The extended IL-10 superfamily: IL-10, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, IL-26, IL-28, and IL-29

Level of Cytokines and C3 Complement in the Blood of Rats under Conditions of Chronic Unpredictable Stress of Different Durations

The parameters of the cytokine profile and functional activity of the complement system in the blood of rats were studied during different time periods of chronic unpredictable mild stress using a model of sequentially alternating low-intensity stress effects for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. In the dynamics of observation, a general tendency towards multidirectional fluctuations in the concentration of cytokines was revealed: an increase in IL-10, but a decrease in IL-4 in comparison with the control. Statistically significant changes in the level of IL-10 were noted after 2, 3, and 4 weeks, IL-4 - after 2 and 4 weeks of stress loads. The percentage of lysis of the C3 component in rats gradually increased by the 2nd week of chronic stress, but then decreased and practically did not differ from the control values (intact animals) by the end of the study. These results illustrate the specificity of changes in the indicators of the C component of the complement system and the cytokine profile of the blood reflecting activity of the cellular and humoral components of the immune response in rats exposed to repeated stress factors of different origins and duration.

The role of interleukin-20 in liver disease: Functions, mechanisms and clinical applications

Liver disease is a severe public health concern worldwide. There is a close relationship between the liver and cytokines, and liver inflammation from a variety of causes leads to the release and activation of cytokines. The functions of cytokines are complex and variable, and are closely related to their cellular origin, target molecules and mode of action. Interleukin (IL)-20 has been studied as a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is expressed and regulated in some diseases. Furthermore, accumulating evidences has shown that IL-20 is highly expressed in clinical samples from patients with liver disease, promoting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules involved in liver disease progression, and antagonists of IL-20 can effectively inhibit liver injury and produce protective effects. This review highlights the potential of targeting IL-20 in liver diseases, elucidates the potential mechanisms of IL-20 inducing liver injury, and suggests multiple viable strategies to mitigate the pro-inflammatory response to IL-20. Genomic CRISPR/Cas9-based screens may be a feasible way to further explore the signaling pathways and regulation of IL-20 in liver diseases. Nanovector systems targeting IL-20 offer new possibilities for the treatment and prevention of liver diseases.

The Role of Cytokines in Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma: A Focus on the State of the Art and Possible Therapeutic Targets

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs), encompassing mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), present a complex landscape influenced by cytokines and cellular responses. In this work, the intricate relationship between these inflammatory proteins and disease pathogenesis is examined, focusing on what is known at the clinical and therapeutic levels regarding the most well-known inflammatory mediators. An in-depth look is given to their possible alterations caused by novel immunomodulatory drugs and how they may alter disease progression. From this narrative review of the actual scientific landscape, Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) emerges as a central player, demonstrating a dual role in both promoting and inhibiting cancer immunity, but the work navigates through all the major interleukins known in inflammatory environments. Immunotherapeutic perspectives are elucidated, highlighting the crucial role of the cutaneous microenvironment in shaping dysfunctional cell trafficking, antitumor immunity, and angiogenesis in MF, showcasing advancements in understanding and targeting the immune phenotype in CTCL. In summary, this manuscript aims to comprehensively explore the multifaceted aspects of CTCL, from the immunopathogenesis and cytokine dynamics centred around TNF-α and IFN-γ to evolving therapeutic modalities. Including all the major known and studied cytokines in this analysis broadens our understanding of the intricate interplay influencing CTCL, paving the way for improved management of this complex lymphoma.

JunD functions as a transcription factor of IL-10 to regulate bacterial infectious inflammation in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

IL-10 is a key anti-inflammatory mediator ensuring the protection of a host from excessive inflammation in response to pathogen infections, whose transcription or expression levels are tightly linked to the onset and progression of infectious diseases. An AP-1 family member called CiJunD was shown to be a transcription factor of IL-10 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the current study. CiJunD protein harbored the conserved Jun and bZIP domains. Mutant experiments demonstrated that CiJunD bound to three specific sites on IL-10 promoter, i.e., 5'-ATTATTCATA-3', 5'-AGATGAGACATCT-3', and 5'-ATTATTCATC-3', mainly relying on the bZIP domain, and initiated IL-10 transcription. Expression data from the grass carp spleen infected by Aeromonas hydrophila and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenged spleen leukocytes indicated that the expressions of CiJunD and IL-10 were positively correlated, while the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, showed an overall downward trend when CiJunD and IL-10 peaked. The ability of CiJunD to down-regulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulate the expression of IL-10, both with and without LPS stimulation, was confirmed by overexpression experiments. Meanwhile, the subcellular fractionation assay revealed that the nuclear translocation of CiJunD was significantly enhanced after the LPS challenge. Moreover, in vivo administration of grass carp with Oxamflatin, a potent agonist of JunD activity, could promote IL-10 but suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Intriguingly, tissue inflammation lesions and the survival rates of grass carp infected with A. hydrophila were also significantly improved by Oxamflatin administration. This work sheds light on the regulation mechanism by JunD of IL-10 expression and bacterial infectious inflammation for the first time, and it may present a viable method for preventing infectious diseases in fish by regulating IL-10 expression and inflammatory response.

Immunomodulation and immunopharmacology in heart failure

The immune system is intimately involved in the pathophysiology of heart failure. However, it is currently underused as a therapeutic target in the clinical setting. Moreover, the development of novel immunomodulatory therapies and their investigation for the treatment of patients with heart failure are hampered by the fact that currently used, evidence-based treatments for heart failure exert multiple immunomodulatory effects. In this Review, we discuss current knowledge on how evidence-based treatments for heart failure affect the immune system in addition to their primary mechanism of action, both to inform practising physicians about these pleiotropic actions and to create a framework for the development and application of future immunomodulatory therapies. We also delineate which subpopulations of patients with heart failure might benefit from immunomodulatory treatments. Furthermore, we summarize completed and ongoing clinical trials that assess immunomodulatory treatments in heart failure and present several therapeutic targets that could be investigated in the future. Lastly, we provide future directions to leverage the immunomodulatory potential of existing treatments and to foster the investigation of novel immunomodulatory therapeutics.

CsIL-20, a tongue sole interleukin-20, negatively mediates leucocyte activity and antibacterial defense

Interleukin-20 (IL-20), as an essential member of IL-10 family, plays vital roles in mammalian immunological response such as antimicrobial, inflammation, hematopoiesis, and immune diseases. In teleost, the study about immune antimicrobial function of IL-20 is largely scarce. In this article, we revealed the expression profiles and the immunological functions of the IL-20 (CsIL-20) in tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis. CsIL-20 is composed of 183 amino acid residues, with seven cysteine residues and a typical IL-10 domain which comprises six α-helices and two β-sheets, and shares 34.4-71.2 % identities with other teleost IL-20. CsIL-20 was constitutively expressed in a variety of tissues and regulated by bacterial invasion, and the recombinant CsIL-20 (rCsIL-20) could bind to different bacteria. In vitro rCsIL-20 could interact with the membrane of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), leading to the attenuation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and acid phosphatase activity in PBLs. In line with In vitro results, In vivo rCsIL-20 could obviously suppressed the host immune against bacterial infection. Furthermore, knockdown of CsIL-20 in vivo could markedly enhance the host antibacterial immunity. Collectively, these observations offer new insights into the negative effect of CsIL-20 on antibacterial immunity.

Inhibition of IL-17 ameliorates keratinocyte-borne cytokine responses in an in vitro model for house-dust-mite triggered atopic dermatitis

A subgroup of patients suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD) does not respond to biologics therapy targeting the key players of type-2 inflammation, and it is an ongoing discussion whether skin-infiltrating Th17 cells may underlie this phenomenon. This study aimed to investigate the potential of allergen-induced, immune-cell derived IL-17 on the induction of inflammatory processes in keratinocytes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from respectively sensitized AD patients were stimulated with house dust mite (HDM) extract and cell culture supernatants were applied subsequently in absence or presence of secukinumab to primary human keratinocytes. Hereby we confirm that the immune response of sensitized AD patients to HDM contains aside from type-2 cytokines significant amounts of IL-17. Blocking IL-17 efficiently reduced the stimulation-induced changes in keratinocyte gene expression. IL-17-dependent transcriptional changes included increased expression of the cytokines IL-20 and IL-24 as well as Suppressor of Cytokine Siganling 3 (SOCS3), a negative feedback-regulator of the STAT3/IL-17/IL-24 immune response. We conclude that the immune response to HDM can induce pro-inflammatory cytokines from keratinocytes in AD, which in part is mediated via IL-17. Targeting IL-17 may turn out to be a reasonable alternative therapy in a subgroup of patients with moderate to severe AD and HDM sensitization.

A meta-analysis of associations of IL-10 gene polymorphisms with acute leukemia susceptibility

BACKGROUND

Recently, increasing evidence has demonstrated that IL-10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with the risk of acute leukemia (AL), but the findings of different articles remain controversial. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to further investigate the exact roles of IL-10 SNPs in AL susceptibility.

METHODS

Six common Chinese and English databases were utilized to retrieve eligible studies. The strength of the association was assessed by calculating odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. All analyses were carried out using Review Manager (version 5.3) and STATA (version 15.1). The registered number of this research is CRD42022373362.

RESULTS

A total of 6391 participants were enrolled in this research. The results showed that the AG genotype of rs1800896 increased AL risk in the heterozygous codominant model (AG vs. AA, OR = 1.41, 95 % CI = 1.04-1.92, P = 0.03) and overdominant model (AG vs. AA + GG, OR = 1.32, 95 % CI = 1.04-1.70, P = 0.03). In the subgroup analysis, associations between the G allele, GG genotype, AG genotype, AG + GG genotype of rs1800896 and increased AL risk were also observed in the mixed population based on allelic, homozygote codominant, heterozygous codominant, dominant, and overdominant models. Furthermore, an association between the AC genotype of rs1800872 and increased AL risk was observed in the Caucasian population in the overdominant model. However, the rs1800871, rs3024489 and rs3024493 polymorphisms did not affect AL risk.

CONCLUSION

IL-10 rs1800896 and rs1800872 affected the susceptibility of AL and therefore may be biomarkers for early screening and risk prediction of AL.

An Engineered Probiotic Produces a Type III Interferon IFNL1 and Reduces Inflammations in in vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Models

The etiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) frequently results in the uncontrolled inflammation of intestinal epithelial linings and the local environment. Here, we hypothesized that interferon-driven immunomodulation could promote anti-inflammatory effects. To test this hypothesis, we engineered probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to produce and secrete a type III interferon, interferon lambda 1 (IFNL1), in response to nitric oxide (NO), a well-known colorectal inflammation marker. We then validated the anti-inflammatory effects of the engineered EcN strains in two in vitro models: a Caco-2/Jurkat T cell coculture model and a scaffold-based 3D coculture IBD model that comprises intestinal epithelial cells, myofibroblasts, and T cells. The IFNL1-expressing EcN strains upregulated Foxp3 expression in T cells and thereafter reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-13 and -33, significantly ameliorating inflammation. The engineered strains also rescued the integrity of the inflamed epithelial cell monolayer, protecting epithelial barrier integrity even under inflammation. In the 3D coculture model, IFNL1-expressing EcN treatment enhanced the population of regulatory T cells and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Taken together, our study showed the anti-inflammatory effects of IFNL1-expressing probiotics in two in vitro IBD models, demonstrating their potential as live biotherapeutics for IBD immunotherapy.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Mechanisms in Chronic Airway Diseases: A Common Process to Target?

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a reversible process, in which epithelial cells lose their epithelial traits and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. This transformation has been described in different lung diseases, such as lung cancer, interstitial lung diseases, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other muco-obstructive lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The exaggerated chronic inflammation typical of these pulmonary diseases can induce molecular reprogramming with subsequent self-sustaining aberrant and excessive profibrotic tissue repair. Over time this process leads to structural changes with progressive organ dysfunction and lung function impairment. Although having common signalling pathways, specific triggers and regulation mechanisms might be present in each disease. This review aims to describe the various mechanisms associated with fibrotic changes and airway remodelling involved in chronic airway diseases. Having better knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the EMT process may help us to identify specific targets and thus lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or limit the onset of irreversible structural changes.

Immune resilience despite inflammatory stress promotes longevity and favorable health outcomes including resistance to infection

Some people remain healthier throughout life than others but the underlying reasons are poorly understood. Here we hypothesize this advantage is attributable in part to optimal immune resilience (IR), defined as the capacity to preserve and/or rapidly restore immune functions that promote disease resistance (immunocompetence) and control inflammation in infectious diseases as well as other causes of inflammatory stress. We gauge IR levels with two distinct peripheral blood metrics that quantify the balance between (i) CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell levels and (ii) gene expression signatures tracking longevity-associated immunocompetence and mortality-associated inflammation. Profiles of IR metrics in ~48,500 individuals collectively indicate that some persons resist degradation of IR both during aging and when challenged with varied inflammatory stressors. With this resistance, preservation of optimal IR tracked (i) a lower risk of HIV acquisition, AIDS development, symptomatic influenza infection, and recurrent skin cancer; (ii) survival during COVID-19 and sepsis; and (iii) longevity. IR degradation is potentially reversible by decreasing inflammatory stress. Overall, we show that optimal IR is a trait observed across the age spectrum, more common in females, and aligned with a specific immunocompetence-inflammation balance linked to favorable immunity-dependent health outcomes. IR metrics and mechanisms have utility both as biomarkers for measuring immune health and for improving health outcomes.

Outer membrane vesicles from Piscirickettsia salmonis induce the expression of inflammatory genes and production of IgM in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

Piscirickettsiosis outbreaks due to Piscirickettsia salmonis occur globally in the Chilean salmon aquaculture generating significant monetary losses in the industry. P. salmonis secretes outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) which are naturally non-replicating and highly immunogenic spherical nanoparticles. P. salmonis OMVs has been shown to induce immune response in zebrafish; however, the immune response induced by these vesicles in salmonids has not been evaluated. In this study, we inoculated Atlantic salmon with 10 and 30 μg doses of P. salmonis OMVs and took samples for 12 days. qPCR analysis indicated an inflammatory response. Thus, the inflammatory genes evaluated were up- or down-regulated at several times in liver, head kidney and spleen. In addition, the liver was the organ most immune-induced, mainly in the 30 μg-dose. Interestingly, co-expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was evidenced by the prominent expression of il-10 at day 1 in spleen and also in head kidney on days 3, 6 and 12, while il-10 and tgf-β were up-regulated on days 3, 6 and 12 in liver. Importantly, we detected the production of IgM against proteins of P. salmonis in the serum collected from immunized fish after 14 days. Thus, 40 and 400 μg OMVs induced the production of highest IgM levels; however, no statistical difference in the immunoglobulin levels produced by these OMVs doses were detected. The current study provides evidence that OMVs released by P. salmonis induced a pro-inflammatory responses and IgM production in S. salar, while regulatory genes were induced in order to regulate their effects and achieve the balance of the inflammatory response.

Interleukin-2 family cytokines: An overview of genes, expression, signaling and functional roles in teleost

The interleukin-2 (IL-2) family cytokines include IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15, and IL-21, which share γ chain (γc) subunit in receptors. The IL-2 family cytokines have unique biological effects that regulate differentiation, survival and activation of multiple lymphocyte lineages. Deficiency of IL-2 family signaling pathway in mammals prevents CD4⁺ T cells from developing effector functions and CD8⁺ T cells from developing immunological memory. In the present review, we addressed available information from teleost IL-2 family cytokines and discussed implications in teleost immunity. Also, we described and discussed their expression profiles, receptors, signaling transductions and functions. In teleost, IL-2 family has 5 members (IL-2, IL-4/13, IL-7, IL-15, IL-21) without IL-9, and their receptors share a common γc subunit and include other 6 subunits (IL-2Rβ1/2, IL-4Rα1/2, IL-13Rα1/2, IL-7Rα, IL-15Rα, and IL-21Rα1/2). Some paralogues have changes in domain structure and show differential expression, modulation, functions. IL-2 family cytokines constitutively express in many immune associated tissues and are largely induced after pathogenic microbial stimulation. In general, there are relatively conserved functions in the IL-2 family throughout vertebrates, and many of the key IL-2 family members are important in lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation, development, inflammation from fishes to mammals. This review will give an update on the effective information of teleost IL-2 family cytokines. Thus, it will provide a source of reference for other researchers/readers and inspire further interest.

Dual Role of Interleukin-20 in Different Stages of Osteoclast Differentiation and Its Osteoimmune Regulation during Alveolar Bone Remodeling

Osteoimmunology mediators are critical to balance osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis to maintain bone homeostasis. A lot of the osteoimmunology mediators are regulated by interleukin-20 (IL-20). However, little is known about the role of IL-20 in bone remodeling. Here, we showed that IL-20 expression was correlated with osteoclast (OC) activity in remodeled alveolar bone during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Ovariectomize (OVX) in rats promoted OC activity and enhanced IL-20 expression, while blocking OC inhibited IL-20 expression in osteoclasts. In vitro, IL-20 treatment promoted survival, inhibited apoptosis of the preosteoclast at the early stages of osteoclast differentiation, and boosted the formation of osteoclasts and their bone resorption function at the late stages. More importantly, anti-IL-20 antibody treatment blocked IL-20-induced osteoclastogenesis and the subsequent bone resorption function. Mechanistically, we showed that IL-20 synergistically acts with RANKL to activate the NF-κB signaling pathway to promote the expression of c-Fos and NFATc1 to promote osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, we found that local injection of IL-20 or anti-IL-20 antibody enhanced osteoclast activity and accelerated OTM in rats, while blocking IL-20 reversed this phenomenon. This study revealed a previously unknown role of IL-20 in regulating alveolar bone remodeling and implies the application of IL-20 to accelerated OTM.

Raw potato starch alters the microbiome, colon and cecal gene expression, and resistance to Citrobacter rodentium infection in mice fed a Western diet

Resistant starches (RS) are fermented in the cecum and colon to produce short-chain fatty acids and other microbial metabolites that can alter host physiology and the composition of the microbiome. We previously showed that mice fed a Total Western Diet (TWD) based on NHANES data that mimics the composition of a typical American diet, containing resistant potato starch (RPS), produced concentration dependent changes to the cecal short-chain fatty acids, the microbiome composition as well as gene expression changes in the cecum and colon that were most prevalent in mice fed the 10% RPS diet. We were then interested in whether feeding TWD/RPS would alter the resistance to bacterial-induced colitis caused by Citrobacter rodentium (Cr), a mouse pathogen that shares 66.7% of encoded genes with Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. Mice were fed the TWD for 6 weeks followed by a 3-weeks on the RPS diets before infecting with Cr. Fecal Cr excretion was monitored over time and fecal samples were collected for 16S sequencing. Mice were euthanized on day 12 post-infection and cecal contents collected for 16S sequencing. Cecum and colon tissues were obtained for gene expression analysis, histology and to determine the level of mucosa-associated Cr. Feeding RPS increased the percentage of mice productively infected by Cr and fecal Cr excretion on day 4 post-infection. Mice fed the TWD/10% RPS diet also had greater colonization of colonic tissue at day 12 post-infection and colonic pathology. Both diet and infection altered the fecal and cecal microbiome composition with increased levels of RPS resulting in decreased α-diversity that was partially reversed by Cr infection. RNASeq analysis identified several mechanistic pathways that could be associated with the increased colonization of Cr-infected mice fed 10% RPS. In the distal colon we found a decrease in enrichment for genes associated with T cells, B cells, genes associated with the synthesis of DHA-derived SPMs and VA metabolism/retinoic acid signaling. We also found an increase in the expression of the potentially immunosuppressive gene, Ido1. These results suggest that high-level consumption of RPS in the context of a typical American diet, may alter susceptibility to gastrointestinal bacterial infections.

Interleukin-29 Accelerates Vascular Calcification via JAK2/STAT3/BMP2 Signaling

Background Vascular calcification (VC), associated with enhanced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, is characterized by the osteogenic transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Inflammation promotes VC initiation and progression. Interleukin (IL)-29, a newly discovered member of type III interferon, has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Here we evaluated the role of IL-29 in the VC process and underlying inflammatory mechanisms. Methods and Results The mRNA expression of IL-29 was significantly increased and positively associated with an increase in BMP2 (bone morphogenetic protein 2) mRNA level in calcified carotid arteries from patients with coronary artery disease or chronic kidney disease. IL-29 and BMP2 proteins are colocalized in human calcified arteries. IL-29 binding to its specific receptor IL-28Rα (IL-28 receptor α) (IL-29/IL-28Rα) inhibited the proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells without altering cell apoptosis or migration. IL-29 promoted the calcification of rat vascular smooth muscle cells and their osteogenic transdifferentiation in vitro as well as the rat aortic ring calcification ex vivo, induced by the calcification medium or osteogenic medium. The procalcification effect of IL-29 was reduced by pharmacological inhibition of IL-29/IL-28Rα binding as well as suppression of janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway activation, accompanied by decreased BMP2 expression in the cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Conclusions These results suggest an important role of IL-29 in VC development, at least partly, via activating the janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling. Inhibition of IL-29 or its specific receptor, IL-28Rα, may provide a novel strategy to reduce VC in patients with vascular diseases.

IL-26 in the Lung and Its Role in COPD Inflammation

IL-26 is a cytokine expressed by infiltrating pro-inflammatory IL-17-producing T cells in the tissues of patients with chronic lung inflammation. IL-26 induces the chemotactic response of human neutrophils to bacteria and other inflammatory stimuli. In recent years, the innovative properties of IL-26 have been described. Studies have shown that, as DNA is released from damaged cells, it binds to IL-26, which plays the role of a carrier molecule for extracellular DNA, further contributing to its binding to the site of inflammation. This mechanism of action indicates that IL-26 may serve both as a driver as well as a stimulus of the inflammatory process, leading to the installation of a noxious amplification loop and, eventually, persistent inflammation. IL-26 also demonstrates direct antimicrobial effects derived from its capability to create pores and disrupt bacterial membranes, as indicated by the presence of membrane blebs on the surface of the bacteria and cytosolic leakage pores in bacterial walls, produced in response to microbial stimuli in human airways by several different immune and structural cells. Surprisingly, while this particular cytokine induces the gathering of neutrophils in areas of infection, it also exhibits inhibitory and pro-inflammatory effects on airway epithelial and immune cells. These remarkable effects underline the necessity of a better understating of its biological behavior and its role in the pathophysiology and disease burden in several smoking-related airway inflammatory disorders, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis. In this review, we aim to discuss the current role of IL-26 in the lung, with an emphasis on systemic inflammation in patients suffering from COPD and chronic bronchitis.

Impaired IL-23-dependent induction of IFN-γ underlies mycobacterial disease in patients with inherited TYK2 deficiency

Human cells homozygous for rare loss-of-expression (LOE) TYK2 alleles have impaired, but not abolished, cellular responses to IFN-α/β (underlying viral diseases in the patients) and to IL-12 and IL-23 (underlying mycobacterial diseases). Cells homozygous for the common P1104A TYK2 allele have selectively impaired responses to IL-23 (underlying isolated mycobacterial disease). We report three new forms of TYK2 deficiency in six patients from five families homozygous for rare TYK2 alleles (R864C, G996R, G634E, or G1010D) or compound heterozygous for P1104A and a rare allele (A928V). All these missense alleles encode detectable proteins. The R864C and G1010D alleles are hypomorphic and loss-of-function (LOF), respectively, across signaling pathways. By contrast, hypomorphic G996R, G634E, and A928V mutations selectively impair responses to IL-23, like P1104A. Impairment of the IL-23-dependent induction of IFN-γ is the only mechanism of mycobacterial disease common to patients with complete TYK2 deficiency with or without TYK2 expression, partial TYK2 deficiency across signaling pathways, or rare or common partial TYK2 deficiency specific for IL-23 signaling.

IL-37 protects against airway remodeling by reversing bronchial epithelial-mesenchymal transition via IL-24 signaling pathway in chronic asthma

BACKGROUND

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the mechanisms of airway remodeling in chronic asthma. Interleukin (IL)-24 has been implicated in the promotion of tissue fibrosis, and increased IL-24 levels have been observed in the nasal secretions and sputum of asthmatic patients. However, the role of IL-24 in asthmatic airway remodeling, especially in EMT, remains largely unknown. We aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of IL-24 on EMT and to verify whether IL-37 could alleviate IL-24-induced EMT in chronic asthma.

METHODS

BEAS-2B cells were exposed to IL-24, and cell migration was assessed by wound healing and Transwell assays. The expression of EMT-related biomarkers (E-cadherin, vimentin, and α-SMA) was evaluated after the cells were stimulated with IL-24 with or without IL-37. A murine asthma model was established by intranasal administration of house dust mite (HDM) extracts for 5 weeks, and the effects of IL-24 and IL-37 on EMT and airway remodeling were investigated by intranasal administration of si-IL-24 and rhIL-37.

RESULTS

We observed that IL-24 significantly enhanced the migration of BEAS-2B cells in vitro. IL-24 promoted the expression of the EMT biomarkers vimentin and α-SMA via the STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways. In addition, we found that IL-37 partially reversed IL-24-induced EMT in BEAS-2B cells by blocking the ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways. Similarly, the in vivo results showed that IL-24 was overexpressed in the airway epithelium of an HDM-induced chronic asthma model, and IL-24 silencing or IL-37 treatment could reverse EMT biomarker expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these findings indicated that IL-37 mitigated HDM-induced airway remodeling by inhibiting IL-24-mediated EMT via the ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways, thereby providing experimental evidence for IL-24 as a novel therapeutic target and IL-37 as a promising agent for treating severe asthma.

Placental dysfunction: The core mechanism for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring of preeclampsia pregnancies

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading condition threatening pregnant women and their offspring. The offspring of PE pregnancies have a high risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes and neuropsychological diseases later in life. However, the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of poor neurodevelopment remain undetermined. Abnormal placental functions are at the core of most PE cases, and recent research evidence supports that the placenta plays an important role in fetal brain development. Here, we summarize the relationship between abnormal fetal brain development and placental dysfunction in PE conditions, which include the dysfunction of nutrient and gas-waste exchange, impaired angiogenesis stimulation, abnormal neurotransmitter regulation, disrupted special protectors, and immune disorders. All these factors could lead to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Local IL-10 replacement therapy was effective for steroid-insensitive asthma in mice

Subgroups of patients with severe asthma showing marked increases in sputum eosinophils and/or neutrophils are insensitive to corticosteroids. Previous reports have shown that exogenous administration of an anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-10 negatively regulated both eosinophilic and neutrophilic migration into tissues. The objective of this study was to elucidate whether intratracheal IL-10 administration suppresses asthmatic responses in a steroid-insensitive model of mice. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice were intratracheally challenged with OVA at 500 µg/animal four times. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) or IL-10 (25 ng/mouse, intratracheal) was administered during the multiple challenges. The number of leukocytes, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and IL-10 receptor in the lung, and the development of airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness were evaluated after the fourth challenge. Consistent with our previous study, dexamethasone hardly suppressed the development of airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness. Although intratracheal IL-10 administration did not affect the development of airway remodeling, the infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils, and the development of airway hyperresponsiveness were significantly inhibited. Moreover, IL-10 administration significantly decreased the numbers of ICAM-1⁺ and VCAM-1⁺ pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, which express IL-10 receptor 1, even though neither production of eosinophilic nor neutrophilic cytokines in the lung was inhibited. Therefore, IL-10 can suppress eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration by inhibiting the proliferation of ICAM-1⁺ and VCAM-1⁺ pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, resulting in inhibition of airway hyperresponsiveness in steroid-insensitive asthmatic mice. IL-10 replacement therapy may be clinically useful for the treatment of steroid-insensitive asthma.

Anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Lactobacillus spp. as a preservative and therapeutic agent for IBD control

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Interleukin-10 family members: Biology and role in the bone and joint diseases

Interleukin (IL)-10 family cytokines include IL-10, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, IL-26, IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29. These cytokines play crucial regulatory roles in various biological reactions and diseases. In recent years, several studies have shown that the IL-10 family plays a vital role in bone and joint diseases, including bone metabolic diseases, fractures, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone tumors. Herein, the recent progress on the regulatory role of IL-10 family of cytokines in the occurrence and development of bone and joint diseases has been summarized. This review will provide novel directions for immunotherapy of bone and joint diseases.

A New Insight Into the Underlying Adaptive Strategies of Euryhaline Marine Fish to Low Salinity Environment Through Cholesterol Nutrition to Regulate Physiological Responses

Salinity is an important environmental factor that can affect the metabolism of aquatic organisms, while cholesterol can influence cellular membrane fluidity which are vital in adaption to salinity changes. Hence, a 4-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of water salinity (normal 23 psu and low 5 psu) and three dietary cholesterol levels (CH0.16, 0.16%, CH1.0, 1.0% and CH1.6, 1.6%) on osmoregulation, cholesterol metabolism, fatty acid composition, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis, oxidative stress (OS), and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) of the euryhaline fish black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii). The results indicated that in low salinity, fish fed with the CH1.0 diet improved ion reabsorption and osmoregulation by increased Na+ concentration in serum as well as expression levels of osmoregulation-related gene expression levels in gills. Both dietary cholesterol level and water salinity significantly affected most cholesterol metabolic parameters in the serum and tissues, and the results showed that low salinity promoted cholesterol synthesis but inhibited cholesterol catabolism. Besides, in low salinity, hepatic expression levels of LC-PUFA biosynthesis genes were upregulated by fed dietary cholesterol supplementation with contents of LC-PUFAs, including EPA and DHA being increased. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in low-salinity environment, whereas MDA content was decreased in fish fed with dietary CH1.0 by activating related antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression levels. A similar pattern was recorded for ERS, which stimulated the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κb), triggering inflammation. Nevertheless, fish reared in low salinity and fed with dietary CH1.0 had markedly alleviated ERS and downregulated gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, these findings demonstrate that cholesterol, as an important nutrient, plays vital roles in the process of adaptation to low salinity of A. schlegelii, and provides a new insight into underlying adaptive strategies of euryhaline marine fish reared in low salinity.

Elevated IL-19 Serum Levels in Patients With Pernicious Anemia and Autoimmune Gastritis

Pernicious anemia (PA) is a megaloblastic anemia consisting of hematological, gastric and immunological alterations. The immunopathogenesis of PA is sustained by both autoantibodies (e.g. intrinsic factor (IFA) antibodies and anti parietal cell (PCA) antibodies and autoreactive T cells specific for IFA and the parietal cell proton pump ATPase. Iron deficient anemia (IDA) is a microcytic anemia and represents the most common cause of anemia worldwide. Our work aimed to investigate serum levels of several interleukins (IL) of the IL-20 cytokine subfamily in patients with PA, with IDA and in healthy subjects (HC). We compared serum levels of IL-19, IL-20, IL-26, IL-28A and IL-29 in 43 patients with PA and autoimmune gastritis, in 20 patients with IDA and no autoimmune gastritis, and in 47 HC. Furthermore, we analyzed the IL-19 cytokine production by gastric lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) in eight patients with PA and four HC. We found that patients with PA have significantly higher serum levels of IL-19 (163.68 ± 75.96 pg/ml) than patients with IDA (35.49 ± 40.97 pg/ml; p<0.001) and healthy subjects (55.68 ± 36.75 pg/ml; p<0.001). Gastric LPMC from all PA patients were able to produce significantly higher levels of IL-19 (420.67 ± 68.14 pg/ml) than HC (53.69 ± 10.92 pg/ml) (p<0.01). Altogether, our results indicate that IL-19 serum levels are significantly increased in patients with PA but not with IDA and that IL-19 is produced in vivo in the stomach of PA patients. These data open a new perspective on PA pathogenesis and suggest that IL-19 may represent a novel important tool for the management of patients with PA.

Identification of Inflammatory and Regulatory Cytokines IL-1α-, IL-4-, IL-6-, IL-12-, IL-13-, IL-17A-, TNF-α-, and IFN-γ-Producing Cells in the Milk of Dairy Cows with Subclinical and Clinical Mastitis

In naturally occurring bovine mastitis, effects of infection depend on the host inflammatory response, including the effects of secreted cytokines. Knowledge about the inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in milk cells of free-stall barn dairy cows and in naturally occurring mastitis is lacking as most studies focus on induced mastitis. Hereby, the aim of the study was to determine inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in the milk of dairy cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis. The following examinations of milk samples were performed: differential counting of somatic cells (SCC), bacteriological examination, and immunocytochemical analysis. Mean SCC increased in subclinical and clinical mastitis cases. The number of pathogenic mastitis-causing bacteria on plates increased in subclinical mastitis cases but decreased in clinical mastitis. The inflammatory and regulatory markers in the milk cells of healthy cows showed the highest mean cell numbers (%). In mastitis cases, immunoreactivity was more pronounced for IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Data about subclinical and clinical mastitis demonstrate inflammatory responses to intramammary infection driven by IL-1α, IL-4, and IL-17A. Moreover, the host defense response in mastitis is characterized by continuation or resolution of initial inflammation. IL-12 and INF-γ immunoreactivity was recognized to differ mastitis cases from the relative health status.

Anti-inflammatory cytokines in sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a well-studied monogenetic disease with an established chronic inflammatory component. The paradigm shift towards inflammation has made the pathophysiology of SCD even more complex. Studies have shown that an imbalance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in SCD exists; however, the reports are skewed toward the pro-inflammatory mediators. We enumerate recent in vitro and in vivo studies on anti-inflammatory cytokines in SCD patients, and discuss the biology of anti-inflammatory cytokines including the already reported IL-2, TGF-β, and IL-10 as well as the recently discovered IL-27, IL-35 and IL-37. This review will improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of SCD and aid in the search of new therapeutic options for patients with SCD.

The Role of Interleukins in the Pathogenesis of Dermatological Immune-Mediated Diseases

Autoimmune inflammatory diseases are primarily characterized by deregulated expression of cytokines, which drive pathogenesis of these diseases. A number of approved and experimental therapies utilize monoclonal antibodies against cytokine proteins. Cytokines can be classified into different families including the interleukins, which are secreted and act on leukocytes, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family, as well as chemokine proteins. In this review article, we focus on the interleukin family of cytokines, of which 39 members have been identified to this date. We outline the role of each of these interleukins in the immune system, and various dermatological inflammatory diseases with a focused discussion on the pathogenesis of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In addition, we describe the roles of various interleukins in psychiatric, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal comorbidities. Finally, we review clinical efficacy and safety data from emerging late-phase anti-interleukin therapies under development for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Collectively, additional fundamental and clinical research remains necessary to fully elucidate the roles of various interleukin proteins in the pathogenesis of inflammatory dermatologic diseases, and treatment outcomes in patients.

Interleukin-10 in the Vasculature: Pathophysiological Implications

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important immunomodulatory cytokine, initially characterized as an anti-inflammatory agent released by immune cells during infectious and inflammatory processes. IL-10 exhibits biological functions that extend to the regulation of different intracellular signaling pathways directly associated with vascular function. This cytokine plays a vital role in vascular tone regulation through the change of important proteins involved in vasoconstriction and vasodilation. Numerous investigations covered here have shown that therapeutic strategies inducing IL-10 result in anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertrophic, antihyperplastic, anti-apoptotic and antihypertensive effects. This non-systematic review summarizes the modulating effects mediated by IL-10 in vascular tissue, particularly on vascular tone, and the intracellular pathway induced by this cytokine. We also highlight the advances in IL-10 manipulation as a therapeutic target in different cardiovascular pathophysiologies, including the physiological implications in animals and humans. Finally, the review illustrates current and potential future perspectives of the potential use of IL-10 in clinical trials, based on the clinical evidence.

Advances in clinical outcomes: what we have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic

Our understanding of risk factors and interventions influencing outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has continued to evolve, revealing advances emerging from hypotheses formed at the start of the pandemic. Epidemiologic studies have shown that asthma control, rather than a diagnosis of asthma, is a determinant of COVID-19 severity. Clinical outcomes in patients with primary immunodeficiencies, even in those with impaired cellular immunity, are variable. IL-6 has emerged as a reliable biomarker of COVID-19 severity, and large clinical trials have shown the potential for improving outcomes through inhibition of IL-6 signaling in some patients. Studies of genetic risk factors for severe COVID-19 have also revealed the importance of interferon homeostasis in the defense against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Because COVID-19 vaccines constitute the primary tool for ending this pandemic, strategies have been developed to address potential allergic and immune-mediated reactions. Here, we discuss advances in our understanding of COVID-19 risk factors and outcomes within the context of allergic and immunologic mechanisms.

IL-10 and Its Related Superfamily Members IL-19 and IL-24 Provide Parallel/Redundant Immune-Modulation in Loa loa Infection

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been implicated as the major cytokine responsible for the modulation of parasite-specific responses in filarial infections; however, the role of other IL-10 superfamily members in filarial infection is less well studied.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from loiasis patients were stimulated with or without filarial antigen. Cytokine production was quantified using a Luminex platform and T-cell expression patterns were assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

All patients produced significant levels of IL-10, IL-13, IL-5, IL-4, and IL-9 in response to filarial antigen, indicating a common infection-driven response. When comparing microfilaria (mf)-positive and mf-negative patients, there were no significant differences in spontaneous cytokine nor in parasite-driven IL-10, IL-22, or IL-28a production. In marked contrast, mf-positive individuals had significantly increased filarial antigen-driven IL-24 and IL-19 compared to mf-negative subjects. mf-positive patients also demonstrated significantly higher frequencies of T cells producing IL-19 in comparison to mf-negative patients. T-cell expression of IL-19 and IL-24 was positively regulated by IL-10 and IL-1β. IL-24 production was also regulated by IL-37.

CONCLUSION

These data provide an important link between IL-10 and its related family members IL-19 and IL-24 in the modulation of the immune response in human filarial infections.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT00001230.

Inflammatory Molecular Mediators and Pathways Involved in Vascular Aging and Stroke: A Comprehensive Review

There is an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases with aging and it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The main cardiovascular pathologies include atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, hypertension and stroke. Chronic inflammation is one of the significant contributors to the age-related vascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of the persistent inflammatory conditions occurring in the blood vessels as well as the signaling pathways involved. Herein, we performed an extant search of literature involving PubMed, ISI, WoS and Scopus databases for retrieving all relevant articles with the most recent findings illustrating the potential role of various inflammatory mediators along with their proposed activated pathways in the pathogenesis and progression of vascular aging. We also highlight the major pathways contributing to age-related vascular disorders. The outlined molecular mechanisms, pathways and mediators of vascular aging represent potential drug targets that can be utilized to inhibit and/or slow the pathogenesis and progression of vascular aging.

Functional characterization of an interleukin 20 like homologue in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

IL-20 is a pleiotropic cytokine that belongs to the IL-10 family and plays an important biological role in tissue homeostasis and regulation of host immune defenses. IL-20 homologues have recently been discovered in fish, but their functions have not been studied. In this study, an IL-20 like (IL-20L) cytokine was cloned in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and its bioactivities were investigated. Expression analysis showed that the CiIL-20L gene was constitutively expressed in tissues with the highest expression detected in the head kidney. It was upregulated in the head kidney after infection with Flavobactrium columnare (F. cloumnare) and grass carp reovirus II (GCRV II). The recombinant CiIL-20L produced in E. coli cells was shown to be effective in inducing the expression of Th cytokine genes (IFN-γ, IL-4/13A, IL-4/13B and IL-10), macrophage marker genes (arginase 2, IRF4, KLF4 and SOCS3) and inflammatory genes (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα) in the head kidney leukocytes when stimulated at 12 h. Long term culture (6 days) of head kidney macrophages in the presence of CiIL-20L leads to high expression of IRF4, TGFβ1 and arginase 2. Our data suggest that IL-20 may play regulatory roles in promoting Th responses, macrophage differentiation and inflammation.

The Production and Function of Endogenous Interleukin-10 in Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Gut Homeostasis

The healthy gut is achieved and maintained through a balanced relationship between the mucosal immune system, microbial communities resident in the lumen, and the intestinal epithelium. The intestinal epithelium plays an exceptionally important role in harmonizing the interaction between the host immunity and the luminal residents, as this selectively permeable barrier separates but also allows interchange between the 2 environments. Interleukin (IL)-10 has been well established to play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis by imparting diverse effects on a variety of cell types in this relationship. In the intestine, the source and the target of IL-10 include leukocytes and epithelial cells. Given that both the epithelium and IL-10 are essential players in supporting homeostasis, we discuss the relationship between these 2 factors, focusing on epithelial sources of IL-10 and the effects of IL-10 on the intestinal epithelium. Insight into this relationship reveals an important aspect of the innate immune function of intestinal epithelial cells.

Interleukin-20 inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells via the GSK3β/β-catenin signalling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of interleukin-20 (IL-20) on the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.

METHODS

The pre-osteoblast line MC3T3-E1 was treated with different concentrations of IL-20 (0, 2, 20 and 100 ng/mL), and the cell viability was detected by the CCK8 assay. To assess the influence of IL-20 on osteogenic differentiation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin red staining were performed at predetermined times. The expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), Osterix (Osx), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and β-catenin were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting analyses. 5 nmol/L lithium chloride (LiCl) was used as GSK-3β inhibitor.

RESULTS

IL-20 promoted cell proliferation but decreased ALP activity and mineralization. Moreover, IL-20 downregulated the expression of RUNX2, Osx and β-catenin but upregulated the level of GSK-3β.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that IL-20 could inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells via the GSK3β/β-catenin signalling pathway.

The role of interleukin-10 family members in cardiovascular diseases

Interleukin (IL)-10 cytokine family members, including IL-10, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, IL-26 and the distantly related IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29, play critical roles in the regulation of inflammation. The occurrence and progression of cardiovascular diseases closely correlate with the regulation of inflammation, which may provide novel strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, studies have focused on the association between the IL-10 cytokine family and the physiological and pathological progression of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize relevant studies and clarify whether the IL-10 cytokine family contributes to the regulation of cardiovascular diseases.

Knockout-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Disease and Therapy Modeling of IL-10-Associated Primary Immunodeficiencies

Samples from patients with rare diseases, such as primary immunodeficiencies, are often limited, which hampers careful analysis of the pathomechanisms involved in immune cell dysregulation. To overcome this issue, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent an almost inexhaustible cell source and thus provide an excellent opportunity to generate disease models for rare diseases and to validate new therapeutic approaches. To obtain a better understanding of primary immunodeficiencies associated with the interleukin (IL)-10 signaling pathway, for example, very-early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD), we generated genetic knockouts (KOs) of IL-10RA (IL-10 receptor α-chain) and IL-10RB (IL-10 receptor β-chain) as well as the downstream targets of the IL-10-receptor (IL-10R) signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)1 and STAT3 via an sgRNA (single-guide RNA)-CRISPR-Cas9-expressing lentiviral system. IL-10 signaling-associated KO models and a VEO-IBD patient-derived iPSC clone were differentiated into macrophages for disease models. IL-10R- or STAT3-deficient disease models showed no IL-10-induced BCL3 or SOCS3 expression, whereas lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation induced IL-10R independently of BCL3 and SOCS3 expression. Cytokine secretion profiles from iPSC-derived macrophage disease models showed that IL-10 was involved in many inflammatory cytokine secretions, which indicated formation of both anti- and proinflammatory macrophage phenotypes. Macrophage-secreted cytokines were separated into IL-10R- and STAT3-dependent (IL-6, TNF-α), or into IL-10R-, STAT1-, and STAT3-dependent cytokines (CCL2, CXCL10). Importantly, lentiviral correction restored IL-10-mediated regulation of LPS-induced cytokine secretion in corrected IL-10RB, STAT1, and VEO-IBD patient-derived disease models. Furthermore, treatment of IL-10RB-deficient macrophages with anti-inflammatory small molecules (SB202190, filgotinib) reduced proinflammatory cytokine secretion patterns. Taken together, the described iPSC KO models gave new insights into the pathomechanisms of immune cell dysregulation and served as model systems to test potential therapeutic approaches, including lentiviral gene therapy and targeted small-molecule treatment.

Valuable clinical indicators for identifying infantile-onset inflammatory bowel disease patients with monogenic diseases

BACKGROUND

Infantile-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IO-IBD) occurs in very young children and causes severe clinical manifestations, which has poor responses to traditional inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments. At present, there are no simple and reliable laboratory indicators for early screening IO-IBD patients, especially those in whom the disease is caused by monogenic diseases.

AIM

To search for valuable indicators for early identifying IO-IBD patients, especially those in whom the disease is caused by monogenic diseases.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in 73 patients with IO-IBD admitted to our hospital in the past 5 years. Based on the next-generation sequencing results, they were divided into a monogenic IBD group (M-IBD) and a non-monogenic IBD group (NM-IBD). Forty age-matched patients with allergic proctocolitis (AP) were included in a control group. The clinical manifestations and the inflammatory factors in peripheral blood were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to identify the screening factors and cut-off values of IO-IBD as well as monogenic IO-IBD, respectively.

RESULTS

Among the 44 M-IBD patients, 35 carried IL-10RA mutations, and the most common mutations were c.301C>T (p.R101W, 30/70) and the c.537G>A (p.T179T, 17/70). Patients with higher serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α value were more likely to have IBD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.50, P = 0.013], while higher serum albumin level was associated with lower risk of IBD (OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.74-1.00, P = 0.048). The cut-off values of TNF-α and albumin were 17.40 pg/mL (sensitivity: 0.78; specificity: 0.88) and 36.50 g/L (sensitivity: 0.80; specificity: 0.90), respectively. The increased ferritin level was indicative of a genetic mutation in IO-IBD patients. Its cut-off value was 28.20 ng/mL (sensitivity: 0.93; specificity: 0.92). When interleukin (IL)-10 level was higher than 33.05 pg/mL (sensitivity: 1.00; specificity: 0.84), or the onset age was earlier than 0.21 mo (sensitivity: 0.82; specificity: 0.94), the presence of disease-causing mutations in IL-10RA in IO-IBD patients was strongly suggested.

CONCLUSION

Serum TNF-α and albumin level could differentiate IO-IBD patients from allergic proctocolitis patients, and serum ferritin and IL-10 levels are useful indicators for early diagnosing monogenic IO-IBD.

JAK Inhibitors for Treatment of Psoriasis: Focus on Selective TYK2 Inhibitors

Despite advances in the treatment of psoriasis, there is an unmet need for effective and safe oral treatments. The Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway plays a significant role in intracellular signalling of cytokines of numerous cellular processes, important in both normal and pathological states of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Particularly in psoriasis, where the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis is currently considered the crucial pathogenic pathway, blocking the JAK-STAT pathway with small molecules would be expected to be clinically effective. However, relative non-specificity and low therapeutic index of the available JAK inhibitors have delayed their integration into the therapeutic armamentarium of psoriasis. Current research appears to be focused on Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), the first described member of the JAK family. Data from the Phase II trial of BMS-986165-a selective TYK2 inhibitor-in psoriasis have been published and clinical results are encouraging, with a large Phase III programme ongoing. Further, the selective TYK2 inhibitor PF-06826647 is being tested in moderate-to-severe psoriasis in a Phase II clinical trial. Brepocitinib, a potent TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor, is also being evaluated, as both oral and topical treatment. Results of studies with TYK2 inhibitors will be important in assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of these drugs and their place in the therapeutic armamentarium of psoriasis. This article reviews current data on the impact of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Interleukin-28B dampens protease-induced lung inflammation via IL-25 and TSLP inhibition in epithelial cells

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with high heterogeneity in human. Different mouse models have been applied for investigation of pathogenesis and treatment of asthma, which target on different cells, receptors and pathways. Interleukin (IL-) 28B, a member of λ-interferons, have been shown to play a protective role in OVA-induced asthma, which is antigen-specific and adaptive immune system dominant. However, the roles of IL-28B in protease-induced asthma, an adaptive immune system independent asthma, are still unclear. Here, we used plant-derived cysteine protease, papain to induce asthma in mice and found that IL-28B was capable of alleviating papain-induced asthma. Papain challenge lead to activation of epithelial cells and production of alarmin, such as IL-25 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin and IL-28B treatment down-regulated their production. Further mechanism was proved to be that IL-28B inhibited the phosphorylation of Erk in epithelial cells via interaction with their receptors. Our results reveal a protective role of IL-28B via regulation of epithelial cells in protease induced asthma.

Characterization of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Tissue Factors in Rosacea: A Pilot study

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease mainly affecting the facial skin. Our aim was to determine the appearance of pro- and anti- inflammatory cytokines in rosacea-affected facial tissue. Materials and Methods: Rosacea tissue were obtained from eight patients (aged 35 to 50 years). The control group (CG) included four facial skin samples (49 to 70 years). Routine staining and immunohistochemistry for IL-1, IL-10, LL-37, HBD-2, and HBD-4 proceeded. Results: Inflammation was observed in all the rosacea samples. A statistically significant difference was seen between epithelial HBD-2 positive cells in comparison to the control. There was a strong positive correlation between HBD-4 in the epithelium and HBD-4 in the connective tissue, IL-10 in the epithelium and IL-1 in the connective tissue, and IL-1 in the epithelium and IL-10 in the connective tissue. Conclusion: Increased levels of IL-10 and decreased levels of IL-1 show the balance between anti- and pro-inflammatory tissue responses. A significant amount of HBD-2 in the epithelium proves its important role in the local immune response of rosacea-affected tissue. The last effect seems to be intensified by the elevated level of LL-37 in the epithelium.

Resolution of inflammation in immune and nonimmune cells by interleukin-19

The inflammatory response is a complex, tightly regulated process activated by tissue wounding, foreign body invasion, and sterile inflammation. Over the decades, great progress has been made to advance our understanding of this process. One often overlooked aspect of inflammation is its sequel: resolution. We know that dysregulated resolution often results in numerous chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis, cancer, and asthma. However, identification of components and mechanisms of resolving pathways lags behind those of proinflammatory processes, yet represents overlooked therapeutic opportunities. One approach is identification of endogenous, negative compensatory mechanisms, which are activated in response to inflammation for the purpose of resolution of that inflammatory stimuli. This review will focus on literature that describes expression and function of interleukin-19, a proposed anti-inflammatory cytokine, in numerous inflammatory diseases. The literature concerning IL-19 is complex, context-dependent, and often contradictory. The expression and function of IL-19 in the inflammatory response are in no way settled. We will attempt to clarify the role that this interesting and understudied cytokine plays in resolution of inflammation and discuss its mechanisms of action in different cell types. We will present a hypothesis that endogenous IL-19 expression in response to inflammatory stimuli is a cellular compensatory mechanism to dampen inflammation. We further present studies suggesting that while endogenously expressed IL-19 may be a response to inflammation, pharmacological levels may be necessary to effectively resolve the inflammatory cascade.

Interleukin-35 promotes the differentiation of regulatory T cells and suppresses Th2 response in IgG4-related type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic inflammatory disease, which includes type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Interleukin-35 (IL-35) exhibits immunosuppressive effects in several autoimmune diseases. However, the expression of IL-35 had not been reported so far in type 1 AIP. We evaluated the association between IL-35 and several cytokines, which mediate the function of Tregs in type 1 AIP.

METHODS

Plasma was collected from patients with type 1 AIP, alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP), and healthy controls (HC) and assayed for cytokine expression. Total mRNA separated from peripheral blood was isolated from naïve Tregs (nTregs) and effector Tregs (eTregs). EBI3 and IL-12p35 gene expressions were tested in these cells by quantitative PCR. In addition, expression of IL-35 subunits in the pancreatic tissues of patients with type 1 AIP and ACP was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

IL-35 was significantly elevated in type 1 AIP (n = 32) plasma compared with ACP (n = 16) and HC (n = 22), but IL-27 was not. We also detected many cells expressing both EBI3 and IL-12p35 in type 1 AIP tissues. Moreover, in peripheral blood lymphocyte, the percentage of nTregs and eTregs of CD4⁺ T cells in patients with type 1 AIP (n = 14) compared with HC (n = 15) was significantly decreased and increased, respectively. There were no significant differences of gene expression in patients with type 1 AIP and HC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified elevated expression of plasma IL-35 and tissue IL-35 subunits in patients with type 1 AIP. This might lead to inflammation suppression via activated eTregs. IL-35 might be associated with this anti-inflammatory role, especially against the Th2 response through several cytokines and the differentiation of Tregs in type 1 AIP.

Biomarkers in vesicoureteral reflux: an overview

Aim: This article aimed to review the role of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and cellular adhesion molecules as biomarkers for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and reflux nephropathy (RN). Methods: We reviewed articles from 1979 onward by searching PubMed and Scopus utilizing the combination of words: 'VUR' or 'RN' and each one of the biomarkers. Results: Genetic, inflammatory, fibrogenic, environmental and epigenetic factors responsible for renal scarring need to be better understood. TGF-β, IL-10, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF seem to exert a role in VUR particularly in RN based on the current literature. Serum levels of procalcitonin have been also associated with high-grade VUR and RN. These molecules should be more intensively evaluated as potential biomarkers for renal scarring in VUR. Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to define which molecules will really be of utility in clinical decisions and as therapeutic targets for VUR and RN.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of pigmented rice consumption in an obese cohort

The development of lifestyle diseases in the obese has been attributed to higher levels of inflammation and free radical mediated oxidative stress. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols in pigmented rice varieties could have potential to neutralize oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory responses in the obese. A cross-over dietary intervention human clinical trial was conducted with three pigmented rice varieties chosen from previous chemical and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory screening. Obese (n = 22, BMI > 30) sedentary participants consumed one cup of pigmented rice (Reiziq (brown), Purple (purple) and Yunlu29 (red)). Blood samples were collected prior consumption (baseline) and at set time points of 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours post rice consumption. The collected blood samples were analysed for antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers. Total antioxidant activity increased (p < 0.001) at the 1 hour time point by 40.3% post purple rice consumption. The red rice variety, Yunlu29 increased antioxidant activity at the 30 minute (p < 0.001) and 1 hour (p < 0.01) time point by 29.5% and 21.2% respectively. Lipid peroxidation biomarker, malondialdehyde (MDA), decreased (p < 0.05) at the 30 minute time point by 6.8% post purple rice consumption. At the 4 hour time point MDA levels was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) by the red rice variety Yunlu29, by 9.6%. Pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10), was significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced by 3.1% 30 minutes post purple rice consumption. In contrast, Yunlu29 (red) reduced interleukin-6 levels by 13.6% and 11.0% at the 30 minute and 1 hour time points respectively. Both the purple (p < 0.01) and red (p < 0.001) varieties significantly reduced interleukin-12p70 concentrations at 30 minutes by 8.7% and 10.3% respectively. Reiziq (brown) did not affect any of the biomarkers analysed in this study. The outcomes of this study highlight that polyphenols found in pigmented rice may play a key role in targeting specific therapeutic pathways in obesity-related oxidative stress and inflammation.

A Solution with Ginseng Saponins and Selenium as Vaccine Diluent to Increase Th1/Th2 Immune Responses in Mice

Pseudorabies is an important infectious disease of swine, and immunization using attenuated pseudorabies virus (aPrV) vaccine is a routine practice to control this disease in swine herds. This study was to evaluate a saline solution containing ginseng stem-leaf saponins (GSLS) and sodium selenite (Se) as a vaccine adjuvant for its enhancement of immune response to aPrV vaccine. The results showed that aPrV vaccine diluted with saline containing GSLS-Se (aP-GSe) induced significantly higher immune responses than that of the vaccine diluted with saline alone (aP-S). The aP-GSe promoted higher production of gB-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a, neutralizing antibody titers, secretion of Th1-type (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12), and Th2-type (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) cytokines, and upregulated the T-bet/GATA-3 mRNA expression when compared to aP-S. In addition, cytolytic activity of NK cells, lymphocyte proliferation, and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio was also significantly increased by aP-GSe. More importantly, aP-GSe conferred a much higher resistance of mice to a field virulent pseudorabies virus (fPrV) challenge. As the present study was conducted in mice, further study is required to evaluate the aP-GSe to improve the vaccination against PrV in swine.

Exploring the association of IL-10 polymorphisms in Behcet's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Polymorphisms in the interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene have been studied in various ethnic groups for possible association with Behçet’s disease (BD). This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis of eligible studies to calculate the association of IL-10 polymorphisms with BD.

A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to identify relevant publications, and extracted the respective results. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the power of association with a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 19 articles, consisting of 10,626 patients and 13,592 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed significant associations in allelic and genotypic test models of − 819 (C vs. T: OR = 0.691, P < 0.001; CC vs. TT: OR = 0.466, P < 0.001; CC + CT vs. TT: OR = 0.692, P < 0.001; and CC vs. CT + TT: OR = 0.557, P < 0.001), − 592 (C vs. A: OR = 0.779, P = 0.002; CC + AA vs. AA: OR = 0.713, P = 0.021; and CA vs. AA: OR = 0.716, P = 0.016), rs1518111 (G vs. A: OR = 0.738, P < 0.001; GG vs. AA: OR = 0.570, P < 0.001; GG + AG vs. AA: OR = 0.697, P < 0.001; GG vs. GA + AA: OR = 0.701, P < 0.001; and AG vs. GG: OR = 0.786, P = 0.004) and rs1554286 (C vs. T: OR = 0.582, P < 0.001; CC vs. TT: OR = 0.508, P < 0.001; CC + CT vs. TT: OR = 0.605, P < 0.001; CC vs. CT + TT: OR = 0.665, P = 0.012; and CT vs. TT: OR = 0.646, P = 0.001). However, we failed to find any association between − 1082 polymorphism and susceptibility of BD.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrated that the interleukin-10 -819, − 596, rs1518111 and rs1554286 polymorphisms could be responsible against BD susceptibility, and should probably be regarded as a protective factor for Behçet’s disease.

STAT6 mediates the effect of ethanol on neuroinflammatory response in TBI

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ethanol intoxication (EI) frequently coincide, particularly in young subjects. However, the mechanisms of their interaction remain poorly understood. Among other pathogenic pathways, TBI induces glial activation and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, resulting in acute and chronic hippocampal dysfunction. In this regard, we investigated the role of EI affecting these responses unfolding after TBI. We used a blunt, weight-drop approach to model TBI in mice. Male mice were pre-administered with ethanol or vehicle to simulate EI. The neuroinflammatory response in the hippocampus was assessed by monitoring the expression levels of >20 cytokines, the phosphorylation status of transcription factors and the phenotype of microglia and astrocytes. We used AS1517499, a brain-permeable STAT6 inhibitor, to elucidate the role of this pathway in the EI/TBI interaction. We showed that TBI causes the elevation of IL-33, IL-1β, IL-38, TNF-α, IFN-α, IL-19 in the hippocampus at 3 h time point and concomitant EI results in the dose-dependent downregulation of IL-33, IL-1β, IL-38, TNF-α and IL-19 (but not of IFN-α) and in the selective upregulation of IL-13 and IL-12. EI is associated with the phosphorylation of STAT6 and the transcription of STAT6-controlled genes. Moreover, ethanol-induced STAT6 phosphorylation and transcriptional activation can be recapitulated in vitro by concomitant exposure of neurons to ethanol, depolarization and inflammatory stimuli (simulating the acute trauma). Acute STAT6 inhibition prevents the effects of EI on IL-33 and TNF-α, but not on IL-13 and negates acute EI beneficial effects on TBI-associated neurological impairment. Additionally, EI is associated with reduced microglial activation and astrogliosis as well as preserved synaptic density and baseline neuronal activity 7 days after TBI and all these effects are prevented by acute administration of the STAT6 inhibitor concomitant to EI. EI concomitant to TBI exerts significant immunomodulatory effects on cytokine induction and microglial activation, largely through the activation of STAT6 pathway, ultimately with beneficial outcomes.