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Rattan A, Malemnganba T, Sagar, Prajapati VK. Exploring structural engineering approach to formulate and characterize next-generation adjuvants. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2024; 140:59-90. [PMID: 38762280 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
It is critical to emphasize the importance of vaccination as it protects us against harmful pathogens. Despite significant progress in vaccine development, there is an ongoing need to develop vaccines that are not only safe but also highly effective in protecting against severe infections. Subunit vaccines are generally safe, but they frequently fail to elicit strong immune responses. As a result, there is a need to improve vaccine effectiveness by combining them with adjuvants, which have the potential to boost the immune system many folds. The process of developing these adjuvants requires searching for molecules capable of activating the immune system, combining these promising compounds with an antigen, and then testing this combination using animal models before approving it for clinical use. Liposomal adjuvants work as delivery adjuvants and its activity depends on certain parameters such as surface charge, vesicle size, surface modification and route of administration. Self-assembly property of peptide adjuvants and discovery of hybrid peptides have widened the scope of peptides in vaccine formulations. Since most pathogenic molecules are not peptide based, phage display technique allows for screening peptide mimics for such pathogens that have potential as adjuvants. This chapter discusses about peptide and liposome-based adjuvants focusing on their properties imparting adjuvanticity along with the methods of formulating them. Methods of adjuvant characterization important for an adjuvant to be approved for clinical trials are also discussed. These include assays for cytotoxicity, T-lymphocyte proliferation, dendritic cell maturation, cytokine and antibody production, toll-like receptor dependent signaling and adjuvant half-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Rattan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, India
| | - Takhellambam Malemnganba
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, India
| | - Sagar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, India.
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Ji H, Fan Y, Gao X, Gong Y, Dai K, Wang Z, Xu B, Yu J. The Protective Effects of Water-Soluble Alginic Acid on the N-Terminal of Thymopentin. Molecules 2023; 28:6445. [PMID: 37764221 PMCID: PMC10536172 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP5) has exhibited strong antitumor and immunomodulatory effects in vivo. However, the polypeptide is rapidly degraded by protease and aminopeptidase within a minute at the N-terminal of TP5, resulting in severe limitations for further practical applications. In this study, the protective effects of water-soluble alginic acid (WSAA) on the N-terminal of TP5 were investigated by establishing an H22 tumor-bearing mice model and determining thymus, spleen, and liver indices, immune cells activities, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 levels, and cell cycle distributions. The results demonstrated that WSAA+TP5 groups exhibited the obvious advantages of the individual treatments and showed superior antitumor effects on H22 tumor-bearing mice by effectively protecting the immune organs, activating CD4+ T cells and CD19+ B cells, and promoting immune-related cytokines secretions, finally resulting in the high apoptotic rates of H22 cells through arresting them in S phase. These data suggest that WSAA could effectively protect the N-terminal of TP5, thereby improving its antitumor and immunoregulatory activities, which indicates that WSAA has the potential to be applied in patients bearing cancer or immune deficiency diseases as a novel immunologic adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Ji
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (H.J.); (Y.F.); (X.G.); (Y.G.); (Z.W.); (B.X.)
| | - Yuting Fan
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (H.J.); (Y.F.); (X.G.); (Y.G.); (Z.W.); (B.X.)
| | - Xiaoji Gao
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (H.J.); (Y.F.); (X.G.); (Y.G.); (Z.W.); (B.X.)
| | - Youshun Gong
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (H.J.); (Y.F.); (X.G.); (Y.G.); (Z.W.); (B.X.)
| | - Keyao Dai
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China;
| | - Zhenhua Wang
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (H.J.); (Y.F.); (X.G.); (Y.G.); (Z.W.); (B.X.)
| | - Bo Xu
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (H.J.); (Y.F.); (X.G.); (Y.G.); (Z.W.); (B.X.)
| | - Juan Yu
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China; (H.J.); (Y.F.); (X.G.); (Y.G.); (Z.W.); (B.X.)
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Chinnadurai RK, Khan N, Meghwanshi GK, Ponne S, Althobiti M, Kumar R. Current research status of anti-cancer peptides: Mechanism of action, production, and clinical applications. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114996. [PMID: 37311281 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The escalating rate of cancer cases, together with treatment deficiencies and long-term side effects of currently used cancer drugs, has made this disease a global burden of the 21st century. The number of breast and lung cancer patients has sharply increased worldwide in the last few years. Presently, surgical treatment, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy strategies are used to cure cancer, which cause severe side effects, toxicities, and drug resistance. In recent years, anti-cancer peptides have become an eminent therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment due to their high specificity and fewer side effects and toxicity. This review presents an updated overview of different anti-cancer peptides, their mechanisms of action and current production strategies employed for their manufacture. In addition, approved and under clinical trials anti-cancer peptides and their applications have been discussed. This review provides updated information on therapeutic anti-cancer peptides that hold great promise for cancer treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar Chinnadurai
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth (Deemed-to-be-University), Pondicherry 607402, India
| | - Nazam Khan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Saravanaraman Ponne
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605014, India
| | - Maryam Althobiti
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rajender Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden.
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Yu PC, Hao CY, Fan YZ, Liu D, Qiao YF, Yao JB, Li CZ, Yu Y. Altered Membrane Expression and Function of CD11b Play a Role in the Immunosuppressive Effects of Morphine on Macrophages at the Nanomolar Level. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:282. [PMID: 37259426 PMCID: PMC9963077 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphine, one of the most efficacious analgesics, is effective in severe pain, especially in patients with concomitant painful cancers. The clinical use of morphine may be accompanied by increased immunosuppression, susceptibility to infection and postoperative tumor metastatic recurrence, and the specific mechanisms and clinical strategies to alleviate this suppression remain to be investigated. Expression of CD11b is closely associated with the macrophage phagocytosis of xenobiotic particles, bacteria or tumor cells. Here, we find that morphine at 0.1-10 nM levels inhibited CD11b expression and function on macrophages via a μ-opioid receptor (MOR)-dependent mechanism, thereby reducing macrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells, a process that can be reversed by thymopentin (TP5), a commonly used immune-enhancing adjuvant in clinical practice. By knocking down or overexpressing MOR on macrophages and using naloxone, an antagonist of the MOR receptor, and LA1, a molecule that promotes macrophage CD11b activation, we suggest that morphine may regulate macrophage phagocytosis by inhibiting the surface expression and function of macrophage CD11b through the membrane expression and activation of MOR. The CD47/SIRPα axis, which is engaged in macrophage-tumor immune escape, was not significantly affected by morphine. Notably, TP5, when combined with morphine, reversed the inhibition of macrophage phagocytosis by morphine through mechanisms that promote membrane expression of CD11b and modulate its downstream signaling (e.g., NOS2, IFNG, IL1B and TNFA, as well as AGR1, PDGFB, IL6, STAT3, and MYC). Thus, altered membrane expression and function of CD11b may mediate the inhibition of macrophage phagocytosis by therapeutic doses of morphine, and the reversal of this process by TP5 may provide an effective palliative option for clinical immunosuppression by morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Cheng Yu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Cui-Yun Hao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ying-Zhe Fan
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Di Liu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yi-Fan Qiao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jia-Bao Yao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chang-Zhu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Ye Yu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Lunin SM, Novoselova EG, Glushkova OV, Parfenyuk SB, Novoselova TV, Khrenov MO. Cell Senescence and Central Regulators of Immune Response. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084109. [PMID: 35456927 PMCID: PMC9028919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathways regulating cell senescence and cell cycle underlie many processes associated with ageing and age-related pathologies, and they also mediate cellular responses to exposure to stressors. Meanwhile, there are central mechanisms of the regulation of stress responses that induce/enhance or weaken the response of the whole organism, such as hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, thymic hormones, and the pineal hormone melatonin. Although there are many analyses considering relationships between the HPA axis and organism ageing, we found no systematic analyses of relationships between the neuroendocrine regulators of stress and inflammation and intracellular mechanisms controlling cell cycle, senescence, and apoptosis. Here, we provide a review of the effects of neuroendocrine regulators on these mechanisms. Our analysis allowed us to postulate a multilevel system of central regulators involving neurotransmitters, glucocorticoids, melatonin, and the thymic hormones. This system finely regulates the cell cycle and metabolic/catabolic processes depending on the level of systemic stress, stage of stress response, and energy capabilities of the body, shifting the balance between cell cycle progression, cell cycle stopping, senescence, and apoptosis. These processes and levels of regulation should be considered when studying the mechanisms of ageing and the proliferation on the level of the whole organism.
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Yu PC, Liu D, Han ZX, Liang F, Hao CY, Lei YT, Guo CR, Wang WH, Li XH, Yang XN, Li CZ, Yu Y, Fan YZ. Thymopentin-Mediated Inhibition of Cancer Stem Cell Stemness Enhances the Cytotoxic Effect of Oxaliplatin on Colon Cancer Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:779715. [PMID: 35242031 PMCID: PMC8886222 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.779715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP5) is an immunomodulatory pentapeptide that has been widely used in malignancy patients with immunodeficiency due to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we propose that TP5 directly inhibits the stemness of colon cancer cells HCT116 and therefore enhances the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin (OXA) in HCT116 cells. In the absence of serum, TP5 was able to induce cancer stemness reduction in cultured HCT116 cells and significantly reduced stemness-related signals, such as the expression of surface molecular markers (CD133, CD44 and CD24) and stemness-related genes (ALDH1, SOX2, Oct-4 and Nanog), and resulted in altered Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Acetylcholine receptors (AchRs) are implicated in this process. OXA is a common chemotherapeutic agent with therapeutic effects in various cancers. Although TP5 had no direct effect on the proliferation of HCT116, this pentapeptide significantly increased the sensitivity of HCT116 to OXA, where the effect of TP5 on the stemness of colon cancer cells through stimulation of AchRs may contribute to this process. Our results provide a promising strategy for increasing the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents by incorporating immunomodulatory peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Cheng Yu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Liu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeng-Xiang Han
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Three Departments of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Fang Liang
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui-Yun Hao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun-Tao Lei
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang-Run Guo
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Hui Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing-Hua Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Na Yang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang-Zhu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha, China
| | - Ye Yu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying-Zhe Fan
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Liu T, Jing F, Huang P, Geng Z, Xu J, Li J, Chen D, Zhu Y, Wang Z, Huang W, Chen C. Thymopentin alleviates premature ovarian failure in mice by activating YY2/Lin28A and inhibiting the expression of let-7 family microRNAs. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13089. [PMID: 34180104 PMCID: PMC8349654 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Thymopentin (5TP) significantly improved typical murine premature ovarian failure (POF) symptoms induced by a high‐fat and high‐sugar (HFHS) diet. However, its effect and mechanism remain unclear. Materials and methods RNA‐Seq was used to detect the differentially expressed genes among each group. HFHS‐induced POF mouse model was generated and injected with siRNA using Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) as a carrier. Results RNA‐Seq suggested that 5TP promoted the expression of Yin Yang 2 (YY2) in mouse ovarian granulosa cell (mOGC) of HFHS‐POF mice. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that 5TP promoted the binding of YY2 to the specific sequence C(C/T)AT(G/C)(G/T) on the Lin28A promoter and promoted Lin28A transcription and expression. We continuously injected PLGA‐cross‐linked siRNA nanoparticles targeting YY2 into HFHS‐POF mice (siYY2@PLGA), which significantly reduced the therapeutic effect of 5TP. siYY2@PLGA injection also significantly attenuated the upregulation of Lin28a expression in mOGCs induced by 5TP and enhanced the expression of let‐7 family microRNAs, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and division of mOGCs. qPCR results showed that there was a significant difference in the expression levels of exosome‐derived Yy2 mRNAs between POF patients and normal women, and that there was a specific correlation between the expression level of exosome‐derived Yy2 and the peripheral concentrations of the blood hormones pregnenolone, progesterone and oestradiol. Conclusions Thymopentin promotes the transcriptional activation of Lin28A via stimulating transcription factor YY2 expression, inhibits the activity of let‐7 family microRNAs and alleviates the ageing of ovarian granulosa cells, ultimately achieving a therapeutic effect on POF in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te Liu
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyuan Jing
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peirong Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Zixiang Geng
- Department of Acupuncture, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianghong Xu
- Department of gynaecology, Jingan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- Department of gynaecology, Jingan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Danping Chen
- Department of gynaecology, Jingan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of gynaecology, Jingan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenxin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Zhongshan Hospital and institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Willian Huang
- Hainan Zhonghe Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Haikou, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Structure-based inhibitor screening of natural products against NSP15 of SARS-CoV-2 revealed thymopentin and oleuropein as potent inhibitors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 12:71-80. [PMID: 33776343 PMCID: PMC7985738 DOI: 10.1007/s42485-021-00059-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses are enveloped, non-segmented positive-sense RNA viruses with the largest genome among RNA viruses. Their genome contains a large replicase ORF which encodes nonstructural proteins (NSPs), structural, and accessory genes. NSP15 is a nidoviral RNA uridylate-specific endoribonuclease (NendoU) with C-terminal catalytic domain. The endoribonuclease activity of NSP15 interferes with the innate immune response of the host. Here, we screened Selleckchem Natural product database of the compounds against NSP15, and we found that thymopentin and oleuropein displayed highest binding energies. The binding of these molecules was further validated by molecular dynamic simulations that revealed them as very stable complexes. These drugs might serve as effective counter molecules in the reduction of virulence of this virus; may be more effective if treated in combination with replicase inhibitors. Future validation of both these inhibitors is worth the consideration for patients being treated for COVID-19.
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Zhu X, Liu J, Pan H, Geng Z, Huang W, Liu T, Zhang B. Thymopentin treatment of murine premature ovarian failure via attenuation of immune cell activity and promotion of the BMP4/Smad9 signalling pathway. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:3544-3555. [PMID: 34522181 PMCID: PMC8436114 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.61975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a typical form of pathological aging with complex pathogenesis and no effective treatment. Meanwhile, recent studies have reported that a high-fat and high-sugar (HFHS) diet adversely affects ovarian function and ovum quality. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of thymopentin (TP-5) as a treatment for murine POF derived from HFHS and its target. Pathological examination and hormone assays confirmed that TP-5 significantly improved murine POF symptoms. And, TP-5 could reduce oxidative stress injury and blood lipids in the murine POF derived from HFHS. Flow cytometry and qPCR results suggested that TP-5 attenuated activation of CD3+ T cells and type I macrophages. RNA-Seq results indicated somedifferences in gene transcription between the TP-5 intervention group and the control group. KEGG analysis indicated that the expression of genes involved in the mTOR signaling pathway was the most significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, compared with the control groups, the expression levels of interleukin, NFκB, and TNF families of genes were significantly downregulated in the POF+TP-5 group, whereas expression of the TGFβ/Smad9 genes was significantly upregulated. Finally, immunofluorescence staining and qPCR confirmed that TP-5 promoted the polarization of Mø2 cells in the ovary by activating the expression of the BMP4/Smad9 signalling pathway. Thus, our study confirmed that TP-5 has a significant therapeutic effect on POF by upregulating BMP4/Smad9 signalling pathway so as to promote the balance and polarization of immune cell and reducing the release of inflammatory factors and reduce lipid oxidative stress injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Zhu
- Geriatrics Department, Punan hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Trauma-Emergency & Critical Care Medicine Center, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hao Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zixiang Geng
- Department of Acupuncture, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200086, China
| | - William Huang
- Hainan Zhonghe Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Hainan, China
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Bimeng Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200086, China
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In Vitro Selective Suppression of Tumor Cells by an Oncolytic Peptide in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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11
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Zhang Y, Yang X, Yan W, Li R, Ye Q, You L, Xie W, Mo K, Fu R, Wang Y, Chen Y, Hou H, Yang Y, Birnbaumer L, Di Q, Li X. Thymopentin improves the survival of septic mice by promoting the production of 15-deoxy-prostaglandin J2 and activating the PPARγ signaling pathway. FASEB J 2020; 34:11772-11785. [PMID: 32652815 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000467r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused by infection, is a major public health concern with limited therapeutic options. Infection disturbs the homeostasis of host, resulting in excessive inflammation and immune suppression. This has prompted the clinical use of immunomodulators to balance host response as an alternative therapeutic strategy. Here, we report that Thymopentin (TP5), a synthetic immunomodulator pentapeptide (Arg-Lys-Asp-Val-Tyr) with an excellent safety profile in the clinic, protects mice against cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis, as shown by improved survival rate, decreased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced ratios of macrophages and neutrophils in spleen and peritoneum. Regarding mechanism, TP5 changed the characteristics of LPS-stimulated macrophages by increasing the production of 15-deoxy-Δ12,14 -prostaglandin J2 (15-d-PGJ2). In addition, the improved effect of TP5 on survival rates was abolished by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) antagonist GW9662. Our results uncover the mechanism of the TP5 protective effects on CLP-induced sepsis and shed light on the development of TP5 as a therapeutic strategy for lethal systemic inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenchao Yan
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Ye
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linjun You
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhao Xie
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun Mo
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruifeng Fu
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanxiang Wang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yufei Chen
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Hou
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lutz Birnbaumer
- Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Qin Di
- School of Sports and Health, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianjing Li
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Ahmad B, Li Z, Hanif Q, Hu Q, Wei X, Zhang L, Khan SA, Aihemaiti M, Gulzar H, Shahid M, Si D, Zhang R. A Hybrid Peptide DEFB-TP5 Expressed in Methylotrophic Yeast Neutralizes LPS With Potent Anti-inflammatory Activities. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:461. [PMID: 32457599 PMCID: PMC7221121 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
DEFB-TP5 is a novel auspicious health-beneficial peptide derivative from two naturally occurring peptides, β-Defensin (DEFB) and thymopentin (TP5), and shows strong anti-inflammatory activity and binds to LPS without cytotoxicity and hemolytic effect. Furthermore, the application of DEFB-TP5 peptide is inadequate by its high cost. In the current study, we developed a biocompatible mechanism for expression of the DEFB-TP5 peptide in Pichia pastoris. The transgenic strain of hybrid DEFB-TP5 peptide with a molecular weight of 6.7kDa as predictable was obtained. The recombinant DEFB-TP5 peptide was purified by Ni-NTA chromatography, estimated 30.41 mg/L was obtained from the cell culture medium with 98.2% purity. Additionally, The purified DEFB-TP5 peptide significantly (p< 0.05) diminished the release of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. This study will not only help to understand the molecular mechanism of expression that can potentially be used to develop an anti-endotoxin peptide but also to serve as the basis for the development of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents as well, which also provides a potential source for the production of recombinant bioactive DEFB-TP5 at the industrial level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baseer Ahmad
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongxuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Quratulain Hanif
- Computational Biology Laboratory, Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Pakistan.,Department of Biotechnology, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Qingyong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xubiao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shahzad Akbar Khan
- Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Maierhaba Aihemaiti
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Huma Gulzar
- College of Life Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dayong Si
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Rijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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13
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Inoue E, Yotsumoto T, Inoue Y, Fukami T, Kitani M, Hirano Y, Nagase M, Morio Y. Mediastinal metastasis from ovarian serous carcinoma 29 years after initial treatment. Respir Med Case Rep 2020; 29:101003. [PMID: 32257787 PMCID: PMC7118409 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2020.101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a critically lethal gynecologic malignancy. More than 80% of patients with ovarian cancer have relapses within 5 years after initial treatment. However, recurrence from ovarian cancer more than 20 years later is extremely rare. We report a case of a 67-year-old female with mediastinal metastasis from ovarian cancer 29 years after initial gynecologic surgery and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Inoue
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8585, Japan
| | - Takuma Yotsumoto
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8585, Japan
| | - Yuta Inoue
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8585, Japan
| | - Takeshi Fukami
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8585, Japan
| | - Masashi Kitani
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8585, Japan
| | - Yuta Hirano
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8585, Japan
| | - Maki Nagase
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshiteru Morio
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8585, Japan.,Center for Pulmonary Circulation and Hemoptysis, Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, 3-1-1 Takeoka, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8585, Japan
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14
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Liu T, Tao J, Lin J, Nie X, Huang W, Guo J. Thymopentin promotes ovarian angiogenesis in mice by activating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification of key factors in the Notch/Tie1 pathway. VASCULAR INVESTIGATION AND THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/vit.vit_17_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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15
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Peng K, Wu C, Wei G, Jiang J, Zhang Z, Sun X. Implantable sandwich PHBHHx film for burst-free controlled delivery of thymopentin peptide. Acta Pharm Sin B 2018; 8:432-439. [PMID: 29881682 PMCID: PMC5990338 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustained release and non-parental formulations of peptides and protein drugs are highly desirable because of enhanced therapeutic effects as well as improved patient compliance. This is especially true for small peptides such as thymopentin (TP5). To this end, implantable sandwich poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) films were designed to prolong release time and to inhibit burst release phenomenon of TP5 by a simple volatilization method. In vitro release studies revealed that sandwich films had nearly no burst release. In vivo release time of sandwich films was prolonged to 42 days. Pharmacodynamic evaluation demonstrated that TP5 sandwich films significantly increased survival rates in a rat immunosuppressive model and normalized CD4+/CD8+ values. These results suggest that TP5 released from sandwich films can attenuate cyclophosphamide's immunosuppressive activity, and possibly achieve results comparable to daily TP5 injection therapy. Thus, sandwich PHBHHx films show excellent potential as a sustained, burst-free release system for small molecular weight, hydrophilic peptide drugs.
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16
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Zheng S, Qin T, Lu Y, Huang Y, Luo L, Liu Z, Bo R, Hu Y, Liu J, Wang D. Maturation of dendritic cells in vitro and immunological enhancement of mice in vivo by pachyman- and/or OVA-encapsulated poly(d,l-lactic acid) nanospheres. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:569-583. [PMID: 29416336 PMCID: PMC5790079 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s153567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poly lactide (PLA) was proved in the last years to be good for use in sustained drug delivery and as carriers for vaccine antigens. In our previous research, pachyman (PHY)-encapsulated PLA (PHYP) nanospheres were synthesized and their function of controlling drug release was demonstrated. Purpose In order to modify the fast drug-release rate of PHY when inoculated alone, the maturation of bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) in vitro and their immunological enhancement in vivo were explored using PHYP nanospheres. Methods The maturation and antigen uptake of BMDCs were evaluated, both alone and with formulated antigen PHYP nanospheres, ie, ovalbumin (OVA)-loaded PHYP nanospheres, as an antigen delivery system, to investigate antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Results The results indicated that, when stimulated by PHYP, the BMDCs matured as a result of upregulated expression of co-stimulatory molecules; the mechanism was elucidated by tracing fluorescently labeled antigens in confocal laser scanning microscopy images and observing the uptake of nanospheres by transmission electron microscopy. It was further revealed that mice inoculated with OVA-PHYP had augmented antigen-specific IgG antibodies, increased cytokine secretion by splenocytes, increased splenocyte proliferation, and activation of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ and CD8+ T cells in vivo. Elevated immune responses were produced by OVA-PHYP, possibly owing to the activation and maturation of dendritic cells (in draining lymph nodes). Conclusion It was corroborated that PHY- and/or OVA-encapsulated PLA nanospheres elicited prominent antigen-presenting effects on BMDCs and heightened humoral and cellular immune responses compared with other formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Zheng
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing
| | - Tao Qin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Animal, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou
| | - Yu Lu
- National Veterinary Product Engineering Research Center, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Animal, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou
| | - Li Luo
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing
| | - Zhenguang Liu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing
| | - Ruonan Bo
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing
| | - Yuanliang Hu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing
| | - Jiaguo Liu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing
| | - Deyun Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Animal, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou
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17
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Shi M, Yang Y, Zhou X, Cai L, Fang C, Wang C, Sun H, Sun Y, Gao Y, Gu J, Fawcett JP. Determination of thymopentin in beagle dog blood by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study. J Sep Sci 2015; 38:1351-7. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201401198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meiyun Shi
- College of Life Science; Jilin University; Changchun P. R. China
| | - Yan Yang
- College of Life Science; Jilin University; Changchun P. R. China
| | - Xiaotong Zhou
- College of Life Science; Jilin University; Changchun P. R. China
| | - Lanlan Cai
- College of Life Science; Jilin University; Changchun P. R. China
| | - Chunxue Fang
- College of Life Science; Jilin University; Changchun P. R. China
| | - Can Wang
- College of Life Science; Jilin University; Changchun P. R. China
| | - Heping Sun
- College of Life Science; Jilin University; Changchun P. R. China
| | - Yantong Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Jilin University; Changchun P. R. China
| | - Yin Gao
- Department of Medicine; Division of Rheumatology; Queen's University; Kingston Ontario Canada
| | - Jingkai Gu
- Research Center for Drug Metabolism; Jilin University; Changchun P. R. China
- Clinical Pharmacology Center; Research Institute of Translational Medicine; The First Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun P. R. China
| | - J. Paul Fawcett
- School of Pharmacy; University of Otago; Dunedin New Zealand
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18
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Hou S, Wang Y, Liu N, Liu J. Preparation and Recognition Characteristics of Thymopentin Molecularly Imprinted Polymers on SiO2. ADSORPT SCI TECHNOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1260/0263-6174.32.10.833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sen Hou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South of China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Training Regiment of China Xi'an Satellite Control Center, Xi'an 714000, China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South of China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Na Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South of China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South of China, Hengyang 421001, China
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19
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Wang Y, Cao Y, Meng Y, You Z, Liu X, Liu Z. The novel role of thymopentin in induction of maturation of bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs). Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 21:255-60. [PMID: 24861251 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Thymopentin is an immune-modulating peptide that can stimulate cellular immune responses and has been used in many immune handicapped cases [1]. However, despite documented reports proving its efficacy in immunoregulation, there have been no reports, as yet, concerning its impact on the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we analyzed the effects of thymopentin on the detailed regulation of maturation of murine bone-marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). The phenotypic and structural maturation of BMDCs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry (FCM). The functional maturation was confirmed by an acid phosphatase (ACP) activity test, FITC-dextran bio-assay, test of 5,6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE), labeled CD4(+)T cell proliferation and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We determined that thymopentin up-regulated the expression of CD40, CD80, CD86, CD83, and MHC II molecules on BMDCs, down-regulated phagocytosis of BMDCs, increased BMDCs driven CD4(+)T cell proliferation, and enhanced BMDC production of IL-12 and TNF-α. Therefore, we concluded that thymopentin highly induces BMDC maturation and intensifies DC/T-cell pathways. These data also provide direct evidence and rationale concerning the potential clinical use of thymopentin in various immune handicapped cases and suggest that thymopentin should be considered as a potent adjuvant for DC-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Emergency, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Yan Cao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Yiming Meng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Zhenyu You
- Department of Oncology, 202 Army Hospital, PLA, No. 5, Guangdong Street, Shenyang 110812, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Department of Emergency, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Department of Emergency, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Shenyang 110001, China
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20
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Wu D, Gao Y, Qi Y, Chen L, Ma Y, Li Y. Peptide-based cancer therapy: opportunity and challenge. Cancer Lett 2014; 351:13-22. [PMID: 24836189 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Conventional cancer therapies mainly focus on mass cell killing without high specificity and often cause severe side effects and toxicities. Peptides are a novel class of anticancer agents that could specifically target cancer cells with lower toxicity to normal tissues, which will offer new opportunities for cancer prevention and treatment. Anticancer peptides face several therapeutic challenges. In this review, we present the sources and mechanisms of anticancer peptides and further discuss modification strategies to improve the anticancer effects of bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Wu
- College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yuanming Qi
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China.
| | - Lixiang Chen
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yuanfang Ma
- College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yanzhang Li
- College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China.
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21
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Lisitskaya KV, Nikolaev IV, Torkova AA, Popov VO, Koroleva OV. Analysis of functional properties of biologically active substances using eukaryotic cell models (review). APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683812060087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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22
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Yang B, Lu XC, Yu RL, Chi XH, Liu Y, Wang Y, Dai HR, Zhu HL, Cai LL, Han WD. Repeated transfusions of autologous cytokine-induced killer cells for treatment of haematological malignancies in elderly patients: a pilot clinical trial. Hematol Oncol 2011; 30:115-22. [PMID: 22972689 DOI: 10.1002/hon.1012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The elderly population is susceptible to haematological malignancies, and these elderly patients are intolerant to cytotoxic drugs. Therefore, the exploration of a safe and reliable strategy exclusive of chemotherapy is critical in improving the prognosis of elderly patients with haematological malignancies. We evaluated the safety and the efficacy of autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells combined with recombinant human interleukin 2 (rhIL-2) in the treatment of haematological malignancies in elderly patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 20 elderly patients with haematological malignancies, then augmented by priming with interferon gamma, rhIL-2 and CD3 monoclonal antibody. The autologous CIK cells (2-3 × 10(9)) were transfused back to patients, followed by a subcutaneous injection of IL-2 (1 mU/day) for 10 consecutive days. The regimen was repeated every 4 weeks. The host cellular immune function, tumour-related biological parameters, imaging characteristics, disease condition, quality of life and survival time were assessed. Fourteen patients received 8 cycles of transfusion and 6 received 4 cycles. No adverse effects were observed. The percentages of CD3(+), CD3(+) CD8(+) and CD3(+) CD56(+) cells were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the levels of serum β2 microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were markedly decreased (p < 0.05) after autologous CIK cell transfusion. Cancer-related symptoms were profoundly alleviated, as demonstrated by the improved quality of life (p < 0.01). Complete remission was observed in 11 patients, persistent partial remission in 7 patients and stable disease in 2 patients. At the end of follow-up, the mean survival time was 20 months. Transfusion with autologous CIK cells plus rhIL-2 treatment is safe and effective for treating haematological malignancies in elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Department of Geriatric Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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23
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Li J, Liu CH, Wang FS. Thymosin alpha 1: biological activities, applications and genetic engineering production. Peptides 2010; 31:2151-8. [PMID: 20699109 PMCID: PMC7115394 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Revised: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1), a 28-amino acid peptide, was first described and characterized from calf thymuses in 1977. This peptide can enhance T-cell, dendritic cell (DC) and antibody responses, modulate cytokines and chemokines production and block steroid-induced apoptosis of thymocytes. Due to its pleiotropic biological activities, Tα1 has gained increasing interest in recent years and has been used for the treatment of various diseases in clinic. Accordingly, there is an increasing need for the production of this peptide. So far, Tα1 used in clinic is synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis. Here, we summarize the genetic engineering methods to produce Tα1 using prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression systems. The effectiveness of these biological products in increasing the secretion of cytokines and in promoting lymphocyte proliferation were investigated in vitro studies. This opens the possibility for biotechnological production of Tα1 for the research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Chun Hui Liu
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Feng Shan Wang
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Corresponding author at: Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China. Tel.: +86 531 88382589; fax: +86 531 88382548.
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