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Binte Hanafi Z, Mei Y, Teo HY, Zhu Y, Yong Lionel CC, Chiu JW, Lu J, Liu H. Calpain 2 regulates IL-1α secretion and inhibits tumor development via modulating calpain 1 expression in the tumor microenvironment. Oncoimmunology 2025; 14:2451444. [PMID: 39803956 PMCID: PMC11730618 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2025.2451444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2024] [Revised: 12/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuhairah Binte Hanafi
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute; Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Mei
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute; Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huey Yee Teo
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute; Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Zhu
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute; Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chew Chin Yong Lionel
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute; Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Wen Chiu
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute; Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute; Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute; Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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2
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Crescioli S, Jatiani S, Moise L. With great power, comes great responsibility: the importance of broadly measuring Fc-mediated effector function early in the antibody development process. MAbs 2025; 17:2453515. [PMID: 39819511 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2025.2453515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2024] [Revised: 01/08/2025] [Accepted: 01/09/2025] [Indexed: 01/19/2025] Open
Abstract
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.
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3
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Lereim RR, Dunn C, Aamdal E, Chauhan SK, Straume O, Guren TK, Kyte JA. Plasma protein dynamics during ipilimumab treatment in metastatic melanoma: associations with tumor response, adverse events and survival. Oncoimmunology 2025; 14:2440967. [PMID: 39703053 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2440967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 11/30/2024] [Accepted: 12/05/2024] [Indexed: 12/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab provides long term survival in some metastatic melanoma patients, but the majority has no benefit, and may experience serious side effects. Here, we investigated the dynamics of plasma cytokine concentrations and their potential utility for predicting treatment response, adverse events and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic melanoma undergoing ipilimumab monotherapy. A cohort of 148 patients was examined, with plasma samples collected prior to treatment initiation and at the end of the first and second treatment cycles. Concentrations of 48 plasma proteins were measured using a multiplex immunoassay. The results revealed a general increase in cytokine levels following the first ipilimumab dose, consistent with immune activation. Patients not responding to treatment exhibited significantly elevated baseline levels of G-CSF, IL-2RA, MIP-1a, and SCF, compared to tumor responders (p < 0.05). Furthermore, high levels of IL-2RA, IFNγ, PDGF-bb and MIG were linked to inferior OS, while high concentrations of MIF and RANTES were associated with improved OS (p < 0.05). A multivariate model containing CRP, LDH, ECOG, IL-2RA and PDGF-bb identified a subgroup of patients with poor OS. Patients who experienced severe immune-related adverse events within three months of treatment initiation had higher baseline concentrations of several cytokines, indicating a potential association between preexisting inflammation and adverse events. These findings indicate that the first dose of ipilimumab induces a systemic response with increased levels of circulating cytokines and suggest candidate biomarkers for clinical response, immune-mediated toxicity and survival. Further studies in independent patient cohorts are required to confirm the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Dunn
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elin Aamdal
- Department of Clinical Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Oddbjørn Straume
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tormod Kyrre Guren
- Department of Clinical Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Amund Kyte
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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4
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Xu Z, Qiao S, Wang Z, Peng C, Hou Y, Liu B, Cao G, Wang T. PMA1-containing extracellular vesicles of Candida albicans triggers immune responses and colitis progression. Gut Microbes 2025; 17:2455508. [PMID: 39886799 PMCID: PMC11792855 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2025.2455508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2024] [Revised: 01/08/2025] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/01/2025] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuping Qiao
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zelin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Peng
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yayi Hou
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guochun Cao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Rosati D, Valentine M, Bruno M, Pradhan A, Dietschmann A, Jaeger M, Leaves I, van de Veerdonk FL, Joosten LA, Roy S, Stappers MHT, Gow NA, Hube B, Brown AJ, Gresnigt MS, Netea MG. Lactic acid in the vaginal milieu modulates the Candida-host interaction. Virulence 2025; 16:2451165. [PMID: 39843417 PMCID: PMC11760238 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2025.2451165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2024] [Revised: 11/07/2024] [Accepted: 12/28/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2025] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common infections caused by Candida albicans. VVC is characterized by an inadequate hyperinflammatory response and clinical symptoms associated with Candida colonization of the vaginal mucosa. Compared to other host niches in which C. albicans can cause infection, the vaginal environment is extremely rich in lactic acid that is produced by the vaginal microbiota. We examined how lactic acid abundance in the vaginal niche impacts the interaction between C. albicans and the human immune system using an in vitro culture in vaginal simulative medium (VSM). The presence of lactic acid in VSM (VSM+LA) increased C. albicans proliferation, hyphal length, and its ability to cause damage during subsequent infection of vaginal epithelial cells. The cell wall of C. albicans cells grown in VSM+LA displayed a robust mannan fibrillar structure, β-glucan exposure, and low chitin content. These cell wall changes were associated with altered immune responses and an increased ability of the fungus to induce trained immunity. Neutrophils were compromised in clearing C. albicans grown in VSM+LA conditions, despite mounting stronger oxidative responses. Collectively, we found that fungal adaptation to lactic acid in a vaginal simulative context increases its immunogenicity favouring a pro-inflammatory state. This potentially contributes to the immune response dysregulation and neutrophil recruitment observed during recurrent VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Rosati
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, T
he Netherlands
| | - Marisa Valentine
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mariolina Bruno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, T
he Netherlands
| | - Arnab Pradhan
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Axel Dietschmann
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Jaeger
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, T
he Netherlands
| | - Ian Leaves
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Frank L. van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, T
he Netherlands
| | - Leo A.B. Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, T
he Netherlands
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sumita Roy
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Mark H. T. Stappers
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Neil A.R. Gow
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Alistair J.P. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Mark S. Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, T
he Netherlands
- Department of Immunology and Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Zhao R, Zhu X, Wei W, Zhen L. The role of HSPA14 in breast cancer: implications for tumorigenesis, immune response modulation, and personalized therapies. Int J Hyperthermia 2025; 42:2452922. [PMID: 39828281 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2025.2452922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2025] [Indexed: 01/22/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat shock proteins have been implicated in the process of carcinogenesis. HSPA14, a member of the heat shock protein family, remains poorly understood in terms of its significance and pathomechanisms in breast cancer. METHODS We analyzed the expression levels of HSPA14 and its prognostic significance in breast cancer using TCGA data. TCGA data was used to investigate the association between HSPA14 expression and clinicopathological features in breast cancer patients. GSEA analysis was conducted to identify the biological function of HSPA14. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation between HSPA14 expression and immune cell infiltration, as well as immune checkpoint genes. Single cell transcriptomic data from GSE114727 was utilized to calculate the expression of HSPA14 in different cell subpopulations. The data on HSPA14 levels and drug sensitivity were extracted from the CellMiner dataset. The mRNA expression of HSPA14 was validated through cell experiments. RESULTS HSPA14 expression is elevated in breast cancer, which is associated with poor overall survival. It can serve as a diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer patients. Pathway analysis revealed that HSPA14-associated differential genes are involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular response to heat stress, and more. Additionally, HSPA14 expression is significantly correlated with the immune microenvironment. The expression of HSPA14 may also indicate drug sensitivity. CONCLUSION Our study elucidates the involvement of HSPA14 in tumorigenesis, particularly in modulating the immune response, shaping the immune microenvironment, and contributing to drug resistance, which are pivotal for the development of personalized breast cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Zhao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaocun Zhu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wan Wei
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linlin Zhen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
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Zhao X, Qiu Y, Liang L, Fu X. Interkingdom signaling between gastrointestinal hormones and the gut microbiome. Gut Microbes 2025; 17:2456592. [PMID: 39851261 PMCID: PMC11776477 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2025.2456592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2025] [Indexed: 01/26/2025] Open
Abstract
The interplay between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal hormones plays a pivotal role in the health of the host and the development of diseases. As a vital component of the intestinal microecosystem, the gut microbiota influences the synthesis and release of many gastrointestinal hormones through mechanisms such as modulating the intestinal environment, producing metabolites, impacting mucosal barriers, generating immune and inflammatory responses, and releasing neurotransmitters. Conversely, gastrointestinal hormones exert feedback regulation on the gut microbiota by modulating the intestinal environment, nutrient absorption and utilization, and the bacterial biological behavior and composition. The distributions of the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal hormones are anatomically intertwined, and close interactions between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal hormones are crucial for maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis. Interventions leveraging the interplay between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal hormones have been employed in the clinical management of metabolic diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases, such as bariatric surgery and fecal microbiota transplantation, offering promising targets for the treatment of dysbiosis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lanfan Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiangsheng Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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8
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Morel L. Animal models of autoimmunity: a relentless pursuit of accurate pre-clinical models. Autoimmunity 2025; 58:2461072. [PMID: 39909076 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2025.2461072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 01/27/2025] [Indexed: 02/07/2025]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Morel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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9
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Hickey JM, Sharma N, Fairlamb M, Doering J, Adewunmi Y, Prieto K, Costa G, Wizel B, Levashina EA, Mantis NJ, Julien JP, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. PfCSP-ferritin nanoparticle malaria vaccine antigen formulated with aluminum-salt and CpG 1018® adjuvants: Preformulation characterization, antigen-adjuvant interactions, and mouse immunogenicity studies. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2025; 21:2460749. [PMID: 39903060 PMCID: PMC11796538 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2025.2460749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2025] [Accepted: 01/27/2025] [Indexed: 02/06/2025] Open
Abstract
Circumsporozite protein (CSP), the most abundant surface protein in parasitic Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoite and an attractive target for malaria vaccine design, has been shown to induce protective humoral response in humans. In this work, we characterized and formulated a promising recombinant PfCSP immunogen (155) candidate consisting of two PfCSP epitopes (i.e. junction, NANP repeat) fused to H. pylori apoferritin forming a 24-mer nanoparticle. In addition, two N-linked glycans were engineered to mitigate possible anti-apoferritin immune responses, and a universal T-cell epitope was included to further enhance immunogenicity. Physicochemical characterization of the 155 antigen was performed including primary structure, post-translational modifications, conformational stability, and particle size. A competitive ELISA was developed to assess antigen binding to a PfCSP-specific mAb. The in vitro antigenicity of the 155 antigen was measured upon formulation with adjuvants, including aluminum-salts (i.e. AlhydrogelTM, Adju-PhosTM) and the TLR-9 agonist CpG 1018®, when freshly combined and after storage at different temperatures over 3 months. The in vivo immunological impact of various adjuvanted formulations of the 155 antigen was investigated in mice. The results support the formulation of 155 with AlhydrogelTM + CpG 1018® adjuvants as a promising recombinant malaria vaccine candidate from both a pharmaceutical and immunological perspective.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Malaria Vaccines/immunology
- Malaria Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Malaria Vaccines/chemistry
- Nanoparticles
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Female
- Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
- Mice
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/immunology
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology
- Adjuvants, Vaccine
- Ferritins/immunology
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Aluminum/immunology
- Aluminum/chemistry
- Malaria, Falciparum/prevention & control
- Malaria, Falciparum/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Hickey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Nitya Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Max Fairlamb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Jennifer Doering
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Yetunde Adewunmi
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Katherine Prieto
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Giulia Costa
- Vector Biology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wizel
- Head of External Research and Development, Dynavax Technologies Corporation, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Elena A. Levashina
- Vector Biology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicholas J. Mantis
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Julien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sangeeta B. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - David B. Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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10
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Li D, Chu X, Liu W, Ma Y, Tian X, Yang Y. The regulatory roles of RNA-binding proteins in the tumour immune microenvironment of gastrointestinal malignancies. RNA Biol 2025; 22:1-14. [PMID: 39718205 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2440683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/03/2024] [Accepted: 12/04/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The crosstalk between the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and tumour cells promote immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy in gastrointestinal (GI) tumours. Post-transcriptional regulation of genes is pivotal to GI tumours progression, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) serve as key regulators via their RNA-binding domains. RBPs may exhibit either anti-tumour or pro-tumour functions by influencing the TIME through the modulation of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs expression, as well as post-transcriptional modifications, primarily N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Aberrant regulation of RBPs, such as HuR and YBX1, typically enhances tumour immune escape and impacts prognosis of GI tumour patients. Further, while targeting RBPs offers a promising strategy for improving immunotherapy in GI cancers, the mechanisms by which RBPs regulate the TIME in these tumours remain poorly understood, and the therapeutic application is still in its early stages. This review summarizes current advances in exploring the roles of RBPs in regulating genes expression and their effect on the TIME of GI tumours, then providing theoretical insights for RBP-targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqi Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Chu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weikang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsu Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yinmo Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Li G, Che X, Wang S, Liu D, Xie D, Jiang B, Zheng Z, Zheng X, Wu G. The role of cisplatin in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and its combination therapy strategies: a new approach to enhance anti-tumor efficacy. Ann Med 2025; 57:2447403. [PMID: 39757995 PMCID: PMC11705547 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2447403] [ |