Emerging role of IL-16 in cytokine-mediated regulation of multiple sclerosis

Adverse childhood experiences and recent negative events are associated with activated immune and growth factor pathways, the phenome of first episode major depression and suicidal behaviors

This research assessed the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and negative life events (NLEs) on forty-eight cytokines/chemokines/growth factors, in 71 FE-MDMD patients and forty heathy controls. ACEs are highly significantly associated with the classical M1 macrophage, T helper (Th)-1, Th-1 polarization, IRS, and neurotoxicity immune profiles, and not with the alternative M2, and Th-2 immune profiles. There are highly significant correlations between ACEs and NLEs and different cytokines/chemokines/growth factors, especially with interleukin (IL)-16, CCL27, stem cell growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor. Partial Least Squares analysis showed that 62.3 % of the variance in the depression phenome (based on severity of depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviors) was explained by the regression on IL-4 (p = 0.001, inversely), the sum of ACEs + NLEs (p < 0.0001), and a vector extracted from 10 cytokines/chemokines/growth factors (p < 0.0001; both positively associated). The latter partially mediated (p < 0.0001) the effects of ACE + NLEs on the depression phenome. In conclusion, part of the effects of ACEs and NLEs on the depression phenome is mediated via activation of immune and growth factor networks. These pathways have a stronger impact in subjects with lowered activities of the compensatory immune-regulatory system.

Sex differences in peripheral immune cell activation: Implications for pain and pain resolution

Decades of research into chronic pain has deepened our understanding of the cellular mechanisms behind this process. However, a failure to consider the biological variable of sex has limited the application of these breakthroughs into clinical application. In the present study, we investigate fundamental differences in chronic pain between male and female mice resulting from inflammatory activation of the innate immune system. We provide evidence that female mice are more sensitive to the effects of macrophages. Injecting small volumes of media conditioned by either unstimulated macrophages or macrophages stimulated by the inflammatory molecule TNFα lead to increased pain sensitivity only in females. Interestingly, we find that TNFα conditioned media leads to a more rapid resolution of mechanical hypersensitivity and altered immune cell recruitment to sites of injury. Furthermore, male and female macrophages exhibit differential polarization characteristics and motility after TNFα stimulation, as well as a different profile of cytokine secretions. Finally, we find that the X-linked gene Tlr7 is critical in the facilitating the adaptive resolution of pain in models of acute and chronic inflammation in both sexes. Altogether, these findings suggest that although the cellular mechanisms of pain resolution may differ between the sexes, the study of these differences may yield more targeted approaches with clinical applications.

Evolution of developmental and comparative immunology in poultry: The regulators and the regulated

Avian has a unique immune system that evolved in response to environmental pressures in all aspects of innate and adaptive immune responses, including localized and circulating lymphocytes, diversity of immunoglobulin repertoire, and various cytokines and chemokines. All of these attributes make birds an indispensable vertebrate model for studying the fundamental immunological concepts and comparative immunology. However, research on the immune system in birds lags far behind that of humans, mice, and other agricultural animal species, and limited immune tools have hindered the adequate application of birds as disease models for mammalian systems. An in-depth understanding of the avian immune system relies on the detailed studies of various regulated and regulatory mediators, such as cell surface antigens, cytokines, and chemokines. Here, we review current knowledge centered on the roles of avian cell surface antigens, cytokines, chemokines, and beyond. Moreover, we provide an update on recent progress in this rapidly developing field of study with respect to the availability of immune reagents that will facilitate the study of regulatory and regulated components of poultry immunity. The new information on avian immunity and available immune tools will benefit avian researchers and evolutionary biologists in conducting fundamental and applied research.

An integrated cytokine and kynurenine network as the basis of neuroimmune communication

Two of the molecular families closely associated with mediating communication between the brain and immune system are cytokines and the kynurenine metabolites of tryptophan. Both groups regulate neuron and glial activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and leukocyte function in the immune system, although neither group alone completely explains neuroimmune function, disease occurrence or severity. This essay suggests that the two families perform complementary functions generating an integrated network. The kynurenine pathway determines overall neuronal excitability and plasticity by modulating glutamate receptors and GPR35 activity across the CNS, and regulates general features of immune cell status, surveillance and tolerance which often involves the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR). Equally, cytokines and chemokines define and regulate specific populations of neurons, glia or immune system leukocytes, generating more specific responses within restricted CNS regions or leukocyte populations. In addition, as there is a much larger variety of these compounds, their homing properties enable the superimposition of dynamic variations of cell activity upon local, spatially limited, cell populations. This would in principle allow the targeting of potential treatments to restricted regions of the CNS. The proposed synergistic interface of 'tonic' kynurenine pathway affecting baseline activity and the superimposed 'phasic' cytokine system would constitute an integrated network explaining some features of neuroimmune communication. The concept would broaden the scope for the development of new treatments for disorders involving both the CNS and immune systems, with safer and more effective agents targeted to specific CNS regions.

Interleukin (IL) 16: a candidate urinary biomarker for proliferative lupus nephritis

Objective

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenesis is incompletely understood and diagnostic biomarkers are scarce. We investigated interleukin (IL) 16 as a potential biomarker for LN in a well-characterised cohort of patients with SLE.

Methods

We measured urinary (u-) and plasma (p-) levels of IL-16 in predefined patient groups using ELISA: LN (n=84), active non-renal SLE (n=63), inactive non-renal SLE (n=73) and matched population controls (n=48). The LN group included patients with recent biopsy-confirmed proliferative (PLN, n=47), mesangioproliferative (MES, n=11) and membranous (MLN, n=26) LN. Renal expression of IL-16 was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Associations between IL-16 measurements and clinical parameters and the diagnostic value for LN were explored.

Results

p-IL-16 was detected in all investigated cases and high p-IL-16 levels were observed in patients with active SLE. u-IL-16 was detected (dt-u-IL-16) in 47.6% of patients with LN, while only up to 17.8% had dt-u-IL-16 in other groups. In the LN group, 68% of patients with PLN had dt-u-IL-16, while the proportions in the MLN and MES groups were lower (11.5% and 45.5%, respectively). The highest u-IL-16 levels were detected in the PLN group. In the regression model, u-IL-16 levels differentiated PLN from other LN patient subgroups (area under the curve 0.775–0.896, p<0.0001). dt-u-IL-16 had superior specificity but slightly lower sensitivity than elevated anti-double-stranded DNA and low complement C3 or C4 in diagnosing PLN. A high proportion of LN kidney infiltrating cells expressed IL-16.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that detectable u-IL-16 can differentiate patients with PLN from those with less severe LN subtypes and active non-renal SLE. Our findings suggest that u-IL-16 could be used as a screening tool at suspicion of severe LN. Furthermore, the high IL-16 levels in plasma, urine and kidney tissue imply that IL-16 could be explored as a therapeutic target in SLE.

Inferred Causal Mechanisms of Persistent FMDV Infection in Cattle from Differential Gene Expression in the Nasopharyngeal Mucosa

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) can persistently infect pharyngeal epithelia in ruminants but not in pigs. Our previous studies demonstrated that persistent FMDV infection in cattle was associated with under-expression of several chemokines that recruit immune cells. This report focuses on the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG) identified during the transitional phase of infection, defined as the period when animals diverge between becoming carriers or terminators. During this phase, Th17-stimulating cytokines (IL6 and IL23A) and Th17-recruiting chemokines (CCL14 and CCL20) were upregulated in animals that were still infected (transitional carriers) compared to those that had recently cleared infection (terminators), whereas chemokines recruiting neutrophils and CD8+ T effector cells (CCL3 and ELR+CXCLs) were downregulated. Upregulated Th17-specific receptor, CCR6, and Th17-associated genes, CD146, MIR155, and ThPOK, suggested increased Th17 cell activity in transitional carriers. However, a complex interplay of the Th17 regulatory axis was indicated by non-significant upregulation of IL17A and downregulation of IL17F, two hallmarks of TH17 activity. Other DEG suggested that transitional carriers had upregulated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), non-canonical NFκB signaling, and downregulated canonical NFκB signaling. The results described herein provide novel insights into the mechanisms of establishment of FMDV persistence. Additionally, the fact that ruminants, unlike pigs, produce a large amount of AHR ligands suggests a plausible explanation of why FMDV persists in ruminants, but not in pigs.

Association of a miRNA-binding site polymorphism in IL-16 gene with disease risk and clinical characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION

/objectives. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at the 3'-UTR region of the target genes of microRNAs (miRNAs) can dysregulate their expression via disrupting the binding site of miRNAs. Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the current study, we assessed the possible association between rs1131445 polymorphism in IL-16 gene with risk and clinical characteristics of RA and SLE in the Iranian population.

METHODS

In this case-control study, 120 patients with RA, 120 patients with SLE, and 120 unrelated healthy subjects were collected to estimate rs1131445 (T > C) polymorphism in IL-16 gene using real-time PCR high-resolution melting (HRM) method.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated considerable associations between TC genotype and C allele of rs1131445 with enhanced risk of RA (OR_{for TC genotype} = 3.01; 95%CI [1.667-5.526], P < 0.001; OR_{for C allele} = 1.96; 95%CI [1.314-2.941], P < 0.001). Besides, there was a marginal association between CC genotype and increased risk of RA (P: 0.031). However, there was an insignificant correlation between genotypes and allele frequencies of rs1131445 with incidence risk of SLE (P > 0.05). Moreover, stratification analysis indicated that the C allele in rs1131445 was linked with disease activity-associated laboratory parameters such as CRP and ESR in both RA and SLE patients, as well as the higher incidence of neurological symptoms in SLE subjects (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results proposed a significant association between IL-16 polymorphism and augmented risk of RA and clinical characteristics of RA and SLE.

Genetically Predicted Levels of Circulating Inflammatory Cytokines and the Risk and Age at Onset of Parkinson’s Disease: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is widely considered to be a disabling neurodegenerative disorder, which has been ranked second worldwide just after Alzheimer’s disease. Until present, a wide range of studies has focused on the role of circulating inflammatory cytokines in the development of PD. However, the causal relationship between circulating inflammatory cytokines and the risk and age at the onset of PD has not been elucidated. Hence, to evaluate the effects of circulating inflammatory cytokines on the risk or age at the onset of PD more accurately, we conducted this two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study involving summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Totally, we included a GWAS for inflammatory cytokines (8,293 participants), a meta-analysis of GWASs for PD risk (482,730 participants), and a GWAS dataset for age at the onset of PD (17,996 patients with PD). A total of 149 and 131 polymorphisms for exploring relationships between 19 inflammatory cytokines and the risk and age at the onset of PD were obtained as instrumental variants. Then, we used a total of five MR methods, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), Wald ratio, MR Egger regression, weighted median, and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods. Finally, we found a causal association between circulating levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP1b) and PD risk in the IVW method (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02–1.10; P = 0.001). Meanwhile, other MR estimates by weighted median and MR-PRESSO methods yielded similar effect estimates. Besides, we identified a suggestive association of interleukin-16 (IL-16) levels with PD risk (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00–1.17; P = 0.037). For age at PD onset, there was no evidence supporting its correlation with inflammatory cytokines. Our findings implied that MIP1b and IL-16 may be novel biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets for PD development.

Identification of a ZC3H12D-regulated competing endogenous RNA network for prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma at single-cell level

Background

To identify hub genes from the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and to explore their potential functions on prognosis of patients from a single-cell perspective.

Methods

We performed RNA-sequencing of LUAD to construct ceRNA regulatory network, integrating with public databases to identify the vital pathways related to patients’ prognosis and to reveal the expression level of hub genes under different conditions, the functional enrichment of co-expressed genes and their potential immune-related mechanisms.

Results

ZC3H12D-hsa-miR-4443-ENST00000630242 axis was found to be related with LUAD. Lower ZC3H12D expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) of patients (HR = 2.007, P < 0.05), and its expression was higher in early-stage patients, including T1 (P < 0.05) and N0 (P < 0.05). Additionally, ZC3H12D expression was higher in immune cells displayed by single-cell RNA-sequencing data, especially in Treg cells of lung cancer and CD8 T cells, B cells and CD4 T cells of LUAD. The functional enrichment analysis showed that the co-expressed genes mainly played a role in lymphocyte activation and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. In addition, ZC3H12D was associated with multiple immune cells and immune molecules, including immune checkpoints CTLA4, CD96 and TIGIT.

Conclusion

ZC3H12D-hsa-miR-4443-ENST00000630242 ceRNA network was identified in LUAD. ZC3H12D could affect prognosis of patients by regulating mRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, immune cells and immune molecules. Therefore, it may serve as a vital predictive marker and could be regarded as a potential therapeutic target for LUAD in the future.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08992-1.

Increased Levels of IL-16 in the Central Nervous System during Neuroinflammation Are Associated with Infiltrating Immune Cells and Resident Glial Cells

Simple Summary

Interleukin-16 is a protein involved in the migration of some immune cells and plays an important role in the development of multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system (i.e., brain and spinal cord). Currently, it is not fully understood which cells produce interleukin-16 during the inflammatory response in the central nervous system. This study investigates the correlation between the expression levels of interleukin-16 and the severity of neuroinflammation and determines the cells which produce interleukin-16, using a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Our data show that the expression levels of interleukin-16 are significantly increased in the brain and spinal cord tissues of the mouse model compared to controls. Furthermore, other immune assays reveal that the significantly increased number of cells expressing interleukin-16 in the central nervous system lesions are likely to be infiltrating immune cells and resident glial cells, but not neurons. Our findings suggest that interleukin-16 is closely involved in the pathology of multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases in the central nervous system via the glial and infiltrating immune cells.

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-16, a CD4⁺ immune cell specific chemoattractant cytokine, has been shown to be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). While immune cells such as T cells and macrophages are reported to be the producers of IL-16, the cellular source of IL-16 in the CNS is less clear. This study investigates the correlation of IL-16 expression levels in the CNS with the severity of neuroinflammation and determines the phenotype of cells which produce IL-16 in the CNS of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice. Our data show that IL-16 expression is significantly increased in the brain and spinal cord tissues of EAE mice compared to phosphate buffered saline (PBS) immunised controls. Dual immunofluorescence staining reveals that the significantly increased IL-16⁺ cells in the CNS lesions of EAE mice are likely to be the CD45⁺ infiltrating immune cells such as CD4⁺ or F4/80⁺ cells and the CNS resident CD11b⁺ microglia and GFAP⁺ astrocytes, but not NeuN+ neurons. Our data suggest cytokine IL-16 is closely involved in EAE pathology as evidenced by its increased expression in the glial and infiltrating immune cells, which impacts the recruitment and activation of CD4⁺ immune cells in the neuroinflammation.

Human Immune System Variation during 1 Year

The human immune system varies extensively between individuals, but variation within individuals over time has not been well characterized. Systems-level analyses allow for simultaneous quantification of many interacting immune system components and the inference of global regulatory principles. Here, we present a longitudinal, systems-level analysis in 99 healthy adults 50 to 65 years of age and sampled every third month for 1 year. We describe the structure of interindividual variation and characterize extreme phenotypes along a principal curve. From coordinated measurement fluctuations, we infer relationships between 115 immune cell populations and 750 plasma proteins constituting the blood immune system. While most individuals have stable immune systems, the degree of longitudinal variability is an individual feature. The most variable individuals, in the absence of overt infections, exhibited differences in markers of metabolic health suggestive of a possible link between metabolic and immunologic homeostatic regulation.

Neurofilament Light Chain Is a Promising Biomarker in Alcohol Dependence

Background: Alcohol dependence, a global public health problem, leads to structural and functional damage in the brain. Alcohol dependence patients present complex and varied clinical manifestations and live with general complaints existing in contemporary society, making most people with alcohol dependence hard to identify. Therefore, it is important to find potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and evaluation of alcohol dependence. In the study, we explored potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases and evaluated brain structural changes in alcohol dependence patients. Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELSA) was employed to detect the expression of serum nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and single-molecule array (Simoa) assay was used to detect the expression of serum neurofilament light (NfL) in 50 alcohol dependence patients and 50 controls with no drinking history. Alcohol consumption was measured by standard drinks. Neuropsychological assessments, including the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), were conducted to evaluate cognitive function and psychological state. The degree of white matter lesions (WMLs) was rated using the Fazekas scale based on magnetic resonance imaging analysis. White matter structure was quantified using the voxel-based morphometry method. The correlations between NLRP3 levels, NfL levels, neuropsychological dysfunction, the degree of WMLs, and white matter volume (WMV) were analyzed in alcohol dependence patients. Results: Serum NLRP3 and NfL levels were higher in the alcohol dependence group. NLRP3 levels were irrelevant to monthly alcohol assumption as well as to the MoCA, PSQI, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and Fazekas scale scores and WMV. NfL levels were positively correlated with the PSQI and PHQ-9 scores as well as the degree of WMLs and negatively correlated with the MoCA scores and WMV. No associations were evident between NfL and monthly alcohol assumption and GAD-7 scores in the alcohol dependence group. Conclusion: This study supports the potential value of serum NfL as a non-invasive biomarker in alcohol dependence. The association with neuropsychological dysfunction and degree of WMLs has implications to use NfL as a promising biomarker to assess the severity of brain damage as well as the progression and prognosis of alcohol dependence.

An Investigation into Proteomic Constituents of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Patients with Chronic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Medicated with Opioids- a Pilot Study

The pharmacodynamics of opioids for chronic peripheral neuropathic pain are complex and likely extend beyond classical opioid receptor theory. Preclinical evidence of opioid modulation of central immune signalling has not been identified in vivo in humans. Examining the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients medicated with opioids is required to identify potential pharmacodynamic mechanisms. We compared CSF samples of chronic peripheral neuropathic pain patients receiving opioids (n = 7) versus chronic peripheral neuropathic pain patients not taking opioids (control group, n = 13). Baseline pain scores with demographics were recorded. Proteome analysis was performed using mass spectrometry and secreted neuropeptides were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Based on Gene Ontology analysis, proteins involved in the positive regulation of nervous system development and myeloid leukocyte activation were increased in patients taking opioids versus the control group. The largest decrease in protein expression in patients taking opioids were related to neutrophil mediated immunity. In addition, notably higher expression levels of neural proteins (85%) and receptors (80%) were detected in the opioid group compared to the control group. This study suggests modulation of CNS homeostasis, possibly attributable to opioids, thus highlighting potential mechanisms for the pharmacodynamics of opioids. We also provide new insights into the immunomodulatory functions of opioids in vivo.

A pathogenic and clonally expanded B cell transcriptome in active multiple sclerosis

B cells serve as a key weapon against infectious diseases. They also contribute to multiple autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) where depletion of B cells is a highly effective therapy. We describe a comprehensive profile of central nervous system (CNS)-specific transcriptional B cell phenotypes in MS at single-cell resolution with paired immune repertoires. We reveal a polyclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG1 cerebrospinal fluid B cell expansion polarized toward an inflammatory, memory and plasmablast/plasma cell phenotype, with differential up-regulation of specific proinflammatory pathways. We did not find evidence that CNS B cells harbor a neurotropic virus. These data support the targeting of activated resident B cells in the CNS as a potentially effective strategy for control of treatment-resistant chronic disease.

Central nervous system B cells have several potential roles in multiple sclerosis (MS): secretors of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, presenters of autoantigens to T cells, producers of pathogenic antibodies, and reservoirs for viruses that trigger demyelination. To interrogate these roles, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) was performed on paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood from subjects with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS; n = 12), other neurologic diseases (ONDs; n = 1), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 3). Single-cell immunoglobulin sequencing (scIg-Seq) was performed on a subset of these subjects and additional RRMS (n = 4), clinically isolated syndrome (n = 2), and OND (n = 2) subjects. Further, paired CSF and blood B cell subsets (RRMS; n = 7) were isolated using fluorescence activated cell sorting for bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Independent analyses across technologies demonstrated that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and cholesterol biosynthesis pathways were activated, and specific cytokine and chemokine receptors were up-regulated in CSF memory B cells. Further, SMAD/TGF-β1 signaling was down-regulated in CSF plasmablasts/plasma cells. Clonally expanded, somatically hypermutated IgM+ and IgG1+ CSF B cells were associated with inflammation, blood–brain barrier breakdown, and intrathecal Ig synthesis. While we identified memory B cells and plasmablast/plasma cells with highly similar Ig heavy-chain sequences across MS subjects, similarities were also identified with ONDs and HCs. No viral transcripts, including from Epstein–Barr virus, were detected. Our findings support the hypothesis that in MS, CSF B cells are driven to an inflammatory and clonally expanded memory and plasmablast/plasma cell phenotype.

An investigation into the modulation of T cell phenotypes by amitriptyline and nortriptyline

Amitriptyline is prescribed for treating the symptoms of neuroinflammatory disorders including neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. As amitriptyline has evidence of modulating the neuroimmune interface; the effects of amitriptyline treatment on T-cell phenotype and function were examined in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) were isolated and treated with amitriptyline, nortriptyline and a combination of both drugs. Toxicity for T-cells was assessed by Annexin V/Propidium Iodide staining. Activation status and cytokine expression by T-cells post treatment was assessed by flow cytometry. The levels of secreted cytokines, chemokines and neurotrophins were measured by ELISA in the supernatants. There was no significant increase in T-cell death following 24 or 48 h compared to controls. There were significantly lower frequencies of CD8⁺ T-cells after treatment with amitriptyline, nortriptyline and a combination of both compared to a Vehicle Control(VC)(p<0.001). The frequencies of naive CD8⁺CD45RA⁺ cells were significantly lower after amitriptyline, nortriptyline and a combination of both (p<0001). The frequencies of CD27⁺CD4⁺(p<0.05) and CD27⁺CD8⁺(p<0.01) T-cells were also significantly lower following combination drug treatment. Significantly lower frequencies of IFN-γ-producing CD8⁺ T-cells were observed with all treatment combinations(p<0.05) and frequencies of IL-17-producing CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cells were significantly lower following amitriptyline treatment (p<0.05). Frequencies of Natural Killer T-cells were significantly higher following treatment with nortriptyline (p<0.05). Significantly higher levels of IL-16 (p<0.001) and lower levels of TNF-β (p<0.05) were observed in supernatants. This data indicates that both amitriptyline and nortriptyline modulate the phenotype and function of T-cells and this may have clinical relevance in the pathologies of its off-label applications.

Association of IL-16 gene polymorphisms with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Chinese Han population

Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore the genetic association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin-16 (IL-16) gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.

Methods: In total, 133 T2DM patients and 127 healthy controls matched by age and gender were recruited in the case–control study. IL-16 gene rs4778889 and rs11556218 polymorphisms were genotyped in the two groups via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Differences in genotype and allele distributions between groups were compared by the χ² test. All the comparisons were adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) by logistic regression. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association strength between IL-16 gene polymorphism and T2DM risk.

Results: The TG genotype and G allele frequencies of rs11556218 increased remarkably in the case group than that in controls (45.86 vs 33.86%; 29.70 vs 20.87%), and the differences reached a significant level (P<0.05). After adjusting for age, gender, and BMI, the differences still reached a significant level (P<0.05). Rs11556218 TG genotype carriers had a 1.769-fold increased risk of developing T2DM (OR = 1.769, 95% CI = 1.045–2.994), and G allele was also associated with an increased risk of T2DM (OR = 1.639, 95% CI = 1.087–2.471). IL-16 rs4778889 polymorphism showed no significant association with T2DM risk.

Conclusion:IL-16 gene rs11556218 polymorphism was significantly associated with T2DM susceptibility in the Chinese Han population, while rs4778889 was not.

A cell type-specific transcriptomic approach to map B cell and monocyte type I interferon-linked pathogenic signatures in Multiple Sclerosis

Alteration in endogenous Interferon (IFN) system may profoundly impact immune cell function in autoimmune diseases. Here, we provide evidence that dysregulation in IFN-regulated genes and pathways are involved in B cell- and monocyte-driven pathogenic contribution to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) development and maintenance. In particular, by using an Interferome-based cell type-specific approach, we characterized an increased susceptibility to an IFN-linked caspase-3 dependent apoptotic cell death in both B cells and monocytes of MS patients that may arise from their chronic activation and persistent stimulation by activated T cells. Ongoing caspase-3 activation functionally impacts on MS monocyte properties influencing the STAT-3/IL-16 axis, thus, driving increased expression and massive release of the bio-active IL-16 triggering and perpetuating CD4⁺ T cell migration. Importantly, our analysis also identified a previously unknown multi-component defect in type I IFN-mediated signaling and response to virus pathways specific of MS B cells, impacting on induction of anti-viral responses and Epstein-barr virus infection control in patients. Taking advantage of cell type-specific transcriptomics and in-depth functional validation, this study revealed pathogenic contribution of endogenous IFN signaling and IFN-regulated cell processes to MS pathogenesis with implications on fate and functions of B cells and monocytes that may hold therapeutic potential.

Interleukin-16 inhibits sodium channel function and GluA1 phosphorylation via CD4- and CD9-independent mechanisms to reduce hippocampal neuronal excitability and synaptic activity

Interleukin 16 (IL-16) is a cytokine that is primarily associated with CD4⁺ T cell function, but also exists as a multi-domain PDZ protein expressed within cerebellar and hippocampal neurons. We have previously shown that lymphocyte-derived IL-16 is neuroprotective against excitotoxicity, but evidence of how it affects neuronal function is limited. Here, we have investigated whether IL-16 modulates neuronal excitability and synaptic activity in mouse primary hippocampal cultures. Application of recombinant IL-16 impairs both glutamate-induced increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ and sEPSC frequency and amplitude in a CD4- and CD9-independent manner. We examined the mechanisms underlying these effects, with rIL-16 reducing GluA1 S831 phosphorylation and inhibiting Na⁺ channel function. Taken together, these data suggest that IL-16 reduces neuronal excitability and synaptic activity via multiple mechanisms and adds further evidence that alternative receptors may exist for IL-16.

Orthologous proteins of experimental de- and remyelination are differentially regulated in the CSF proteome of multiple sclerosis subtypes

OBJECTIVE

Here, we applied a multi-omics approach (i) to examine molecular pathways related to de- and remyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions; and (ii) to translate these findings to the CSF proteome in order to identify molecules that are differentially expressed among MS subtypes.

METHODS

To relate differentially expressed genes in MS lesions to de- and remyelination, we compared transcriptome of MS lesions to transcriptome of cuprizone (CPZ)-induced de- and remyelination. Protein products of the overlapping orthologous genes were measured within the CSF by quantitative proteomics, parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Differentially regulated proteins were correlated with molecular markers of inflammation by using MesoScale multiplex immunoassay. Expression kinetics of differentially regulated orthologous genes and proteins were examined in the CPZ model.

RESULTS

In the demyelinated and remyelinated corpus callosum, we detected 1239 differentially expressed genes; 91 orthologues were also differentially expressed in MS lesions. Pathway analysis of these orthologues suggested that the TYROBP (DAP12)-TREM2 pathway, TNF-receptor 1, CYBA and the proteasome subunit PSMB9 were related to de- and remyelination. We designed 129 peptides representing 51 orthologous proteins, measured them by PRM in 97 individual CSF, and compared their levels between relapsing (n = 40) and progressive MS (n = 57). Four proteins were differentially regulated among relapsing and progressive MS: tyrosine protein kinase receptor UFO (UFO), TIMP-1, apolipoprotein C-II (APOC2), and beta-2-microglobulin (B2M). The orthologous genes/proteins in the mouse brain peaked during acute remyelination. UFO, TIMP-1 and B2M levels correlated inversely with inflammation in the CSF (IL-6, MCP-1/CCL2, TARC/CCL17). APOC2 showed positive correlation with IL-2, IL-16 and eotaxin-3/CCL26.

CONCLUSIONS

Pathology-based multi-omics identified four CSF markers that were differentially expressed in MS subtypes. Upregulated TIMP-1, UFO and B2M orthologues in relapsing MS were associated with reduced inflammation and reflected reparatory processes, in contrast to the upregulated orthologue APOC2 in progressive MS that reflected changes in lipid metabolism associated with increased inflammation.

Cells, cytokines, chemokines, and cancer stress: A biobehavioral study of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent adult leukemia, with profound disease-related cellular, humoral, and innate immune suppression. The objective of this study was to study the correlations between stress and disease-specific, negative prognostic cellular, cytokine, and chemokine markers in patients with CLL.

METHODS

A single-group, observational design was used. Patients with relapsed/refractory CLL (N = 96) who were entering a phase 2 trial of an experimental therapy (ibrutinib) were studied. Before the first dose, a validated self-report measure of stress (the Impact of Event Scale) was completed, and blood was drawn for absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) and for cytokine and chemokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Multiple linear regression models tested stress as a concurrent predictor of ALCs; of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α [TNFα], a proliferation-inducing ligand [APRIL], B-cell activating factor [BAFF], interleukin 6 [IL-6], IL-10, IL-16, and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]); and of the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3).

RESULTS

Controlling for relevant demographic variables, comorbidities, CLL genetic risk (deletion of the short arm of chromosome 17 [del17p]), and correlates of inflammation, stress predicted higher ALCs (P < .05), and higher levels of TNFα (P < .05), IL-16 (P < .01), and CCL3 (P < .05). Stress was not associated with APRIL, BAFF, IL-6, IL-10, or VEGF.

CONCLUSIONS

Novel biobehavioral data from patients with relapsed/refractory CLL demonstrate that stress is related to heightened levels of cellular, cytokine, and chemokine markers associated previously with progressive disease in CLL. The current results indicate that stress is related to immune and inflammatory processes that contribute to cancer cell proliferation and survival. These data provide a first look into these processes. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Efficacy of alemtuzumab and natalizumab in the treatment of different stages of multiple sclerosis patients

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are demyelinated. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of alemtuzumab and natalizumab in the treatment of different stages of MS patients.

METHODS

A total of 585 patients diagnosed with MS and hospitalized were included and analyzed after which they were divided into the primary progressive MS A and B groups, the relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) C and D groups, and the secondary progressive MS E and F groups. Patients in A, C, and E groups were administered alemtuzumab while those in B, D, and F groups were administered natalizumab for the treatment. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores and the EDSS difference were calculated before and after treatment. The number of head magnetic resonance imaging enhanced lesions in the patients, recurrence time and recurrence rate were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The EDSS score of the RRMS group was significantly lower than that of the primary progressive MS group and the secondary progressive MS group. After 12 months of treatment, the EDSS score of RRMS patients treated with natalizumab was significantly lower compared with the patients with alemtuzumab, and the difference before and after treatment was significantly higher than alemtuzumab. The recurrence rate of the RRMS-D group was significantly lower than the RRMS-C group. After 12 months of treatment, compared with the RRMS-C group, a significant reduction was observed in the number of head magnetic resonance imaging enhanced lesions and longer recurrence time in the RRMS-D group.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of natalizumab was better than alemtuzumab in the treatment of patients in the RRMS group, while there was no significant difference among other stages of MS patients, which provided the theoretical basis and clinical guidance for the treatment of different stages of MS.

Activation of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 by human chorionic gonadotropin exerts a therapeutic effect on hepatic injury and inflammation

Incidence and prevalence of inflammatory liver diseases has increased over the last years, but therapeutic options are limited. Pregnancy induces a state of immune tolerance, which can result in spontaneous improvement of clinical symptoms of certain autoimmune diseases including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We investigated the immune-suppressive mechanisms of the human pregnancy hormone, chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), in the liver. hCG signaling activates silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1), which deacetylates forkhead box o3 (FOXO3a), leading to repression of proapoptotic gene expression, because the immunosuppressive consequence attributed to the absence of caspase-3 activity of hepatocellular interleukin 16 (IL-16) is no longer processed and released. Thus, serum levels of IL-16, a key chemotactic factor for CD4⁺ lymphocytes, were reduced and migration to injured hepatocytes prevented. Furthermore, elevated IL-16 levels are found in the sera from patients with AIH, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

CONCLUSION

Here, we report that hCG regulates the SIRT1/FOXO3a axis in hepatocytes, resulting in immune suppression by attenuating caspase-3-dependent IL-16 processing and release, which concomitantly prevents autoaggressive T-cell infiltration of the liver. Considering the low toxicity profile of hCG in humans, interrupting the inflammatory cycle by hCG opens new perspectives for therapeutic intervention of inflammatory liver diseases. (Hepatology 2017;65:2074-2089).

Cytokine and Chemokine Profiles in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

OBJECTIVE

To screen cytokines and chemokines and determine their dynamic changes in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

METHODS

Eight NMOSD with seropositive aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) were enrolled, as well as 8 matched patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 8 with noninflammatory neurological diseases, who were included as controls. In total, 102 cytokines and 34 chemokines were detected in the CSF and serum of NMOSD patients and controls.

RESULTS

CSF interleukin (IL)-17A levels were significantly higher in NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (27.15 ± 11.33) than in those in the remitting phase (10.04 ± 3.11, p = 0.0017), and patients with MS (14.72 ± 3.20, p = 0.0283) and other controls (10.39 ± 11.38, p = 0.0021). CSF IL-6 levels were higher in the NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (12.23 ± 3.47) than in those in the remitting phase (5.87 ± 2.78, p = 0.0001), and MS patients (7.38 ± 2.35, p = 0.0033) and other controls (7.50 ± 0.37, p = 0.0043). CSF CCL19 levels were also significantly higher in NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (35.87 ± 27.07) than in those in the remitting phase (10.71 ± 3.62, p = 0.0215). Serum IL-19 levels were lower in NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (6.23 ± 1.95) than in those in the remitting phase (10.72 ± 4.46, p = 0.0092). Further, there was a positive, significant correlation between serum IL-9 concentration and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score in the NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

In addition to IL-6 and IL-17A, IL-16 and CCL19 act as proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines, while IL-19 plays a protective role in NMOSD pathogenesis.

Protective effects of matrine on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via regulation of ProNGF and NGF signaling

Inflammation, demyelination, oligodendrocyte (OLG) death, and axonal degeneration are primary characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). OLGs generate myelin sheaths that surround axons, while damage to OLGs leads to demyelination and neurological functional deficit. Matrine (MAT), a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the herb Radix Sophorae Flave, has been recently found to effectively ameliorate clinical signs in EAE. Its therapeutic mechanism has, however, not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we found that MAT retarded the disease process, attenuated the clinical severity of EAE rats, ameliorated inflammation and demyelination, and suppressed the apoptosis of OLGs in the central nervous system (CNS) of EAE rats. In addition, MAT markedly blocked increased expression of the proNGF-p75(NTR) death signaling complex, which is known to mediate OLG death in EAE animals. At the same time, MAT also prevented a decrease in the levels of NGF and its receptor TrkA, which together mediate the cell survival pathway and differentiation of OLGs. ProNGF, NGF, and the downstream effector proteins play an important role in the growth, differentiation, and apoptosis of OLGs as well as the reparative response to neuronal damage. These findings thus indicate that MAT improves clinical severity of EAE in part by reducing OLG apoptosis via restoring the ratios of proNGF:NGF and the respective receptors p75(NTR):TrkA in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that MAT may be a promising agent for MS treatment based on its protective effect on OLGs.

Ethanol-Induced TLR4/NLRP3 Neuroinflammatory Response in Microglial Cells Promotes Leukocyte Infiltration Across the BBB

We reported that the ethanol-induced innate immune response by activating TLR4 signaling triggers gliosis and neuroinflammation. Ethanol also activates other immune receptors, such as NOD-like-receptors, and specifically NLRP3-inflammasome in astroglial cells, to stimulate caspase-1 cleavage and IL-1β and IL-18 cytokines production. Yet, whether microglia NLRs are also sensitive to the ethanol effects that contribute to neuroinflammation is uncertain. Using cerebral cortexes of the chronic alcohol-fed WT and TLR4(-/-) mice, we demonstrated that chronic ethanol treatment enhanced TLR4 mediated-NLRP3/Caspase-1 complex activation, and up-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines levels. Ethanol-induced NLRP3-inflammasome activation and mitochondria-ROS generation were also observed in cultured microglial cells. The up-regulation of CD45(high)/CD11b(+) cell populations and matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels was also noted in the cortexes of the ethanol-treated WT mice. Notably, elimination of the TLR4 function abolished most ethanol-induced neuroinflammatory effects. Thus, our results demonstrate that ethanol triggers TLR4-mediated NLRP3-inflammasome activation in glial cells, and suggest that microglia stimulation may compromise the permeability of blood-brain barrier events to contribute to ethanol-induced neuroinflammation and brain damage.