Evaluation of Secreted Cytokines by Multiplex Bead-Based Assay (X MAP Technology, Luminex)

The impact on the quality of life and sleep complaints in a vitiligo sample and the influence of inflammatory cytokines in the interaction between vitiligo and sleep

INTRODUCTION

Vitiligo is an autoimmune dermatosis that affects quality of life, which englobes sleep quality. Sleep regulates the immune system, including inflammatory cytokines, and other pathways, which may influence vitiligo pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze levels of immune serum components (cytokines) in a vitiligo group, and assess whether there was any association with sleep.

METHODS

This study comprised 30 vitiligo patients and 26 control individuals. Quality of life and sleep questionnaires were completed [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)]. Seven cytokines have been measured: IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-12 p40 and TNF-α.

RESULTS

The mean age of the vitiligo group was 47.7 years-old, with prevalence of females (66.7 %). Mucosal (70 %), acral (60 %) and focal subtype (53.3 %) predominated. Signs of vitiligo activity were identified in 63.3 % of the disease sample. Total PSQI scores and scores for domain 4 (sleep efficiency) were statistically worse in vitiligo group. The SF-36 and ISI total scores were worse in the vitiligo group, although not statistically significant compared with controls. Four SF-36 domains were statistically worse in vitiligo sample, and the DLQI mean score was mild to moderate (5.57). Cytokine levels were not different between groups, or when associated with PSQI. Higher ISI scores (more severe insomnia) were related to increased IL-17A. Higher IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were associated with previous phototherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor sleep and impaired aspects of quality of life predominated in the vitiligo sample. Insomnia was related to IL-17A increase in vitiligo. Increased levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were related to previous ultraviolet B narrow band (UVB-NB) phototherapy, suggesting an interaction of this treatment on immune system. Sleep disruption and the course of vitiligo may have common pathways in respect of circadian cytokines, which may represent an important subject in vitiligo management.

Innate immune imprints in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection convalescents

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection generally gives rise to asymptomatic to moderate COVID-19 in vaccinated people. The immune cells can be reprogrammed or "imprinted" by vaccination and infections to generate protective immunity against subsequent challenges. Considering the immune imprint in Omicron infection is unclear, here we delineate the innate immune landscape of human Omicron infection via single-cell RNA sequencing, surface proteome profiling, and plasma cytokine quantification. We found that monocyte responses predominated in immune imprints of Omicron convalescents, with IL-1β-associated and interferon (IFN)-responsive signatures with mild and moderate symptoms, respectively. Low-density neutrophils increased and exhibited IL-1β-associated and IFN-responsive signatures similarly. Mild convalescents had increased blood IL-1β, CCL4, IL-9 levels and PI3⁺ neutrophils, indicating a bias to IL-1β responsiveness, while moderate convalescents had increased blood CXCL10 and IFN-responsive monocytes, suggesting durative IFN responses. Therefore, IL-1β- or IFN-responsiveness of myeloid cells may indicate the disease severity of Omicron infection and mediate post-COVID conditions.

At Embryo Implantation Site IL-35 Secreted by Trophoblast, Polarizing T Cells towards IL-35+ IL-10+ IL-4+ Th2-Type Cells, Could Favour Fetal Allograft Tolerance and Pregnancy Success

We investigated the role of rhIL-35, at low concentrations compatible with those produced by human trophoblast cells (less than 1 ng/mL), on human T helper (Th) cell functions and the presence of decidual IL-35-producing Th cells in human pregnancy. We found that human trophoblast cells produced IL-35 but not IL-4 or IL-10. RhIL-35, at concentrations produced by human trophoblasts, polarized T cells towards IL-35+, IL-10+, IL-4+ Th2-type cells and to Foxp3+ EBI3+ p35+ T reg cells producing IL-35 but not IL-10 and IL-4. Moreover, rhIL-35 at low concentrations did not suppress the proliferation of Th cells but stimulated IL-4 and IL-10 production by established Th clones. In particular, Th1-type clones acquired the capacity to produce IL-4. In addition, purified human trophoblast cell supernatants containing IL-35 upregulated IL-4 and IL-10 production by Th clones. Finally, IL-35+, IL-10+, IL-4+ Th2-type cells, which were found to be induced by low concentrations of IL-35 compatible with those produced by human trophoblasts, are exclusively present in the decidua of a successful pregnancy and at the embryo implantation site, suggesting their stringent dependence on trophoblast cells. Thus, the proximity of Th cells to IL-35-producing trophoblasts could be the determining factor for the differentiation of IL-35+, IL-10+, IL-4+ Th2-type cells that are crucial for human pregnancy success.