The functionality of African-specific variants in the TGFB1 regulatory region and their potential role in HIVAN

The protective and pathogenic role of Th17 cell plasticity and function in the tumor microenvironment

At the turn of the century, researchers discovered a unique subtype of T helper cells that secretes IL-17 and defined it as Th17. The latest study found that Th17 cells play both positive and negative definitive roles in the regulation of antitumor immune responses. Although the function of Th17 in the tumor microenvironment remains poorly understood, more and more studies have shown that this paradoxical dual role is closely related to the plasticity of Th17 cells in recent decades. Further understanding of the characteristics of Th17 cells in the tumor microenvironment could yield novel and useful therapeutic approaches to treat cancer. In this review, we further present the high plasticity of Th17 cells and the function of Th17-producing IL-17 in tumor immunity.

Mast cells as important regulators in the development of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune skin disease mediated by genetic and environmental factors. As a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, mast cells are involved in the initiation, development, and maintenance of psoriasis by interactions and communication with a variety of cells. The current review describes interactions of mast cells with T cells, Tregs, keratinocytes, adipocytes, and sensory neurons in psoriasis to emphasize the important role of mast cell-centered cell networks in psoriasis.

Urinary Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 (uTGF-β1) and Prevalent CKD Risk in HIV-Positive Patients in West Africa

Introduction

This study investigated the association of urinary transforming growth factor-β1 (uTGF-β1) with prevalent chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the HIV-infected population.

Methods

HIV-positive patients without CKD (HIV⁺CKD^-, n = 194) and 114 with CKD (HIV⁺CKD⁺) who did not have hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or hepatitis B or C, had their urinary protein-creatinine ratio (uPCR), serum transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and uTGF-β1 measured. uTGF-β1-creatinine ratios (uTGF-β1Cr) were calculated. Spearman correlation was used to determine the association between uTGF-β1Cr and various attributes, and the Cuzick trend test was used to assess the presence of a linear trend in median uTGF-β1Cr levels across the stages of CKD. Multivariable robust linear regression models were used to assess independent association with variability in uTGF-β1Cr and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels.

Results

The age of the participants was 38.3 ± 10.3 years with 73.4% women. The median uTGF-β1Cr was higher among HIV⁺CKD⁺ (4.85 ng/mmol [25th-75th percentile 1.96-12.35] vs. 2.95 [1.02-5.84]; P = 0.001]). There was significant correlation between uTGF-β1Cr and age (P = 0.02), eGFR (P = 0.001), and uPCR (P < 0.001) in the HIV⁺CKD⁺ group. Among the HIV⁺CKD⁺ patients, there was gradual reduction in the median level of uTGF-β1Cr with CKD severity (P = 0.04). HIV⁺CKD⁺ patients had significantly higher levels of uTGF-β1Cr after controlling for potential confounders. Using eGFR as dependent variable, proteinuria explained the changes associated with uTGF-β1Cr levels.

Conclusion

HIV⁺CKD⁺ patients express higher levels of uTGF-β1 especially in the early stages of CKD apparently related to proteinuria levels.