1
|
Deng J, Gong C, Xiao Q, Xu B, Li H, Wu Z, Xiao Q, Gu P, Li Q, Li B, Wang Y, Lin B, Xu K. Efficacy of Shenglin decoction in preventing acute severe lymphocytopenia in patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1378662. [PMID: 38779093 PMCID: PMC11109395 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1378662] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by maintenance therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors offers the best chance of cure for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A significant challenge in this regimen is the occurrence of acute severe lymphopenia (ASL), which can compromise treatment efficacy. Currently, there are no effective strategies for preventing and treating ASL. Shenglin decoction (SLD), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formulation, has demonstrated preliminary efficacy in mitigating ASL. However, robust evidence from clinical trials and a clear understanding of its mechanism of action are still needed. This study aims to comprehensively assess the efficacy, safety, and underlying mechanisms of SLD in the prevention of ASL. Methods This prospective, dual-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial will enroll 140 stage III NSCLC patients. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to a control group or an experimental group. Both groups will undergo definitive CCRT. Alongside the commencement of CCRT, the experimental group will receive an additional oral SLD intervention for a duration of three months. The primary outcome is the incidence rate of ASL, defined as the proportion of patients who experience at least one instance of a total lymphocyte count falling below 0.5 × 10^9 cells/L within 3 months of initiating CCRT treatment. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of fecal samples to assess gut microbiota, as well as metabolomic analysis of fecal/blood samples, will be conducted to explore potential mechanisms. Discussion This study protocol aims to rigorously evaluate the efficacy and safety of SLD, as well as elucidate its mechanism of action in preventing ASL. Successful outcomes could establish SLD as an evidence-based intervention for ASL prevention in NSCLC patients undergoing CCRT. Trial Registration The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2300071788, https://www.chictr.org.cn/).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao Deng
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cuicui Gong
- Clinical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Xiao
- Health Management Center, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Clinical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Huakang Li
- Clinical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziliang Wu
- Health Management Center, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Clinical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengxuan Gu
- Clinical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Bing Lin
- Health Management Center, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gong Q, Lv X, Liao C, Liang A, Luo C, Wu J, Zhou Y, Huang Y, Tong Z. Single-cell RNA sequencing combined with proteomics of infected macrophages reveals prothymosin-α as a target for treatment of apical periodontitis. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00031-6. [PMID: 38237771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) is a common infectious disease of the oral cavity. Immune responses and osteoclastogenesis of monocytes/macrophages play a crucial role in CAP progression, and this study want to clarify role of monocytes/macrophages in CAP, which will contribute to treatment of CAP. OBJECTIVES We aim to explore the heterogeneity of monocyte populations in periapical lesion of CAP tissues and healthy control (HC) periodontal tissues by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), search novel targets for alleviating CAP, and further validate it by proteomics and in vitro and in vivo evaluations. METHODS ScRNA-seq was used to analyze the heterogeneity of monocyte populations in CAP, and proteomics of THP-1-derived macrophages with porphyromonas gingivalis infection were intersected with the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of macrophages between CAP and HC tissues. The upregulated PTMA (prothymosin-α) were validated by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. We evaluated the effect of thymosin α1 (an amino-terminal proteolytic cleavage product of PTMA protein) on inflammatory factors and osteoclast differentiation of macrophages infected by P. gingivalis. Furthermore, we constructed mouse and rat mandibular bone lesions caused by apical periodontitis, and estimated treatment of systemic and topical administration of PTMA for CAP. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism software (v9.2) RESULTS: Monocytes were divided into seven sub-clusters comprising monocyte-macrophage-osteoclast (MMO) differentiation in CAP. 14 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated genes and proteins were intersected between the DEGs of scRNA-seq data and proteomics, including the high expression of PTMA. Thymosin α1 may decrease several inflammatory cytokine expressions and osteoclastogenesis of THP-1-derived macrophages. Both systemic administration in mice and topical administration in the pulp chamber of rats alleviated periapical lesions. CONCLUSIONS PTMA upregulation in CAP moderates the inflammatory response and prevents the osteoclastogenesis of macrophages, which provides a basis for targeted therapeutic strategies for CAP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qimei Gong
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaomin Lv
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chenxi Liao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ailin Liang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cuiting Luo
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanling Zhou
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yihua Huang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhongchun Tong
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Soeroto AY, Suryadinata H, Yanto TA, Hariyanto TI. The efficacy of thymosin alpha-1 therapy in moderate to critical COVID-19 patients: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:3317-3325. [PMID: 37845598 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01354-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effort to search for the optimal COVID-19 treatment has continuously been attempted. Thymosin alpha-1 have immunomodulatory properties which may be beneficial in case of viral infection. This study's goal is to determine whether thymosin alpha-1 is effective in treating people with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. METHODS We searched for literature in 4 database: Scopus, Europe PMC, Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library until March 25th, 2023. If those articles have data on the efficacy of thymosin alpha-1 therapy on COVID-19, they would be included. Risk ratio (RR) and Mean Difference (MD) along with their 95% confidence intervals were used to pool the results of dichotomous and continuous variables, respectively. RESULTS Pooled data from 8 studies indicated that moderate to critical Covid-19 patients who were receiving thymosin alpha-1 therapy had significantly lower mortality from COVID-19 (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.37-0.93, p = 0.02, I2 = 84%), but without any difference in the needs for mechanical ventilation (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.48-1.44, p = 0.51, I2 = 74%) and hospital length of stay (MD 2.32; 95% CI - 0.93, 5.58, p = 0.16, I2 = 94%) compared to placebo. The benefits of thymosin alpha-1 on the mortality rate were significantly affected only by sample size (p = 0.0000) and sex (p = 0.0117). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that treatment with thymosin alpha-1 may reduce mortality rate in moderate to critical COVID-19 patients. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are still required to verify the findings of our study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arto Yuwono Soeroto
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Illness, Department of Internal Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, West Java, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Hendarsyah Suryadinata
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Illness, Department of Internal Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, West Java, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Theo Audi Yanto
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Karawaci, Tangerang, 15811, Indonesia
| | - Timotius Ivan Hariyanto
- Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Boulevard Jendral Sudirman Street, Karawaci, Tangerang, 15811, Indonesia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Quagliata M, Papini AM, Rovero P. Therapeutic applications of thymosin peptides: a patent landscape 2018-present. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:865-873. [PMID: 38131310 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2298833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thymosins are small proteins found mainly in the thymus. They are involved in several biological processes, including immunoregulation, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory activity. Due to these multiple activities, thymosins are widely used as therapeutics. In fact, these peptides have shown interesting results in the treatment of eye disorders, anticancer therapy, and dysregulated immune disorders. AREA COVERED We analyzed the thymosins therapeutic patent landscape describing the most significant patents published after 2018 and originally written in English, classified according to the different type of functions and diseases. We searched 'Thymosin' on Patentscope and Espacenet. EXPERT OPINION Thymalfasin (Zadaxin) is the only FDA-approved thymosine-based drug used to treat chronic hepatitis B and C and as a chemotherapy inducer. This outcome demonstrates how thymosins can be exploited as therapeutics, especially in immunological and anti-cancer therapies. However, the development of modified thymosins could expand their therapeutic interest and application in different diseases. In fact, by chemical modifications, it is possible to increase proteolytic stability in the biological environment, enhance cell permeability, and stabilize the secondary structure of the peptide. Finally, the development of shorter sequences could reduce the cost and production time of these thymosin-based drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Quagliata
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Paolo Rovero
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of NeuroFarBa, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bulnes-Ramos Á, Pozo-Balado MM, Olivas-Martínez I, Garrido-Rodríguez V, Bernal-Blanco G, Suárez-Benjumea A, Álvarez-Ríos AI, Lozano C, González-Corvillo C, Suñer-Poblet M, González-Roncero FM, Sánchez B, Maldonado-Calzado I, Lara-Ruiz JM, Gonzalez-Escribano MF, Pacheco YM. Factors associated with the humoral response after three doses of COVID-19 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1099079. [PMID: 36875099 PMCID: PMC9977967 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1099079] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Kidney transplant recipients showed a weak humoral response to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine despite receiving three cumulative doses of the vaccine. New approaches are still needed to raise protective immunity conferred by the vaccine administration within this group of high-risk patients. Methods To analyze the humoral response and identify any predictive factors within these patients, we designed a prospective monocentric longitudinal study of Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) who received three doses of mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Specific antibody levels were measured by chemiluminescence. Parameters related to clinical status such as kidney function, immunosuppressive therapy, inflammatory status and thymic function were analyzed as potential predictors of the humoral response. Results Seventy-four KTR and sixteen healthy controls were included. One month after the administration of the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, 64.8% of KTR showed a positive humoral response. As predictive factors of seroconversion and specific antibody titer, we found that immunosuppressive therapy, worse kidney function, higher inflammatory status and age were related to a lower response in KTR while immune cell counts, thymosin-a1 plasma concentration and thymic output were related to a higher humoral response. Furthermore, baseline thymosin-a1 concentration was independently associated with the seroconversion after three vaccine doses. Discussion In addition to the immunosuppression therapy, condition of kidney function and age before vaccination, specific immune factors could also be relevant in light of optimization of the COVID-19 vaccination protocol in KTR. Therefore, thymosin-a1, an immunomodulatory hormone, deserves further research as a potential adjuvant for the next vaccine boosters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Bulnes-Ramos
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María Mar Pozo-Balado
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Israel Olivas-Martínez
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Vanesa Garrido-Rodríguez
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Carmen Lozano
- Microbiology Service, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Marta Suñer-Poblet
- Nephrology Service, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Berta Sánchez
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Maldonado-Calzado
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - José Manuel Lara-Ruiz
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María Francisca Gonzalez-Escribano
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Yolanda María Pacheco
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cheng Y, Wu P, Kan Y, Li M, Li H. Identification and determination of structurally related peptide impurities in thymalfasin by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:8035-8045. [PMID: 36207535 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04336-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Thymalfasin is an important peptide drug widely used for the single or combination treatment of hepatitis, sepsis, cancer, and immunodeficiency. Accurate purity assessment of thymalfasin material is essential for thymalfasin certified reference materials (CRMs) production and analytical method validation, in which comprehensive determination of thymalfasin-related impurities is required to avoid quantitative bias. In this study, liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-hrMS) methods have been established to comprehensively characterize and quantify thymalfasin-related impurities using a thymalfasin China Pharmacopoeia (ChP) standard and then successfully applied to three commercial thymalfasin materials. A total of twenty-three thymalfasin-related impurities (> 0.1 mg/g) were separated, identified, and quantified in the ChP standard analyzed. The major impurities existing in thymalfasin ChP standard and commercial materials include deamination, amination, succinimide, amino acid insertion/deletion, dimers, and isomers at different mass fraction levels. In particular, over half of the thymalfasin-related impurities were found directly or indirectly arising from the labile C-terminal asparagine (Asn) residue. Given the 28th Asn residue at the C-terminus is not necessary for the biological activity of thymalfasin as reported previously, thus deletion, replacement, or modification of thymalfasin C-terminal Asn residue is proposed for new drug research and development. In summary, these results provide a further complement to the thymalfasin-related impurity profile and issue a warning for protection or processing of the thymalfasin C-terminal Asn residue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Cheng
- Division of Chemical Metrology & Analytical Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Peize Wu
- Division of Chemical Metrology & Analytical Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Ying Kan
- Division of Chemical Metrology & Analytical Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Ming Li
- Division of Chemical Metrology & Analytical Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Hongmei Li
- Division of Chemical Metrology & Analytical Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu F, Qiu B, Xi Y, Luo Y, Luo Q, Wu Y, Chen N, Zhou R, Guo J, Wu Q, Xiong M, Liu H. Efficacy of thymosin α1 in management of radiation pneumonitis in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy: A Phase 2 Clinical Trial (GASTO-1043). Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022; 114:433-443. [PMID: 35870709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of thymosin α1 in management of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LANSCLC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). METHODS AND MATERIALS This phase II, single-arm trial enrolled patients with unresectable LANSCLC of 18 to 75 years' old and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1. Eligible patients received definitive CCRT and weekly thymosin α1 from the start of CCRT till 2 months after CCRT. Patients were administered 51 Gy in 17 daily fractions or 40 Gy in 10 daily fractions in the first course followed by a re-evaluation and those patients without disease progression had an adaptive plan of 15 Gy in 5 daily fractions or 24 Gy in 6 daily fractions as a boost. Concurrent chemotherapy consisted of weekly docetaxel (25 mg/m2) and nedaplatin (25 mg/m2) during radiation therapy. The primary endpoint was the incidence of Grade (G) ≥2 RP. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of late pulmonary fibrosis, total lymphocyte count (TLC), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and the composition of gut microbiota. TLC and CRP data were collected at baseline, 2-3 weeks during CCRT, the end of CCRT, 2 and 6 months after CCRT. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and the end of CCRT. Patients treated with CCRT but without thymosin α1 intervention during the same period were selected as the control group by the propensity score matching method. RESULTS Sixty-nine patients were enrolled in the study, and another 69 patients were selected as the control group. The incidence of G≥2 RP was lower in the study group compared with control cases (36.2% vs 53.6%, P=0.040). G1 late pulmonary fibrosis occurred in 2 (3.7%) patients of the control group compared with no event in the study group (P=0.243). Compared with the control group, the incidence of G3-4 lymphopenia (19.1% vs. 62.1%, P<0.001) was lower, and the median TLC nadir (0.51 k/µL vs. 0.30 k/µL, P<0.001) was higher in the study group. The proportion of patients with maximum CRP≥100 mg/L was lower in the study group (13.8% vs. 29.7% P=0.029). The diversity and community composition of the gut microbiota were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Administration of thymosin α1 during and after CCRT was associated with significant reductions in G≥2 RP and G3-4 lymphopenia in patients with LANSCLC compared to historic controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangjie Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Xi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; School of biology and biological engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou. China
| | - Yifeng Luo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Qiaoting Luo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingjia Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Naibin Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingping Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mai Xiong
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Islam MA, Haque MA, Rahman MA, Hossen F, Reza M, Barua A, Marzan AA, Das T, Kumar Baral S, He C, Ahmed F, Bhattacharya P, Jakariya M. A Review on Measures to Rejuvenate Immune System: Natural Mode of Protection Against Coronavirus Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:837290. [PMID: 35371007 PMCID: PMC8965011 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.837290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a novel Corona virus strain, was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As of December 16, 2021, almost 4,822,472 people had died and over 236,132,082 were infected with this lethal viral infection. It is believed that the human immune system is thought to play a critical role in the initial phase of infection when the viruses invade the host cells. Although some effective vaccines have already been on the market, researchers and many bio-pharmaceuticals are still working hard to develop a fully functional vaccine or more effective therapeutic agent against the COVID-19. Other efforts, in addition to functional vaccines, can help strengthen the immune system to defeat the corona virus infection. Herein, we have reviewed some of those proven measures, following which a more efficient immune system can be better prepared to fight viral infection. Among these, dietary supplements like- fresh vegetables and fruits offer a plentiful of vitamins and antioxidants, enabling to build of a healthy immune system. While the pharmacologically active components of medicinal plants directly aid in fighting against viral infection, supplementary supplements combined with a healthy diet will assist to regulate the immune system and will prevent viral infection. In addition, some personal habits, like- regular physical exercise, intermittent fasting, and adequate sleep, had also been proven to aid the immune system in becoming an efficient one. Maintaining each of these will strengthen the immune system, allowing innate immunity to become a more defensive and active antagonistic mechanism against corona-virus infection. However, because dietary treatments take longer to produce beneficial effects in adaptive maturation, personalized nutrition cannot be expected to have an immediate impact on the global outbreak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Aminul Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.,Department of Microbiology President Abdul Hamid Medical College, Karimganj, Bangladesh
| | - Md Atiqul Haque
- Key Lab of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Md Arifur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Foysal Hossen
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Mahin Reza
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abanti Barua
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Marzan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Tuhin Das
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | | | - Cheng He
- Key Lab of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Firoz Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Prosun Bhattacharya
- COVID-19 Research@KTH, Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Md Jakariya
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yu PC, Liu D, Han ZX, Liang F, Hao CY, Lei YT, Guo CR, Wang WH, Li XH, Yang XN, Li CZ, Yu Y, Fan YZ. Thymopentin-Mediated Inhibition of Cancer Stem Cell Stemness Enhances the Cytotoxic Effect of Oxaliplatin on Colon Cancer Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:779715. [PMID: 35242031 PMCID: PMC8886222 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.779715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP5) is an immunomodulatory pentapeptide that has been widely used in malignancy patients with immunodeficiency due to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we propose that TP5 directly inhibits the stemness of colon cancer cells HCT116 and therefore enhances the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin (OXA) in HCT116 cells. In the absence of serum, TP5 was able to induce cancer stemness reduction in cultured HCT116 cells and significantly reduced stemness-related signals, such as the expression of surface molecular markers (CD133, CD44 and CD24) and stemness-related genes (ALDH1, SOX2, Oct-4 and Nanog), and resulted in altered Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Acetylcholine receptors (AchRs) are implicated in this process. OXA is a common chemotherapeutic agent with therapeutic effects in various cancers. Although TP5 had no direct effect on the proliferation of HCT116, this pentapeptide significantly increased the sensitivity of HCT116 to OXA, where the effect of TP5 on the stemness of colon cancer cells through stimulation of AchRs may contribute to this process. Our results provide a promising strategy for increasing the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents by incorporating immunomodulatory peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Cheng Yu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Liu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeng-Xiang Han
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Three Departments of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Fang Liang
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui-Yun Hao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun-Tao Lei
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang-Run Guo
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Hui Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing-Hua Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Na Yang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang-Zhu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha, China
| | - Ye Yu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying-Zhe Fan
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Distler ME, Teplensky MH, Bujold KE, Kusmierz CD, Evangelopoulos M, Mirkin CA. DNA Dendrons as Agents for Intracellular Delivery. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:13513-13518. [PMID: 34410116 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Herein, a method for synthesizing and utilizing DNA dendrons to deliver biomolecules to living cells is reported. Inspired by high-density nucleic acid nanostructures, such as spherical nucleic acids, we hypothesized that small clusters of nucleic acids, in the form of DNA dendrons, could be conjugated to biomolecules and facilitate their cellular uptake. We show that DNA dendrons are internalized by 90% of dendritic cells after just 1 h of treatment, with a >20-fold increase in DNA delivery per cell compared with their linear counterparts. This effect is due to the interaction of the DNA dendrons with scavenger receptor-A on cell surfaces, which results in their rapid endocytosis. Moreover, when conjugated to peptides at a single attachment site, dendrons enhance the cellular delivery and activity of both the model ovalbumin 1 peptide and the therapeutically relevant thymosin alpha 1 peptide. These findings show that high-density, multivalent DNA ligands play a significant role in dictating cellular uptake of biomolecules and consequently will expand the scope of deliverable biomolecules to cells. Indeed, DNA dendrons are poised to become agents for the cellular delivery of many molecular and nanoscale materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max E Distler
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michelle H Teplensky
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Katherine E Bujold
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Caroline D Kusmierz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michael Evangelopoulos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aslam MS, Zaidi SZJ, Toor RH, Gull I, Iqbal MM, Abbas Z, Tipu I, Ahmed A, Athar MA, Harito C, Hassan SU. Interferon α2-Thymosin α1 Fusion Protein (IFNα2-Tα1): A Genetically Engineered Fusion Protein with Enhanced Anticancer and Antiviral Effect. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14123318. [PMID: 34203928 PMCID: PMC8232609 DOI: 10.3390/ma14123318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Human interferon α2 (IFNα2) and thymosin α1 (Tα1) are therapeutic proteins used for the treatment of viral infections and different types of cancer. Both IFNα2 and Tα1 show a synergic effect in their activities when used in combination. Furthermore, the therapeutic fusion proteins produced through the genetic fusion of two genes can exhibit several therapeutic functions in one molecule. In this study, we determined the anticancer and antiviral effect of human interferon α2-thymosin α1 fusion protein (IFNα2-Tα1) produced in our laboratory for the first time. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of IFNα2-Tα1 was evaluated in HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The in vitro assays confirmed that IFNα2-Tα1 inhibited the growth of cells more effectively than IFNα2 alone and showed an elevated genotoxic effect. The expression of proapoptotic genes was also significantly enhanced in IFNα2-Tα1-treated cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. Furthermore, the HCV RNA level was significantly reduced in IFNα2-Tα1-treated HCV-infected Huh7 cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. The quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression of various genes, the products of which inhibit HCV replication, was significantly enhanced in IFNα2-Tα1-treated cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. Our findings demonstrate that IFNα2-Tα1 is more effective than single IFNα2 as an anticancer and antiviral agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahbaz Aslam
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.); (S.Z.J.Z.); (S.-u.H.)
| | - Syed Zohaib Javaid Zaidi
- Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.); (S.Z.J.Z.); (S.-u.H.)
| | - Rabail Hassan Toor
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (R.H.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Iram Gull
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Muhammad Mudassir Iqbal
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Zaigham Abbas
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan;
| | - Imran Tipu
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Management & Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan;
| | - Aftab Ahmed
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (R.H.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Muhammad Amin Athar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Christian Harito
- Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta 11480, Indonesia;
| | - Sammer-ul Hassan
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.); (S.Z.J.Z.); (S.-u.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dominari A, III DH, Pandav K, Matos W, Biswas S, Reddy G, Thevuthasan S, Khan MA, Mathew A, Makkar SS, Zaidi M, Fahem MMM, Beas R, Castaneda V, Paul T, Halpern J, Baralt D. Thymosin alpha 1: A comprehensive review of the literature. World J Virol 2020; 9:67-78. [PMID: 33362999 PMCID: PMC7747025 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v9.i5.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 is a peptide naturally occurring in the thymus that has long been recognized for modifying, enhancing, and restoring immune function. Thymosin alpha 1 has been utilized in the treatment of immunocompromised states and malignancies, as an enhancer of vaccine response, and as a means of curbing morbidity and mortality in sepsis and numerous infections. Studies have postulated that thymosin alpha 1 could help improve the outcome in severely ill corona virus disease 2019 patients by repairing damage caused by overactivation of lymphocytic immunity and how thymosin alpha 1 could prevent the excessive activation of T cells. In this review, we discuss key literature on the background knowledge and current clinical uses of thymosin alpha 1. Considering the known biochemical properties including antibacterial and antiviral properties, time-honored applications, and the new promising findings regarding the use of thymosin, we believe that thymosin alpha 1 deserves further investigation into its antiviral properties and possible repurposing as a treatment against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asimina Dominari
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Donald Hathaway III
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Krunal Pandav
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Wanessa Matos
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sharmi Biswas
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Gowry Reddy
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sindhu Thevuthasan
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Muhammad Adnan Khan
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Anoopa Mathew
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sarabjot Singh Makkar
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Madiha Zaidi
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | | | - Renato Beas
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Valeria Castaneda
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Trissa Paul
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - John Halpern
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Diana Baralt
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Poniedziałek-Kempny K, Gajda B, Rajska I, Gajda L, Smorąg Z. Effect of thymosin β on maturation of pig oocytes and quality of in vitro produced embryos. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND FEED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/128208/2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
|
17
|
ThymicPeptides Reverse Immune Exhaustion in Patients with Reactivated Human Alphaherpesvirus1 Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072379. [PMID: 32235584 PMCID: PMC7178259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent infection with human alphaherpesvirus 1 (HHV-1) may be associated with immune exhaustion that impairs virus elimination. Thymic peptides enhance immune function and thus could overcome immune exhaustion. In this study, we investigated whether reactivation of herpes infections was associated with immune exhaustion. Moreover, we examined the impact of treatment with thymostimulin on the expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) on T and B lymphocytes in patients suffering from recurrent HHV-1 reactivation. We also assessed the effector function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after stimulation with thymic peptides. We enrolled 50 women with reactivated HHV-1 infections and healthy volunteers. We measured the expression of various activation and exhaustion markers on the surface of PBMCs using flow cytometry. In ex vivo experiments, we measured the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by PBMCs cultured with thymostimulin. Compared with controls, patients with reactivated HHV-1 infections had increased percentages of CD3+ co-expressing CD25, an activation marker (p < 0.001). Moreover, these patients had increased percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ cells co-expressing the inhibitory markers PD-1 and PD-L1. In cultures of PBMCs from the patients, thymostimulin increased the secretion of interferon gamma (p < 0.001) and interleukin (IL)-2 (p = 0.023), but not IL-4 or IL-10.Two-month thymostimulin therapy resulted in no reactivation of HHV-1 infection during this period and the reduction of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on the surface of T and B lymphocytes (p < 0.001). In conclusion, reactivation of herpes infection is associated with immune exhaustion, which could be reversed by treatment with thymic peptides.
Collapse
|
18
|
Aslam MS, Gull I, Mahmood MS, Iqbal MM, Abbas Z, Tipu I, Ahmed A, Athar MA. High yield expression, characterization, and biological activity of IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 50:281-291. [PMID: 31718419 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2019.1689509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The use of interferon α-2 in combination with thymosin α-1 shows higher anti-cancer effect in comparison when both are used individually because of their synergistic effects. In this study we produced an important human interferon α-2-thymosin α-1 (IFNα2-Tα1) fusion protein with probable pharmaceutical properties coupled to its high-level expression, characterization, and study of its biological activity. The IFNα2-Tα1 fusion gene was constructed by over-lap extension PCR and expressed in Escherichia coli expression system. The expression of IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein was optimized to higher level and its maximum expression was obtained in modified terrific broth medium when lactose was used as inducer. The fusion protein was refolded into its native biologically active form with maximum yield of 83.14% followed by purification with ∼98% purity and 69% final yield. A band of purified IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein equal to ∼23 kDa was observed on 12 % SDS-PAGE gel. The integrity of IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein was confirmed by western blot analysis and secondary structure was assessed by CD spectroscopy. When IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein was subjected to its biological activity analysis it was observed that it exhibits both IFNα2 & Tα1 activities as well as significantly higher anticancer activity as compared to IFNα-2 alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Iram Gull
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Zaigham Abbas
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Imran Tipu
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aftab Ahmed
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Amin Athar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Subtiligase-catalyzed peptide ligation is a powerful approach for site-specific protein bioconjugation, synthesis and semisynthesis of proteins and peptides, and chemoproteomic analysis of cellular N termini. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the subtiligase technology, including its development, applications, and impacts on protein science. We highlight key advantages and limitations of the tool and compare it to other peptide ligase enzymes. Finally, we provide a perspective on future applications and challenges and how they may be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Weeks
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - James A Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kharazmi-Khorassani J, Asoodeh A. Thymosin alpha-1; a natural peptide inhibits cellular proliferation, cell migration, the level of reactive oxygen species and promotes the activity of antioxidant enzymes in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line (A549). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2019; 34:941-949. [PMID: 31067016 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This research was conducted to investigate the biochemical effects of thymosin alpha-1 using human lung cancer cells (A549). The A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of Thα1 for 24 h and the growth, inhibition of cells was determined. Thα1 revealed anti-proliferative effect at 24 and 48 μg/ml after 24 h. Furthermore, it indicated antioxidant properties by significantly enhancing the activity of catalase (12 μg/ml), superoxide dismutase (6 and 12 μg/ml), and glutathione peroxidase (3, 6 and 12 μg/ml) and reducing the production of cellular ROS. Our results showed that Thα1 inhibits the migration of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner after 24 and 48 h. Moreover, the effect of Thα1 on apoptosis was investigated by Hoechst 33342 staining and cell cycle analysis. Results demonstrated no significant effect on the induction of apoptosis in A549 cells. In conclusion, our results showed the antioxidant properties of Thα1 on A549 cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmad Asoodeh
- Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang T, Yin L, Wang H, Fawcett JP, Gu J. Development and application of a high-throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous determination of thymosin α1 and its recombinant human form in plasma and urine. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2019; 170:16-21. [PMID: 30903925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Thymalfasin, Tα1) is a naturally occurring polypeptide widely used as an immune system enhancer for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, and cancer. Recombinant human Tα1 (rh-Tα1) lacking N-terminal acetylation (NTA) displays similar biological activity to Tα1 and has completed phase III clinical trials in China. To compare the pharmacokinetics of rh-Tα1 and Tα1 and establish whether they undergo mutual transmutation in vivo, we developed a novel bioassay based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of the two peptides in human plasma and urine. Sample preparation by protein precipitation using a mixture of methanol and perchloric acid was followed by HPLC on a Zorbax 300SB-C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) maintained at 40 °C. Detection was by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) of the precursor-to-product ion transitions at m/z 778.0→316.0 for Tα1, m/z 767.3→955.0 for rh-Tα1 and m/z 832.3→159.2 for the internal standard, eptifibatide. The method was linear in the range 2-100 ng/mL for both analytes with good accuracy and precision. High sample throughput was facilitated by inclusion of a parallel two-column chromatographic system. The method was successfully applied to a comparative pharmacokinetic study involving single subcutaneous injections of either Tα1 or rh-Tα1 to two groups of healthy male volunteers. The results indicate that rh-Tα1 undergoes NTA in vivo to form Tα1 but that Tα1 is not deacetylated to rh-Tα1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Research Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130061, PR China; Research Center for Drug Metabolism, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China
| | - Lei Yin
- Research Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130061, PR China; Research Center for Drug Metabolism, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, PR China
| | - John Paul Fawcett
- Research Center for Drug Metabolism, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China
| | - Jingkai Gu
- Research Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130061, PR China; Research Center for Drug Metabolism, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China; Beijing Institute of Drug Metabolism, Beijing, 102209, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kharazmi-Khorassani J, Asoodeh A, Tanzadehpanah H. Antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of thymosin alpha-1 (Thα1) peptide. Bioorg Chem 2019; 87:743-752. [PMID: 30974297 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In this research, the antioxidant property of thymosin alpha-1 (Thα1) peptide was investigated through various antioxidant methods. Thα1 showed 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 20 µM) and its 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging reached 45.33% at 80 µM (IC50 = 85 µM). In addition, hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging of Thα1 peptide exhibited a concentration-depended manner. The IC50 values of hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging were estimated to be 82 µM and 20 µM, respectively. The effect of Thα1 on eliminating superoxide radicals was higher (62.23%) than other antioxidant assays. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of Thα1 peptide was evaluated by measuring cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results indicated that Thα1 decreased the generation of ROS level in 1321 N1 human neural asterocytoma cells. The inhibitory effect of Thα1 on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was determined. The kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) and the inhibition pattern were examined. Based on the Lineweaver-Burk plot, Thα1 displayed a mixed inhibition pattern. The IC50 and Ki values of Thα1 were 0.8 µM and 3.33 µM, respectively. Molecular modeling suggested that Thα1 binds to ACE-domains with higher affinity binding to N-domain with the binding energy of -22.87 kcal/mol. Molecular docking indicated that Thα1 interacted with ACE enzyme (N- and C-domains) due to electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen forces. Our findings suggested that Thα1 possess a multifunctional peptide with dual antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory properties. Further researches are needed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-hypertensive effect of Thα1 both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmad Asoodeh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Hamid Tanzadehpanah
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Schmidt M, Toplak A, Rozeboom HJ, Wijma HJ, Quaedflieg PJLM, van Maarseveen JH, Janssen DB, Nuijens T. Design of a substrate-tailored peptiligase variant for the efficient synthesis of thymosin-α 1. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 16:609-618. [PMID: 29300408 DOI: 10.1039/c7ob02812a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of thymosin-α1, an acetylated 28 amino acid long therapeutic peptide, via conventional chemical methods is exceptionally challenging. The enzymatic coupling of unprotected peptide segments in water offers great potential for a more efficient synthesis of peptides that are difficult to synthesize. Based on the design of a highly engineered peptide ligase, we developed a fully convergent chemo-enzymatic peptide synthesis (CEPS) process for the production of thymosin-α1via a 14-mer + 14-mer segment condensation strategy. Using structure-inspired enzyme engineering, the thiol-subtilisin variant peptiligase was tailored to recognize the respective 14-mer thymosin-α1 segments in order to create a clearly improved biocatalyst, termed thymoligase. Thymoligase catalyzes peptide bond formation between both segments with a very high efficiency (>94% yield) and is expected to be well applicable to many other ligations in which residues with similar characteristics (e.g. Arg and Glu) are present in the respective positions P1 and P1'. The crystal structure of thymoligase was determined and shown to be in good agreement with the model used for the engineering studies. The combination of the solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) of the 14-mer segments and their thymoligase-catalyzed ligation on a gram scale resulted in a significantly increased, two-fold higher overall yield (55%) of thymosin-α1 compared to those typical of existing industrial processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Schmidt
- EnzyPep B.V., Brightlands Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Freeley S, Cardone J, Günther SC, West EE, Reinheckel T, Watts C, Kemper C, Kolev MV. Asparaginyl Endopeptidase (Legumain) Supports Human Th1 Induction via Cathepsin L-Mediated Intracellular C3 Activation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2449. [PMID: 30405635 PMCID: PMC6207624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autocrine activation of the complement receptors C3aR and CD46 by complement activation components C3a and C3b produced through C3 cleavage by the protease cathepsin L (CTSL) during T cell stimulation is a requirement for IFN-γ production and Th1 induction in human CD4+ T cells. Thus, lack of autocrine CD46 activation, such as in CD46-deficient patients, is associated with defective Th1 responses and recurrent infections. We have identified LGMN [the gene coding for legumain, also known as asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP)] as one of the key genes induced by CD46 co-stimulation during human CD4+ T cell activation. AEP processes and activates a range of proteins, among those α1-thymosin and CTSL, which both drive intrinsically Th1 activity-but has so far not been described to be functionally active in human T cells. Here we found that pharmacological inhibition of AEP during activation of human CD4+ T cells reduced CTSL activation and the CTSL-mediated generation of intracellular C3a. This translated into a specific reduction of IFN-γ production without affecting cell proliferation or survival. In line with these findings, CD4+ T cells isolated from Lgmn -/- mice also displayed a specific defect in IFN-γ secretion and Th1 induction. Furthermore, we did not observe a role for AEP-driven autocrine α1-thymosin activation in T cell-derived IFN-γ production. These data suggest that AEP is an "upstream" activator of the CTSL-C3-IFN-γ axis in human CD4+ T cells and hence an important supporter of human Th1 induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Freeley
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Cardone
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sira C Günther
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Institut für Medizinische Virologie, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erin E West
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Thomas Reinheckel
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Colin Watts
- Division of Cell Signaling & Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Kemper
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Martin V Kolev
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bo C, Wu Q, Zhao H, Li X, Zhou Q. Thymosin α1 suppresses migration and invasion of PD-L1 high-expressing non-small-cell lung cancer cells via inhibition of STAT3-MMP2 signaling. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:7255-7270. [PMID: 30425517 PMCID: PMC6205819 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s177943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thymosin α1 (Tα1) is one of the most commonly used immunomodulators for metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in many countries. Despite the identification of the direct suppression on cancer cell proliferation, little is known about its effect on metastasis and metastasis-related signaling such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Materials and methods NSCLC cells with distinguishing PD-L1 expression levels were treated with Tα1. siRNAs were used to knockdown PD-L1. Cell migration and invasion abilities were evaluated by wound-healing and transwell assays. The xenograft model by BALB/c nude mice was constructed to test the inhibitory effect of Tα1 on metastasis in vivo. The expression levels of metastasis-related signaling pathways and key molecules were assessed by Western blot (WB) and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Results Tα1 significantly suppressed cell migration and invasion in PD-L1 high-expressing H1299, NL9980, and L9981 cells but not in PD-L1 low-expressing A549 or SPC-A-1 cells. This difference was demonstrated by mouse model in vivo as well. Knocking down of PD-L1 significantly impaired the inhibition of cell migration and invasion caused by Tα1 treating in PD-L1 high-expressing cells. Besides, Tα1 inhibited the activation and translocation of STAT3 and the expression of MMP2 in PD-L1 high-expressing NSCLC cells. Moreover, the treatment of STAT3 activator colivelin could partly reverse the Tα1-induced MMP2 suppression and the migration phenotype. Conclusion Tα1 significantly suppresses migration and invasion in PD-L1 high-expressing NSCLC cells compared with PD-L1 low-expressing NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo, through the downregulation of STAT3–MMP2 signaling. These different responses to Tα1, together with the depiction of Tα1-induced signaling changes, suggest a potential benefit of Tα1 for PD-L1-positive NSCLC patients, enlightening the combination of Tα1 with target therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Bo
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,
| | - Qiang Wu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,
| | - Hai Zhao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuebing Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China, ,
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China, .,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China, ,
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
|
27
|
Sun S, Ji H, Feng Y, Kang Y, Yu J, Liu A. A novel mechanism of tumor-induced thymic atrophy in mice bearing H22 hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:417-424. [PMID: 29551914 PMCID: PMC5842769 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s157512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thymic atrophy was discovered in tumor-bearing mice in recent years. Methods Flow cytometry was carried out including Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, PI staining, Terminal dUTP nick-end labeling, CD3-FITC/CD19-PE and CD8-FITC/CD4-PE double staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction were also investigated. Results According to our experiments, we demonstrated that no signs of apoptosis in thymocytes were found in H22-bearing mice, while the proportions of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in thymuses were remarkably increased, the opposite tendency was found in peripheral bloods, and only CD3+CD8+ T cells were discovered in H22 solid tumors. We further discovered that the level of thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) and the expression of Wnt4 in thymus of H22-bearing mice were significantly improved than control, which indicated the active proliferation and differentiation of thymocytes. Our study revealed that CD8+ T cells could not effectively eliminate H22 cells independently when CD4+ T cells were suppressed by tumors, while the body would only enhance the differentiation and maturation of T cells in thymuses and release them to solid tumor to reinforce antitumor immunocompetence, leading to a vicious cycle which finally led to thymic atrophy. Conclusion Our data propose a novel mechanism of tumor-induced thymic atrophy regulated by abnormal immunoreaction and may provide new ideas for the immunotherapy of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sujun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Haiyu Ji
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Kang
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Juan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Anjun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wu YP, Deng J, Ouyang SH, Mao ZF, Wang GE, Kurihara H, He RR, Li YF. Immune regulation effect of lienal polypeptides extract in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice treated with cyclophosphamide. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 243:66-77. [PMID: 29078731 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217737982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Polypeptides extracted from animal immune organs have been proved to exert immunomodulatory activities in previous reports. However, relative experimental data regarding the influence of a polypeptide mixture extracted from healthy calf spleen (lienal polypeptide [LP]) on the immune function in tumor therapy are limited, and the components in LP remain unclear. In the present study, the immune regulatory effect of LP was investigated in normal mice and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)-bearing mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX). The components of LP were identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis and bioinformatic analysis. In LLC-bearing mice, LP showed a synergic antitumor effect with CTX, whereas LP alone did not present direct antitumor activity. Further, LP was found to enhance immune organ indexes, splenocyte number, and T lymphocyte subsets in normal mice and LLC-bearing mice treated with CTX. The decline of white blood cell and platelet counts, splenocyte proliferation activity, and peritoneal macrophage phagocytic function caused by CTX were also significantly suppressed by LP treatment in LLC-bearing mice. Notably, LP treatment significantly decreased the expression of phagocytosis-related proteins including CD47/signal regulatory protein α/Src homology phosphatase-1 in the tumor tissue of LLC-bearing mice treated with CTX. LC-MS/MS-based peptidomics unraveled the main polypeptides in LP with a length from 8 to 25 amino acids. Bioinformatics analysis further confirmed the possibility of LP to regulate immunity, especially in phagocytosis-related pathway. Our above findings indicated that LP can relieve the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy and is a beneficial supplement in cancer therapy. Impact statement The immunomodulatory activities of polypeptides extracted from animal immune organs have incurred people's interests since a long time ago. In this study, we investigated the immune regulation effects of a polypeptide mixture extracted from health calf spleen (lienal polypeptide [LP]) in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX). Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-coupled with tandem mass spectrometry-based peptidomics and bioinformatics analysis unraveled the main polypeptides in LP and further confirmed that LP is mainly associated with immune regulating pathway, especially in tumor cell phagocytosis-related pathway. Our study for the first time revealed that polypeptides from spleen can relieve the immunosuppression induced by CTX and is a beneficial supplement in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ping Wu
- 1 Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,2 Anti-Stress and Health Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jie Deng
- 1 Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,2 Anti-Stress and Health Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shu-Hua Ouyang
- 1 Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,2 Anti-Stress and Health Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhong-Fu Mao
- 1 Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,2 Anti-Stress and Health Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guo-En Wang
- 1 Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,2 Anti-Stress and Health Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hiroshi Kurihara
- 1 Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,2 Anti-Stress and Health Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Rong-Rong He
- 1 Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,2 Anti-Stress and Health Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yi-Fang Li
- 1 Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,2 Anti-Stress and Health Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mantzoukis K, Rodríguez‐Perálvarez M, Buzzetti E, Thorburn D, Davidson BR, Tsochatzis E, Gurusamy KS. Pharmacological interventions for acute hepatitis B infection: an attempted network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 3:CD011645. [PMID: 28321877 PMCID: PMC6464625 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011645.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Apart from chronic HBV infection, the complications related to acute HBV infection are severe acute viral hepatitis and fulminant hepatitis characterised by liver failure. The optimal pharmacological treatment of acute HBV infection remains controversial. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of pharmacological interventions in the treatment of acute HBV infection through a network meta-analysis and to generate rankings of the available treatments according to their safety and efficacy. As it was not possible to assess whether the potential effect modifiers were similar across different comparisons, we did not perform the network meta-analysis, and instead, assessed the benefits and harms of different interventions using standard Cochrane methodological procedures. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and randomised clinical trials (RCTs) registers to August 2016 to identify RCTs on pharmacological interventions for acute HBV infection. SELECTION CRITERIA RCTs, irrespective of language, blinding, or publication status in participants with acute HBV infection. We excluded trials if participants had previously undergone liver transplantation and had other coexisting viral diseases such as hepatitis C virus and HIV. We considered any of the various pharmacological interventions compared with each other or with placebo, or no intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and rate ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using both fixed-effect and random-effects models based on available-participant analysis with Review Manager 5. We assessed risk of bias, controlled risk of random errors with Trial Sequential Analysis, and assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS Seven trials (597 participants) met our review inclusion criteria. All trials provided information for one or more outcomes; however, five participants were excluded from analysis by study authors. All the trials were at high risk of bias. Overall, all the evidence was low or very low quality evidence because of risk of bias (downgraded one level for risk of bias), small sample size (downgraded one level for imprecision), and wide CIs (downgraded one more level for imprecision in some comparisons). Of the seven trials, six were two-armed trials, while one trial was a three-armed trial. The comparisons included hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) versus placebo (one trial; 55 participants); interferon versus placebo (two trials; 200 participants); lamivudine versus placebo or no intervention (four trials; 316 participants); lamivudine versus entecavir (one trial; 90 participants); and entecavir versus no intervention (one trial; 131 participants). One trial included only people with acute HBV with hepatic encephalopathy (i.e. people with fulminant liver failure); one trial included only people with severe acute HBV, but it did not state whether any of the people also had fulminant HBV infection; three trials excluded fulminant HBV infection; and two trials did not report the severity of acute HBV infection. The mean or median follow-up period in the trials ranged from three to 12 months in the trials that provided this information.There was no evidence of any differences in short-term mortality (less than one year) in any of the comparisons: HBIG versus placebo (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.36 to 3.54; participants = 55; 1 trial), lamivudine versus placebo or no intervention (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.33 to 4.99; participants = 250; 2 trials); lamivudine versus entecavir (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.13 to 11.65; participants = 90; 1 trial), or entecavir versus no intervention (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.12 to 9.47; participants = 131; 1 trial). The proportion of people who progressed to chronic HBV infection was higher in the lamivudine group than the placebo or no intervention group (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.77; participants = 285; 3 trials) and in the lamivudine group versus entecavir group (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.31 to 10.13; participants = 90; 1 trial). There was no evidence of a difference in the proportion of people who progressed to chronic HBV infection between the entecavir and the no intervention groups (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.49; participants = 131; 1 trial). None of the trials reported progression to fulminant HBV infection. Three trials with 371 participants reported serious adverse events. There were no serious adverse events in any of the groups (no intervention: 0/183 (0%), interferon: 0/67 (0%), lamivudine: 0/100 (0%), and entecavir: 0/21 (0%)). The proportion of people with adverse events was higher in the interferon group than the placebo group (OR 348.16, 95% CI 45.39 to 2670.26; participants = 200; 2 trials). There was no evidence of a difference in the proportion of people with adverse events between the lamivudine group and the placebo or no intervention group (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.34 to 5.94; participants = 35; 1 trial) or number of adverse events between the lamivudine group and the placebo or no intervention group (rate ratio 1.72, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.91; participants = 35; 1 trial). One trial with 100 participants reported quality of life at one week. The scale used to report the health-related quality of life was not stated and lacked information on whether higher score meant better or worse, making it difficult to interpret the results. None of the trials reported quality of life beyond one week or other clinical outcomes such as mortality beyond one year, liver transplantation, cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma.Two trials received funding from pharmaceutical companies; three trials were funded by parties without any vested interest in the results or did not receive any special funding; the source of funding was not available in the remaining two trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Low or very low quality evidence suggests that progression to chronic HBV infection was higher in people receiving lamivudine compared with placebo, no intervention, or entecavir. Low quality evidence suggests that interferon may increase the adverse events after treatment for acute HBV infection. Based on a very low quality evidence, there is currently no evidence of benefit of any intervention in acute HBV infection. There is significant uncertainty in the results and further RCTs are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Mantzoukis
- Royal Free Hospital and University College Medical SchoolSheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthPond StreetLondonUK
| | - Manuel Rodríguez‐Perálvarez
- Reina Sofía University Hospital, IMIBIC, CIBERehdHepatology and Liver TransplantationAvenida Menéndez Pidal s/nCórdobaSpain14004
| | - Elena Buzzetti
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUK
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUK
| | - Brian R Davidson
- Royal Free Campus, UCL Medical SchoolDepartment of SurgeryPond StreetLondonUKNW3 2QG
| | - Emmanuel Tsochatzis
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chen J, Guan X, Hu Y, Tian H, Chen X. Peptide-Based and Polypeptide-Based Gene Delivery Systems. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:32. [DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0115-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
32
|
Martelli C, Iavarone F, D'Angelo L, Arba M, Vincenzoni F, Inserra I, Delfino D, Rossetti DV, Caretto M, Massimi L, Tamburrini G, Di Rocco C, Caldarelli M, Messana I, Castagnola M, Sanna MT, Desiderio C. Integrated proteomic platforms for the comparative characterization of medulloblastoma and pilocytic astrocytoma pediatric brain tumors: a preliminary study. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016; 11:1668-83. [PMID: 25909245 DOI: 10.1039/c5mb00076a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A top-down/bottom-up integrated proteomic approach based on LC-MS and 2-DE analysis was applied for comparative characterization of medulloblastoma and pilocytic astrocytoma posterior cranial fossa pediatric brain tumor tissues. Although rare, primary brain tumors are the most frequent solid tumors in the pediatric age. Among them the medulloblastoma is the prevalent malignant tumor in childhood while pilocytic astrocytoma is the most common, rarely showing a malignant progression. Due to the limited availability of this kind of sample, the study was applied to pooled tumor tissues for a preliminary investigation. The results showed different proteomic profiles of the two tumors and evidenced interesting differential expression of several proteins and peptides. Top-down proteomics of acid-soluble fractions of brain tumor homogenates ascribed a potential biomarker role of malignancy to β- and α-thymosins and their truncated proteoforms and to C-terminal truncated (des-GG) ubiquitin, resulting exclusively detected or over-expressed in the highly malignant medulloblastoma. The bottom-up proteomics of the acid-soluble fraction identified several proteins, some of them in common with 2-DE analysis of acid-insoluble pellets. Peroxiredoxin-1, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A, triosephosphate isomerase, pyruvate kinase PKM, tubulin beta and alpha chains, heat shock protein HSP-90-beta and different histones characterized the medulloblastoma while the Ig kappa chain C region, serotransferrin, tubulin beta 2A chain and vimentin the pilocytic astrocytoma. The two proteomic strategies, with their pros and cons, well complemented each other in characterizing the proteome of brain tumor tissues and in disclosing potential disease biomarkers to be validated in a future study on individual samples of both tumor histotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Martelli
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Facoltà di Medicina, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Paradís-Bas M, Tulla-Puche J, Albericio F. The road to the synthesis of "difficult peptides". Chem Soc Rev 2015; 45:631-54. [PMID: 26612670 DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00680e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed a renaissance of peptides as drugs. This progress, together with advances in the structural behavior of peptides, has attracted the interest of the pharmaceutical industry in these molecules as potential APIs. In the past, major peptide-based drugs were inspired by sequences extracted from natural structures of low molecular weight. In contrast, nowadays, the peptides being studied by academic and industrial groups comprise more sophisticated sequences. For instance, they consist of long amino acid chains and show a high tendency to form aggregates. Some researchers have claimed that preparing medium-sized proteins is now feasible with chemical ligation techniques, in contrast to medium-sized peptide syntheses. The complexity associated with the synthesis of certain peptides is exemplified by the so-called "difficult peptides", a concept introduced in the 80's. This refers to sequences that show inter- or intra-molecular β-sheet interactions significant enough to form aggregates during peptide synthesis. These structural associations are stabilized and mediated by non-covalent hydrogen bonds that arise on the backbone of the peptide and-depending on the sequence-are favored. The tendency of peptide chains to aggregate is translated into a list of common behavioral features attributed to "difficult peptides" which hinder their synthesis. In this regard, this manuscript summarizes the strategies used to overcome the inherent difficulties associated with the synthesis of known "difficult peptides". Here we evaluate several external factors, as well as methods to incorporate chemical modifications into sequences, in order to describe the strategies that are effective for the synthesis of "difficult peptides". These approaches have been classified and ordered to provide an extensive guide for achieving the synthesis of peptides with the aforementioned features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Paradís-Bas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cabras T, Iavarone F, Martelli C, Delfino D, Rossetti DV, Inserra I, Manconi B, Desiderio C, Messana I, Hannappel E, Faa G, Castagnola M. High-resolution mass spectrometry for thymosins detection and characterization. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15 Suppl 1:S191-201. [PMID: 26095945 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1009887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to characterize β and α thymosins and their proteoforms in various tissues and bodily fluids by mass spectrometry and to look at their association with a wide variety of pathologies. METHODS A top-down proteomic platform based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to high-resolution LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) was applied to the characterization of naturally occurring peptides. RESULTS In addition to thymosin β4 (Tβ4) and β10 (Tβ10), several post-translational modifications of both these peptides were identified not only in bodily fluids but also in normal and pathological tissues of different origins. The analysis of tissue specimens allowed the characterization of different C-terminal truncated forms of Tβ4 and Tβ10 together with other proteolytic fragments. The sulfoxide derivative of both Tβ4 and Tβ10 and the acetylated derivatives at lysine residues of Tβ4 were also characterized. Different proteoforms of prothymosin α, parathymosin α, thymosin α1 and thymosin α11 together with diverse proteolytic fragments were identified too. CONCLUSION The clinical and prognostic significance and the origin of these proteoforms have to be deeply investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Cabras
- Università di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Cagliari , Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gurusamy KS, Tsochatzis E, Thorburn D, Davidson BR. Pharmacological treatments for chronic hepatitis B liver disease: a network meta-analysis. Hippokratia 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kurinchi Selvan Gurusamy
- Royal Free Campus, UCL Medical School; Department of Surgery; Royal Free Hospital Rowland Hill Street London UK NW3 2PF
| | - Emmanuel Tsochatzis
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health; Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre; Pond Street London UK NW3 2QG
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health; Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre; Pond Street London UK NW3 2QG
| | - Brian R Davidson
- Royal Free Campus, UCL Medical School; Department of Surgery; Royal Free Hospital Rowland Hill Street London UK NW3 2PF
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Sexual maturation and somatic growth cessation are associated with adolescent development, which is precisely controlled by interconnected neuroendocrine regulatory pathways in the endogenous endocrine system. The pituitary gland is one of the key regulators of the endocrine system. By analyzing the RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptome before and after sexual maturation, in this study, we characterized the global gene expression patterns in zebrafish pituitaries at 45 and 90 days post-fertilization (dpf). A total of 15 043 annotated genes were expressed in the pituitary tissue, 3072 of which were differentially expressed with a greater than or equal to twofold change between pituitaries at 45 and 90 dpf. In the pituitary transcriptome, the most abundant transcript was gh. The expression levels of gh remained high even after sexual maturation at 90 dpf. Among the eight major pituitary hormone genes, lhb was the only gene that exhibited a significant change in its expression levels between 45 and 90 dpf. Significant changes in the pituitary transcripts included genes involved in the regulation of immune responses, bone metabolism, and hormone secretion processes during the juvenile-sexual maturity transition. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis was carried out to verify the RNA-seq transcriptome results and demonstrated that the expression patterns of the eight major pituitary hormone genes did not exhibit a significant gender difference at 90 dpf. For the first time, we report the quantitative global gene expression patterns at the juvenile and sexual maturity stages. These expression patterns may account for the dynamic neuroendocrine regulation observed in body metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia He
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of SciencesInstitute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, People's Republic of ChinaKey Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of SciencesInstitute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of SciencesInstitute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, People's Republic of ChinaKey Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of SciencesInstitute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of SciencesInstitute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, People's Republic of ChinaKey Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of SciencesInstitute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangyan He
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of SciencesInstitute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of SciencesInstitute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Shao C, Tian G, Huang Y, Liang W, Zheng H, Wei J, Wei C, Yang C, Wang H, Zeng W. Thymosin alpha-1-transformed Bifidobacterium promotes T cell proliferation and maturation in mice by oral administration. Int Immunopharmacol 2013; 15:646-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2012.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 12/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
38
|
Benaki D, Zikos C, Karachaliou CE, Tsitsilonis O, Leondiadis L, Kalbacher H, Voelter W, Papadopoulos M, Pirmettis I, Pelecanou M, Livaniou E. Complexes of an Alpha Thymosin Derivative with185/187Re and99mTc: Structural Analysis and Initial Biological Evaluation. Chem Biol Drug Des 2012; 80:545-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2012.01425.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
39
|
Li J, Zheng L, Li P, Wang F. Intein-mediated expression, purification, and characterization of thymosin α1–thymopentin fusion peptide in Escherichia coli. Protein Expr Purif 2012; 84:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2012.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|