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Garaci E, Paci M, Matteucci C, Costantini C, Puccetti P, Romani L. Phenotypic drug discovery: a case for thymosin alpha-1. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1388959. [PMID: 38903817 PMCID: PMC11187271 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1388959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic drug discovery (PDD) involves screening compounds for their effects on cells, tissues, or whole organisms without necessarily understanding the underlying molecular targets. PDD differs from target-based strategies as it does not require knowledge of a specific drug target or its role in the disease. This approach can lead to the discovery of drugs with unexpected therapeutic effects or applications and allows for the identification of drugs based on their functional effects, rather than through a predefined target-based approach. Ultimately, disease definitions are mostly symptom-based rather than mechanism-based, and the therapeutics should be likewise. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in PDD due to its potential to address the complexity of human diseases, including the holistic picture of multiple metabolites engaging with multiple targets constituting the central hub of the metabolic host-microbe interactions. Although PDD presents challenges such as hit validation and target deconvolution, significant achievements have been reached in the era of big data. This article explores the experiences of researchers testing the effect of a thymic peptide hormone, thymosin alpha-1, in preclinical and clinical settings and discuss how its therapeutic utility in the precision medicine era can be accommodated within the PDD framework.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Costantini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Puccetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigina Romani
- San Raffaele Sulmona, L’Aquila, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Xin Q, Wang D, Wang S, Zhang L, Liang Q, Yan X, Fan K, Jiang B. Tackling Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with ITFn-Pt(IV): A Novel Fusion of PD-L1 Blockade, Chemotherapy, and T-cell Activation. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303623. [PMID: 38142309 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy has gained approval for the treatment of a diverse range of tumors; however, its efficacy is constrained by the insufficient infiltration of T lymphocytes into the tumor microenvironment, resulting in suboptimal patient responses. Here, a pioneering immunotherapy ferritin nanodrug delivery system denoted as ITFn-Pt(IV) is introduced. This system orchestrates a synergistic fusion of PD-L1 blockade, chemotherapy, and T-cell activation, aiming to augment the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. Leveraging genetic engineering approach and temperature-regulated channel-based drug loading techniques, the architecture of this intelligent responsive system is refined. It is adept at facilitating the precise release of T-cell activating peptide Tα1 in the tumor milieu, leading to an elevation in T-cell proliferation and activation. The integration of PD-L1 nanobody KN035 ensures targeted engagement with tumor cells and mediates the intracellular delivery of the encapsulated Pt(IV) drugs, culminating in immunogenic cell death and the subsequent dendritic cell maturation. Employing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) as tumor model, the potent antitumor efficacy of ITFn-Pt(IV) is elucidated, underscored by augmented T-cell infiltration devoid of systemic adverse effects. These findings accentuate the potential of ITFn-Pt(IV) for ESCC treatment and its applicability to other malignancies resistant to established PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xin
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Daji Wang
- Nanozyme Synthesis Center, Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Shenghui Wang
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lirong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Qian Liang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiyun Yan
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Zhengzhou, Henan, 451163, China
| | - Kelong Fan
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Zhengzhou, Henan, 451163, China
| | - Bing Jiang
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Zhengzhou, Henan, 451163, China
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Lin Z, Tang Y, Chen Z, Li S, Xu X, Hou X, Chen Z, Wen J, Zeng W, Meng X, Fan H. Soluble CD80 oral delivery by recombinant Lactococcus suppresses tumor growth by enhancing antitumor immunity. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10533. [PMID: 37476068 PMCID: PMC10354755 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
CD80 is an important co-stimulatory molecule that participates in the immune response. Soluble CD80 can induce T cell activation and overcome PDL1-mediated immune suppression. In this study, we aimed to construct recombinant Lactococcus lactis for oral delivery of the soluble CD80 (hsCD80) protein or the fusion protein containing the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) and hsCD80 (CTB-hsCD80) under the control of the nisin-inducible expression system. The recombinant L. lactis expressed and secreted hsCD80 or CTB-hsCD80 fusion proteins after induction by nisin in vitro and in the enteric cavity. Additionally, the CTB-hsCD80 fusion protein showed uptake by intestinal epithelial cells, was cleaved by the furin protease, and was released as free hsCD80 protein into the blood circulation. Orally administered hsCD80 and CTB-hsCD80 containing L. lactis increased the proportion of activated T cells in the spleen and intestinal epithelium, inhibited tumor growth, and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice. The hsCD80-containing L. lactis showed greater therapeutic effects on primary colonic adenoma in APCmin/- mice and completely suppressed tumor growth. Further, recombinant CTB-hsCD80 in L. lactis was more efficient than hsCD80-containing bacteria in inhibiting the growth of xenografted colon cancer and melanoma cells. hsCD80 engineered probiotics may serve as a promising new approach for antitumor immunotherapy, especially for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangzhou Virotech Phamaceutical Co., LtdGuangzhouChina
| | - Yanqing Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zerong Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Urology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Simin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xueyan Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical UniversitySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xufeng Hou
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhenhui Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Junjie Wen
- Guangzhou Weisengene Biological Technology Co., Ltd.GuangzhouChina
| | - Weisen Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaojing Meng
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Hongying Fan
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Wu L, Luo PP, Tian YH, Chen LY, Zhang YL. Clinical efficacy of thymosin alpha 1 combined with multi-modality chemotherapy and its effects on immune function of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with diabetes. Pak J Med Sci 2022; 38:179-184. [PMID: 35035422 PMCID: PMC8713191 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.38.1.4419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) combined with multi-modality chemotherapy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) complicated with diabetes and discuss the effects of such combination therapy on lymphocyte subsets and sputum levels of cytokines. Methods: A total of 120 patients with PTB complicated with diabetes admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology from January 2017 to January 2018 were included in this study and randomly divided into an experimental group (Tα1 group, n=60) and a control group (n=60). Clinical efficacy and adverse drug reactions were observed and compared between the two groups. Blood samples were collected for lymphocyte (NK cell and T cell subsets) levels by flow cytometry, and sputum samples were collected for cytokine (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and TNF-α) levels by ELISA. Results: Two groups showed no statistically significant difference in sputum culture-negative conversion rate, chest lesion absorption rate, and cavity closure rate (P>0.05) after 6 months of treatment. However, after 12 months, the sputum culture-negative conversion rate, chest lesion absorption rate, and cavity closure rate in the Tα1 group increased compared with the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). There was a significant increase in CD3+, CD4+, NK-cells lymphocytes after six months in the Tα1 group than in the control group, whereas the CD8+, Th17, Treg lymphocytes in the Tα1 group were substantially lower than in the control group, with the differences showing statistical significance (P<0.05, respectively). After six months of treatment, the sputum supernatant levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the Tα1 group were lower than in the control group, whereas the sputum supernatant levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the Tα1 group were higher than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Tα1 combined with multi-modality chemotherapy has a visible curative effect on PTB patients with diabetes as it can regulate immune function and reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines. As a safe combination therapy, it seems promising for further use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wu
- Li Wu, Department of infection, Baoding People's Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei, China
| | - Pei-Pei Luo
- Pei-pei Luo, Department of infection, Baoding People's Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei, China
| | - Yan-Hong Tian
- Yan-hong Tian, Department of infection, Baoding People's Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei, China
| | - Lai-Yin Chen
- Lai-yin Chen, Department of infection, Baoding People's Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei, China
| | - Yan-Li Zhang
- Yan-li Zhang, Department of Infectious Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, China
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Ma X, Shin YJ, Jang HM, Joo MK, Yoo JW, Kim DH. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum alleviate colitis and cognitive impairment in mice by regulating IFN-γ to IL-10 and TNF-α to IL-10 expression ratios. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20659. [PMID: 34667205 PMCID: PMC8526673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00096-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut lactobacilli and bifidobacteria on the immune homeostasis. Therefore, to understand the mechanism in vivo, we selected human fecal Lactobacillus rhamnosus NK210 and Bifidobacterium longum NK219, which strongly suppressed the IFN-γ to IL-10 expression (IIE) ratio in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Thereafter, we examined their effects on the endotoxin, antibiotics, or antitumor drug-stimulated immune imbalance in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide and oral gavage of ampicillin increased IFN-γ and TNF-α expression in the spleen, colon, and hippocampus, while IL-10 expression decreased. However, intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide suppressed IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 expression. LPS exposure induced splenic natural killer cell cytotoxicity against YAC-1 cells (sNK-C) and peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis against Candida albicans (pMA-P) activities, while cyclophosphamide and ampicillin treatments suppressed sNK-C and pMA-P activities. However, LPS, ampicillin, cyclophosphamide all increased IIE and TNF-α to IL-10 expression (TIE) ratios. Oral administration of NK210 and/or NK219 significantly reduced LPS-induced sNK-C, pMA-P, and IFN-γ expression, while cyclophosphamide- or ampicillin-suppressed sNK-C and pMA-P activities, cyclophosphamide-suppressed IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 expression, and ampicillin-suppressed IL-10 expression increased. Nevertheless, they suppressed LPS-, ampicillin-, or cyclophosphamide-induced IIE and TIE ratios, cognitive impairment, and gut dysbiosis. In particular, NK219, but not NK210, increased the IIE expression ratio in vitro and in vivo, and enhanced sNK-C and pMA-P activities in normal control mice, while cognitive function and gut microbiota composition were not significantly affected. These findings suggest that NK210, Lactobacillus sp, and NK219, Bifidobacterium additively or synergistically alleviate gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and cognitive impairment with immune imbalance by controlling IIE and TIE ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Ma
- grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Neurobiota Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Korea
| | - Yoon-Jung Shin
- grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Neurobiota Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Korea
| | - Hyo-Min Jang
- grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Neurobiota Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Korea
| | - Min-Kyung Joo
- grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Neurobiota Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Korea
| | - Jong-Wook Yoo
- grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Neurobiota Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Korea
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Neurobiota Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Korea
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Liu J, Shen Y, Wen Z, Xu Q, Wu Z, Feng H, Li Z, Dong X, Huang S, Guo J, Zhang L, Chen Y, Li W, Zhu W, Du H, Liu Y, Wang T, Chen L, Teboul JL, Annane D, Chen D. Efficacy of Thymosin Alpha 1 in the Treatment of COVID-19: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Front Immunol 2021; 12:673693. [PMID: 34408744 PMCID: PMC8366398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.673693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is widely used to treat patients with COVID-19 in China; however, its efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of Tα1 as a COVID-19 therapy. Methods We performed a multicenter cohort study in five tertiary hospitals in the Hubei province of China between December 2019 and March 2020. The patient non-recovery rate was used as the primary outcome. Results All crude outcomes, including non-recovery rate (65/306 vs. 290/1,976, p = 0.003), in-hospital mortality rate (62/306 vs. 271/1,976, p = 0.003), intubation rate (31/306 vs. 106/1,976, p = 0.001), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) incidence (104/306 vs. 499/1,976, p = 0.001), acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence (26/306 vs. 66/1,976, p < 0.001), and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (14.9 ± 12.7 vs. 8.7 ± 8.2 days, p < 0.001), were significantly higher in the Tα1 treatment group. After adjusting for confounding factors, Tα1 use was found to be significantly associated with a higher non-recovery rate than non-Tα1 use (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1, p = 0.028). An increased risk of non-recovery rate associated with Tα1 use was observed in the patient subgroups with maximum sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores ≥2 (OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.4-2.9, p = 0.024), a record of ICU admission (OR 5.4, 95%CI 2.1-14.0, p < 0.001), and lower PaO2/FiO2 values (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.1-3.4, p = 0.046). Furthermore, later initiation of Tα1 use was associated with a higher non-recovery rate. Conclusion Tα1 use in COVID-19 patients was associated with an increased non-recovery rate, especially in those with greater disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfei Shen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenliang Wen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianghong Xu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhixiong Wu
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huibin Feng
- Intensive Care Unit, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
| | - Zhongyi Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Wuhan No.9 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Dong
- Tuberculosis and Respiratory Department, Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Sisi Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Intensive Care Unit, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Jiangbei Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Lidi Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhu Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhe Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Intensive Care Unit, Tianyou Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hangxiang Du
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongan Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jean-Louis Teboul
- Service de Médecine-Intensive Réanimation, Hôpital Bicêtre, AP-HP. Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm UMR 999, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Djillali Annane
- Department of Intensive Care, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré (APHP), Laboratory of Infection & Inflammation – U1173, School of Medicine Simone Veil, University Versailles Saint Quentin – University Paris Saclay, INSERM, Garches, France
| | - Dechang Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Chen M, Jiang Y, Cai X, Lu X, Chao H. Combination of Gemcitabine and Thymosin alpha 1 exhibit a better anti-tumor effect on nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 98:107829. [PMID: 34119916 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTL) is an aggressive and poor prognostic malignant tumor along with high-level infection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Gemcitabine (Gem) and Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) exert an anti-tumor effect in various cancers. However, the effect of the combination of Gem and Tα1 in NNKTL remains unknown. METHODS SNK6 cells were treated with Gem, Tα1 and Gem plus Tα1 for 48 h. The expression levels of EBV and inflammatory factors were measured by qRT-PCR assay. The effect of Gem and Tα1 on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy was detected by CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, autophagic flux measurement, respectively. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis and autophagy. In vivo xenograft models were used to further verify the roles of Gem and Tα1. Tumors were removed for weight measurement, H&E and IHC staining. RESULTS We identified that the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Gem and Tα1 was 116.5 μmol/ml and 1.334 μmol/ml. Alone or combined administration of Gem and Tα1 dramatically attenuated the EBV viral load and promoted inflammatory factors expression in SNK6 cells, among which the combination of Gem and Tα1 treatment showed the most significant effect. Besides, combination treatment with Gem and Tα1 markedly inhibited cell growth and EMT progress, and enhanced apoptosis and autophagy. Similarly, Gem combined with Tα1 suppressed tumor growth, promoted apoptosis and autophagy in vivo. Additionally, combination treatment with Gem and Tα1 inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. CONCLUSION In summary, combination administration of Gem and Tα1 suppressed the progression of NNKTL in vivo and in vitro. Our study provided an effective therapeutic strategy potentially for the clinical treatment of NNKTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyu Chen
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Changzhou Second Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China.
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Changzhou Second Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China.
| | - Xiaohui Cai
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Changzhou Second Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China
| | - Xuzhang Lu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Changzhou Second Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China
| | - Hongying Chao
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Changzhou Second Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China.
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Wang X, He Z, Zhao X. Immunoregulatory therapy strategies that target cytokine storms in patients with COVID-19 (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:319. [PMID: 33732292 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A cytokine storm is an uncontrolled, excessive immune response that contributes to the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Viral infections lead to the loss of negative feedback in immune regulation and an abnormal elevation of the levels of multiple cytokines. In COVID-19, this causes diffuse damage to alveolar functions and may culminate in multiple organ dysfunction. Immunoregulatory therapies target the cytokine storms induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, and include monoclonal antibodies, recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, interferon, mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy, thymosin, immunoglobulins and blood purification therapies. These approaches may be effective in the alleviation of COVID-19 symptoms. In this review, cytokine storms caused by SARS-CoV-2 infections are evaluated and discussed, and advances in immunoregulatory therapy strategies for patients with COVID-19 are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyao Wang
- Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China.,National Joint Local Engineering Laboratory for Cell Engineering and Biomedicine Technique, Guizhou Province Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Translational Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China.,Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Zhixu He
- National Joint Local Engineering Laboratory for Cell Engineering and Biomedicine Technique, Guizhou Province Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Translational Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China.,Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xing Zhao
- Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China.,National Joint Local Engineering Laboratory for Cell Engineering and Biomedicine Technique, Guizhou Province Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Translational Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China.,Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
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9
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Engineer probiotic bifidobacteria for food and biomedical applications - Current status and future prospective. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 45:107654. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Peng R, Xu C, Zheng H, Lao X. Modified Thymosin Alpha 1 Distributes and Inhibits the Growth of Lung Cancer in Vivo. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:10374-10381. [PMID: 32426594 PMCID: PMC7226852 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapy of tumors is an effective method for treating cancer. Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1), a hormone that contains 28 amino acids, is already approved for cancer treatment. However, its clinical application is limited because of the lack of tumor targeting. Considering that RGD can specifically bind to integrin, the anticancer drug can have a targeted therapeutic effect on tumors when it combines with a peptide containing an RGD sequence. We produced a polypeptide, Tα1-RGDR, by binding Tα1 to RGDR. The RGDR can combine with the αvβ3 and NRP-1 domains, which are highly expressed on the surface of the tumor, to achieve the effect of tumor targeting. This work aimed to investigate the difference of antitumor activity and tumor targeting between Tα1 modified by RGDR and Tα1 by using H460 and LLC tumor models. Results showed that Tα1-RGDR had remarkable antitumor effects, and its tumor targeting was better than that of Tα1. Hence, Tα1-RGDR is a promising antitumor drug.
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Wang F, Li B, Fu P, Li Q, Zheng H, Lao X. Immunomodulatory and enhanced antitumor activity of a modified thymosin α1 in melanoma and lung cancer. Int J Pharm 2018; 547:611-620. [PMID: 29933059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-targeted therapy is an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Peptide hormone thymosin α1 (Tα1) has been used against several diseases, including cancer, but its activity is pleiotropic. Herein, we designed a fusion protein Tα1-iRGD by introducing the tumor homing peptide iRGD to Tα1. Results show that Tα1-iRGD can promote T-cell activation and CD86 expression, thereby exerting better effect and stronger inhibitory against melanoma and lung cancer, respectively, than Tα1 in vivo. These effects are indicated by the reduced densities of tumor vessels and Tα1-iRGD accumulation in tumors. Moreover, compared with Tα1, Tα1-iRGD can attach more B16F10 and H460 cells and exhibits significantly better immunomodulatory activity in immunosuppression models induced by hydrocortisone. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and structural analysis results revealed that Tα1 and Tα1-iRGD both adopted a helical confirmation in the presence of trifluoroethanol, indicating the structural basis of their functions. These findings highlight the vital function of Tα1-iRGD in tumor-targeted therapy and suggest that Tα1-iRGD is a better antitumor drug than Tα1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Bin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Pengcheng Fu
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Hunan 423000, PR China
| | - Qingqing Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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Zhou L, Tuo Y, Hao Y, Guo X, Tang W, Xue Y, Zeng J, Zhou Y, Xiang M, Zuo J, Yao G, Zhang Y. Cinnamomols A and B, Immunostimulative Diterpenoids with a New Carbon Skeleton from the Leaves of Cinnamomum cassia. Org Lett 2017; 19:3029-3032. [PMID: 28535060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.7b01323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Two diterpenoids with an unprecedented diterpene carbon skeleton, cinnamomols A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the leaves of Cinnamomum cassia. 1 and 2 feature a cage-like, rigid, 5/5/5/5/5/6-fused hexacyclic ring system. The structures of 1 and 2 were established by extensive spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and their plausible biosynthetic pathways were proposed. 1 and 2 exhibited significant in vitro immunostimulative activity, and the mode of action of 1 was investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wei Tang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203, China
| | | | | | - Yu Zhou
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203, China
| | | | - Jianping Zuo
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203, China
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Patel S, Shukla R, Goyal A. Probiotics in valorization of innate immunity across various animal models. J Funct Foods 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2015.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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