Induction, function and regulation of IL-17-producing T cells

Identification of different functions of CD8+ T cell subpopulations by a novel monoclonal antibody

The explicit identification of CD8+ T cell subpopulation is important for deciphering the role of CD8+ T cells for protecting our body against invading pathogens and cancer. Our generated monoclonal antibody (mAb), named FE-1H10, recognized two novel subpopulations of peripheral blood CD8+ T cells, FE-1H10+ and FE-1H10- CD8+ T cells. The molecule recognized by mAb FE-1H10 (FE-1H10 molecules) had a higher distribution on effector memory CD8+ T cell subsets. The functions of FE-1H10- and FE-1H10+ CD8+ T cells were investigated. T cell proliferation assays revealed that FE-1H10- CD8+ T cells exhibited a higher proliferation rate than FE-1H10+ CD8+ T cells, whereas FE-1H10+ CD8+ T cells produced higher levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α than FE-1H10- CD8+ T cells. In T cell cytotoxicity assays, FE-1H10+ CD8+ T cells were able to kill target cells better than FE-1H10- CD8+ T cells. RNA-sequencing analysis confirmed that these subpopulations were distinct: FE-1H10+ CD8+ T cells have higher expression of genes involved in effector functions (IFNG, TNF, GZMB, PRF1, GNLY, FASL, CX3CR1) while FE-1H10- CD8+ T cells have greater expression of genes related to memory CD8+ T cell populations (CCR7, SELL, TCF7, CD40LG). The results suggested that mAb FE-1H10 identifies two novel distinctive CD8+ T cell subpopulations. The FE-1H10+ CD8+ T cells carried a superior functionality in response to tumour cells. The uncover of these novel CD8+ T cell subpopulations may be the basis knowledge of an optional immunotherapy for the selection of potential CD8+ T cells in cancer treatment.

How underappreciated autoinflammatory (innate immunity) mechanisms dominate disparate autoimmune disorders

Historically inflammation against self was considered autoimmune which stems back to the seminal observations by Ehrlich who described serum factors, now known to be autoantibodies produced by B lineage cells that mediate "horror autotoxicus". The 20th century elucidation of B- and T-cell adaptive immune responses cemented the understanding of the key role of adaptive immune responses in mediating pathology against self. However, Mechnikov shared the Nobel Prize for the discovery of phagocytosis, the most rudimentary aspect of innate immunity. Fast forward some 100 years and an immunogenetic understanding of innate immunity led to the categorising of innate immunopathology under the umbrella term 'auto inflammation' and terminology such as "horror autoinflammaticus" to highlight the schism from the classical adaptive immune understanding of autoimmunity. These concepts lead to calls for a two-tiered classification of inflammation against self, but just as innate and adaptive immunity are functionally integrated, so is immunopathology in many settings and the concept of an autoimmune to autoinflammation continuum emerged with overlaps between both. Herein we describe several historically designated disorders of adaptive immunity where innate immunity is key, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) where the immunopathology phenotype is strongly linked to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II associations and responds to drugs that target T-cells. We also consider MHC-I-opathies including psoriasis and Behcet's disease(BD) that are increasingly viewed as archetype CD8 T-cell related disorders. We also briefly review the key role of barrier dysfunction in eczema and ulcerative colitis (UC) where innate tissue permeability barrier dysfunction and microbial dysbiosis contributes to prominent adaptive immune pathological mechanisms. We also highlight the emerging roles of intermediate populations of lymphocytes including gamma delta (γδ) and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells that represent a blend of adaptive immune plasticity and innate immune rapid responders that may also determine site specific patterns of inflammation.

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae challenge during gammaherpesvirus infection enhances viral reactivation and latency

Gammaherpesviruses are ubiquitous, lifelong pathogens associated with multiple cancers that infect over 95% of the adult population. Increases in viral reactivation, due to stress and other unknown factors impacting the immune response, frequently precedes lymphomagenesis. One potential stressor that could promote viral reactivation and increase viral latency would be the myriad of infections from bacterial and viral pathogens that we experience throughout our lives. Using murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68), a mouse model of gammaherpesvirus infection, we examined the impact of bacterial challenge on gammaherpesvirus infection. We challenged MHV68 infected mice during the establishment of latency with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) to determine the impact of bacterial infection on viral reactivation and latency. Mice infected with MHV68 and then challenged with NTHi, saw increases in viral reactivation and viral latency. These data support the hypothesis that bacterial challenge can promote gammaherpesvirus reactivation and latency establishment, with possible consequences for viral lymphomagenesis.

In vitro stimulation with nontuberculous mycobacteria induced a stronger cytokine response in leukocytes isolated from individuals with latent tuberculosis compared to those isolated from active tuberculosis or cystic fibrosis patients

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and opportunistic environmental non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can cause severe infection. Why latent tuberculosis infection advances to active disease, and why some individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) develop pulmonary infections with NTM is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effector function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from individuals with active or latent tuberculosis, individuals with CF with or without pulmonary NTM-infection and healthy controls, by measuring cytokine response to in vitro stimulation with different species of NTMs. The cytokine concentrations of IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-10, IL12p70 and IFN-γ were measured in PBMC-culture supernatants after stimulation with NTMs. PBMCs from individuals with latent tuberculosis infection showed strong IL-17A, IL-22, and IFN-γ responses compared to individuals with active tuberculosis or CF. IL-10 production was low in both tuberculosis groups compared to the CF groups and controls. This study suggests that IL-17A and IL-22 might be important to keep tuberculosis in a latent phase and that individuals with CF with an ongoing NTM infection seem to have a low cytokine response.

Th17/Treg balance: the bloom and wane in the pathophysiology of sepsis

Sepsis is a multi-organ dysfunction characterized by an unregulated host response to infection. It is associated with high morbidity, rapid disease progression, and high mortality. Current therapies mainly focus on symptomatic treatment, such as blood volume supplementation and antibiotic use, but their effectiveness is limited. Th17/Treg balance, based on its inflammatory property, plays a crucial role in determining the direction of the inflammatory response and the regression of organ damage in sepsis patients. This review provides a summary of the changes in T-helper (Th) 17 cell and regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation and function during sepsis, the heterogeneity of Th17/Treg balance in the inflammatory response, and the relationship between Th17/Treg balance and organ damage. Th17/Treg balance exerts significant control over the bloom and wanes in host inflammatory response throughout sepsis.

Autosomal Recessive IL-12p40 Deficiency due to a Mutation in the IL12B Gene: Report of a Brazilian Patient with Lymph Node Mycobacterial Infection

Background: Autosomal recessive interleukin (IL)-12p40 deficiency is a genetic etiology of Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD). It has been described in ∼50 patients, usually with onset at childhood with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and Salmonella infections. Case Presentation: A male patient born to consanguineous parents was diagnosed with presumed lymph node MSMD at the age of 13 years after ocular symptoms. A positive history of inborn error of immunity was present: BCG reaction, skin abscess, and recurrent oral candidiasis. Abnormal measurements of cytokine levels, IL-12p40 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), lead to the diagnosis of MSMD. Genetic analysis showed a mutation in exon 7 of the IL12B gene. Currently, the patient is alive under prophylactic antibiotics. Conclusion: We report a rare case of IL-12p40 deficiency in a Latin American patient. Medical history was crucial for immune defect suspicion, as confirmed by precision diagnostic medicine tools.

Current Advances in Regenerative Strategies for Dry Eye Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Dry eye disease (DED) is an emerging health issue affecting millions of individuals annually. Ocular surface disorders, such as DED, are characterized by inflammation triggered by various factors. This condition can lead to tear deficiencies, resulting in the desiccation of the ocular surface, corneal ulceration/perforation, increased susceptibility to infections, and a higher risk of severe visual impairment and blindness. Currently, the clinical management of DED primarily relies on supportive and palliative measures, including the frequent and lifelong use of different lubricating agents. While some advancements like punctal plugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and salivary gland autografts have been attempted, they have shown limited effectiveness. Recently, there have been promising developments in the treatment of DED, including biomaterials such as nano-systems, hydrogels, and contact lenses for drug delivery, cell-based therapies, biological approaches, and tissue-based regenerative therapy. This article specifically explores the different strategies reported so far for treating DED. The aim is to discuss their potential as long-term cures for DED while also considering the factors that limit their feasibility and effectiveness. These advancements offer hope for more effective and sustainable treatment options in the future.

Transcriptome analysis of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) kidney responses to inactivated bivalent vaccine against Aeromonas salmonicida and Edwardsiella tarda

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) is a commercially important marine flatfish for global aquaculture. With intensive farming, turbot production is limited by several diseases, in which Aeromonas salmonicida and Edwardsiella tarda are two main causative agents. Vaccination is an effective and safe alternative to disease prevention compared to antibiotic treatment. In the previous study, we developed an inactivated bivalent vaccine against A. salmonicida and E. tarda with relative percent survival (RPS) of 77.1 %. To understand the protection mechanism in molecular basis of the inactivated bivalent vaccine against A. salmonicida and E. tarda, we use RNA-seq to analyze the transcriptomic profile of the kidney tissue after immunization. A total of 391,721,176 clean reads were generated in nine libraries by RNA-seq, and 96.35 % of the clean reads were mapped to the reference genome of S. maximus. 1458 (866 upregulated and 592 downregulated) and 2220 (1131 upregulated and 1089 downregulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained at 2 and 4 weeks post-vaccination, respectively. The DEGs were enriched in several important immune-related GO terms, including cytokine activity, immune response, and defense response. In addition, the analysis of several immune-related genes showed upregulation and downregulation, including pattern recognition receptors, complement system, cytokines, chemokines and immune cell surface markers. Eight DEGs (ccr10, calr, casr, mybpha, cd28, thr18, cd20a.3 and c5) were randomly selected for qRT-PCR analysis, which confirmed the validity of the RNA-seq. Our results provide valuable insight into the immune mechanism of inactivated bivalent vaccine against A. salmonicida and E. tarda in Scophthalmus maximus.

Dengue virus infection induces selective expansion of Vγ4 and Vγ6TCR γδ T cells in the small intestine and a cytokine storm driving vascular leakage in mice

Dengue is a major health problem in tropical and subtropical regions. Some patients develop a severe form of dengue, called dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. Severe dengue is associated with a transient increase in vascular permeability. A cytokine storm is thought to be the cause of the vascular leakage. Although there are various research reports on the pathogenic mechanism, the complete pathological process remains poorly understood. We previously reported that dengue virus (DENV) type 3 P12/08 strain caused a lethal systemic infection and severe vascular leakage in interferon (IFN)-α/β and γ receptor knockout mice (IFN-α/β/γRKO mice), and that blockade of TNF-α signaling protected mice. Here, we performed transcriptome analysis of liver and small intestine samples collected chronologically from P12/08-infected IFN-α/β/γRKO mice in the presence/absence of blockade of TNF-α signaling and evaluated the cytokine and effector-level events. Blockade of TNF-α signaling mainly protected the small intestine but not the liver. Infection induced the selective expansion of IL-17A-producing Vγ4 and Vγ6 T cell receptor (TCR) γδ T cells in the small intestine, and IL-17A, together with TNF-α, played a critical role in the transition to severe disease via the induction of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and particularly the excess production of IL-6. Infection also induced the infiltration of neutrophils, as well as neutrophil collagenase/matrix metalloprotease 8 production. Blockade of IL-17A signaling reduced mortality and suppressed the expression of most of these cytokines, including TNF-α, indicating that IL-17A and TNF-α synergistically enhance cytokine expression. Blockade of IL-17A prevented nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in stroma-like cells and epithelial cells in the small intestine but only partially prevented recruitment of immune cells to the small intestine. This study provides an overall picture of the pathogenesis of infection in individual mice at the cytokine and effector levels.

Current perspective on biological properties of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and dysfunction in gut

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), a subtype of DC, possess unique developmental, morphological, and functional traits that have sparked much debate over the years whether they should be categorized as DCs. The digestive system has the greatest mucosal tissue overall, and the pDC therein is responsible for shaping the adaptive and innate immunity of the gastrointestinal tract, resisting pathogen invasion through generating type I interferons, presenting antigens, and participating in immunological responses. Therefore, its alleged importance in the gut has received a lot of attention in recent years, and a fresh functional overview is still required. Here, we summarize the current understanding of mouse and human pDCs, ranging from their formation and different qualities compared with related cell types to their functional characteristics in intestinal disorders, including colon cancer, infections, autoimmune diseases, and intestinal graft-versus-host disease. The purpose of this review is to convey our insights, demonstrate the limits of existing research, and lay a theoretical foundation for the rational development and use of pDCs in future clinical practice.

Roles of four targets in the pathogenesis of graves' orbitopathy

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disease that involves complex immune systems. The mainstays of clinical management for this disease are surgery, targeted drugs therapy, and no-targeted drugs drug therapy. targeted drugs can improve therapeutic efficacy and enhance the quality of life for GO patients. However, as a second-line treatment for GO, targeted drugs such as tocilizumab and rituximab have very limited therapeutic effects and may be accompanied by side effects. The introduction of Teprotumumab, which targets IGF-IR, has made significant progress in the clinical management of GO. The pathophysiology of GO still remains uncertain as it involves a variety of immune cells and fibroblast interactions as well as immune responses to relevant disease targets of action. Therfore, learning more about immune response feedback pathways and potential targets of action will assist in the treatment of GO. In this discussion, we explore the pathogenesis of GO and relevant work, and highlight four potential targets for GO: Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23 R), Leptin receptor (LepR), Orbital fibroblast activating factors, and Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). A deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of GO and the role of potential target signaling pathways is crucial for effective treatment of this disease.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Clone 13 Infection Results in CD8 T Cell-Mediated Host Mortality in Diacylglycerol Kinase α-Deficient Mice

Diacylglycerol is a potent element of intracellular secondary signaling cascades whose production is enhanced by cell-surface receptor agonism and function is regulated by enzymatic degradation by diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs). In T cells, stringent regulation of the activity of this second messenger maintains an appropriate balance between effector function and anergy. In this article, we demonstrate that DGKα is an indispensable regulator of TCR-mediated activation of CD8 T cells in lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus Clone 13 viral infection. In the absence of DGKα, Clone 13 infection in a murine model results in a pathologic, proinflammatory state and a multicellular immunopathologic host death that is predominantly driven by CD8 effector T cells.

Neutrophil, NETs and Behçet's disease: A review

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic systemic vasculitis characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, skin lesions, articular, neurological, vascular and sight-threatening ocular inflammation. BD is thought to share both autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease features. BD is triggered by environmental factors such as infectious agents in genetically predisposed subjects. Neutrophils seem to play an instrumental role in BD and recent works regarding the role of neutrophils extracellular traps (NETs) provides new insight in the pathophysiology of BD and the mechanisms involved in immune thrombosis. This review provides a recent overview on the role of neutrophils and NETs in the pathogenesis of BD.

Anti-Inflammatories in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: A Review

Inflammation is an important driver of dry eye disease (DED) pathogenesis. An initial insult that results in the loss of tear film homeostasis can initiate a nonspecific innate immune response that leads to a chronic and self-sustaining inflammation of the ocular surface, which results in classic symptoms of dry eye. This initial response is followed by a more prolonged adaptive immune response, which can perpetuate and aggravate inflammation and result in a vicious cycle of chronic inflammatory DED. Effective anti-inflammatory therapies can help patients exit this cycle, and effective diagnosis of inflammatory DED and selection of the most appropriate treatment are therefore key to successful DED management and treatment. This review explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the immune and inflammatory components of DED, and examines the evidence base for the use of currently available topical treatment options. These agents include topical steroid therapy, calcineurin inhibitors, T cell integrin antagonists, antibiotics, autologous serum/plasma therapy, and omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements.

Bioinformatics analysis identified immune infiltration, risk and drug prediction models of copper-induced death genes involved in salivary glands damage of primary Sjögren's syndrome

This study aimed to identify copper-induced death genes in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and explore immune infiltration, risk and drug prediction models for salivary glands (SGs) damage. The 3 datasets, including GSE40611, GSE23117, and GSE7451 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were downloaded. The datasets were processed using the affy in R (version 4.0.3). In immune cells, copper-induced death genes were strongly expressed in "activated" dendritic cells (aDCs), macrophages and regulatory T cells (Treg). In immune functions, copper-induced death genes were strongly expressed in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and type I interferon (IFN) response. Correlation analysis showed that 5 genes including SLC31A1, PDHA1, DLD, ATP7B, and ATP7A were significantly correlated with immune infiltration. The nomogram suggested that the low expression of PDHA1 was significant for predicting the risk of pSS and the area under curve was 0.678. Drug model suggested that "Bathocuproine disulfonate CTD 00001350," "Vitinoin CTD 00007069," and "Resveratrol CTD 00002483" were the drugs most strongly associated with copper-induced death genes. In summary, copper-induced death genes are associated with SGs injury in pSS, which is worthy of clinicians' attention.

The Screening of Therapeutic Peptides for Anti-Inflammation through Phage Display Technology

For the treatment of inflammatory illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and carditis, as well as cancer, several anti-inflammatory medications have been created over the years to lower the concentrations of inflammatory mediators in the body. Peptides are a class of medication with the advantages of weak immunogenicity and strong activity, and the phage display technique is an effective method for screening various therapeutic peptides, with a high affinity and selectivity, including anti-inflammation peptides. It enables the selection of high-affinity target-binding peptides from a complex pool of billions of peptides displayed on phages in a combinatorial library. In this review, we will discuss the regular process of using phage display technology to screen therapeutic peptides, and the peptides screened for anti-inflammation properties in recent years according to the target. We will describe how these peptides were screened and how they worked in vitro and in vivo. We will also discuss the current challenges and future outlook of using phage display to obtain anti-inflammatory therapeutic peptides.

T Cell-Intrinsic Interleukin 17 Receptor A Signaling Supports the Establishment of Chronic Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Infection

Gammaherpesviruses, such as human Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68), are species-specific, ubiquitous pathogens that are associated with multiple cancers, including B cell lymphomas. These viruses have a natural tropism for B cells and usurp B cell differentiation to drive a unique and robust polyclonal germinal center response to establish a long-term latent reservoir in memory B cells. The robust polyclonal germinal center response driven by gammaherpesvirus infection increases the risk for B cell transformation. Unsurprisingly, many gammaherpesvirus cancers are derived from germinal center or post-germinal center B cells. The viral and host factors that influence the gammaherpesvirus-driven germinal center response are not clearly defined. We previously showed that host interleukin 17 receptor A (IL-17RA) signaling promotes the establishment of chronic MHV68 infection and the MHV68-driven germinal center response. In this study, we found that T cell-intrinsic IL-17RA signaling recapitulates some proviral aspects of global IL-17RA signaling during MHV68 infection. Specifically, we found that T cell-intrinsic IL-17RA signaling supports the MHV68-driven germinal center response, the establishment of latency in the spleen, and viral reactivation in the spleen and peritoneal cavity. Our study unveils an unexpected finding where the T cell-specific IL-17RA signaling supports the establishment of a latent reservoir of a B cell-tropic gammaherpesvirus. IMPORTANCE Gammaherpesviruses, such as human EBV, establish lifelong infection in >95% of adults and are associated with B cell lymphomas. Gammaherpesviruses usurp the germinal center response to establish latent infection, and the germinal center B cells are thought to be the target of viral transformation. We previously found that global expression of IL-17RA promotes the establishment of chronic MHV68 infection and the MHV68-driven germinal center response. In this study, we showed that T cell-intrinsic IL-17RA signaling is necessary to promote the MHV68-driven germinal center response by supporting CD4⁺ T follicular helper cell expansion. We also found that T cell-intrinsic IL-17RA signaling contributes to but is not solely responsible for the systemic proviral role of IL-17RA signaling, highlighting the multifaceted function of IL-17RA signaling during MHV68 infection.

Cryptococcus neoformans Infection Induces IL-17 Production by Promoting STAT3 Phosphorylation in CD4+ T Cells

Cryptococcus neoformans infection in the central nervous system is a severe infectious disease with poor outcomes and high mortality. It has been estimated that there are 220,000 new cases each year. Over 90% of C. neoformans meningitis cases were diagnosed in AIDS patients with CD4⁺ T cell count <100 cells/μl; however, the mechanism of cryptococcal meningitis in patients with normal immune functions remains unclear. IL-17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and plays an important role in anti-fungal immunity. Here we report that significantly high levels of IL-17 were predominantly detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with either AIDS- or non-AIDS-associated C. neoformans meningitis but not in patients with tuberculous meningitis or non-neurosyphilis. Antifungal therapy minimized the IL-17 level in the cerebrospinal fluid. An in vitro mechanistic study showed that C. neoformans stimulation of healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells prompted IL-17 production, and CD4⁺ T cells were the predominant IL-17-producing cells. IL-17 production by C. neoformans stimulation was STAT3 signaling dependent. Inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation attenuated the C. neoformans-mediated IL-17 expression. Our data highlighted the significance of CD4⁺ T cells in antifungal immunity and suggested IL-17 as a diagnostic biomarker of C. neoformans infection and STAT3 as a checkpoint for antifungal targeted therapies.

A novel molluscan TLR molecule engaged in inflammatory response through MyD88 adapter recruitment

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediated signaling plays a vital role in activating innate and adaptive immunity. Although TLR mediated signaling has been comprehensively investigated in mammalian species, the mechanisms underlying TLR signaling in molluscs remain obscure. In the present study, a novel TLR isoform namely McTLR-like1 was identified in the thick shell mussel Mytilus coruscus. McTLR-like1 was highly expressed in molluscan immune-related tissues, and its transcriptional levels in hemocytes were significantly increased when challenged by V. alginolyticus. McTLR-like1 activated nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and strengthened the transcription and phosphorylation of NF-κB subunit P65 in mammalian cells. Upon the silencing of McTLR-like1, the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were down-regulated, and the animals exhibited higher levels of resistance when challenged with V. alginolyticus. McMyD88a mRNA expression was also downregulated alongside McTLR-like1. Furthermore, GST-pull down assays revealed a visible affinity between McTLR-like1 and McMyD88a. Collectively, these results demonstrated that the newly identified gene affiliated to the molluscan TLR family and plays a role in the TLR-mediated activation of inflammatory response via its affinity with MyD88. The present study enhances our knowledge of TLR signaling mechanisms in molluscs and provides new insights into the evolution of TLRs.

Innate lymphoid cells recruit T cells to turn up the heat on tumors

In a recent publication in Nature Immunology, Bruchard et al. report that type 3 innate lymphoid cells, activated and recruited by cisplatin-induced chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), promote CD4 and CD8 T cell infiltration into murine tumors. This turns "cold" tumors "hot", thereby enhancing responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Immune Inhibitory Properties and Therapeutic Prospects of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta and Interleukin 10 in Autoimmune Hepatitis

Transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin 10 have diverse immune inhibitory properties that have restored homeostatic defense mechanisms in experimental models of autoimmune disease. The goals of this review are to describe the actions of each cytokine, review their investigational use in animal models and patients, and indicate their prospects as interventions in autoimmune hepatitis. English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full-length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. Transforming growth factor-beta expands the natural and inducible populations of regulatory T cells, limits the proliferation of natural killer cells, suppresses the activation of naïve CD8⁺ T cells, decreases the production of interferon-gamma, and stimulates fibrotic repair. Interleukin 10 selectively inhibits the CD28 co-stimulatory signal for antigen recognition and impairs antigen-specific activation of uncommitted CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. It also inhibits maturation of dendritic cells, suppresses Th17 cells, supports regulatory T cells, and limits production of diverse pro-inflammatory cytokines. Contradictory immune stimulatory effects have been associated with each cytokine and may relate to the dose and accompanying cytokine milieu. Experimental findings have not translated into successful early clinical trials. The recombinant preparation of each agent in low dosage has been safe in human studies. In conclusion, transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin 10 have powerful immune inhibitory actions of potential therapeutic value in autoimmune hepatitis. The keys to their therapeutic application will be to match their predominant non-redundant function with the pivotal pathogenic mechanism or cytokine deficiency and to avoid contradictory immune stimulatory actions.

Exo-D-Mapps Attenuates Production of Inflammatory Cytokines and Promoted Generation of Immunosuppressive Phenotype in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) produce immunomodulatory factors that regulate production of cytokines and chemokines in immune cells affecting their functional properties. Administration of MSCs-sourced secretome, including MSC-derived conditioned medium (MSC-CM) and MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos), showed beneficial effects similar to those observed after transplantation of MSCs. Due to their nano-size dimension, MSC-Exos easily penetrate through the tissue and in paracrine and endocrine manner, may deliver MSC-sourced factors to the target immune cells modulating their function. MSCs derived from amniotic fluid (AF-MSCs) had superior cell biological properties than MSCs derived from bone marrow. We recently developed “Exosomes Derived Multiple Allogeneic Proteins Paracrine Signaling (Exo-d-MAPPS)”, a biological product in which the activity is based on AF-MSC-derived Exos capable to deliver immunomodulatory molecules and growth factors to the target cells. Herewith, we analyzed immunosuppressive capacity of Exo-d-MAPPS against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (pbMNCs) and demonstrated that Exo-d-MAPPS efficiently suppressed generation of inflammatory phenotype in activated pbMNCs. Exo-d-MAPPS attenuated production of inflammatory cytokines and promoted generation of immunosuppressive phenotype in Lipopolysaccharide-primed pbMNCs. Exo-d-MAPPS treatment reduced expansion of inflammatory Th1 and Th17 cells and promoted generation of immunosuppressive T regulatory cells in the population of Concanavalin A-primed pbMNCs. Similarly, Exod-MAPPS treatment suppressed pro-inflammatory and promoted anti-inflammatory properties of α-GalCer-primed pbMNCs. In summing up, due to its capacity for suppression of activated pbMNCs, Exo-d-MAPPS should be further explored in animal models of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases as a potentially new remedy for the attenuation of detrimental immune response.

Hydroxychloroquine improves motor function and affords neuroprotection without inhibition of inflammation and autophagy in mice after intracerebral hemorrhage

We examined the effect of an immunomodulator hydroxychloroquine, also known as a Nurr1 ligand and an autophagy inhibitor, on a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Daily administration of hydroxychloroquine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) from 3 h after induction of ICH alleviated neurological deficits of mice, increased the number of surviving neurons in the hematoma and prevented fragmentation of axon structures in the internal capsule. Unexpectedly, hydroxychloroquine did not inhibit either upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators or autophagic responses in the brain. Hence, hydroxychloroquine may produce therapeutic effects on ICH primarily via neuroprotection including preservation of the axon tract integrity.

Alantolactone alleviates collagen-induced arthritis and inhibits Th17 cell differentiation through modulation of STAT3 signalling

CONTEXT

Alantolactone, the bioactive component in Inula helenium L. (Asteraceae), exhibits multiple biological effects.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of alantolactone in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model and its immunomodulatory effects on Th17 differentiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A CIA mouse model was established with DBA/1 mice randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): healthy, vehicle and two alantolactone-treated groups (25 or 50 mg/kg), followed by oral administration of alantolactone to mice for 21 consecutive days after arthritis onset. The severity of CIA was evaluated by an arthritic scoring system and histopathological examination. Levels of cytokines and anti-CII antibodies as well as percentages of splenic Th17 and Th17 differentiation with or without alantolactone treatments (0.62, 1.2 or 2.5 μM) were detected with ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate intracellular signalling in alantolactone-treated spleen cells.

RESULTS

In CIA mice, alantolactone at 50 mg/kg attenuated RA symptoms, including high arthritis scores, infiltrating inflammatory cells, synovial hyperplasia, bone erosion and levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17A, but not IL-10 in paw tissues. Alantolactone also reduced the number of splenic Th17 cells and the capability of naïve CD4⁺ T cells to differentiate into the Th17 subset by downregulating STAT3/RORγt signalling by as early as 24 h of treatment.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Alantolactone possesses an anti-inflammatory effect that suppresses murine CIA by inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation, suggesting alantolactone is an adjunctive therapeutic candidate to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Immunomodulatory role of Th17 pathway in experimental visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar is a vector borne protozoan infection caused by Leishmania donovani in the Indian subcontinent mainly India, Nepal and Bangladesh. It is a major public health problem in these countries mostly affecting the socio-economically poor population. Leishmaniasis ranks the third most important disease after malaria and filariasis but is still considered as one of the neglected tropical diseases of the world. For development of better therapeutic agents and effective vaccine against VL, there is a need to understand host immunological changes that play a vital role during course of infection. Therefore, we investigated the role of Th17 pathway in Balb/c mice during Leishmania donovani infection and treatment with amphotericin B. Mice were divided in four groups i.e. Control, Infected, Uninfected treated and Infected treated. The cytokine levels were estimated in the spleen of Balb/c mice on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 17, 21, 28, 35, 45 and 60 post infection and during course of treatment. The mRNA levels of the Th17 pathway during active Leishmania donovani infection and after treatment were determined by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein levels by flow cytometry and ELISA. Results of our study revealed that active infection was associated with low levels of Th17 cytokines IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23 and elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TGF-β. Amphotericin B treatment restored production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17 and IL-22. The levels of transcription factor RORγt were found to correlate with the levels of IL-17 during infection and also after chemotherapy whereas STAT3 levels were elevated during infection and vice versa after treatment. The findings of this study suggest that Th17 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 are associated with protection against VL infection and development of any interventions or chemotherapeutic agents targeting Th17 pathway could be an important approach for VL treatment.

γδT17/γδTreg cell subsets: a new paradigm for asthma treatment

Bronchial asthma (abbreviated as asthma), is a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. The main characteristics of asthma include variable reversible airflow limitation and airway remodeling. The pathogenesis of asthma is still unclear. Th1/Th2 imbalance, Th1 deficiency and Th2 hyperfunction are classic pathophysiological mechanisms of asthma. Some studies have shown that the imbalance of the Th1/Th2 cellular immune model and Th17/Treg imbalance play a key role in the occurrence and development of asthma; however, these imbalances do not fully explain the disease. In recent years, studies have shown that γδT and γδT17 cells are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. γδTreg has a potential immunosuppressive function, but its regulatory mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this paper, we reviewed the role of γδT17/γδTreg cells in bronchial asthma, including the mechanisms of their development and activation. Here we propose that γδT17/Treg cell subsets contribute to the occurrence and development of asthma, constituting a novel potential target for asthma treatment.

Spatiotemporally specific roles of TLR4, TNF, and IL-17A in murine endotoxin-induced inflammation inferred from analysis of dynamic networks

Background

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces a multi-organ, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent acute inflammatory response.

Methods

Using network analysis, we defined the spatiotemporal dynamics of 20, LPS-induced, protein-level inflammatory mediators over 0–48 h in the heart, gut, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and systemic circulation, in both C57BL/6 (wild-type) and TLR4-null mice.

Results

Dynamic Network Analysis suggested that inflammation in the heart is most dependent on TLR4, followed by the liver, kidney, plasma, gut, lung, and spleen, and raises the possibility of non-TLR4 LPS signaling pathways at defined time points in the gut, lung, and spleen. Insights from computational analyses suggest an early role for TLR4-dependent tumor necrosis factor in coordinating multiple signaling pathways in the heart, giving way to later interleukin-17A—possibly derived from pathogenic Th17 cells and effector/memory T cells—in the spleen and blood.

Conclusions

We have derived novel, systems-level insights regarding the spatiotemporal evolution acute inflammation.

Expression of IL-23 in gilt endometrium and oviduct after insemination with seminal plasma, spermatozoa or semen extender

OBJECTIVE

Insemination with spermatozoa, seminal plasma and extender, cause a rapid inflammatory response in pig endometrium, characterized by an influx of neutrophils into the uterus. The transient inflammatory response to semen involves cytokine induction. Potential functions for Interleukin-23 (IL-23) in the inflammatory response to different insemination treatments were examined by studying mRNA expression and immunostaining in gilt oviduct and endometrium 35-40 h after insemination. Insemination was performed with seminal plasma (SP), spermatozoa (SPZ) without SP in the extender Beltsville thawing solution (BTS), or BTS alone. In control gilts an insemination catheter was inserted without anything being inseminated.

RESULTS

Results showed that IL-23 mRNA was expressed in oviduct and endometrium after insemination regardless of treatment. There was an approximate two- to fourfold increase in expression of IL-23 mRNA in catheter-insertion control compared with SPZ, SP and BTS treatment groups. IL-23 immunolabelling was detected in a small number of separate cells and in the sub-epithelial connective tissue of the endometrium, the endosalpinx of isthmus and infundibulum.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, insemination with SP, SPZ in BTS, and BTS alone decreased the expression of IL-23 mRNA in the endometrium compared to catheter-insertion control, indicating a possible role for IL-23 in the inflammatory response after insemination in gilts.

Immunization With a DNA Vaccine Encoding the Toxoplasma gondii' s GRA39 Prolongs Survival and Reduce Brain Cyst Formation in a Murine Model

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, can cause infect almost all warm-blooded animals and humans. To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of T. gondii GRA39 (TgGRA39) in mice by using DNA immunization, we constructed a recombinant eukaryotic plasmid pVAX-TgGRA39. The specific immune responses in immunized mice were analyzed by serum antibody and cytokine measurements, lymphocyte proliferation assays and flow cytometry of T lymphocyte subclasses. Also, protective efficacy against acute and chronic T. gondii infection was assessed by observing the survival time after challenge with the highly virulent T. gondii RH strain (Genotype I) and counting the number of cyst-forming in brain at 4 weeks post-infection with the cyst-forming PRU strain of T. gondii (Genotype II), respectively. Our results showed that DNA immunization with pVAX-GRA39 via intramuscular injection three times, at 2-week intervals could elicit humoral and cellular immune response, indicated by enhanced levels of IgG and IgG2a antibodies (a slightly elevated IgG2a to IgG1 ratio), and increased levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22 and IL-23 and percentages of CD3+ CD4+ CD8- and CD3+ CD8+ CD4– T cells, in contrast to non-immunized mice. The significant increase in the expression levels of IL-6, TGF-β1, IL-1β, and the transcription factor factors RORγt, RORα, and STAT3 involved in the activation and pathway of Th17 and Tc17 cells, were also observed. However, no significant difference was detected in level of IL-4 and IL-10 (p > 0.05). These effective immune responses had mounted protective immunity against T. gondii infection, with a prolonged survival time (16.80 ± 3.50 days) and reduced cyst numbers (44.5%) in comparison to the control mice. Our data indicated that pVAX-TgGRA39 could induce effective humoral, and Th1-type, Th17, and Tc17 cellular immune responses, and may represent a promising vaccine candidate against both acute and chronic T. gondii infection.

The Involvement of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in the Initiation and Perpetuation of Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the infiltration of exocrine glands including salivary and lachrymal glands responsible for the classical dry eyes and mouth symptoms (sicca syndrome). The spectrum of disease manifestations stretches beyond the classical sicca syndrome with systemic manifestations including arthritis, interstitial lung involvement, and neurological involvement. The pathophysiology underlying SS is not well deciphered, but several converging lines of evidence have supported the conjuncture of different factors interplaying together to foster the initiation and perpetuation of the disease. The innate and adaptive immune system play a cardinal role in this process. In this review, we discuss the inherent parts played by both the innate and adaptive immune system in the pathogenesis of SS.

Defining Dry Eye from a Clinical Perspective

Over the past decades, the number of patients with dry eye disease (DED) has increased dramatically. The incidence of DED is higher in Asia than in Europe and North America, suggesting the involvement of cultural or racial factors in DED etiology. Although many definitions of DED have been used, discrepancies exist between the various definitions of dry eye disease (DED) used across the globe. This article presents a clinical consensus on the definition of DED, as formulated in four meetings with global DED experts. The proposed new definition is as follows: “Dry eye is a multifactorial disease characterized by a persistently unstable and/or deficient tear film (TF) causing discomfort and/or visual impairment, accompanied by variable degrees of ocular surface epitheliopathy, inflammation and neurosensory abnormalities.” The key criteria for the diagnosis of DED are unstable TF, inflammation, ocular discomfort and visual impairment. This definition also recommends the assessment of ocular surface epitheliopathy and neurosensory abnormalities in each patient with suspected DED. It is easily applicable in clinical practice and should help practitioners diagnose DED consistently. This consensus definition of DED should also help to guide research and clinical trials that, to date, have been hampered by the lack of an established surrogate endpoint.

Comparison of two regimens for patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy receiving intravenous methyl prednisolone: A single center prospective randomized trial

Intravenous (i.v.) glucocorticoid is recommended for active moderate-to-severe thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). However, the details of the treatment schedule are still debatable. The present prospective randomized trial was performed to compare clinical outcomes and serum cytokines between the two regimens. A cohort of 90 patients with active moderate-to-severe TAO was randomized to receive i.v. methyl prednisolone on a weekly protocol or daily scheme. The response rate was evaluated at the 12-week follow-up visit. Serum interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6 and IL-17 levels were measured in 160 patients with TAO, 60 patients with isolated Graves' disease (GD) and 60 normal control (NC) at baseline, as well as patients with active moderate-to-severe TAO at the 12^th week after treatment. The daily scheme had a higher response rate than the weekly protocol without a significant difference (77.8 vs. 63.6%, P>0.05). No major adverse events were recorded under either regimen. Overall, minor events were more common on the daily scheme (11.36 vs. 4.35%, P<0.05)than on the weekly protocol, whereas the deterioration of eye symptoms (two patients) was only reported on the weekly protocol. At baseline, the IL-17 level in the TAO group was higher than that in the isolated GD and NC groups (P<0.05). In addition, the IL-17 level in the active TAO group was higher than that in the inactive TAO group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the IL-17 level had significantly decreased under the two regimens at the 12-week visit (P<0.05). In conclusion, for patients with active moderate-to-severe TAO, daily i.v. glucocorticoid therapy has a relative higher response rate than the weekly protocol with a few more minor adverse events. These two regimens have their own merits with regard to adverse effects. IL-17 has the potential to be a biomarker for evaluating TAO activity and treatment effects.

Intricate Relationship Between Adaptive and Innate Immune System in Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a complex immunological allergic disease characterized by the interplay between the innate and adaptive immune system. Initially, the role of the innate immune system was believed to be confined to the initial sensitization phase, while adaptive immune reactions were linked with the advanced elicitation phase. However, recent data predicted a comparatively mixed and interdependent role of both immune systems throughout the disease progression. Therefore, the actual mechanisms of disease progression are more complex and interlinked. The aim of this review is to combine such findings that enhanced our understanding of the pathomechanisms of ACD. Here, we focused on the main cell types from both immune domains, which are involved in ACD, such as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, neutrophils, and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Such insights can be useful for devising future therapeutic interventions for ACD.

Next-Generation Pertussis Vaccines Based on the Induction of Protective T Cells in the Respiratory Tract

Immunization with current acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines protects against severe pertussis, but immunity wanes rapidly after vaccination and these vaccines do not prevent nasal colonization with Bordetella pertussis. Studies in mouse and baboon models have demonstrated that Th1 and Th17 responses are integral to protective immunity induced by previous infection with B. pertussis and immunization with whole cell pertussis (wP) vaccines. Mucosal Th17 cells, IL-17 and secretory IgA (sIgA) are particularly important in generating sustained sterilizing immunity in the nasal cavity. Current aP vaccines induce potent IgG and Th2-skewed T cell responses but are less effective at generating Th1 and Th17 responses and fail to prime respiratory tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells, that maintain long-term immunity at mucosal sites. In contrast, a live attenuated pertussis vaccine, pertussis outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccines or aP vaccines formulated with novel adjuvants do induce cellular immune responses in the respiratory tract, especially when delivered by the intranasal route. An increased understanding of the mechanisms of sustained protective immunity, especially the role of respiratory TRM cells, will facilitate the development of next generation pertussis vaccines that not only protect against pertussis disease, but prevent nasal colonization and transmission of B. pertussis.

Understanding Behçet's Disease in the Context of Innate Immunity Activation

Behçet´s disease (BD) is a heterogeneous condition consisting of idiopathic systemic vasculitis affecting large and small blood vessels of different types (i.e., arteries, veins, or capillaries). The disease frequently occurs in young adults without gender predilection, differently from several other autoimmune conditions. This challenging illness has recently been proposed by some authors as an example of complex autoinflammatory syndrome. Although much remains unanswered about BD pathogenesis, recent understanding of some aspects of innate immunity have clarified a few issues (and raised others). HLA-B*51 represents the strongest genetic risk factor for BD to date, albeit several other HLA-independent loci have also been associated with the disease. The consistent hyper-reactivity against Streptococcus sanguinis antigens and alterations in oral and gut microbioma suggests that infectious agents may play an important role. Moreover, functional abnormalities of pattern recognition receptors, especially Toll-like receptors in monocytes, have been demonstrated in patients with BD and can be associated with the development of the disease. Neutrophil hyperactivity is one of the most consistent findings in BD pathogenesis, as demonstrated by exacerbated constitutive oxidative burst, chemotaxis and NET formation. However, some studies suggest that the phagocyte-activated status in BD is not primary to the disease itself, but rather restricted to a fraction of patients with severe disease activity, and probably secondary to activating soluble factors carried by serum/plasma from BD patients. Herein we review the state of the art on BD etiopathogenesis with special emphasis on the participation of the innate immune system

The Immunological Basis of Dry Eye Disease and Current Topical Treatment Options

Homeostasis of the lacrimal functional unit is needed to ensure a well-regulated ocular immune response comprising innate and adaptive phases. When the ocular immune system is excessively stimulated and/or immunoregulatory mechanisms are disrupted, the balance between innate and adaptive phases is dysregulated and chronic ocular surface inflammation can result, leading to chronic dry eye disease (DED). According to the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II definition, DED is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface characterized by impairment and loss of tear homeostasis (hyperosmolarity), ocular discomfort or pain, and neurosensory abnormalities. Dysregulated ocular immune responses result in ocular surface damage, which is a further contributing factor to DED pathology. Several therapeutics are available to break the vicious circle of DED and prevent chronic disease and progression, including immunosuppressive agents (steroids) and immunomodulators (cyclosporine and lifitegrast). Given the chronic inflammatory nature of DED, each of these agents is commonly used in clinical practice. In this study, we review the immunopathology of DED and the molecular and cellular actions of current topical DED therapeutics to inform clinical decision making.

Interleukin-17A Serves a Priming Role in Autoimmunity by Recruiting IL-1β-Producing Myeloid Cells that Promote Pathogenic T Cells

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a major mediator of tissue inflammation in many autoimmune diseases. Anti-IL-17A is an effective treatment for psoriasis and is showing promise in clinical trials in multiple sclerosis. In this study, we find that IL-17A-defective mice or mice treated with anti-IL-17A at induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) are resistant to disease and have defective priming of IL-17-secreting γδ T (γδT17) cells and Th17 cells. However, T cells from Il17a^-/- mice induce EAE in wild-type mice following in vitro culture with autoantigen, IL-1β, and IL-23. Furthermore, treatment with IL-1β or IL-17A at induction of EAE restores disease in Il17a^-/- mice. Importantly, mobilization of IL-1β-producing neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes and activation of γδT17 cells is reduced in Il17a^-/- mice. Our findings demonstrate that a key function of IL-17A in central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity is to recruit IL-1β-secreting myeloid cells that prime pathogenic γδT17 and Th17 cells.

Current and New Approaches for Mucosal Vaccine Delivery

Mucosal surfaces are the interface between the host’s internal milieu and the external environment, and they have dual functions, serving as physical barriers to foreign antigens and as accepting sites for vital materials. Mucosal vaccines are more favored to prevent mucosal infections from the portal of entry. Although mucosal vaccination has many advantages, licensed mucosal vaccines are scarce. The most widely studied mucosal routes are oral and intranasal. Licensed oral and intranasal vaccines are composed mostly of whole cell killed or live attenuated microorganisms serving as both delivery systems and built-in adjuvants. Future mucosal vaccines should be made with more purified antigen components, which will be relatively less immunogenic. To induce robust protective immune responses against well-purified vaccine antigens, an effective mucosal delivery system is an essential requisite. Recent developments in biomaterials and nanotechnology have enabled many innovative mucosal vaccine trials. For oral vaccination, the vaccine delivery system should be able to stably carry antigens and adjuvants and resist harsh physicochemical conditions in the stomach and intestinal tract. Besides many nano/microcarrier tools generated by using natural and chemical materials, the development of oral vaccine delivery systems using food materials should be more robustly researched to expand vaccine coverage of gastrointestinal infections in developing countries. For intranasal vaccination, the vaccine delivery system should survive the very active mucociliary clearance mechanisms and prove safety because of the anatomical location of nasal cavity separated by a thin barrier. Future mucosal vaccine carriers, regardless of administration routes, should have certain common characteristics. They should maintain stability in given environments, be mucoadhesive, and have the ability to target specific tissues and cells.

Post-operative complications in patients with a significant post-operative decrease in γδT cells

BACKGROUND

It has previously been shown that appropriate distribution of immune cells between different tissues and organs of the body is required for proper function of the immune system. Our previous work demonstrated that surgical trauma in mice induces γδT lymphocyte migration from peripheral blood to the peritoneal lymphoid organs. These described γδT cells have immunoregulatory activity as they suppress the cell-mediated immune response in vitro. We found a similar phenomenon in patients after different surgical operations. In the current study, we analyse post-operative complications in patients with a significant post-operative decrease in γδT cells.

METHODS

We investigated the percentage of γδT cells in peripheral blood of patients undergoing standard surgical procedures (gastric resection, colorectal resection, cholecystectomy and strumectomy) before and 3 days after the operation. The percentage of γδT cells was evaluated by the fluorescence-activated cell sorting cytofluorimeter. Patients were grouped based on the decrease of γδT cells. We compared the number of septic complications in patients with a large and small decrease in γδT cells.

RESULTS

After major surgery in the peritoneal cavity (gastric and colorectal surgery), in the group that had a large decrease in γδT cells we found significantly more septic complications than in the group of patients with small γδT decrease. That effect was not visible after less traumatic surgery.

CONCLUSION

Surgery results in a decreased percentage of γδT lymphocytes in the peripheral human blood which correlates with the number of septic complications. This observation may help to predict post-operative recovery after gastroabdominal surgery.

Tocilizumab attenuates acute lung and kidney injuries and improves survival in a rat model of sepsis via down-regulation of NF-κB/JNK: a possible role of P-glycoprotein

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are major causes of sepsis-induced mortality. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL-6 receptor inhibitor, in sepsis-induced ALI and AKI using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) rat model of sepsis. Clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated the importance of IL-6 in sepsis; however, the role of TCZ has not been investigated. Rats subjected to CLP developed histological evidence of ALI and AKI at 24 h. We found that TCZ alleviated sepsis-induced ALI and AKI as evidenced by improvements in various pathological changes, a significant reduction in the lung wet/dry weight ratio and total protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and a significant decrease in the elevated serum level of creatinine (CR) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). TCZ induced an increase in the survival rate of treated rats. Additionally, TCZ markedly inhibited sepsis-induced pulmonary and renal inflammatory responses. Moreover, we found that treatment with TCZ inhibited oxidative stress and apoptosis in lung and kidney tissue. TCZ treatment significantly inhibited NF-κB activation, attenuating JNK signaling pathway and significantly up-regulated P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression in pulmonary as well as in renal tissues. Our data provide novel evidence that TCZ has a protective effect against sepsis-induced ALI and AKI by blocking IL-6 receptor signaling. This could provide a molecular basis for a new medical treatment for sepsis-induced ALI and AKI.

A multivariate Th17 metagene for prognostic stratification in T cell non-inflamed triple negative breast cancer

A diversity of T helper (Th) subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17) has been identified in the human tumor microenvironment. In breast cancer, the role of Th subsets remains controversial, and a systematic study integrating Th subset diversity, T cell inflammation, breast cancer molecular subtypes, and patient prognosis, is lacking. In primary untreated breast cancer samples, we analyzed 19 Th cytokines at the protein level. Eight were T cell-specific, and subsequently measured in 106 prospectively-collected untreated samples. The dominant Th cytokines across all breast cancer samples were IFN-γ and IL-2. Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) were expressed at low levels and not associated with any breast cancer subtype. Th17 cytokines (IL-17A and IL-17F) were up-regulated in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), specifically in T cell non-inflamed tumors. In order to get insight into prognosis, we exploited the METABRIC transcriptomic dataset. We derived Th1, Th2, and Th17 metagenes based on manually curated Th signatures, and found that a high Th17 metagene was of good prognosis in T cell non-inflamed TNBC. Multivariate Cox modeling selected the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), Th2 and Th17 metagenes as additive predictors of breast cancer-specific survival, which defined novel and highly distinct prognostic groups within TNBC. Our results reveal that Th17 is a novel prognostic composite biomarker in T cell non-inflamed TNBC.

Integrating immune cell and tumor molecular diversity is an efficient strategy for prognostic stratification of cancer patients.

Self-destructing Salmonella via temperature induced gene E of phage PhiX174 improves influenza HA DNA vaccine immune protection against H1N1 infection in mice model

The delivery of DNA vaccines is the principle impediment for implementation of DNA vaccination on a mass scale. In this study, we report a temperature induced conditionally expressed phage PhiX174 gene E mediated lysis of Salmonella under in vivo conditions that can increase the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine delivered via Salmonella carrier system. We electroporated gene E encoding lysis plasmid pJHL187 along with the pcDNA-HA plasmid encoding H1N1 HA into attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium, strain JOL1893. Using C57BL/6 mice as the model, we showed that the mice intragastrically vaccinated with JOL1893 induced significant production of HA-specific humoral and cell mediated immune responses compared to the JOL1837, which carry pcDNA-HA plasmid alone. Furthermore, mice vaccinated with JOL1893 vaccine were fully protected against the lethal H1N1 challenge compared to the JOL1837 strain, which showed 90% protection only. However, none of the animals survived treated with either the PBS or the Salmonella carrying empty vector. Taken together, our results indicate that mucosal immunization with conditional lysis enabled live attenuated S. Typhimurium as a DNA vaccine carrier can induce efficient systemic and mucosal immune responses, and improves immune protection against a highly pathogenic H1N1 infection in mice model.

Interleukin-17 expression in the serum and exfoliated cervical cells of patients infected with high-risk oncogenic human papillomavirus

Persistent infection by high-risk oncogenic human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions, and both the systemic and local immunological responses play an important role in eliminating or maintenance this infection. Th17 cells, as well as interleukin (IL)-17, are related to tumor growth and persistence of viral infection. Thus, this study aimed to quantify IL-17 in the serum and exfoliated cervical cells of HR-HPV-infected patients and healthy patients as well as identify CD4⁺IL17⁺ cells and IL-17 production in uterine cervix biopsies to better understand the behavior of this cytokine in HPV infections. IL-17 was quantified (pg/mL) in the serum and exfoliated cervical cells of 26 HR-HPV-infected patients, and in 18 healthy patients, using flow cytometry. Fifteen paraffin-embedded biopsy samples from the uterine cervix were subjected to immunohistochemistry to detect CD4⁺IL-17⁺ and IL-17⁺ cells. There was a significant increase in the concentration of IL-17 in HR-HPV-positive patients' serum when compared to that in samples of exfoliated cervical cells (p < 0.05). Likewise, when compared with that in healthy patients, the IL-17 concentration was still higher in HR-HPV-positive patients sera (p < 0.05). We did not find differences in the amount of CD4⁺IL-17⁺ cells and other IL-17-secreting cells between different histopathological lesions. Our results suggest that HR-HPV infection predominantly stimulates systemic IL-17 production along with less localized expression.

Th17 immune response to adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) hold the promise of achieving successful immunotherapeutic results due to their ability to regulate different T-cell fate. ASCs also show significant adaptability to environmental stresses by modulating their immunologic profile. Cell-based therapy for inflammatory diseases requires a detailed understanding of the molecular relation between ASCs and Th17 lymphocytes taking into account the influence of inflammation and cell ratio on such interaction. Accordingly, a dose-dependent increase in Th17 generation was only observed in high MSC:T-cell ratio with no significant impact of inflammatory priming. IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) expression by T cells was not modulated by ASCs when compared to levels in activated T cells, while ROR-γt expression was significantly increased reaching a maximum in high (1:5) unprimed ASC:T-cell ratio. Finally, multiplex immunoassay showed substantial changes in the secretory profile of 15 cytokines involved in the Th17 immune response (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-21, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, IFN-γ, sCD40, and TNF-α), which was modulated by both cell ratio and inflammatory priming. These findings suggest that Th17 lymphocyte pathway is significantly modulated by ASCs that may lead to immunological changes. Therefore, future ASC-based immunotherapy should take into account the complex and detailed molecular interactions that depend on several factors including inflammatory priming and cell ratio.

Regulation of autoimmune disease by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch

Itch is a HECT type E3 ubiquitin ligase that is required to prevent the development of autoimmune disease in both mice and humans. Itch is expressed in most mammalian cell types, and, based on published data, it regulates many cellular pathways ranging from T cell differentiation to liver tumorigenesis. Since 1998, when Itch was first discovered, hundreds of publications have described mechanisms through which Itch controls various biologic activities in both immune and non-immune cells. Other studies have provided insight into how Itch catalytic activity is regulated. However, while autoimmunity is the primary clinical feature that occurs in both mice and humans lacking Itch, and Itch control of immune cell function has been well-studied, it remains unclear how Itch prevents the emergence of autoimmune disease. In this review, we explore recent discoveries that advance our understanding of how Itch regulates immune cell biology, and the extent to which these clarify how Itch prevents autoimmune disease. Additionally, we discuss how molecular regulators of Itch impact its ability to control these processes, as this may provide clues on how to therapeutically target Itch to treat patients with autoimmune disease.