1, with all collected from older adults aged ≥60 years old. Further screening showed that 4.2% (19/450) of adults aged ≥60 years old had detectable nAb titres against the 2024 cattle H5N1. 80% (4/5) of serum specimens with nAb titre of ≥40 had detectable Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titre, and there was a positive correlation between nAb titre and HA binding (r = 0.3325, 95% confidence interval 0.2477-0.4123; P < 0.0001). For individuals aged ≥60 years old, the nAb titre against seasonal H1N1 virus was 4.2-fold higher for those with detectable H5N1 nAb titre than those ≥60 years old ones without (geometric mean titre: 89.3 [95% CI 42.9-185.7] vs 21.3 [95% CI 17.3-26.1], P < 0.0001), but there was no statistically significant difference between H5N1 and H3N2 nAb titre. There was no difference in demographics, comorbidities and clinical frailty scores between individuals with detectable H5N1 nAb and those without. Our findings suggest that most individuals lack nAb response against 2024 cattle H5N1 and there is an urgency to develop and evaluate H5N1 vaccine or prophylactic monoclonal antibodies. Immune imprinting may be responsible for the cross neutralization between H5N1 and H1N1 among older adults.

A promising endeavor against human cytomegalovirus: Predominant epitopes-based recombinant subunit vaccine RHEcIE1/pp65/pp150

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is widespread in the population, typically remaining latent. However, it can cause severe morbidity and mortality in transplant patients and immunodeficient individuals. Currently, there is no approved vaccine against HCMV. This study used immunoinformatics methods to predict the predominant T and B-cell epitopes of three key HCMV proteins, including phosphoprotein 65 (pp65), pp150, and immediate-early protein 1 (IE1). Subsequently, we synthesized a recombinant subunit vaccine (RHEcIE1/pp65/pp150) from Escherichia coli, comprising RHEc-1 and RHEc-2. We observed that the RHEcIE1/pp65/pp150 vaccine exhibited high safety and immunogenicity in mice, enhancing a significant upregulation of CD80, CD86, CD40, and MHCII on dendritic cells and macrophages. Additionally, the vaccine activated innate immune responses through the NF-κB signalling pathway, triggering CD4+ and CD8+T cells to secrete tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-2, directing the T-cell response towards Th1. Moreover, it stimulated CD4+T cells to secrete IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10, promoting B-cell immunity. Furthermore, the RHEcIE1/pp65/pp150 vaccine induced the formation of abundant memory cells and high levels of neutralizing antibody titres, conducive to providing long-lasting protection. Taken together, the RHEcIE1/pp65/pp150 vaccine is a promising endeavour against HCMV, and these findings contribute valuable insights to the development of HCMV vaccine candidates.

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.

Role of insulinemic and inflammatory dietary patterns on gut microbial composition and circulating biomarkers of metabolic health among older American men

Chronic low-grade inflammation and hyperinsulinemia are linked with metabolic dysfunction and dysbiosis. This study investigated the role of dietary inflammatory and insulinemic potential on gut microbiome and circulating health biomarkers in older men. Data from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study were analyzed. Reversed Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (rEDIP), Empirical Dietary Index for Hyperinsulinemia (rEDIH), and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2020 scores were computed from food frequency questionnaire data. Stool samples were profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing. Elastic net regression identified diet-associated microbial profiles and multivariable-adjusted linear regression assessed diet-biomarker associations. Higher rEDIP, rEDIH, and HEI-2020 scores were positively associated with gut microbiota alpha diversity. Specific genera, including Intestinibacter and Lachnospira, associated positively, while Dielma, Peptococcus, Feacalitalea, and Negativibaccilus associated inversely with healthier dietary patterns. When evaluating changes in dietary patterns between baseline and visit 4 ( ~ 14 years), these genera tended to define rEDIP, rEDIH more than HEI-2020. In addition, higher dietary quality was linked to better biomarker profiles, including lower creatinine, sodium, triglycerides, and insulin resistance. Beneficial effects of higher dietary quality on health may be mediated by the ability of diet to regulate gut microbial composition and metabolic biomarker profiles.

Dilemma in prevention of pertussis infection among infants under six months in China

INTRODUCTION

Pertussis poses a significant threat to infants under six months due to their immature immune systems, limited maternal antibody protection, and constraints in the vaccination schedule. Despite vaccination efforts, this group remains highly susceptible to severe complications. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the health outcomes of infants in China.

AREAS COVERED

This review examines the primary challenges in preventing pertussis infections among infants under six months in China, focusing on factors such as underdeveloped immune system and inadequate maternal antibody protection. It analyzes limitations in current vaccination strategies and the impact of socio-cultural factors, healthcare resource distribution, and surveillance inadequacies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify potential solutions, including enhancing maternal immunization, adjusting early vaccination strategies, increasing vaccine coverage, and developing new vaccines. The review synthesizes current research findings and data to provide a detailed overview of these issues.

EXPERT OPINION

Infants under six months are particularly vulnerable to pertussis. Early and effective prevention strategies, such as enhanced maternal immunization and adjusted vaccination schedules, are needed. Increasing vaccine coverage and developing safer, more immunogenic vaccines are essential. Policymakers should prioritize these measures to reduce pertussis incidence and complications among infants in China.

Short-term antiretroviral therapy may not correct the dysregulations of plasma virome and cytokines induced by HIV-1 infection

An expansion of plasma anelloviruses and dysregulation of inflammation was associated with HIV-1 infection. However, how antiretroviral therapy (ART) affects the dynamics of plasma virome and cytokine profile remains largely unknown. To characterize the dynamics of plasma virome and cytokines in HIV-1-infected individuals before and during the first year of ART, a cohort of 26 HIV-1-infected individuals and 19 healthy controls was recruited. Blood samples were collected and subjected to metagenomic analysis and the measurement of 27 cytokines. Metagenomic analysis revealed an increased abundance and prevalence of human pegivirus type 1 (HPgV-1) and a slightly decreased diversity and abundance of anellovirus in plasma of HIV-1-infected individuals after ART. No obvious impact was observed on other plasma commensal viruses. Increased abundance and prevalence of HPgV-1 were further confirmed by RT-qPCR assay in a larger cohort of 114 HIV-1-infected individuals. Notably, most dysregulated cytokines were not fully restored by ART, with extremely abnormal levels of IL-10, GM-CSF, VEGF, and eotaxin, and a significantly increased level of plasma I-FABP. Anelloviruses showed significantly negative correlations with other commensal viruses except HPgV-1 but had positive correlations with several anti-inflammatory and Th1 cytokines. These results suggest that short-term ART may not significantly correct the virome and cytokine dysregulations induced by HIV-1 infection. The results highlight a need for further investigation into the long-term effects of ART on virome and cytokine profiles in HIV-1-infected individuals.

Expanding the therapeutic horizons of spesolimab: a review of off-label applications for inflammatory skin diseases

PURPOSE

This review aims to outline the crucial role of IL-36 signaling in inflammatory skin diseases and summarize the therapeutic potential of spesolimab. Our goal is to provide insights into the off-label applications of spesolimab and future directions for its use in treating other challenging skin diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies. For RCTs, we additionally searched the ClinicalTrials.gov database.

RESULTS

In this review, we examine its off-label applications for conditions such as palmoplantar pustulosis, acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau, hidradenitis suppurativa, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. This review also explores the role of IL-36 in the pathophysiology of these disorders and discusses how spesolimab may address the limitations of current therapies for refractory cases. Randomized controlled trials and case reports are summarized to highlight the efficacy and tolerability of spesolimab across various inflammatory skin conditions. We highlight the challenges presented by the absence of standardized treatment guidelines and the need for larger clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

This review underscores the potential of spesolimab to enhance treatment strategies for inflammatory skin diseases.

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.

Role of gut microbiome in suppression of cancers

The pathogenesis of cancer is closely related to the disruption of homeostasis in the human body. The gut microbiome plays crucial roles in maintaining the homeostasis of its host throughout lifespan. In recent years, a large number of studies have shown that dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is involved in the entire process of cancer initiation, development, and prognosis by influencing the host immune system and metabolism. Some specific intestinal bacteria promote the occurrence and development of cancers under certain conditions. Conversely, some other specific intestinal bacteria suppress the oncogenesis and progression of cancers, including inhibiting the occurrence of cancers, delaying the progression of cancers and boosting the therapeutic effect on cancers. The promoting effects of the gut microbiome on cancers have been comprehensively discussed in the previous review. This article will review the latest advances in the roles and mechanisms of gut microbiome in cancer suppression, providing a new perspective for developing strategies of cancer prevention and treatment.

Pathogenicity and virulence of lumpy skin disease virus: A comprehensive update

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), which was confined to the Africa for many decades, has expanded its geographical distribution to numerous countries across Asia and Europe in recent years. The LSD virus (LSDV) is a relatively poorly studied virus. Its 151 Kb genome encodes 156 open reading frames (ORF); however, the exact number of the proteins encoded by the viral genome and their specific functions remain largely unknown. Arthropod vectors primarily transmit the LSDV mechanically, but the precise nature of these vectors in different regions and their role in transmission is not fully understood. Homologous live-attenuated vaccines prepared using LSDV have proven to be highly efficacious compared to heterologous vaccines based on sheep pox virus or goatpox virus, in protecting cattle against LSD. This review offers the latest insights into the molecular biology and transmission of LSDV and discusses the safety and efficacy of available vaccines, along with the challenges faced in controlling and eradicating the disease in endemic regions.

Immune-microbiota dysregulation in maintenance hemodialysis: a 16S rRNA sequencing-based analysis of gut flora and T cell profiles

BACKGROUND

Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients frequently exhibit immune dysregulation and gut dysbiosis, both of which contribute to increased infection risk and adverse outcomes. However, the relationship between gut microbial composition and immune competence in this population remains underexplored.

METHODS

This study assessed 45 MHD patients and 30 healthy controls, stratifying MHD patients into immunocompetent (HD-NLI, CD4+/CD8+ ≥ 1) and immunodeficient (HD-LI, CD4+/CD8+ < 1) groups. Circulating cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-γ) were quantified using ELISA. Gut microbiota profiles were derived via 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3-V4 regions), followed by QIIME2 and LEfSe-based bioinformatics analyses.

RESULTS

HD-LI patients displayed severe T cell dysregulation and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Compared to controls, HD patients had reduced abundance of beneficial taxa (e.g., Prevotella copri, Bacteroides vulgatus, Agathobacter), and enrichment of pro-inflammatory taxa (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella, Blautia, Citrobacter). LEfSe identified 39 discriminatory taxa with distinct immune group signatures. Redundancy analysis revealed that CD4+ levels, CD4+/CD8+ ratios, and TNF-α significantly shaped microbiota composition. Correlation analysis confirmed strong associations between immune parameters and microbial taxa involved in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism.

CONCLUSION

This study provides novel evidence linking gut microbial dysbiosis to immune impairment in MHD patients. The findings suggest that SCFA-producing bacteria are depleted in immunodeficient states, offering a potential target for microbiota-directed immunomodulatory therapies in ESRD.

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.

LncRNA SCARNA8 promotes atherosclerotic plaque instability by inhibiting macrophage efferocytosis

In recent years, findings suggest that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related to the development of atherosclerosis (AS), but there is a lack of studies on the involvement of lncRNA-regulated cytosolic burial in the regulation of AS. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which lncRNA SCARNA8 affects macrophage cell burial to regulate AS. The cytosolic burial-associated target gene regulated by lncRNA SCARNA8 was PPARG. LncRNA SCARNA8 was increased in the carotid unstable plaque group, whereas PPARG was decreased. Ox-LDL led to the up-regulation of lncRNA SCARNA8 expression and apoptosis in Raw264.7 cells in a time-, concentration-dependent manner. Knockdown of lncRNA SCARNA8 upregulated PPARG and reduced apoptosis in Raw264.7 cells. In addition, knockdown of lncRNA SCARNA8 improved the stability of atherosclerotic plaques by promoting cellular burial of Raw264.7 cells. LncRNA SCARNA8 is a key regulator of plaque vulnerability, and targeting lncRNA SCARNA8 May provide a novel means for the prevention and treatment of AS.

Microbiome signatures of virulence in the oral-gut-brain axis influence Parkinson's disease and cognitive decline pathophysiology

The human microbiome is increasingly recognized for its crucial role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. While the gut-brain axis has been extensively studied, the contribution of the oral microbiome and gut-oral tropism in neurodegeneration has been largely overlooked. Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in neurodegenerative diseases and develops on a spectrum. In Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients, CI is one of the most common non-motor symptoms but its mechanistic development across the spectrum remains unclear, complicating early diagnosis of at-risk individuals. Here, we generated 228 shotgun metagenomics samples of the gut and oral microbiomes across PD patients with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) or dementia (PDD), and a healthy cohort, to study the role of gut and oral microbiomes on CI in PD. In addition to revealing compositional and functional signatures, the role of pathobionts, and dysregulated metabolic pathways of the oral and gut microbiome in PD-MCI and PDD, we also revealed the importance of oral-gut translocation in increasing abundance of virulence factors in PD and CI. The oral-gut virulence was further integrated with saliva metaproteomics and demonstrated their potential role in dysfunction of host immunity and brain endothelial cells. Our findings highlight the significance of the oral-gut-brain axis and underscore its potential for discovering novel biomarkers for PD and CI.

Ophthalmic formulation of methotrexate: a strategy of using the self-assembled LacAC4A nanoparticles for non-invasive drug delivery to the ocular posterior segment

Drug delivery to ocular posterior segment remains difficult due to the challenges imposed by dynamic and static ocular barriers, lesion point targeting, and off-target effect. In this study, a novel approach is demonstrated for non-invasive drug delivery to the ocular posterior segments using lactose-modified azocalix[4] arene (LacAC4A) as a supramolecular ocular drug delivery platform. LacAC4A contains azo groups and is covalently modified by lactose groups, which confers active targeting to the retina, and induces a hypoxic response. The immunomodulator methotrexate (MTX), which is commonly used in ophthalmology to treat immune system diseases such as uveitis, was also selected as a guest to prepare MTX@LacAC4A. The prepared LacAC4A and MTX@LacAC4A systems were characterized, then the internalization mechanisms and hypoxia response abilities were determined through flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging, respectively. Besides, the delivery route and efficiency were verified, and the safety profile of MTX@LacAC4A was evaluated in multiple dimensions. Importantly, it was found that the prepared MTX@LacAC4A exhibits good biocompatibility, can effectively reach the posterior segment, and demonstrates potential ophthalmic applications. These findings lay the grounds for the future development of non-invasive ocular posterior segment disease treatments based on the advanced use of LacAC4A as a drug delivery platform.

From chaos to order: optimizing fecal microbiota transplantation for enhanced immune checkpoint inhibitors efficacy

The integration of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) presents a promising approach for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy and overcoming therapeutic resistance. This review critically examines the controversial effects of FMT on ICIs outcomes and elucidates the underlying mechanisms. We investigate how FMT modulates gut microbiota composition, microbial metabolite profiles, and the tumor microenvironment, thereby influencing ICIs effectiveness. Key factors influencing FMT efficacy, including donor selection criteria, recipient characteristics, and administration protocols, are comprehensively discussed. The review delineates strategies for optimizing FMT formulations and systematically monitoring post-transplant microbiome dynamics. Through a comprehensive synthesis of evidence from clinical trials and preclinical studies, we elucidate the potential benefits and challenges of combining FMT with ICIs across diverse cancer types. While some studies report improved outcomes, others indicate no benefit or potential adverse effects, emphasizing the complexity of host-microbiome interactions in cancer immunotherapy. We outline critical research directions, encompassing the need for large-scale, multi-center randomized controlled trials, in-depth microbial ecology studies, and the integration of multi-omics approaches with artificial intelligence. Regulatory and ethical challenges are critically addressed, underscoring the imperative for standardized protocols and rigorous long-term safety assessments. This comprehensive review seeks to guide future research endeavors and clinical applications of FMT-ICIs combination therapy, with the potential to improve cancer patient outcomes while ensuring both safety and efficacy. As this rapidly evolving field advances, maintaining a judicious balance between openness to innovation and cautious scrutiny is crucial for realizing the full potential of microbiome modulation in cancer immunotherapy.

Probiotic-induced enrichment of Adlercreutzia equolifaciens increases gut microbiome wellness index and maps to lower host blood glucose levels

The gut microbiome is essential for maintaining host health, influencing gut function and metabolic regulation. While probiotics are widely used to manage gut health, evidence of their specific effects in healthy individuals remains limited. Most studies focus on diseased populations, with little attention to early interventions in individuals without major diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of probiotics on gut health in participants free from significant health conditions. Fifty-four participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or composite probiotics for 60 d. Shotgun metagenomics revealed that individuals with lower baseline Gut Microbiome Wellness Index 2 (GMWI) exhibited more decisive responses to probiotic intervention, characterized by an increased abundance of beneficial commensal bacteria, including Adlercreutzia equolifaciens. Probiotic intake significantly improved the function of the gut microbiome, reducing antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors while enhancing carbohydrate-active enzymes. Notably, A. equolifaciens promoted the production of palmitoyl serinol, a metabolite associated with improved GMWI and preventive benefits in blood glucose. In a population-based experiment, these findings were validated in a follow-up single-strain probiotic intervention with Lacticaseibacillus casei Zhang. Our study highlights the potential of probiotics as an early intervention strategy for maintaining gut health in individuals without significant health conditions.

Proteomics reveals the key transcription-related factors mediating obstructive nephropathy in pediatric patients and mice

BACKGROUND

Obstructive nephropathy is one of the leading causes of kidney injury in infants and children. Increasing evidence has shown that transcription-related factors (TRFs), including transcription factors and cofactors, are associated with kidney diseases. However, a global landscape of dysregulated TRFs in pediatric patients with obstructive nephropathy is lacking.

METHODS

We mined the data from our previous proteomic study for the TRF profile in pediatric patients with obstructive nephropathy and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed to determine pathways that were enriched in the dysregulated TRFs. We then took advantage of kidney samples from patients and UUO mice to verify the selected TRFs by immunoblots.

RESULTS

The proteomes identified a total of 140 human TRFs with 28 upregulated and 1 downregulated, and 160 murine TRFs with 88 upregulated and 1 downregulated (fold change >2 or <0.5). These dysregulated TRFs were enriched in the inflammatory signalings, such as janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) pathways. Of note, the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway, which is the master regulator of organ fibrosis, was enriched in both patients and mice. Cross-species analysis showed 16 key TRFs that might mediate obstructive nephropathy in patients and UUO mice. Moreover, we verified a significant dysregulation of three previously unexplored TRFs; prohibitin (PHB), regulatory factor X 1 (RFX1), and activity-dependent neuroprotector homeobox protein (ADNP), in patients and mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study uncovered key TRFs in the obstructed kidneys and provided additional molecular insights into obstructive nephropathy.

Development and application of an uncapped mRNA platform

BACKGROUND

A novel uncapped mRNA platform was developed.

METHODS

Five lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA constructs were made to evaluate several aspects of our platform, including transfection efficiency and durability in vitro and in vivo and the activation of humoral and cellular immunity in several animal models. The constructs were eGFP-mRNA-LNP (for enhanced green fluorescence mRNA), Fluc-mRNA-LNP (for firefly luciferase mRNA), SδT-mRNA-LNP (for Delta strain SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer mRNA), gDED-mRNA-LNP (for truncated glycoprotein D mRNA coding ectodomain from herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2)) and gDFR-mRNA-LNP (for truncated HSV2 glycoprotein D mRNA coding amino acids 1-400).

RESULTS

Quantifiable target protein expression was achieved in vitro and in vivo with eGFP- and Fluc-mRNA-LNP. SδT-mRNA-LNP, gDED-mRNA-LNP and gDFR-mRNA-LNP induced both humoral and cellular immune responses comparable to those obtained by previously reported capped mRNA-LNP constructs. Notably, SδT-mRNA-LNP elicited neutralizing antibodies in hamsters against the Omicron and Delta strains. Additionally, gDED-mRNA-LNP and gDFR-mRNA-LNP induced potent neutralizing antibodies in rabbits and mice. The mRNA constructs with uridine triphosphate (UTP) outperformed those with N1-methylpseudouridine triphosphate (N1mψTP) in the induction of antibodies via SδT-mRNA-LNP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our uncapped, process-simplified and economical mRNA platform may have broad utility in vaccines and protein replacement drugs.KEY MESSAGESThe mRNA platform described in our paper uses internal ribosome entry site (IRES) (Rapid, Amplified, Capless and Economical, RACE; Register as BH-RACE platform) instead of caps and uridine triphosphate (UTP) instead of N1-methylpseudouridine triphosphate (N1mψTP) to synthesize mRNA.Through the self-developed packaging instrument and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system, mRNA can be expressed in cells more efficiently, quickly and economically.Particularly exciting is that potent neutralizing antibodies against Delta and Omicron real viruses were induced with the new coronavirus S protein mRNA vaccine from the BH-RACE platform.

The intestinal mucosa-associated microbiota in IBD-associated arthritis displays lower relative abundance of Roseburia intestinalis

The most common extra-intestinal manifestation (EIM) of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), IBD-associated arthritis (IAA), occurs in 25-40% of patients and can be debilitating. In IBD, mucosal and stool microbiota richness is decreased, and compositional changes can precede or accompany disease onset. Likewise, spondyloarthritides are associated with altered gut microbiota, with overlapping bacterial signatures observed in IBD, suggesting key shared microbial factors are involved in both conditions. Much has been learned about the role of the intestinal microbiome in IBD, but less is known regarding its role in IAA. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed the mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota of participants enrolled in the LOCATION-IBD cohort. Microbiota composition was established using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of intestinal biopsy samples taken from participants with IBD, with or without arthropathy. Microbiota samples clustered predominantly by participant, and similar taxa were present across the colon. The mucosal intestinal microbiota of females with IAA displayed a lower relative abundance of R. intestinalis, while males with IAA had a higher relative abundance of Corynebacterium, even when controlling for IBD-type, whether samples were taken from a site of inflammation and intestinal location. These findings indicate the mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota is associated with IAA in a sex-specific manner.

Construction and validation of renal cell carcinoma tumor cell differentiation-related prognostic classification (RCC-TCDC): an integrated bioinformatic analysis and clinical study

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy with diverse gene expression patterns, molecular landscapes, and differentiation characteristics of tumor cells. It is imperative to develop molecular RCC classification based on tumor cell differentiation for precise risk stratification and personalized therapy.

METHODS

We obtained scRNA-seq profiles from GSE159115 and bulk RNA-seq profiles from TCGA-KIRC cohort. We then performed scRNA-seq cluster analysis, monocle2 pseudotime analysis, and prognostic analysis to obtain tumor cell differentiation-related prognostic genes (TCDGs). Subsequently, we conducted consensus clustering to construct the RCC tumor cell differentiation-related prognostic classification (RCC-TCDC) and implemented prognostic and multi-omics analyses. Moreover, we utilized Lasso regression to help develop a multivariable prognostic model. In addition, we performed correlation analysis and Cmap algorithm for regulatory network establishment and candidate inhibitor prediction. We eventually included 370 kidney neoplasm patients in Xinhua cohort to undergo immunohistochemical staining and scoring for classification and comprehensive statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, and multivariable Cox regression analysis .

RESULTS

32 TCDGs were identifiedand RCC-TCDC was constructed to classify TCGA-KIRC patients into RCC-low differentiation (RCC-LD) (S100A11+ SH3BGRL3+, high risk), RCC-moderate differentiation (TSPAN7+, medium risk), and RCC-high differentiation (RCC-HD) (AQP1+ NPR3+, low risk). Notably, RCC-LD was validated as anindependent risk factor for both OS (p = 0.015, HR = 14.0, 95%CI = 1.67-117.8) and PFS (p = 0.010, HR = 4.0, 95%CI = 1.39-11.7) of RCC patients in Xinhua cohort, taking RCC-HD as reference.

CONCLUSIONS

We constructed and validated a robust molecular classification system, RCC-TCDC, elucidating three distinct RCC subtypes.

The impact of rising peripheral blood naïve CD8+ T cell levels on chronic kidney disease onset: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

The global incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising rapidly. Immune cells play a crucial role in the onset and progression of CKD, however, the causal relationships and underlying immunological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. This deficiency hinders the development and application of early interventions and immunotherapies for CKD.

METHODS

In this study, we hypothesize that alterations in immune cell phenotypes (ICPs) in the blood may influence the onset of CKD. We collated Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) data for 731 ICPs, alongside summary data for CKD and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Utilizing bidirectional mendelian randomization analysis (MR), we identified the impact of ICPs on the onset of CKD.

RESULTS

Preliminary MR analyses revealed three ICPs positively associated with CKD onset: the absolute number of CD45RA+ CD28- CD8+ T cells (p = 1.209 × 10-15, 95% CI: 1.0002-1.0003), the percentage of CD28+ CD45RA+ CD8+ T cells of total T cells (p = 5.831 × 10-6, 95% CI: 1.0028-1.0070), and the percentage of CD45RA- CD28- CD8+ T cells of total T cells (p = 4.292 × 10-5, 95% CI: 1.0005-1.0015). After conducting sensitivity and reverse MR analyses, only the percentage of CD28+ CD45RA+ CD8+ T cells (naïve CD8+ T Cells) was found to have a sufficiently robust causal impact on CKD.

CONCLUSION

We are the first to demonstrate a significant positive association between the percentage of naïve CD8+ T cells and CKD onset. This finding offers new insights for early prevention and treatment of CKD.

Human colitis-associated colorectal carcinoma progression is accompanied by dysbiosis with enriched pathobionts

Dysbiosis and pathobionts contribute to inflammation and the risk of colitis-associated carcinoma (CAC) in animal models, but their roles in humans with this uncommon disease are unknown. We identified microbiome differences in human CAC compared with longstanding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and sporadic colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Twenty-four CAC resections were matched with CRC and IBD controls. Methods included histopathology, 16S rDNA metagenomics, and pathobiont-specific qPCR. Beta diversity differed by diagnosis (PERMANOVA p = 0.007). The distinguishing taxa included Akkermansia enriched in CRC, and Bacteroides spp. enriched in IBD. The non-neoplastic mucosae presented distinct beta diversity (p = 0.005), but the CAC/CRC tumor microbiomes were similar (p = 0.7). Within metastases and margins, Enterobacteriaceae were enriched in CAC, and Bacteroidales in CRC. Pathobiont-specific qPCR confirmed a greater frequency of pks+ E. coli and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis in CAC than IBD. High alpha diversity was associated with active inflammation, advanced cancer stage, and shorter overall survival (log-rank p = 0.008). Mucosal microbiomes distinguish CAC from longstanding IBD, implicating pathobionts as markers for disease progression. Integrating our findings with prior animal model research, pathobionts promote carcinogenesis in IBD patients through genotoxicity and host cell signaling.