Dendritic cell subsets and locations

Unveiling the Role of the Cellular Tumor Microenvironment and the Therapeutic Targets it Provides in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) poses challenges both in diagnosis and prognosis. The purpose of this review is to address the role of profiling immune and non-immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) as it provides information for better diagnosis, prognosis, biomarker discovery, and personalized treatment strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent evidence suggests that the progression of CTCL is closely linked to the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) which comprises various cell types including immune cells, stromal cells, blood vessels, and the extracellular matrix. Cell profiling within the TME demonstrates the perplexity of intracellular communication of the different cell fates and their mediators as the disease progresses. CTCL as a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma often misdiagnosed due to its similarity to other skin conditions. It encompasses diseases like Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS), with the latter being more severe. Advances in studying the TME have shown its pivotal role in CTCL progression, highlighting the need for comprehensive cell profiling to enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment personalization.

Cell-based immunotherapy in oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer (EC) is among the most common illnesses globally, and its prognosis is unfavourable. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the primary therapy options for EC. Despite the occasional efficacy of these traditional treatment modalities, individuals with EC remain at a significant risk for local recurrence and metastasis. Consequently, innovative and efficacious medicines are required. In recent decades, clinical practice has effectively implemented cell therapy, which includes both stem cell and non-stem cell-based approaches, as an innovative tumour treatment, offering renewed hope to patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This paper examines the theoretical framework and contemporary advancements in cell treatment for individuals with EC. We further described current clinical studies and summarised essential data related to survival and safety assessments.

The progress of tumor vaccines clinical trials in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a significant global health challenge, with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. Tumor vaccines have emerged as a potential therapeutic approach, aiming to stimulate the immune system to specifically target tumor cells.

METHODS

This study screened 283 clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov through July 31, 2023. After excluding data that did not meet the inclusion criteria, a total of 108 trials were assessed. Data on registered number, study title, study status, vaccine types, study results, conditions, interventions, outcome measures, sponsor, collaborators, drug target, phases, enrollment, start date, completion date and locations were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

The number of vaccines clinical trials for NSCLC has continued to increase in recent years, the majority of which were conducted in the United States. Most of the clinical trials were at stages ranging from Phase I to Phase II. Peptide-based vaccines accounted for the largest proportion. Others include tumor cell vaccines, DNA/RNA vaccines, viral vector vaccines, and DC vaccines. Several promising tumor vaccine candidates have shown encouraging results in early-phase clinical trials. However, challenges such as heterogeneity of tumor antigens and immune escape mechanisms still need to be addressed.

CONCLUSION

Tumor vaccines represent a promising avenue in the treatment of NSCLC. Ongoing clinical trials are crucial for optimizing vaccine strategies and identifying the most effective combinations. Further research is needed to overcome existing limitations and translate these promising findings into clinical practice, offering new hope for NSCLC patients.

Recent progress in cancer vaccines and nanovaccines

Vaccine science, nanotechnology, and immunotherapy are at the forefront of cancer treatment strategies, each offering significant potential for enhancing tumor-specific immunity and establishing long-lasting immune memory to prevent tumor recurrence. Despite the promise of these personalized and precision-based anti-cancer approaches, challenges such as immunosuppression, suboptimal immune activation, and T-cell exhaustion continue to hinder their effectiveness. The limited clinical success of cancer vaccines often stems from difficulties in identifying effective antigens, efficiently targeting immune cells, lymphoid organs, and the tumor microenvironment, overcoming immune evasion, enhancing immunogenicity, and avoiding lysosomal degradation. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that integrating nanotechnology with immunotherapeutic strategies in vaccine development can overcome these challenges, leading to potent antitumor immune responses and significant progress in the field. This review highlights the critical components of cancer vaccine and nanovaccine strategies for immunomodulatory antitumor therapy. It covers general vaccine strategies, types of vaccines, antigen forms, nanovaccine platforms, challenges faced, potential solutions, and key findings from preclinical and clinical studies, along with future perspectives. To fully unlock the potential of cancer vaccines and nanovaccines, precise immunological monitoring during early-phase trials is essential. This approach will help identify and address obstacles, ultimately expanding the available options for patients who are resistant to conventional cancer immunotherapies.

Myelin-reactive CD8+ T cells influence conventional dendritic cell subsets towards a mature and regulatory phenotype in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, is modeled in mice as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). While CD4+ T cells, primarily Th1 and Th17 subsets, drive disease pathogenesis, the exact function of CD8+ T cells remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that adoptively transferred myelin-reactive CD8+ T cells (PLP-CD8) prevent EAE induction and suppress ongoing disease through the engagement of MHC Class-I in recipient mice. Here, we show that PLP-CD8 induce regulatory changes in both subsets of conventional dendritic cells (cDC1 and CD11b+ cDC) in vivo and in vitro. Adoptively transferred PLP-CD8 promoted both cDC subsets to adopt a mature and regulatory phenotype with an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and a reduced capacity to support CD4+ T cell proliferation. In vitro, PLP-CD8 induced similar phenotypic changes in both cDC subsets in an antigen-specific, dose-dependent manner. PLP-CD8 directly interacted with cDC1 and indirectly influenced CD11b+ cDC through paracrine signaling. Notably, direct interaction with PLP-CD8 had detrimental effects on CD11b+ cDC. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of key immunoregulatory genes, such as Foxo3, in both cDC subsets with enrichment of pathways involved in immune regulation and T cell differentiation. Our study highlights a novel mechanism in which myelin-reactive CD8+ T cells directly interact with cDC1 and modulate CD11b+ cDC through paracrine mechanisms to induce mature, regulatory dendritic cells, which leads to inhibited CD4+ T cell responses and reduced EAE pathogenesis.

Emerging insights into the gut microbiota as a key regulator of immunity and response to immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

The gut microbiota, a complex microbial ecosystem closely connected to the liver via the portal vein, has emerged as a critical regulator of liver health and disease. Numerous studies have underscored its role in the onset and progression of liver disorders, including alcoholic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review provides a comprehensive overview of current insights into the influence of the gut microbiota on HCC progression, particularly its effects on immune cells within the HCC tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we explore the potential of gut microbiota-targeted interventions, such as antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), to modulate the immune response and improve outcomes of immunotherapy in HCC. By synthesizing insights from recent studies, this review aims to highlight microbiota-based strategies that may enhance immunotherapy outcomes, advancing personalized approaches in HCC treatment.

Ebola Virus Infection of Flt3-Dependent, Conventional Dendritic Cells and Antigen Cross-presentation Leads to High Levels of T-Cell Activation

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have described that Ebola virus (EBOV) infection of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) inhibits dendritic cell (DC) maturation, resulting in poor T-cell activation. However, it is unknown how other DC subsets distinct from moDCs respond to EBOV infection.

METHODS

To better understand how DCs initiate T-cell activation during EBOV infection, we assessed the response of conventional mouse DCs (cDCs) to EBOV infection utilizing a recombinant EBOV expressing the model antigen ovalbumin.

RESULTS

In contrast to moDCs, mouse cDC2s and cDC1s were poorly infected with EBOV but were highly activated. DCs were able to prime CD8 T cells via cross-presentation of antigens obtained from cell debris of EBOV-infected cells. EBOV infection further enhanced DC cross-presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that EBOV infection of cDCs results in activation rather than inhibition, leading to high levels of T-cell activation. With that we propose a mechanistic explanation for the excess T-cell activation observed in human Ebola virus disease.

Role of innate immune cells in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). MS is associated with a complex interplay between neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes, mostly attributed to pathogenic T and B cells. However, a growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that innate immunity plays a crucial role in MS promotion and progression. Accordingly, preclinical and clinical studies targeting different innate immune cells to control MS are currently under study, highlighting the importance of innate immunity in this pathology. Here, we reviewed recent findings regarding the role played by innate immune cells in the pathogenesis of MS. Additionally, we discuss potential new treatments for MS based on targets against innate immune components.

Leukemia-Derived Dendritic Cells Induce Anti-Leukemic Effects Ex Vivo in AML Independently of Patients' Clinical and Biological Features

New therapies are highly needed to stabilize remission in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study investigates the value of dendritic cells derived from leukemic blasts (DCleu) to enhance anti-leukemic immunity after T-cell-enriched mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLCs). We correlated induced anti-leukemic activity with patient data, including biological, clinical and prognostic factors. Additionally, we correlated the frequencies of DC/DCleu and leukemic-specific T cells with the achieved anti-leukemic activity after MLC. We show that mature DC/DCleu can be generated using the immunomodulating Kit-M, which contains granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating-factor (GM-CSF) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), without inducing blast proliferation from leukemic whole blood (WB) samples. Activated leukemia-specific immune and memory cells increased after MLC with Kit-M-pretreated WB, leading to improved blast lysis. Enhanced anti-leukemic activity positively correlated with the frequencies of generated DC/DCleu, proliferating leukemic-specific T cells and memory T cells, but not with leukemic blast counts, hemoglobin levels or platelet counts at diagnosis. No correlation was found between improved blast lysis and patients' prognostic data, including age, gender, ELN risk groups, disease stage and response to induction chemotherapy. These findings underscore the potential of DC/DCleu to evoke robust immune responses and potential immunological memory against AML. Overall, this innovative approach could pave the way for the development of improved immunotherapeutic strategies that function in vivo.

Extracellular vesicles in tumor immunity: mechanisms and novel insights

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells, have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their role in tumor immunomodulation. These vesicles facilitate intercellular communication by transporting proteins, nucleic acids, and other biologically active substances, and they exhibit a dual role in tumor development and immune evasion mechanisms. Specifically, EVs can assist tumor cells in evading immune surveillance and attack by impairing immune cell function or modulating immunosuppressive pathways, thereby promoting tumor progression and metastasis. Conversely, they can also transport and release immunomodulatory factors that stimulate the activation and regulation of the immune system, enhancing the body's capacity to combat malignant diseases. This dual functionality of EVs presents promising avenues and targets for tumor immunotherapy. By examining the biological characteristics of EVs and their influence on tumor immunity, novel therapeutic strategies can be developed to improve the efficacy and relevance of cancer treatment. This review delineates the complex role of EVs in tumor immunomodulation and explores their potential implications for cancer therapeutic approaches, aiming to establish a theoretical foundation and provide practical insights for the advancement of future EVs-based cancer immunotherapy strategies.

Autologous Human Dendritic Cells from XDR-TB Patients Polarize a Th1 Response Which Is Bactericidal to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is a public health concern as drug resistance is outpacing the drug development pipeline. Alternative immunotherapeutic approaches are needed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from pre-XDR/XDR-TB (n = 25) patients and LTBI (n = 18) participants. Thereafter, monocytic-derived dendritic cells (mo-DCs) were co-cultured with M. tb antigens, with/without a maturation cocktail (interferon-γ, interferon-α, CD40L, IL-1β, and TLR3 and TLR7/8 agonists). Two peptide pools were evaluated: (i) an ECAT peptide pool (ESAT6, CFP10, Ag85B, and TB10.4 peptides) and (ii) a PE/PPE peptide pool. Sonicated lysate of the M. tb HN878 strain served as a control. Mo-DCs were assessed for DC maturation markers, Th1 cytokines, and the ability of the DC-primed PBMCs to restrict the growth of M. tb-infected monocyte-derived macrophages. In pre-XDR/XDR-TB, mo-DCs matured with M. tb antigens (ECAT or PE/PPE peptide pool, or HN878 lysate) + cocktail, compared to mo-DCs matured with M. tb antigens only, showed higher upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules and IL-12p70 (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The matured mo-DCs had enhanced antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses to ESAT-6 (p = 0.05) and Ag85B (p = 0.03). Containment was higher with mo-DCs matured with the PE/PPE peptide pool cocktail versus mo-DCs matured with the PE/PPE peptide pool (p = 0.0002). Mo-DCs matured with the PE/PPE peptide pool + cocktail achieved better containment than the ECAT peptide pool + cocktail [50%, (IQR:39-75) versus 46%, (IQR:15-62); p = 0.02]. In patients with pre-XDR/XDR-TB, an effector response primed by mo-DCs matured with an ECAT or PE/PPE peptide pool + cocktail was capable of restricting the growth of M. tb in vitro.

Impact of HPV Types and Dendritic Cells on Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis' Aggressiveness

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the associations between dendritic cells, HPV 6 and 11, and Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) aggressiveness.

METHODS

The Derkay score was calculated using information obtained from the medical records. Biopsies from 36 patients with juvenile RRP (JRRP) and 43 adult RRP (ARRP) patients were analyzed under light microscopy, and their clinical data were collected. Immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies against CD83, CD1a, Factor XIIIa, and S100 was performed, and inflammatory cells were quantified. Data obtained were analyzed using the chi-squared test, in addition to the Mann-Whitney and Z tests for two proportions, considering a confidence interval of 95% and p < 0.05 as statistically significant.

RESULTS

A higher quantity of S100 was identified in the epithelium (p < 0.001) and in the conjunctive tissue (p = 0.027) among the ARRP cases, while CD83 (p = 0.025) and Factor XIIIa (p = 0.018), both in the epithelium, were identified among the JRRP cases. We observed significant association between a higher quantity of CD83 in the epithelium in the juvenile group with a low Derkay index (p = 0.034) and with HPV 6 (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

An increased quantity of dendritic cells is present in individuals diagnosed with RRP, regardless of age, and this may be related to the lower Derkay index, regardless of the HPV type detected.

Functional analysis of yak alveolar type II epithelial cells at high and low altitudes based on single-cell sequencing

The adaptation of lung cells to high-altitude environments represents a notable gap in our understanding of how animals cope with hypoxic conditions. Alveolar epithelial cells type II (AEC II) are crucial for lung development and repair. However, their, specific role in the adaptation of yaks to high-altitude environments remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to address this gap by investigating the differential responses of AEC II in yaks at high and low altitudes (4000 m and 2600 m, respectively). We used the 10 × scRNA-seq technology to construct a comprehensive cell atlas of yak lung tissue, and identified 15 distinct cell classes. AEC II in high-altitude yaks revealed increased immunomodulatory, adhesive, and metabolic activities, which are crucial for maintaining lung tissue stability and energy supply under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, alveolar epithelial progenitor cells within AEC II can differentiate into both Alveolar epithelial cell type I (AEC I) and AEC II. SHIP1 and other factors are promoters of AEC I transdifferentiation, whereas SFTPC and others promote AEC II transdifferentiation. This study provides new insights into the evolutionary adaptation of lung cells in plateau animals by elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying AEC II adaptation to high-altitude environments.

Dendritic cells in triple-negative breast cancer: From pathophysiology to therapeutic applications

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is a highly heterogeneous disease, consisting of multiple subtypes that vary significantly in clinical characteristics and survival outcomes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive and challenging subtype of breast cancer. Several immunotherapeutic approaches have been tested in patients with TNBC to improve disease outcomes, including the administration of dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines. DCs are a heterogeneous cell population that play a crucial role in bridging the innate and adaptive immune systems. Therefore, DCs have been increasingly used in cancer vaccines due to their ability to prime and boost antigen specific T-cell immune responses. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of TNBC, including potential targets and pharmacological strategies, as well as an overview of DCs and their relevance in TNBC. In addition, we review ongoing clinical trials and shed light on the evolving landscape of DC-based immunotherapy for TNBC.

Advanced Immunomodulatory Biomaterials for Therapeutic Applications

The multifaceted biological defense system modulating complex immune responses against pathogens and foreign materials plays a critical role in tissue homeostasis and disease progression. Recently developed biomaterials that can specifically regulate immune responses, nanoparticles, graphene, and functional hydrogels have contributed to the advancement of tissue engineering as well as disease treatment. The interaction between innate and adaptive immunity, collectively determining immune responses, can be regulated by mechanobiological recognition and adaptation of immune cells to the extracellular microenvironment. Therefore, applying immunomodulation to tissue regeneration and cancer therapy involves manipulating the properties of biomaterials by tailoring their composition in the context of the immune system. This review provides a comprehensive overview of how the physicochemical attributes of biomaterials determine immune responses, focusing on the physical properties that influence innate and adaptive immunity. This review also underscores the critical aspect of biomaterial-based immune engineering for the development of novel therapeutics and emphasizes the importance of understanding the biomaterials-mediated immunological mechanisms and their role in modulating the immune system.

Dendritic cells immunotargeted therapy for atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is markedly influenced by both immune and inflammatory reactions throughout its progression. Dendritic cells, as pivotal antigen-presenting entities, play a crucial role in the initiation of immune responses and the preservation of immunological homeostasis. Accumulating data indicates that dendritic cells are present in healthy arteries and accumulate significantly in atherosclerotic plaques. Novel immunotherapeutic approaches and vaccination protocols have yielded substantial clinical advancements in managing chronic inflammatory diseases, with dendritic cell-centric modalities emerging for atherosclerotic management. In this review, we delineate the essential functions and underlying mechanisms of dendritic cells and their subsets in the modulation of atherosclerotic inflammation and immune responses. We underscore the immense promise of dendritic cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies, including vaccines and innovative combinations with nanotechnological drug delivery platforms for atherosclerosis treatment. We also discuss the challenges associated with dendritic cell immunotherapy and provide perspectives on the future direction of this field.

Concentration-dependent effects of immunomodulatory cocktails on the generation of leukemia-derived dendritic cells, DCleu mediated T-cell activation and on-target/off-tumor toxicity

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a devastating diagnosis in clear need of therapeutic advances. Both targeted dendritic cells (DC) and particularly leukemia-derived dendritic cells (DCleu) can exert potent anti-leukemic activity. By converting AML blasts into immune activating and leukemia-antigen presenting cells, DC/DCleu-generating protocols can induce immune responses against AML blasts. Such protocols combine approved response modifiers (i.e., GM-CSF and PGE1/OK-432/PGE2) that synergistically improve the conversion of AML blasts into (mature) DC/DCleu. To guide potential clinical application of these response modifiers, we analyzed three different DC-generating protocols that combine a constant GM-CSF dose with varying concentrations of PGE1 (Kit-M), OK-432 (Kit-I), and PGE2 (Kit-K). Here, we specifically aimed to assess how different response modifier concentrations impact DC/DCleu generation, immune cell activation and leukemic blast lysis. We found that all immunomodulatory kits were effective in generating mature and leukemia-derived DCs from healthy and leukemic whole blood. For Kit-M, we noted optimal generation of DC-subsets at intermediary concentration ranges of PGE1 (0.25-4.0 µg/mL), which facilitated upregulation of activated and memory T-cells upon mixed lymphocyte culture, and efficient anti-leukemic activity in cytotoxicity assays. For Kit-I, we observed DC/DCleu generation and enhanced T- and immune cell activation across a broader range of OK-432 concentrations (5-40 µg/mL), which also facilitated improved leukemic blast killing. In conclusion, our results highlight that Kit-mediated DC/DCleu generation, immune cell activation and blast lysis are dependent on the concentration of response modifiers, which will guide future clinical development. Overall, DCleu-based immunotherapy represents a promising treatment strategy for AML patients.

Short-Chain Fatty Acids: Promising Therapeutic Targets for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

The intestinal microbiota is a complex community of organisms present in the human gastrointestinal tract, some of which can produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through the fermentation of dietary fiber. SCFAs play a major role in mediating the intestinal microbiota's regulation of host immunity and intestinal homeostasis. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause an imbalance between anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory responses in the host. In addition, changes in SCFA levels and the structure of the intestinal microbiota have been observed after RSV infection. Therefore, there may be a link between SCFAs and RSV infection, and SCFAs are expected to be therapeutic targets for RSV infection.

The characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer with different MSI status and current therapeutic strategies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the effectiveness of these conventional treatments is limited, particularly in advanced cases. Therefore, transition to novel treatment is urgently needed. Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has shown promise in improving outcomes for CRC patients. Notably, patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors often benefit from ICIs, while the majority of CRC cases, which exhibit proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) or microsatellite-stable (MSS) status, generally show resistance to this approach. It is assumed that the MSI phenotype cause some changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), thus triggering antitumor immunity and leading to response to immunotherapy. Understanding these differences in the TME relative to MSI status is essential for developing more effective therapeutic strategies. This review provides an overview of the TME components in CRC and explores current approaches aimed at enhancing ICI efficacy in MSS CRC.

Harnessing the tumor microenvironment: targeted cancer therapies through modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is integral to cancer progression, impacting metastasis and treatment response. It consists of diverse cell types, extracellular matrix components, and signaling molecules that interact to promote tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Elucidating the intricate interactions between cancer cells and the TME is crucial in understanding cancer progression and therapeutic challenges. A critical process induced by TME signaling is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), wherein epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits, which enhance their motility and invasiveness and promote metastasis and cancer progression. By targeting various components of the TME, novel investigational strategies aim to disrupt the TME's contribution to the EMT, thereby improving treatment efficacy, addressing therapeutic resistance, and offering a nuanced approach to cancer therapy. This review scrutinizes the key players in the TME and the TME's contribution to the EMT, emphasizing avenues to therapeutically disrupt the interactions between the various TME components. Moreover, the article discusses the TME's implications for resistance mechanisms and highlights the current therapeutic strategies toward TME modulation along with potential caveats.

SUGT1 is a prognostic biomarker and is associated with immune infiltrates in ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a prevalent gynecological malignancy with a relatively dismal prognosis. The SGT1 homolog (SUGT1) protein, which interacts with heat shock protein 90 and is essential for the G1/S and G2/M transitions, was formerly thought to be a cancer promoter, but its precise role in OC remains unknown.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of SUGT1 expression in patients with OC compared with their normal controls, including the data from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), genotype-tissue expression (GTEx) databases, gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encylopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). In addition, Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were applied to investigate the prognostic role of SUGT1 in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, we validated the expression of SUGT1 in OC and normal tissues through immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

SUGT1 was significantly overexpressed in OC than in normal tissues. In addition, the GO, KEGG and GSEA analysis revealed that SUGT1 was associated with the functions related to immunoglobulin complex, antigen binding, immunoglobulin receptor binding, among others. Besides, ssGSEA demonstrated a positive correlation between SUGT1 expression and the abundance of T central memory cells, natural killer cells, and T gamma delta cells, although it showed a negative association with activated dendritic cells, cytotoxic cells, T cells, and T helper 1 cells. Subsequently, KM survival analysis revealed that high SUGT1 expression indicated a shorter overall survival, disease specific survival and progression free interval in OC patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression revealed that SUGT1 could serve as an independent risk factor for prognosis of patients with OC.

CONCLUSIONS

All these results of this study show that SUGT1 is an important molecular component in immune infiltration in OC and may have a new significant prognostic role in OC.

Mucosal immune response in biology, disease prevention and treatment

The mucosal immune system, as the most extensive peripheral immune network, serves as the frontline defense against a myriad of microbial and dietary antigens. It is crucial in preventing pathogen invasion and establishing immune tolerance. A comprehensive understanding of mucosal immunity is essential for developing treatments that can effectively target diseases at their entry points, thereby minimizing the overall impact on the body. Despite its importance, our knowledge of mucosal immunity remains incomplete, necessitating further research. The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has underscored the critical role of mucosal immunity in disease prevention and treatment. This systematic review focuses on the dynamic interactions between mucosa-associated lymphoid structures and related diseases. We delve into the basic structures and functions of these lymphoid tissues during disease processes and explore the intricate regulatory networks and mechanisms involved. Additionally, we summarize novel therapies and clinical research advances in the prevention of mucosal immunity-related diseases. The review also addresses the challenges in developing mucosal vaccines, which aim to induce specific immune responses while maintaining tolerance to non-pathogenic microbes. Innovative therapies, such as nanoparticle vaccines and inhalable antibodies, show promise in enhancing mucosal immunity and offer potential for improved disease prevention and treatment.

The Effect of Autologous Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy on Kidney Function and Endothelial Dysfunction of Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD): An Open Label Clinical Trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of autologous dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy on clinical outcomes (glomerular filtration rate/GFR and urine creatinine albumin ratio/UACR) and endothelial dysfunction (ICAM, VCAM, VEGF) in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Endothelial dysfunction induced by inflammation is one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of DKD. In this one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study, 69 subjects with DKD were administered a single dose of autologous DC immunotherapy ex vivo. UACR was measured at baseline and at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, while ICAM, VCAM, VEGF, and GFR were measured at baseline and at week 4 post-immunotherapy. The results showed a significant reduction in median UACR from 250 (IQR 71-668) mg/g at baseline to 164 (IQR 49-576) mg/g at week 4 (p < 0.05). GFR did not show any significant changes after immunotherapy. HbA1c (B = -33.270, p = 0.021) and baseline UACR (B = -0.185, p < 0.001) were identified as significant predictors of UACR change. Although there were no significant changes in ICAM, VCAM, and VEGF, subgroup analysis revealed a decrease in VCAM in macroalbuminuria patients and an increase in those with good glycemic control, suggesting differing endothelial responses. In conclusion, autologous DC immunotherapy effectively reduced UACR in DKD patients, and significant VCAM changes were found in macroalbuminuria and good glycemic control subjects. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind UACR reduction and the long-term impact of this therapy.

Hydrogel systems for spatiotemporal controlled delivery of immunomodulators: engineering the tumor immune microenvironment for enhanced cancer immunotherapy

Tumor immunotherapy, modulating innate and adaptive immunity, has become an important therapeutic strategy. However, the tumor immune microenvironment's (TIME) complexity and heterogeneity challenge tumor immunotherapy. Hydrogel is a hydrophilic three-dimensional (3D) mesh structure with good biocompatibility and drug release control, which is widely used in drug delivery, agriculture, industry, etc. Hydrogels loaded with immune cells, cytokines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and anti-tumor drugs can achieve targeted delivery and ultimately activate the immune response in the TIME. In this review, we will summarize the components of the TIME and their immune effects, the emerging immunomodulatory agents, the characteristics and functions of hydrogels, and how hydrogels regulate innate and adaptive immune cells in the TIME.

Cell-Type-Specific ROS-AKT/mTOR-Autophagy Interplay-Should It Be Addressed in Periimplantitis?

Periimplantitis represents an inflammatory disease of the soft and hard tissues surrounding the osseointegrated dental implant, triggering progressive damage to the alveolar bone. Cumulative data have revealed that periimplantitis plays a crucial part in implant failure. Due to the strategic roles of autophagy and its upstream coordinator, the AKT/mTOR pathway, in inflammatory responses, the crosstalk between them in the context of periimplantitis should become a key research target, as it opens up an area of interesting data with clinical significance. Therefore, in this article, we aimed to briefly review the existing data concerning the complex roles played by ROS in the interplay between the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy in periimplantitis, in each of the main cell types involved in periimplantitis pathogenesis and evolution. Knowing how to modulate specifically the autophagic machinery in each of the cellular types involved in the healing and osseointegration steps post implant surgery can help the clinician to make the most appropriate post-surgery decisions. These decisions might be crucial in order to prevent the occurrence of periimplantitis and ensure the proper conditions for effective osseointegration, depending on patients' clinical particularities.

Bothrops atrox snake venom decreased MHC-II and CD86 expression in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells

The effect of Bothrops atrox venom (BaV) on the maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) from mice was investigated, with a focus on selected cell markers, TAP1 expression, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines during this process. The objective was to evaluate BaV's impact on dendritic cell (DC) function, as DCs are pivotal in antigen presentation and responsible for initiating the immune response mediated by naïve T cells, as well as regulating the immune system. Bone marrow cells were obtained from Swiss mice, and hematopoietic precursors were differentiated into BMDCs using GM-CSF and IL-4. On the 7th day, BaV and LPS were introduced into the culture, and the cells were analyzed 24 h later. BaV's ability to stimulate BMDC maturation was assessed through the analysis of surface marker expression. The findings demonstrated that BMDCs are highly influenced by culture environment factors, such as GM-CSF and IL-4, and are sensitive to additional stimuli like LPS and BaV. Mature DCs exhibited elevated levels of critical markers for T cell activation, such as MHC-II, CD80, and CD86, displaying specific phenotypic characteristics. However, the observed reduction in MHC-II and CD86 expression following BaV exposure suggests a substantial impact on the immunological activation capacity of these cells, potentially interfering with the adaptive immune response. Furthermore, the selective release of cytokines, such as IL-6, but not TNF-α or IL-1β, indicates differentiated modulation of inflammatory responses by DCs under various stimulation conditions.

Inference and analysis of cell-cell communication of non-myeloid circulating cells in late sepsis based on single-cell RNA-seq

Sepsis is a severe systemic inflammatory syndrome triggered by infection and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Immune dysfunction is a hallmark of sepsis. In this study, the authors investigated cell-cell communication among lymphoid-derived leucocytes using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms in late-stage sepsis. The authors' findings revealed that both the number and strength of cellular interactions were elevated in septic patients compared to healthy individuals, with several pathways showing significant alterations, particularly in conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Notably, pathways such as CD6-ALCAM were more activated in sepsis, potentially due to T cell suppression. This study offers new insights into the mechanisms of immunosuppression and provides potential avenues for clinical intervention in sepsis.

Human dendritic cell differentiation in hematopoietic stem cell-transplanted NOG hFLT3L Tg/mFlt3 KO humanized mice

Human immune system-reconstituted humanized mice are useful animal models to study human immunology in vivo. Human hematopoietic stem cell-transferred NOG mice are well recognized as humanized immune system models with reconstitution of mature lymphoid lineage cells such as T and B cells. However, human myeloid lineage cells including dendritic cells (DCs) do not fully differentiate in conventional NOG mice. DCs play a crucial role in adaptive immunity through antigen presentation to T cells to acquire antigen specificity. In this study, we established a novel humanized mouse with human DC differentiation. To induce DCs, we generated human Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (hFLT3L) transgenic NOG (hFLT3L-Tg) mice and transferred human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) into them. Unexpectedly, low frequency of human cell engraftment was observed in the hFLT3L-Tg mice after HPC reconstitution. In the Tg mice, mouse CD11b+Gr1- myeloid cells were markedly expanded in the bone marrow due to the cross-reaction between hFLT3L and mouse Flt3 receptor, and these myeloid leukemia-like cells interfered with the engraftment of human hematopoietic cells in hFLT3L-Tg mice. To avoid this cross-reaction, we further generated NOG FLT3 receptor KO (mFlt3 KO) mice by CRISPR/Cas9 technique, and the KO mice combined with hFLT3L Tg mice to create hFLT3L Tg/mFlt3 KO (FL Tg/KO) mice. Mouse CD11b+Gr1- leukemia-like cells did not proliferate in FL Tg/KO mice due to blockade of the FLT3 signals in mouse leukocytes. After human HSC transplantation, human CD45+ cells were successfully engrafted in FL Tg/KO mice. Furthermore, major subsets of human DC populations, cDC1, cDC2, and pDC, and skin Langerhans cells were significantly differentiated in FL Tg/KO mice. Therefore, these humanized mouse models are potentially valuable in the investigation of DC-mediated human adaptive immune responses in vivo.

Immunosenescence: A new direction in anti-aging research

The immune system is a major regulatory system of the body, that is composed of immune cells, immune organs, and related signaling factors. As an organism ages, observable age-related changes in the function of the immune system accumulate in a process described as 'immune aging. Research has shown that the impact of aging on immunity is detrimental, with various dysregulated responses that affect the function of immune cells at the cellular level. For example, increased aging has been shown to result in the abnormal chemotaxis of neutrophils and decreased phagocytosis of macrophages. Age-related diminished functionality of immune cell types has direct effects on host fitness, leading to poorer responses to vaccination, more inflammation and tissue damage, as well as autoimmune disorders and the inability to control infections. Similarly, age impacts the function of the immune system at the organ level, resulting in decreased hematopoietic function in the bone marrow, a gradual deficiency of catalase in the thymus, and thymic atrophy, resulting in reduced production of related immune cells such as B cells and T cells, further increasing the risk of autoimmune disorders in the elderly. As the immune function of the body weakens, aging cells and inflammatory factors cannot be cleared, resulting in a cycle of increased inflammation that accumulates over time. Cumulatively, the consequences of immune aging increase the likelihood of developing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis, among others. Therefore, targeting the age-related changes that occur within cells of the immune system might be an effective anti-aging strategy. In this article, we summarize the relevant literature on immune aging research, focusing on its impact on aging, in hopes of providing new directions for anti-aging research.

Immunometabolism: signaling pathways, homeostasis, and therapeutic targets

Immunometabolism plays a central role in sustaining immune system functionality and preserving physiological homeostasis within the organism. During the differentiation and activation, immune cells undergo metabolic reprogramming mediated by complex signaling pathways. Immune cells maintain homeostasis and are influenced by metabolic microenvironmental cues. A series of immunometabolic enzymes modulate immune cell function by metabolizing nutrients and accumulating metabolic products. These enzymes reverse immune cells' differentiation, disrupt intracellular signaling pathways, and regulate immune responses, thereby influencing disease progression. The huge population of immune metabolic enzymes, the ubiquity, and the complexity of metabolic regulation have kept the immune metabolic mechanisms related to many diseases from being discovered, and what has been revealed so far is only the tip of the iceberg. This review comprehensively summarized the immune metabolic enzymes' role in multiple immune cells such as T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. By classifying and dissecting the immunometabolism mechanisms and the implications in diseases, summarizing and analyzing advancements in research and clinical applications of the inhibitors targeting these enzymes, this review is intended to provide a new perspective concerning immune metabolic enzymes for understanding the immune system, and offer novel insight into future therapeutic interventions.

Single-cell analysis of nasal epithelial cell development in domestic pigs

The nasal mucosa forms a critical barrier against the invasion of respiratory pathogens. Composed of a heterogeneous assortment of cell types, the nasal mucosa relies on the unique characteristics and complex intercellular dynamics of these cells to maintain their structural integrity and functional efficacy. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of porcine nasal mucosa was performed, and nineteen distinct nasal cell types, including nine epithelial cell types, five stromal cell types, and five immune cell types, were identified. The distribution patterns of three representative types of epithelial cells (basal cells, goblet cells, and ciliated cells) were subsequently detected by immunofluorescence. We conducted a comparative analysis of these data with published human single-cell data, revealing consistent differentiation trajectories among porcine and human nasal epithelial cells. Specifically, basal cells serve as the initial stage in the differentiation process of nasal epithelial cells, which then epithelial cells. This research not only enhances our understanding of the composition and transcriptional signature of porcine nasal mucosal cells but also offers a theoretical foundation for developing alternative models for human respiratory diseases.

The role of dendritic cells in tertiary lymphoid structures: implications in cancer and autoimmune diseases

Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) are organized aggregates of immune cells such as T cells, B cells, and Dendritic Cells (DCs), as well as fibroblasts, formed postnatally in response to signals from cytokines and chemokines. Central to the function of TLS are DCs, professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that coordinate the adaptive immune response, and which can be classified into different subsets, with specific functions, and markers. In this article, we review current data on the contribution of different DC subsets to TLS function in cancer and autoimmunity, two opposite sides of the immune response. Different DC subsets can be found in different tumor types, correlating with cancer prognosis. Moreover, DCs are also present in TLS found in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, contributing to disease development. Broadly, the presence of DCs in TLS appears to be associated with favorable clinical outcomes in cancer while in autoimmune pathologies these cells are associated with unfavorable prognosis. Therefore, it is important to analyze the complex functions of DCs within TLS in order to enhance our fundamental understanding of immune regulation but also as a possible route to create innovative clinical interventions designed for the specific needs of patients with diverse pathological diseases.

Mannose and Lactobionic Acid in Nasal Vaccination: Enhancing Antigen Delivery via C-Type Lectin Receptors

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Nasal vaccines are a promising strategy for enhancing mucosal immune responses and preventing diseases at mucosal sites by stimulating the secretion of secretory IgA, which is crucial for early pathogen neutralization. However, designing effective nasal vaccines is challenging due to the complex immunological mechanisms in the nasal mucosa, which must balance protection and tolerance against constant exposure to inhaled pathogens. The nasal route also presents unique formulation and delivery hurdles, such as the mucous layer hindering antigen penetration and immune cell access.

METHODS

This review focuses on cutting-edge approaches to enhance nasal vaccine delivery, particularly those targeting C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) like the mannose receptor and macrophage galactose-type lectin (MGL) receptor. It elucidates the roles of these receptors in antigen recognition and uptake by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), providing insights into optimizing vaccine delivery.

RESULTS

While a comprehensive examination of targeted glycoconjugate vaccine development is outside the scope of this study, we provide key examples of glycan-based ligands, such as lactobionic acid and mannose, which can selectively target CLRs in the nasal mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

With the rise of new viral infections, this review aims to facilitate the design of innovative vaccines and equip researchers, clinicians, and vaccine developers with the knowledge to enhance immune defenses against respiratory pathogens, ultimately protecting public health.

Integration of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing revealed immune heterogeneity and its association with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by cartilage, bone damage, synovial inflammation, hyperplasia, autoantibody production, and systemic features. To obtain an overall profile of the immune environment in RA patients and its association with clinical features, we performed single-cell transcriptome and T-cell receptor sequencing of mononuclear cells from peripheral blood (PBMC) and synovial fluid (SF) from RA patients, integrated with two large cohorts with bulk RNA sequencing for further validation and investigation. Dendritic cells (DCs) exhibited relatively high functional heterogeneity and tissue specificity in relation to both antigen presentation and proinflammatory functions. Peripheral helper T cells (TPHs) are likely to originate from synovial tissue, undergo activation and exhaustion, and are subsequently released into the peripheral blood. Notably, among all immune cell types, TPHs were found to have the most intense associations with disease activity. In addition, CD8 effector T cells could be clustered into two groups with different cytokine expressions and play distinct roles in RA development. By integrating single-cell data with bulk sequencing from two large cohorts, we identified interactions among TPHs, CD8 cells, CD16 monocytes, and DCs that strongly contribute to the proinflammatory local environment in RA joints. Of note, the swollen 28-joint counts exhibited a more pronounced association with this immune environment compared to other disease activity indexes. The immune environment alternated significantly from PBMCs to SF, which indicated that a series of immune cells was involved in proinflammatory responses in the local joints of RA patients. By integrating single-cell data with two large cohorts, we have uncovered associations between specific immune cell populations and clinical features. This integration provides a rapid and precise methodology for assessing local immune activation, offering valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms at play in RA.

Dendritic cell-derived lncRNAs in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and dendritic cells (DC) play crucial roles in the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, the mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate this, we analysed the differentially expressed lncRNAs in monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) from patients with ACS. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were transformed into moDCs. Cellular morphology and expression levels of moDC-specific markers (CD80, CD86, CD11c, CD14 and HLA-DR) were analysed using electron microscopy (EM) and flow cytometry (FCM), respectively. Differentially expressed lncRNAs and their functions were predicted using gene sequencing, gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The expression levels of markers, signalling pathway molecules (p-PI3K and p-AKT), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-12p70) and target gene (C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 15 and CCL14) were analysed by overexpression or silencing of candidate lncRNAs. EM revealed the cells to be suspended in dendritic pseudopodia. CD11c and HLA-DR were upregulated, while CD80 and CD86 were downregulated. Comparison between the UA versus ST group showed the highest number of differentially expressed lncRNAs (n = 113), followed by UA versus NST (n = 115), CON versus NST (n = 49) and CON versus ST (n = 35); however, the number was low for CON versus UA and ST versus NST groups. moDC-specific marker expression, signalling pathway molecules, inflammatory cytokines and CCL14 were upregulated following lentiviral overexpression of smart silencer-CCL15-CCL14; however, expression levels decreased following transfection with siRNA. The morphology, function and lncRNA expression of moDCs differ depending on the type of ACS. The differentially expressed lncRNAs, particularly CCL15-CCL14, regulate the function of moDCs. Thus, our study provides new insights regarding the role of lncRNAs in ACS and indicates the potential use of CCL15-CCL14 as a novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.

Structural characterization and immune modulation activities of Chinese Angelica polysaccharide (CAP) and selenizing CAP (sCAP) on dendritic cells

sCAP was obtained by the nitrate‑sodium selenite method. SEM, molecular weight evaluation, monosaccharide composition, FT-IR and NMR of sCAP were carried out. Compared with CAP, sCAP had a relatively smooth and lamellar sheet morphology with edge folds on the surface, presented molecular weights in range of 0.90-97.08 KDa, and was mainly composed of GalA, Ara and Gal. sCAP had both α and β configurations of the pyranose ring, the characteristic vibrational peak of Se-O-C and the signal of galacturonic acid residue. The phagocytic activity of immature BMDCs, the expression of CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHCII on BMDCs were detected by flow cytometry, the ability of sCAP-treated BMDCs to stimulate the proliferation of allogeneic lymphocytes, presentation of antigens, cytokines in the supernatants and the protein in MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway were detected. The results showed that the phagocytic activity of immature BMDCs was significantly enhanced when sCAP was at 3.92-1.96 μg·mL-1. The levels of IL-6, TGF-β1, INF-γ, and TNF-α were significantly elevated, IL-1β and MIP-1α were significantly reduced. These results indicate that sCAP could be as a new immunopotentiator by increasing MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. This study provides a reference for the research and development of new dosage forms of polysaccharide.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum expressing aCD11c modulates cellular immunity alleviating inflammatory injury due to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection

BACKGROUND

Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP), responsible for acute lung injury (ALI) and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, is a zoonotic pathogen that poses a threat to livestock farming worldwide. Nevertheless, there is currently no validated vaccine to prevent KP infection. The development of mucosal vaccines against KP using Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) is an effective strategy.

RESULTS

Firstly, the L. plantarum strains NC8-pSIP409-aCD11c' and NC8-pLc23-aCD11c were constructed via homologous recombination to express the aCD11c protein either inducibly or constitutively. Both NC8-pSIP409-aCD11c' and NC8-pLc23-aCD11c strains could enhance the adhesion and invasion of L. plantarum on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), and stimulate the activation of BMDCs compared to the control strain NC8-pSIP409 in vitro. Following oral immunization of mice with NC8-pSIP409-aCD11c' and NC8-pLc23-aCD11c, the cellular, humoral, and mucosal immunity were significantly improved, as evidenced by the increased expression of CD4+ IL-4+ T cells in the spleen, IgG in serum, and secretory IgA (sIgA) in the intestinal lavage fluid (ILF). Furthermore, the protective effects of L. plantarum against inflammatory damage caused by KP infection were confirmed by assessing the bacterial loads in various tissues, lung wet/dry ratio (W/D), levels of inflammatory cytokines, and histological evaluation, which influenced T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells in peripheral blood and lung.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the inducible and constitutive L. plantarum strains NC8-pSIP409-aCD11c' and NC8-pLc23-aCD11c have been found to stimulate cellular and humoral immunity levels and alleviate the inflammatory response caused by KP infection. These findings have provided a basis for the development of a novel vaccine against KP.

Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: a comprehensive critical review

Despite treatment advances through immunotherapies, including anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, the overall prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains poor, underscoring the need for novel approaches that offer long-term clinical benefit. This review examined the literature on the subject over the past 20 years to provide an update on the evolving landscape of dendritic cell-based immunotherapy to treat NSCLC, highlighting the crucial role of dendritic cells (DCs) in immune response initiation and regulation. These cells encompass heterogeneous subsets like cDC1s, cDC2s, and pDCs, capable of shaping antigen presentation and influencing T cell activation through the balance between the Th1, Th2, and Th17 profiles and the activation of regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg). The intricate interaction between DC subsets and the high density of intratumoral mature DCs shapes tumor-specific immune responses and impacts therapeutic outcomes. DC-based immunotherapy shows promise in overcoming immune resistance in NSCLC treatment. This article review provides an update on key clinical trial results, forming the basis for future studies to characterize the role of different types of DCs in situ and in combination with different therapies, including DC vaccines.

Abscopal effect: from a rare phenomenon to a new frontier in cancer therapy

Radiotherapy (RT) controls local lesions, meantime it has the capability to induce systemic response to inhibit distant, metastatic, non-radiated tumors, which is referred to as the "abscopal effect". It is widely recognized that radiotherapy can stimulate systemic immune response. This provides a compelling theoretical basis for the combination of immune therapy combined with radiotherapy(iRT). Indeed, this phenomenon has also been observed in clinical treatment, bringing significant clinical benefits to patients, and a series of basic studies are underway to amplify this effect. However, the molecular mechanisms of immune response induced by RT, determination of the optimal treatment regimen for iRT, and how to amplify the abscopal effect. In order to amplify and utilize this effect in clinical management, these key issues require to be well addressed; In this review, we comprehensively summarize the growing consensus and emphasize the emerging limitations of enhancing the abscopal effect with radiotherapy or immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the prospects and barriers to the current clinical translational applications.

Lipid-coated gold nanorods for photoimmunotherapy of primary breast cancer and the prevention of metastasis

Nanomedicines hold promise for the treatment of various diseases. However, treating cancer metastasis remains highly challenging. In this study, we synthesized gold nanorods (AuNRs) containing (α-GC), an immune stimulator, for the treatment of primary cancer, metastasis, and recurrence of the cancer. Therefore, the AuNR were coated with lipid bilayers loaded with α-GC (α-LA). Upon irradiation with 808 nm light, α-LA showed a temperature increase. Intra-tumoral injection of α-LA in mice and local irradiation of the 4T1 breast cancer tumor effectively eliminated tumor growth. We found that the presence of α-GC in α-LA activated dendritic cells and T cells in the spleen, which completely blocked the development of lung metastasis. In mice injected with α-LA for primary breast cancer treatment, we observed antigen-specific T cell responses and increased cytotoxicity against 4T1 cells. We conclude that α-LA is promising for the treatment of both primary breast cancer and its metastasis.

Generation of immune cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): Their potential for adoptive cell therapy

Advances in human stem cell technologies enable induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to be explored as potent candidates for treating various diseases, such as malignancies, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, and allergic reactions. iPSCs with infinite self-renewal ability can be derived from different types of somatic cells without the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cells. To date, numerous cell types, including various immune cell subsets [CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, gamma delta T (γδ T) cells, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils] have successfully been generated from iPSCs paving the way for effective adoptive cell transfer therapy, drug development, and disease modeling. Herein, we review various iPSC-derived immune cells and their possible application in immunotherapy.

Lactate drives the ESM1-SCD1 axis to inhibit the antitumor CD8+ T-cell response by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ovarian cancer cells and inducing cisplatin resistance

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a gynecological malignancy that results in a global threat to women's lives. Lactic acid, a key metabolite produced from the glycolytic metabolism of glucose molecules, is correlated with tumor immune infiltration and platinum resistance. In our previous study, we found that endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM1) plays a key role in OC progression. This study revealed that lactate could upregulate ESM1, which enhances SCD1 to attenuate the antitumor CD8+ T-cell response. ESM1 and SCD1 expression levels were significantly greater in OC patients with high lactic acid levels than in those with low lactic acid levels. Further mechanistic studies suggested that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inactivated after ESM1 knockdown and rescued by SCD1 overexpression. IC50 analysis indicated that the ESM1-SCD1 axis induces the resistance of OC cells to platinum agents, including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, by upregulating P-gp. In conclusion, our study indicated that the induction of SCD1 by lactic acid-induced ESM1 can impede the CD8+ T-cell response against tumors and promote resistance to cisplatin by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ovarian cancer. Consequently, targeting ESM1 may have considerable therapeutic potential for modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and enhancing drug sensitivity in OC patients.

A comprehensive immunobiology review of IBD: With a specific glance to Th22 lymphocytes development, biology, function, and role in IBD

The two primary forms of inflammatory disorders of the small intestine andcolon that make up inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). While ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and the rectum, CD affects the small and large intestines, as well as the esophagus,mouth, anus, andstomach. Although the etiology of IBD is not completely clear, and there are many unknowns about it, the development, progression, and recurrence of IBD are significantly influenced by the activity of immune system cells, particularly lymphocytes, given that the disease is primarily caused by the immune system stimulation and activation against gastrointestinal (GI) tract components due to the inflammation caused by environmental factors such as viral or bacterial infections, etc. in genetically predisposed individuals. Maintaining homeostasis and the integrity of the mucosal barrier are critical in stopping the development of IBD. Specific immune system cells and the quantity of secretory mucus and microbiome are vital in maintaining this stability. Th22 cells are helper T lymphocyte subtypes that are particularly important for maintaining the integrity and equilibrium of the mucosal barrier. This review discusses the most recent research on these cells' biology, function, and evolution and their involvement in IBD.

Epithelium/imcDC2 axis facilitates the resistance of neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 in human NSCLC

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic resistance is a main obstacle to achieve long-term benefits from immune checkpoint inhibitors. The underlying mechanism of neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 resistance remains unclear.

METHODS

Multi-omics analysis, including mass cytometry, single-cell RNA-seq, bulk RNA-seq, and polychromatic flow cytometry, was conducted using the resected tumor samples in a cohort of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients received neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy. Tumor and paired lung samples acquired from treatment-naïve patients were used as a control. In vitro experiments were conducted using primary cells isolated from fresh tissues and lung cancer cell lines. A Lewis-bearing mouse model was used in the in vivo experiment.

RESULTS

The quantity, differentiation status, and clonal expansion of tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells (CD8+ TRMs) are positively correlated with therapeutic efficacy of neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy in human NSCLC. In contrast, the quantity of immature CD1c+ classical type 2 dendritic cells (imcDC2) and galectin-9+ cancer cells is negatively correlated with therapeutic efficacy. An epithelium/imDC2 suppressive axis that restrains the antitumor response of CD8+ TRMs via galectin-9/TIM-3 was uncovered. The expression level of CD8+ TRMs and galectin-9+ cancer cell-related genes predict the clinical outcome of anti-PD-1 neoadjuvant therapy in human NSCLC patients. Finally, blockade of TIM-3 and PD-1 could improve the survival of tumor-bearing mouse by promoting the antigen presentation of imcDC2 and CD8+ TRMs-mediated tumor-killing.

CONCLUSION

Galectin-9 expressing tumor cells sustained the primary resistance of neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy in NSCLC through galectin-9/TIM-3-mediated suppression of imcDC2 and CD8+ TRMs. Supplement of anti-TIM-3 could break the epithelium/imcDC2/CD8+ TRMs suppressive loop to overcome anti-PD-1 resistance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03732664.

Immunoregulatory paracrine effect of mesenchymal stem cells and mechanism in the treatment of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease caused by chronic inflammation that damages articular cartilage. At present, the treatment of OA includes drug therapy to relieve symptoms and joint replacement therapy for advanced OA. However, these palliatives cannot truly block the progression of the disease from the immunological pathogenesis of OA. In recent years, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation has shown great potential in tissue engineering repair. In addition, many studies have shown that BMSC paracrine signals play an important role in the treatment of OA through immune regulation and suppressing inflammation. At present, the mechanism of inflammation-induced OA and the use of BMSC transplantation in joint repair have been reviewed, but the mechanism and significance of BMSC paracrine signals in the treatment of OA have not been fully reviewed. Therefore, this article focused on the latest research progress on the paracrine effects of BMSCs in the treatment of OA and the related mechanisms by which BMSCs secrete cytokines to inhibit the inflammatory response, regulate immune balance, and promote cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, the application potential of BMSC-Exos as a new type of cell-free therapy for OA is described. This review aimed to provide systematic theoretical support for the clinical application of BMSC transplantation in the treatment of OA.

The multifaceted functions of DNA-PKcs: implications for the therapy of human diseases

The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), catalytic subunit, also known as DNA-PKcs, is complexed with the heterodimer Ku70/Ku80 to form DNA-PK holoenzyme, which is well recognized as initiator in the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) repair after double strand break (DSB). During NHEJ, DNA-PKcs is essential for both DNA end processing and end joining. Besides its classical function in DSB repair, DNA-PKcs also shows multifaceted functions in various biological activities such as class switch recombination (CSR) and variable (V) diversity (D) joining (J) recombination in B/T lymphocytes development, innate immunity through cGAS-STING pathway, transcription, alternative splicing, and so on, which are dependent on its function in NHEJ or not. Moreover, DNA-PKcs deficiency has been proven to be related with human diseases such as neurological pathogenesis, cancer, immunological disorder, and so on through different mechanisms. Therefore, it is imperative to summarize the latest findings about DNA-PKcs and diseases for better targeting DNA-PKcs, which have shown efficacy in cancer treatment in preclinical models. Here, we discuss the multifaceted roles of DNA-PKcs in human diseases, meanwhile, we discuss the progresses of DNA-PKcs inhibitors and their potential in clinical trials. The most updated review about DNA-PKcs will hopefully provide insights and ideas to understand DNA-PKcs associated diseases.

Single-cell technologies in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disorder. The primary manifestation of psoriasis arises from disturbances in the cutaneous immune microenvironment, but the specific functions of the cellular components within this microenvironment remain unknown. Recent advancements in single-cell technologies have enabled the detection of multi-omics at the level of individual cells, including single-cell transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome, which have been successfully applied in studying autoimmune diseases, and other pathologies. These techniques allow the identification of heterogeneous cell clusters and their varying contributions to disease development. Considering the immunological traits of psoriasis, an in-depth exploration of immune cells and their interactions with cutaneous parenchymal cells can markedly advance our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying the onset and recurrence of psoriasis. In this comprehensive review, we present an overview of recent applications of single-cell technologies in psoriasis, aiming to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this disorder.

Eosinophils in hidradenitis suppurativa patients exhibit pro-inflammatory traits, implicating a potential pathogenic role in the disease

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful nodules, abscesses and purulent secretions in intertriginous regions. Intense pruritus frequently accompanies HS lesions, adding further discomfort for patients. While Th17 pathway activation is implicated in HS pathogenesis, disease mechanisms are still not fully understood, and therapeutics are lacking. Previous reports raise a potential role for eosinophils in HS, showing a strong association of eosinophil levels with disease severity. To investigate eosinophils in HS, we recruited patients and matched healthy controls and then performed flow-cytometry studies, eosinophil stimulation assays, and lesional skin staining for eosinophils. We found that HS patients reported similar levels of pain and itch. Compared to matched controls, HS blood exhibited decreased mature eosinophils and increased numbers of immature eosinophils, coupled with a significant increase in dermal eosinophilic infiltrates. Additionally, IL-17RA+ eosinophils were highly and significantly correlated with multiple HS-related clinical scores. In both stimulated and unstimulated conditions, HS eosinophils showed an inflammatory phenotype versus controls, including an increase in costimulatory T- and B-cell markers (e.g. CD5 and CD40) following all stimulations (TNFα/IL-17A/IL-17F). These findings highlight the significance of pruritus in HS and suggest a higher turnover of eosinophils in HS blood, potentially due to the consumption of eosinophils in skin lesions. Our data delineate the features and functions of eosinophils in HS and suggest that eosinophils participate in disease pathogenesis, advancing Th17-related inflammation. Further studies are needed to investigate eosinophils' response to current HS treatments and their potential as a therapeutic target in the disease.

Not an immune cell, but they may act like one-cells with immune properties outside the immune system

The cells presented in this work are not classified as cells that make up the immune system. They, however, present functions and molecules, which are characteristic of immune cells. These characteristic functions are, for example, sensing threat, performing phagocytosis, presentation of foreign antigens, cytokine release or enhancing immune memory. The enlisted immune response mechanisms are carried out by the possession of molecules such as Toll-like receptors, receptors for the Fc fragment of IgG, major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, costimulatory CD80/CD86 proteins and molecules needed for NLRP3 (NOD-like family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome activation. Thanks to these properties, the described nonimmune cells play an important role in the local immune response and support of the entire body in the fight against pathogens. They constitute the first line of defense of tissues and organs against pathogens and molecules recognized as harmful. The cells described in this article are particularly important in immunologically privileged places (e.g. the Bowman's capsule in the kidney), where "typical" immune cells normally do not have access. In this paper, we present immune-like functions and molecule suites of resident kidney cells (podocytes and mesangial cells), cochlear resident cells, fibrocytes and fibroblasts, as well as some stem cells (mesenchymal stem cells and umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived cells).

K33 only mutant ubiquitin augments bone marrow-derived dendritic cell-mediated CTL priming via PI3K-Akt pathway

To explore the effect of K33 only mutant ubiquitin (K33O) on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells' (BMDCs') maturity, antigen uptake capability, surface molecule expressions and BMDC-mediated CTL priming, and further investigate the role of PI3K-Akt engaged in K33O-increased BMDC maturation, antigen uptake and presentation, surface molecule expressions and BMDC-based CTL priming. BMDCs were conferred K33O and other ubiquitin mutants (K33R, K48R, K63R-mutant ubiquitin) incubation or LY294002 and wortmannin pretreatment. PI3K-Akt phosphorylation, antigen uptake, antigenic presentation and CD86/MHC class I expression in BMDC were determined by western blot or flow cytometry. BMDC-based CTL proliferation and priming were determined by in vitro mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), ex vivo enzyme-linked immunospot assay (Elispot) and flow cytometry with intracellular staining, respectively. The treatment with K33O effectively augmented PI3K-Akt phosphorylation, BMDCs' antigen uptake, antigenic presentation, CD86/MHC class I and CD11c expressions. MLR, Elispot and flow cytometry revealed that K33O treatment obviously enhanced CTL proliferation, CTL priming and perforin/granzyme B expression. The pretreatment with PI3K-Akt inhibitors efficiently abrogated K33O's effects on BMDC. The replenishment of K33 only mutant ubiquitin augments BMDC-mediated CTL priming in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells via PI3K-Akt signalling.