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Zhang W, Ding R, Hu Y, Wei W, Tian D, Qin N, Yu H, Wang X. Unraveling susceptibility genes: A contemporary overview of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112313. [PMID: 38810306 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112313] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), including Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, are organ-specific autoimmune disorders characterized by conditions including goiter, autoimmune thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism, which represent the most severe clinical manifestations of AITDs. The prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disorders is on the rise, influenced by increased environmental factors and changes in modern lifestyles. Understanding the pathophysiology of AITDs is crucial for identifying key factors that affect the disease's onset, progression, and recurrence, thereby laying a solid foundation for precise diagnosis and treatment. The development of AITDs involves a complex interplay of environmental influences, immune dysfunctions, and genetic predispositions. Genetic predispositions, in particular, are significant, with numerous genes identified as being linked to AITDs. This article focuses on examining the genes vulnerable to AITDs to deepen our understanding of the relevant genetic contributors, ultimately facilitating the development of effective prevention and treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Rong Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuelin Hu
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Dan Tian
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Nalin Qin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Hongsong Yu
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
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Tan G, Zheng G, Li J, Zhu Y, Liang Z, Li H, Yu H, Wang X. Association of genetic variations in FoxP3 gene with Graves' disease in a Southwest Chinese Han population. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e1046. [PMID: 37904681 PMCID: PMC10571500 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1046] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graves' disease (GD) is a T cell-mediated organ-specific autoimmune disease. Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) is an excellent marker for the induction and development of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Recent studies showed that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FoxP3 gene were associated with the increased susceptibility to several autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we investigated the association of FoxP3 gene polymorphisms with GD in a Southwest Chinese Han population. METHODS A two-stage case-control study was performed in 890 healthy controls (male, 282; female, 608) and 503 patients with GD (male, 138; female, 365). Four SNPs (rs3761548, rs3761549, rs3761547, and rs2280883) were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. The χ2 test was used to compare the genotype distributions and allele frequencies between GD patients and healthy controls. RESULTS In the first stage, the significantly increased frequencies of the A allele (p = .031, odds ratio [OR] = 1.635) and AA genotype (p = .023, OR = 3.257), together with a significantly decreased frequency of the C allele (p = .031, OR = 0.611) of FoxP3/rs3761548 were found in female patients with GD. None of the other FoxP3 SNPs was associated with GD susceptibility. Subsequent validation and combination of data confirmed the association between FoxP3/rs3761548 and the female patients with GD (A allele: p < .001, OR = 1.672; AA genotype: p = .005, OR = 2.488; CC genotype: p = .001, OR = 0.622; C allele: p < .001, OR = 0.615, respectively). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that FoxP3/rs3761548 is significantly associated with female GD patients in a Southwest Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiqin Tan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou ProvinceZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Guangbing Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou ProvinceZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Jiang Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou ProvinceZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Yingping Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou ProvinceZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Zhongzhi Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou ProvinceZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Hua Li
- Yongchuan HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Hongsong Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou ProvinceZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou ProvinceZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
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Cao F, Liu ZR, Ni QY, Zha CK, Zhang SJ, Lu JM, Xu YY, Tao LM, Jiang ZX, Pan HF. Emerging roles of air pollution and meteorological factors in autoimmune eye diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116116. [PMID: 37182831 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune eye diseases (AEDs), a collection of autoimmune inflammatory ocular conditions resulting from the dysregulation of immune system at the ocular level, can target both intraocular and periorbital structures leading to severe visual deficit and blindness globally. The roles of air pollution and meteorological factors in the initiation and progression of AEDs have been increasingly attractive, among which the systemic and local mechanisms are both involved in. Exposure to excessive air pollution and extreme meteorological conditions including PM2.5/PM0.1, environmental tobacco smoke, insufficient sunshine, and high temperature, etc., can disturb Th17/Treg balance, regulate macrophage polarization, activate neutrophils, induce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, decrease retinal blood flow, promote tissue fibrosis, activate sympathetic nervous system, adversely affect nutrients synthetization, as well as induce heat stress, therefore may together deteriorate AEDs. The crosstalk among inflammation, oxidative stress and dysregulated immune system appeared to be prominent. In the present review, we will concern and summarize the potential mechanisms underlying linkages of air pollution and meteorological factors to ocular autoimmune and inflammatory responses. Moreover, we concentrate on the specific roles of air pollutants and meteorological factors in several major AEDs including uveitis, Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), ocular allergic disease (OAD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhuo-Ran Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ningbo Hospital, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1155 Binhaier Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin-Yu Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chen-Kai Zha
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shu-Jie Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jia-Min Lu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yue-Yang Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Li-Ming Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Zheng-Xuan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Fletcher J, Bishop EL, Harrison SR, Swift A, Cooper SC, Dimeloe SK, Raza K, Hewison M. Autoimmune disease and interconnections with vitamin D. Endocr Connect 2022; 11:EC-21-0554. [PMID: 35196255 PMCID: PMC9010814 DOI: 10.1530/ec-21-0554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D has well-documented effects on calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism but recent studies suggest a much broader role for this secosteroid in human health. Key components of the vitamin D system, notably the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the vitamin D-activating enzyme (1α-hydroxylase), are present in a wide array of tissues, notably macrophages, dendritic cells and T lymphocytes (T cells) from the immune system. Thus, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) can be converted to hormonal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) within immune cells, and then interact with VDR and promote transcriptional and epigenomic responses in the same or neighbouring cells. These intracrine and paracrine effects of 1,25D have been shown to drive antibacterial or antiviral innate responses, as well as to attenuate inflammatory T cell adaptive immunity. Beyond these mechanistic observations, association studies have reported the correlation between low serum 25D levels and the risk and severity of human immune disorders including autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The proposed explanation for this is that decreased availability of 25D compromises immune cell synthesis of 1,25D leading to impaired innate immunity and over-exuberant inflammatory adaptive immunity. The aim of the current review is to explore the mechanistic basis for immunomodulatory effects of 25D and 1,25D in greater detail with specific emphasis on how vitamin D-deficiency (low serum levels of 25D) may lead to dysregulation of macrophage, dendritic cell and T cell function and increase the risk of inflammatory autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Fletcher
- Nutrition Nurses, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- School of Nursing, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emma L Bishop
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephanie R Harrison
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Amelia Swift
- School of Nursing, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sheldon C Cooper
- Gastroenterology Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sarah K Dimeloe
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Martin Hewison
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to M Hewison:
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Zhou F, Wang X, Wang L, Sun X, Tan G, Wei W, Zheng G, Ma X, Tian D, Yu H. Genetics, Epigenetics, Cellular Immunology, and Gut Microbiota: Emerging Links With Graves' Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:794912. [PMID: 35059400 PMCID: PMC8765724 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.794912] [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: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Graves’ disease (GD) is a well-known organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by hyperthyroidism, goiter, and exophthalmos. The incidence of GD is approximately 2.0–3.0% in China and 0.5–2.0% in Western countries. Due to the complex pathogenesis and etiology of GD, current treatment methods have great side effects that seriously endanger human health. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand the pathogenesis of GD. Various studies have shown that genetics, epigenetics, cellular immunology, and gut microbiota are all involved in the development of GD. Genetically, CD25 gene and VDR gene polymorphisms are involved in the development of GD by increasing the ratio of Th17/Treg cells. Epigenetically, miR-23a-3p and lncRNA-MEG3 lead to Th17/Treg imbalance and participate in the progression of GD. Moreover, commensal microbe deletion can disrupt Th17/Treg balance and participate in the occurrence of GD. The imbalance of Th17/Treg cells induced by genetics, epigenetics, and gut microbiota plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of GD. Therefore, this article reviews the role of genetics, epigenetics, cellular immunology, and gut microbiota in the pathogenic mechanism of GD. This may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies and providing promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyu Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Lingjun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Guiqin Tan
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Guangbing Zheng
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiaomin Ma
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Dan Tian
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Hongsong Yu
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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Kamyshna I, Pavlovych L, Kamyshnyi A. Association between Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and 25-OH Vitamin D Levels with Vitamin D Receptors Gene Polymorphism (rs2228570) in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Different polymorphisms in Vitamin D receptors (VDRs) have an important role in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) risk. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most recurrent autoimmune thyroid disorder. Patients with HT may suffer from cognitive impairment brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which has been identified as an important growth factor that is involved in learning and memory.
AIM: This study examined the linkage of VDR gene polymorphism (rs2228570) with blood serum levels of BDNF and 25-OH Vitamin D in thyroid pathology of patients in the West Ukrainian population.
METHODS: This research is a case–control study was performed in HSEEU “Bukovinian State Medical University,” Chernivtsi Regional Endocrinology Center, and I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ukraine, from September 2017 to December 2020. The study involved a total of 153 patients with post-operative hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism induced by AIT, and patients with both AIT and elevated serum antibodies anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) and anti-thyroid peroxidase. BDNF levels in the sera of the patients and healthy individuals were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with highly sensitive Human BDNF ELISA Kit. Genotyping of the VDR (rs2228570) gene polymorphism using TaqMan probes and TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix (4371355) on CFX96™ Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Detection System (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., USA). PCR for TaqMan genotyping was carried out according to the kit instructions (Applied Biosystems, USA).
RESULTS: Our study revealed a significant decrease in the BDNF level in the study group in carriers of the AA and AG genotypes by 1.58 and 2.39 times, corresponding, compared with carriers of the AA genotype in the control group. Concurrently, there was no significant difference in the BDNF level between different genotypes of VDR rs2228570 in the research group. In our study, analysis of the correlation between serum BDNF levels and 25-OH Vitamin D concentration shows a moderate direct relationship (r = 0.4) between BDNF and 25-OH Vitamin D (p = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS: The rs2228570 VDR polymorphism is not a risk factor for decreased serum BDNF levels. At the same time, our study found a moderate direct relationship between serum BDNF levels and 25-OH Vitamin D.
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Wang Y, Ma XM, Wang X, Sun X, Wang LJ, Li XQ, Liu XY, Yu HS. Emerging Insights Into the Role of Epigenetics and Gut Microbiome in the Pathogenesis of Graves' Ophthalmopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:788535. [PMID: 35069441 PMCID: PMC8766297 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.788535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease that is often characterized by infiltration of orbital tissues and is considered as the most common extra-thyroid manifestation of Graves' disease (GD). Although genetic susceptibility has been found to be critical for the phenotype of GO, the associated risk alleles in a single gene are generally insufficient to cause the disease. Accruing evidence has shown that epigenetic disorders can act as the potentially missing link between genetic risk and clinically significant disease development. Abnormal epigenetic modifications can lead to pro-inflammatory cascades and activation of orbital fibroblasts (OFs) by promoting the various inflammatory response pathways and regulating the diverse signaling molecules that are involved in the fibrogenesis and adipogenesis, thereby leading to the significant expansion of orbital tissues, fibrosis and inflammation infiltration. Additionally, emerging evidence has shown that the gut microbiome can possibly drive the pathogenesis of GO by influencing the secretion of Thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) and T-helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) imbalance. This paper describes the latest epigenetic research evidence and progress made in comprehending the mechanisms of GO development, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNAs, and the gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiao-Min Ma
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ling-Jun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xin-Qi Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Hong-Song Yu
- Department of Immunology, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Hong-Song Yu,
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