Functions and regulation of T cell-derived interleukin-10

Escherichia coli and HPV16 coinfection may contribute to the development of cervical cancer

Persistent human papillomavirus HPV infection is a necessary but insufficient condition for cervical cancer. Microorganisms are crucial environmental factors in cancers susceptibility and progression, recently attracting considerable attention. This study aimed to determine the infection status and relationship between high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and lower genital tract infectious pathogens in cervical cancer and its precursors. From a retrospective and a prospective cohort analysis, Escherichia coli (E. coli) dominated the pathogens isolated from cervical discharges, and an isolation rate uptrend has been shown recently. HPV16 and E. coli's coinfection rate gradually increased with the severity of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The adhesion and invasion abilities of the isolated E. coli to HPV16-positive SiHa cells were evaluated in vitro. The TCGA database and cervical tissues samples analysis showed that IL-10 was upregulated in cervical cancer. IL-10 expression levels increased in tissue samples with the severity of cervical cancer and its precursors with HPV16 and E. coli coinfection. Although no significant changes in IL-10 production were observed in the co-culture supernatant, we hypothesized that Treg immune cells in the tumour microenvironment might be responsible for the local IL-10 upregulation, according to our data showing Foxp3 upregulation and an upward trend with the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grading to cancer and tumours with E. coli and HPV16 coinfection. Our data provide insights into the possible role of E. coli in cervical cancer progression and suggest that the application of HPV and E. coli screening programs may be an effective strategy to relieve the burden of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions.

Risk factors for pneumonia among children with coinfection of influenza A virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for pneumonia in children co-infected with influenza A virus (IAV) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP).

METHODS

Children who were diagnosed with IAV and MP infection between January and December, 2023 were enrolled and divided into a non-pneumonia group and a pneumonia group. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate each index, and the risk factors for pneumonia caused by coinfection in the two groups were explored.

RESULTS

A total of 209 patients were enrolled, of which 107 and 102 patients were in the pneumonia and non-pneumonia groups, respectively. The patients in the pneumonia group were older and had a longer duration of fever (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that the median age, duration of fever, and CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and IL-10 levels were significantly correlated with pneumonia (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the median age, duration of fever, and CD4+, CD8+ and IL-10 levels were independent risk factors for pneumonia. Area under the curve of the five combined indicators in the ROC (receiver operator characteristic) analysis was 0.883, was higher than single factor.

CONCLUSION

Children with IAV and MP infection whose age older than 6.08 years, had a fever longer than 4 days, had a CD4+ count < 22.12%, had a CD8+ count < 35.21%, had an IL-10 concentration > 22.08 ng/ml were more likely to develop pneumonia.

Multispecies synbiotics alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis: Effects on clinical scores, intestinal pathology, and plasma biomarkers in male and female mice

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and has been linked to an imbalance in gut bacteria. Synbiotics, which combine probiotics and prebiotics, are emerging as potential IBD treatments.

AIM

To examine the effects of four synbiotic formulations on intestinal inflammation and peripheral biomarkers in a rodent IBD model of both sexes.

METHODS

Colitis was induced in male and female C57BL/6 mice using 1% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Concurrently, a non-exposed control group was maintained. Starting on day 4 post-induction, DSS-exposed mice received one of four synbiotic preparations (Synbio1-4 composed of lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacterium and dietary fibres), an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat IBD (mesalazine), or placebo (water) until day 14. Clinical symptoms and body weight were monitored daily. Blood samples (taken on days -3, 4, and 14, relative to DSS introduction), were used to analyze plasma biomarkers. At the end of the study, intestinal tissues underwent histological and morphological evaluation.

RESULTS

Compared to placebo, the Synbio1-, 2- and 3-treated groups had improved clinical scores by day 14. Synbio1 was the only preparation that led to clinical improvements to scores comparable to those of controls. The Synbio1-and 3-treated groups also demonstrated histological improvements in the colon. Plasma biomarker analyses revealed significant Synbio1-induced changes in plasma IL17A, VEGFD, and TNFRSF11B levels that correlated with improved clinical or histological scores. Sex-stratified analyses revealed that most therapeutic-like effects were more pronounced in females.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore the potential therapeutic benefits of specific synbiotics for IBD management. However, further research is needed to validate these outcomes in human subjects.

Tlr9 deficiency in B cells leads to obesity by promoting inflammation and gut dysbiosis

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) recognizes bacterial, viral and self DNA and play an important role in immunity and inflammation. However, the role of TLR9 in obesity is less well-studied. Here, we generate B-cell-specific Tlr9-deficient (Tlr9fl/fl/Cd19Cre+/-, KO) B6 mice and model obesity using a high-fat diet. Compared with control mice, B-cell-specific-Tlr9-deficient mice exhibited increased fat tissue inflammation, weight gain, and impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. Furthermore, the frequencies of IL-10-producing-B cells and marginal zone B cells were reduced, and those of follicular and germinal center B cells were increased. This was associated with increased frequencies of IFNγ-producing-T cells and increased follicular helper cells. In addition, gut microbiota from the KO mice induced a pro-inflammatory state leading to immunological and metabolic dysregulation when transferred to germ-free mice. Using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, we identify altered gut microbial communities including reduced Lachnospiraceae, which may play a role in altered metabolism in KO mice. We identify an important network involving Tlr9, Irf4 and Il-10 interconnecting metabolic homeostasis, with the function of B and T cells, and gut microbiota in obesity.

Is it possible to identify COVID-19 infection-related biomarkers during pregnancy?: A prospective study in Turkish population

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised concerns about the potential complications it may cause in pregnant women. Therefore, biomarkers that can predict the course of COVID-19 in pregnant women may be of great benefit as they would provide valuable insights into the prognosis and, thus, the management of the disease. In this context, the objective of this study is to identify the biomarkers that can predict COVID-19 progression in pregnant women, focusing on composite hemogram parameters and systemic inflammatory and spike markers. The population of this single-center prospective case-control study consisted of all consecutive pregnant women with single healthy fetuses who tested positive for COVID-19 and who were admitted to Bakirköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, a COVID-19 referral hospital, between April 2020 and March 2021, with an obstetric indication, during their second or third trimester. The control group consisted of consecutive pregnant women with a single healthy fetus who were admitted to the same hospital within the same date range, had demographic and obstetric characteristics matching the patient group, but tested negative for COVID-19. The patient and control groups were compared in terms of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic inflammatory and spike markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), cluster of differentiation 26 (CD26), and B7 homolog 4 (B7H4). There were 45 (51.1%) and 43 (48.8%) pregnant women in the patient and control groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in demographic and obstetric characteristics (P > .05). The PNR, PLR, and CRP values were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (P < .05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the groups in IL-6, IL-10, CD26, and B7H4 levels (P > .05). The findings of our study showed that specific inflammatory markers, such as CRP, PLR, and PNR, can potentially predict the course of COVID-19 in pregnant women. However, more comprehensive, well-controlled studies are needed to corroborate our study's findings and investigate other potential inflammatory markers.

Blimp-1 and c-Maf regulate immune gene networks to protect against distinct pathways of pathobiont-induced colitis

Intestinal immune responses to microbes are controlled by the cytokine IL-10 to avoid immune pathology. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing of colon lamina propria leukocytes (LPLs) along with RNA-seq and ATAC-seq of purified CD4+ T cells to show that the transcription factors Blimp-1 (encoded by Prdm1) and c-Maf co-dominantly regulate Il10 while negatively regulating proinflammatory cytokines in effector T cells. Double-deficient Prdm1fl/flMaffl/flCd4Cre mice infected with Helicobacter hepaticus developed severe colitis with an increase in TH1/NK/ILC1 effector genes in LPLs, while Prdm1fl/flCd4Cre and Maffl/flCd4Cre mice exhibited moderate pathology and a less-marked type 1 effector response. LPLs from infected Maffl/flCd4Cre mice had increased type 17 responses with increased Il17a and Il22 expression and an increase in granulocytes and myeloid cell numbers, resulting in increased T cell-myeloid-neutrophil interactions. Genes over-expressed in human inflammatory bowel disease showed differential expression in LPLs from infected mice in the absence of Prdm1 or Maf, revealing potential mechanisms of human disease.

Decreased IL-1 β Secretion as a Potential Predictor of Tuberculosis Recurrence in Individuals Diagnosed with HIV

Background: The mechanisms of the formation of immunological competence against tuberculosis (TB), and especially those associated with HIV co-infection, remain poorly understood. However, there is an urgent need for risk recurrence predictive biomarkers, as well as for predictors of successful treatment outcomes. The goal of the study was to identify possible immunological markers of TB recurrence in individuals with HIV/TB co-infection. Methods: The plasma levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-1β (cytokines which play important roles in the immune activation and protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis) were measured using ELISA EIA-BEST kits. The cytokine concentrations were determined using a standard curve obtained with the standards provided by the manufacturer of each kit. Results: A total of 211 individuals were enrolled in the study as follows: 62 patients with HIV/TB co-infection, 52 with HIV monoinfection, 52 with TB monoinfection, and 45 healthy donors. Out of the 62 patients with HIV/TB, 75.8% (47) of patients were newly diagnosed with HIV and TB, and 24.2% (15) displayed recurrent TB and were newly diagnosed with HIV. Decreased levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 were observed in patients with HIV/TB when compared with HIV and TB patients. However, there was no difference in IFN-γ, TNF-α, or IL-10 secretion between both HIV/TB groups. At the same time, an almost 4-fold decrease in Il-1β levels was detected in the HIV/TB group with TB recurrence when compared with the HIV/TB group (p = 0.0001); a 2.8-fold decrease when compared with HIV patients (p = 0.001); and a 2.2-fold decrease with newly diagnosed TB patients (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Significantly decreased Il-1β levels in HIV/TB patients' cohort with secondary TB indicate that this cytokine can be a potential biomarker of TB recurrence.

Lactococcus lactis as an Interleukin Delivery System for Prophylaxis and Treatment of Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

Target delivery of therapeutic agents with anti-inflammatory properties using probiotics as delivery and recombinant protein expression vehicles is a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of many diseases, such as cancer and intestinal immune disorders. Lactococcus lactis, a Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) widely used in the dairy industry, is one of the most important microorganisms with GRAS status for human consumption, for which biotechnological tools have already been developed to express and deliver recombinant biomolecules with anti-inflammatory properties. Cytokines, for  example, are immune system communication molecules present at virtually all levels of the immune response. They are essential in cellular and humoral processes, such as hampering inflammation or adjuvating in the adaptive immune response, making them good candidates for therapeutic approaches. This review discusses the advances in the development of new therapies and prophylactic approaches using LAB to deliver/express cytokines for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in the future.

Role of pH-sensing receptors in colitis

Low pH in the gut is associated with severe inflammation, fibrosis, and colorectal cancer (CRC) and is a hallmark of active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Subsequently, pH-sensing mechanisms are of interest for the understanding of IBD pathophysiology. Tissue hypoxia and acidosis-two contributing factors to disease pathophysiology-are linked to IBD, and understanding their interplay is highly relevant for the development of new therapeutic options. One member of the proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, GPR65 (T-cell death-associated gene 8, TDAG8), was identified as a susceptibility gene for IBD in a large genome-wide association study. In response to acidic extracellular pH, GPR65 induces an anti-inflammatory response, whereas the two other proton-sensing receptors, GPR4 and GPR68 (ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1, OGR1), mediate pro-inflammatory responses. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of these proton-sensing receptors in IBD and IBD-associated fibrosis and cancer, as well as colitis-associated cancer (CAC). We also describe emerging small molecule modulators of these receptors as therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of IBD.

Sinomenine protects against atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice by inhibiting of inflammatory pathway

Atherosclerosis, a multifaceted and persistent inflammatory condition, significantly contributes to the progression of cardiocerebrovascular disorders, such as myocardial infarctions and cerebrovascular accidents. It involves the accumulation of cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium and cellular debris in the walls of arteries, leading to the formation of plaques. Our aim is to investigate the potential of sinomenine to counteract atherosclerosis in mice lacking Apolipoprotein E (ApoE-/-) Mice. We employed the high-fat diet-induced method to induce atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice, and the mice were treated with sinomenine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) and simvastatin (0.5 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. Body weight, water intake, and food intake were assessed. Lipid parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and mRNA levels were estimated. Sinomenine treatment remarkably (P < 0.001) suppressed body weight, along with food and water intake. Sinomenine altered the levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), which were modulated in the atherosclerosis group. Sinomenine treatment also altered the levels of oxidative stress parameters such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). In addition, it modulated cardiac parameters like C-reactive protein (CRP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), nitric oxide (NO), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB). Inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were also affected. Sinomenine further suppressed the mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-17, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Il-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), MCP-2, MCP-3, transforming Growth Factor-1β (TGF-1β), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The results suggest that sinomenine remarkably suppressed the development of atherosclerosis in the early stage.

Selenium Yeast Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Chronic Colitis in Mice by Reducing Proinflammatory Cytokines and Regulating the Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic recurrent gastrointestinal inflammatory disease. Selenium has been reported to have therapeutic potential in IBD. Selenium yeast is a common selenium supplement that is convenient to access. This study explored the effect of selenium yeast on dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-)induced chronic colitis in mice.

Methods

Mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, selenium yeast group, chronic colitis group, and chronic colitis+selenium yeast group (n=6). Mice were killed on the 26th day. The disease activity index (DAI) score and histological damage score were calculated. Cytokines, serum selenium, colonic tissue selenium, gut microbiota and their metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were evaluated.

Results

Selenium yeast lowered IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-22 and IFN-γ (P<0.05). In addition, selenium yeast significantly elevated Turicibacter, Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum, Prevotella, Halomonas, Adlercreutzia (P<0.05), and butyric acid (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Selenium yeast could improve DSS-induced chronic colitis in mice by regulating cytokines, gut microbiota and their metabolites.

Link between mutations in ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes and chronic intestinal ulcers: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Genetic factors of chronic intestinal ulcers are increasingly garnering attention. We present a case of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding associated with mutations of the activin A receptor type II-like 1 (ACVRL1) and phospholipase A2 group IVA (PLA2G4A) genes and review the available relevant literature.

CASE SUMMARY

A 20-year-old man was admitted to our center with a 6-year history of recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dark stools. At the onset 6 years ago, the patient had received treatment at a local hospital for abdominal pain persisting for 7 d, under the diagnosis of diffuse peritonitis, acute gangrenous appendicitis with perforation, adhesive intestinal obstruction, and pelvic abscess. The surgical treatment included exploratory laparotomy, appendectomy, intestinal adhesiolysis, and pelvic abscess removal. The patient's condition improved and he was discharged. However, the recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and passage of black stools started again one year after discharge. On the basis of these features and results of subsequent colonoscopy, the clinical diagnosis was established as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accordingly, aminosalicylic acid, immunotherapy, and related symptomatic treatment were administered, but the symptoms of the patient did not improve significantly. Further investigations revealed mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes. ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A are involved in angiogenesis and coagulation, respectively. This suggests that the chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in this case may be linked to mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes. Oral Kangfuxin liquid was administered to promote healing of the intestinal mucosa and effectively manage clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes may be one of the causes of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in IBD. Orally administered Kangfuxin liquid may have therapeutic potential.

Integrated profiling identifies ferredoxin 1 as an immune-related biomarker of malignant phenotype in glioma

Background

Glioma, a highly resistant and recurrent type of central nervous system tumor, poses a significant challenge in terms of effective drug treatments and its associated mortality rates. Despite the discovery of Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) as a crucial participant in cuproptosis, an innovative mechanism of cellular demise, its precise implications for glioma prognosis and tumor immune infiltration remain inadequately elucidated.

Methods

To analyze pan-cancer data, we employed multiple public databases. Gene expression evaluation was performed using tissue microarray (TMA) and single-cell sequencing data. Furthermore, four different approaches were employed to assess the prognostic importance of FDX1 in glioma. We conducted the analysis of differential expression genes (DEGs) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to identify immune-related predictive signaling pathways. Somatic mutations were assessed using Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) and waterfall plots. Immune cell infiltration was evaluated with five different algorithms. Furthermore, we performed in vitro investigations to evaluate the biological roles of FDX1 in glioma.

Results

Glioma samples exhibited upregulation of FDX1, which in turn predicted poor prognosis and was positively associated with unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics. Notably, the top four enriched signaling pathways were immune-related, and the discovery revealed a connection between the expression of FDX1 and the frequency of mutations or the TMB. The FDX1_high group exhibited heightened infiltration of immune cells, and there existed a direct association between the expression of FDX1 and the regulation of immune checkpoint. In vitro experiments demonstrated that FDX1 knockdown reduced proliferation, migration, invasion and transition from G2 to M phase in glioma cells.

Conclusion

In glioma, FDX1 demonstrated a positive association with the advancement of malignancy and changes in the infiltration of immune cells.

Effects of HMGB1/TLR4 on secretion IL-10 and VEGF in human jaw bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway on the expression of IL-10 and VEGF in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

METHODOLOGY

Human JBMSCs were isolated and cultured. Then, HMGB1 was added into the JBMSCs culture medium, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of IL-10 and VEGF were assessed. Moreover, cells were pretreated with a specific TLR4 inhibitor (TAK-242), and the expression changes of IL-10 and VEGF were compared.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, exposure to HMGB1 in human JBMSCs up-regulated TLR4, IL-10, and VEGF secretion at both protein and mRNA levels (P<0. 05). In addition, the increased expression of IL-10 and VEGF could be restrained in TAK-242 group compared with the HMGB1 group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that HMGB1 activate TLR4 signaling pathway in Human JBMSCs, which plays a regulatory role in cytokines expression.

Adipose-derived stem cells in immune-related skin disease: a review of current research and underlying mechanisms

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a critical adult stem cell subpopulation and are widely utilized in the fields of regenerative medicine and stem cell research due to their abundance, ease of harvest, and low immunogenicity. ASCs, which are homologous with skin by nature, can treat immune-related skin diseases by promoting skin regeneration and conferring immunosuppressive effects, with the latter being the most important therapeutic mechanism. ASCs regulate the immune response by direct cell-cell communication with immune cells, such as T cells, macrophages, and B cells. In addition to cell-cell interactions, ASCs modulate the immune response indirectly by secreting cytokines, interleukins, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles. The immunomodulatory effects of ASCs have been exploited to treat many immune-related skin diseases with good therapeutic outcomes. This article reviews the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of ASCs, as well as progress in research on immune-related skin diseases.

Research Progress of Interleukin-27 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be identified as an inflammatory disorder in the intestine, being characterized by maladjusted immune responses and chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. However, as the etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear, more effective therapeutic approaches are needed. Recent studies have discovered a new cytokine, interleukin-27 (IL-27), which belongs to the superfamily of IL-6 and IL-12, demonstrating multiple functions in many infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Interleukin-27 is mainly produced by antigen presentation cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells and mononuclear macrophages, playing a dual regulatory role in immunological response. Therefore, this updated review aims to summarize the new progress of the regulatory role of IL-27 in IBD and focus more on the interaction between IL-27 and immune cells, hoping to provide more evidence for the potential IBD treatment mediated by IL-27.

Co-expression of regulatory B-cell markers, transforming growth factor β and interleukin-10 as a prognostic factor in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Regulatory B cells (Bregs) suppress antitumor immunity by producing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) and promoting tumor growth. It is unknown whether diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a common subtype of B-cell malignancy, exhibits characteristics similar to those of Bregs. This study aimed to clarify the features of DLBCLs carrying Breg markers. In 123 DLBCL cases, we evaluated TGF-β and IL-10 expression in tumor biopsy samples using immunohistochemical staining and retrospectively analyzed their clinicopathological characteristics. Fifteen cases (12.2 %) classified as Breg-type DLBCL were positive for both TGF-β and IL-10. Breg-type DLBCL is mainly classified as having activated B cell-like cells of origin. Breg-type DLBCL cases showed significantly worse progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) than other DLBCL cases (P = 0.0016 and P = 0.042, respectively). In multivariate analysis, Breg-type DLBCL significantly affected OS (hazard ratio, 3.13; 95 % confidence interval 1.15-8.55; P = 0.025). Gene expression analysis showed that the expression of follicular dendritic cell-associated genes (FCER2, PIK3CD, FOXO1) was downregulated in Breg-type DLBCLs compared to other DLBCLs. These results suggest that the double expression of Breg markers, TGF-β and IL-10, in tumor cells indicates a poor prognosis in DLBCL patients. Further studies evaluating genomic abnormalities could confirm the characteristics of Breg-type DLBCL.

Specific Features of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients' Cytokine Profile

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, leading to disability. Cytokines and signaling molecules expressed by the immune system cells play a key role in JIA pathogenesis. Understanding how their content changes during pathology development can open up new opportunities for its diagnosis and treatment. The blood plasma of 30 patients with JIA (14 males and 16 females with a mean age of 12.2 ± 4.1) and 20 relatively healthy individuals (10 males and 10 females with a mean age of 10.20 ± 5.85) was analyzed to determine the levels of cytokines using the MILLIPLEX® kit. An increase in interleukins (IL)-1α, 1β, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17F, 22, and 27 and a decrease in IL-3 levels have been shown in patients with JIA. Levels of cytokines, which are important for B-cell activation and proliferation, are increased, while levels of T-cell activating factors remained similar to the control group. Based on our results, it can be assumed that the use of combination therapy aimed at inhibiting both nonspecific interleukins and cytokines that activate B-cells will be more effective for the treatment of JIA.

Targeting fusion proteins of the interleukin family: A promising new strategy for the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases

As a means of communication between immune cells and non-immune cells, Interleukins (ILs) has the main functions of stimulating the proliferation and activation of inflammatory immune cells such as dendritic cells and lymphocytes, promote the development of blood cells and so on. However, dysregulation of ILs expression is a major feature of autoinflammatory diseases. The drugs targeting ILs or IL-like biologics have played an important role in the clinical treatment of autoinflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, the widespread use of IL products may result in significant off-target adverse reactions. Thus, there is a clear need to develop next-generation ILs products in the biomedical field. Fusion proteins are proteins created through the joining of two or more genes that originally coded for separate proteins. Over the last 30 years, there has been increasing interest in the use of fusion protein technology for developing anti-inflammatory drugs. In comparison to single-target drugs, fusion proteins, as multiple targets drugs, have the ability to enhance the cytokine therapeutic index, resulting in improved efficacy over classical drugs. The strategy of preparing ILs or their receptors as fusion proteins is increasingly used in the treatment of autoimmune and chronic inflammation. This review focuses on the efficacy of several fusion protein drugs developed with ILs or their receptors in the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases, in order to illustrate the prospects of this new technology as an anti-inflammatory drug development protocol in the future.

Rhesus macaques show increased resistance to repeated SHIV intrarectal exposure following a heterologous regimen of rVSV vector vaccine expressing HIV antigen

Despite the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic continuing worldwide for 40 years, no vaccine to combat the disease has been licenced for use in at risk populations. Here, we describe a novel recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) vector vaccine expressing modified HIV envelope glycoproteins and Ebola virus glycoprotein. Three heterologous immunizations successfully prevented infection by a different clade SHIV in 60% of non-human primates (NHPs). No trend was observed between resistance and antibody interactions. Resistance to infection was associated with high proportions of central memory T-cell CD69 and CD154 marker upregulation, increased IL-2 production, and a reduced IFN-γ response, offering insight into correlates of protection.

Association between IL10 rs1800896 polymorphism and risk of pediatric asthma: A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Asthma is a common chronic condition in children. Several studies have explored the potential association between IL10 rs1800896 polymorphism and the risk of asthma in children, but the findings have been inconsistent. To address these discrepancies, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the relationship between IL10 rs1800896 polymorphisms and the susceptibility to pediatric asthma.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CNKI databases to identify eligible studies through April 2022. Meta-analysis was then performed using five genetic models: dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, and allele.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies comprising 1645 cases along with 1447 controls were included in this meta-analysis. It was found that rs1800896 was not associated significantly with susceptibility to childhood asthma in all genetic models investigated. Subgroup analysis based on the ethnic background of the subjects revealed that rs1800896 was significantly linked to a lower risk of pediatric asthma among Asians in the homozygous model (OR = 0.311, 95% CI = 0.152-0.637, P = 0.001) and in the recessive model (OR = 0.585, 95% CI = 0.405-0.846, P = 0.004), whereas no significant relationship was observed in Egyptians (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, IL10 rs1800896 polymorphism may be useful as a predictive marker for childhood asthma in Asians, although further studies are needed to validate the study results.

Converting bacteria into autologous tumor vaccine via surface biomineralization of calcium carbonate for enhanced immunotherapy

Autologous cancer vaccine that stimulates tumor-specific immune responses for personalized immunotherapy holds great potential for tumor therapy. However, its efficacy is still suboptimal due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM). Here, we report a new type of bacteria-based autologous cancer vaccine by employing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) biomineralized Salmonella (Sal) as an in-situ cancer vaccine producer and systematical ITM regulator. CaCO3 can be facilely coated on the Sal surface with calcium ionophore A23187 co-loading, and such biomineralization did not affect the bioactivities of the bacteria. Upon intratumoral accumulation, the CaCO3 shell was decomposed at an acidic microenvironment to attenuate tumor acidity, accompanied by the release of Sal and Ca2+/A23187. Specifically, Sal served as a cancer vaccine producer by inducing cancer cells' immunogenic cell death (ICD) and promoting the gap junction formation between tumor cells and dendritic cells (DCs) to promote antigen presentation. Ca2+, on the other hand, was internalized into various types of immune cells with the aid of A23187 and synergized with Sal to systematically regulate the immune system, including DCs maturation, macrophages polarization, and T cells activation. As a result, such bio-vaccine achieved remarkable efficacy against both primary and metastatic tumors by eliciting potent anti-tumor immunity with full biocompatibility. This work demonstrated the potential of bioengineered bacteria as bio-active vaccines for enhanced tumor immunotherapy.

Blimp-1 and c-Maf regulate Il10 and negatively regulate common and unique proinflammatory gene networks in IL-12 plus IL-27-driven T helper-1 cells

Background

CD4 + Th1 cells producing IFN-γ are required to eradicate intracellular pathogens, however if uncontrolled these cells can cause immunopathology. The cytokine IL-10 is produced by multiple immune cells including Th1 cells during infection and regulates the immune response to minimise collateral host damage. In this study we aimed to elucidate the transcriptional network of genes controlling the expression of Il10 and proinflammatory cytokines, including Ifng in Th1 cells differentiated from mouse naive CD4 + T cells.

Methods

We applied computational analysis of gene regulation derived from temporal profiling of gene expression clusters obtained from bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of flow cytometry sorted naïve CD4 + T cells from mouse spleens differentiated in vitro into Th1 effector cells with IL-12 and IL-27 to produce Ifng and Il10, compared to IL-27 alone which express Il10 only , or IL-12 alone which express Ifng and no Il10, or medium control driven-CD4 + T cells which do not express effector cytokines . Data were integrated with analysis of active genomic regions from these T cells using an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC)-seq, integrated with literature derived-Chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq data and the RNA-seq data, to elucidate the transcriptional network of genes controlling expression of Il10 and pro-inflammatory effector genes in Th1 cells. The co-dominant role for the transcription factors, Prdm1 (encoding Blimp-1) and Maf (encoding c-Maf) , in cytokine gene regulation in Th1 cells, was confirmed using T cells obtained from mice with T-cell specific deletion of these transcription factors.

Results

We show that the transcription factors Blimp-1 and c-Maf each have unique and common effects on cytokine gene regulation and not only co-operate to induce Il10 gene expression in IL-12 plus IL-27 differentiated mouse Th1 cells, but additionally directly negatively regulate key proinflammatory cytokines including Ifng, thus providing mechanisms for reinforcement of regulated Th1 cell responses.

Conclusions

These data show that Blimp-1 and c-Maf positively and negatively regulate a network of both unique and common anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory genes to reinforce a Th1 response in mice that will eradicate pathogens with minimum immunopathology.

Clinical features and prognostic risk prediction of adult hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a 9-year retrospective study

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has a low incidence and high mortality. In order to improve our understanding of the clinical features and prognostic risk factors of adult HLH, we analyzed the clinical characteristics and prognostic risk factors of adult HLH and developed a prognostic model to predict the overall survival (OS) of adult HLH. The clinical characteristics and survival statistics of adult patients with HLH identified at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between February 2012 and October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed to constitute the primary cohort, while patients between 25 October 2020 and 20 March 2023 were collected at the same institution as a validation cohort for the prospective study. A total of 142 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 72 and 70 in the primary cohort and validation cohort respectively. In the primary cohort, the median OS was 102 days, with 37.5%, 34.5%, and 28.7% 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that age, interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), prothrombin time (PT), and indirect bilirubin (IBiL) were correlated with prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed that IL-10 and PT were independent factors affecting OS in adult patients with HLH. A prognostic model consisting of IL-2R, PT, and IL-10 and a corresponding prognostic nomogram were developed adopting the principle of minimum value of Akaike information criterion(AIC). The model has a high prediction accuracy letter (C-index = 0.708). The AUC values of 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year were 0.826, 0.865, and 0.882, correspondingly. In the validation cohort, all patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups, and the risk of death was significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (p < 0.01). The calibration curve for the model shows that the Nomogram constructed in this study is very reliable to predict the OS of HLH patients. IL-10 and PT have significant prognostic value in adult HLH. The prognostic model and the nomogram built in this study can forecast the OS of adult HLH patients.

T-cell subsets in allergy and tolerance induction

Antigen-specific T lymphocytes are the central regulators of tolerance versus immune pathology against otherwise innocuous antigens and key targets of antigen-specific immune therapy. Recent advances in the understanding of T cells in tolerance and allergy resulted from improved technologies to directly characterize allergen-specific T cells by multiparameter flow cytometry or single-cell sequencing. This unravelled phenotypically and functionally distinct populations, such as Type 2a T helper cells (Th2a), follicular Th cells (Tfh), regulatory T cells (Treg), Type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1), and follicular T regulatory cells. Here we will discuss the role of the different Th-cell subsets in the healthy state, during sensitization and development of allergy, and in tolerance induction by allergen immunotherapy (AIT). To date, the mechanisms of AIT as the only causal treatment of allergy are not completely understood. The analyses of allergen-specific T cells directly ex vivo during AIT support the concept of specific-Th2(a) cell deletion rather than an expansion of allergen-specific Tr1 or Treg cells as underlying mechanism.

Lead exposure disrupted ileal barrier of developmental Japanese quails(Coturnix japonica): Histopathological damages, microbiota dysbiosis and immune disorder

The gut barrier plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis and is usually composed of a mechanical barrier, a chemical barrier, an immune barrier, and a biological barrier. However, the impacts of lead (Pb) exposure on avian gut barrier are still unclear. Therefore, the present study tried to determine the toxic effects of Pb on ileal barrier of a biological model-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). One-week old quails were exposed to 0, 50, 500 and 1000 ppm Pb in drinking water for 5 weeks. The results showed mechanic barrier in the ileum was disrupted with microstructural deformation featured by epithelial cell abscission, villi contractions and goblet cells reduction as well as ultrastructural changes characterized by swollen mitochondria, blurry tight junctions and microvilli subtraction. Meanwhile, the expression of genes associated with intestinal tight junctions was downregulated in Pb-treated groups indicating tight junction malfunction. Moreover, less mucus and downregulation of expression of mucin2 (Muc2) and Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) indicated chemical barrier disturbance by Pb. In addition, the alteration of microbial diversity and emergence of pathogen bacteria suggested ileal biological barrier disruption by Pb. Furthermore, Pb caused immune dysfunction in the ileum through promoting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors including interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibiting the expression of anti-inflammatory factor interleukin 10 (IL-10). The present study demonstrated that Pb may pose health risks to birds through gut barrier damages.

Appendectomy Mitigates Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Viral Myocarditis

Appendix has a distinct abundance of lymphatic cells and serves as a reservoir of microbiota which helps to replenish the large intestine with healthy flora. And it is the primary site of IgA induction, which shapes the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Recent population-based cohort studies report that appendectomy is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease. Here, whether appendectomy has an effect on the occurrence and development of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced viral myocarditis is studied. 103 TCID50 CVB3 was inoculated i.p. into appendectomized and sham-operated mice. RNA levels of viral load and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hearts and the intestine were detected by RT-PCR. Compared to sham-operated mice, appendectomized mice exhibited attenuated cardiac inflammation and improved cardiac function, which is associated with a systemic reduced viral load. Appendectomized mice also displayed a reduction in cardiac neutrophil and macrophage infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Mechanistically, we found that CVB3 induced an early and potent IL-10 production in the cecal patch at 2 days post infection. Appendectomy significantly decreased intestinal IL-10 and IL-10+ CD4+ Treg frequency which led to a marked increase in intestinal (primary entry site for CVB3) anti-viral IFN-γ+ CD4+ T and IFN-γ+ CD8+ T response and viral restriction, eventually resulting in improved myocarditis. Our results suggest that appendix modulates cardiac infection and inflammation through regulating intestinal IL-10+ Treg response.

Loss of CD4+ T cell-intrinsic arginase 1 accelerates Th1 response kinetics and reduces lung pathology during influenza infection

Arginase 1 (Arg1), the enzyme catalyzing the conversion of arginine to ornithine, is a hallmark of IL-10-producing immunoregulatory M2 macrophages. However, its expression in T cells is disputed. Here, we demonstrate that induction of Arg1 expression is a key feature of lung CD4+ T cells during mouse in vivo influenza infection. Conditional ablation of Arg1 in CD4+ T cells accelerated both virus-specific T helper 1 (Th1) effector responses and its resolution, resulting in efficient viral clearance and reduced lung pathology. Using unbiased transcriptomics and metabolomics, we found that Arg1-deficiency was distinct from Arg2-deficiency and caused altered glutamine metabolism. Rebalancing this perturbed glutamine flux normalized the cellular Th1 response. CD4+ T cells from rare ARG1-deficient patients or CRISPR-Cas9-mediated ARG1-deletion in healthy donor cells phenocopied the murine cellular phenotype. Collectively, CD4+ T cell-intrinsic Arg1 functions as an unexpected rheostat regulating the kinetics of the mammalian Th1 lifecycle with implications for Th1-associated tissue pathologies.

Discovery of pyrimidine-5-carboxamide derivatives as novel salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) inhibitors for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment

Salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) play a crucial role in inflammation process, acting as molecular switches that regulate the transformation of M1/M2 macrophages. HG-9-91-01 is a SIKs inhibitor with potent inhibitory activity against SIKs in the nanomolar range. However, its poor drug-like properties, including a rapid elimination rate, low in vivo exposure and high plasma protein binding rate, have hindered further research and clinical application. To improve the drug-like properties of HG-9-91-01, a series of pyrimidine-5-carboxamide derivatives were designed and synthesized through a molecular hybridization strategy. The most promising compound 8h was obtained with favorable activity and selectivity on SIK1/2, excellent metabolic stability in human liver microsome, enhanced in vivo exposure and suitable plasma protein binding rate. Mechanism research showed that compound 8h significantly up-regulated the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-12 in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Furthermore, it significantly elevated expression of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) target genes IL-10, c-FOS and Nurr77. Compound 8h also induced the translocation of CREB-regulated transcriptional coactivator 3 (CRTC3) and elevated the expression of LIGHT, SPHK1 and Arginase 1. Additionally, compound 8h demonstrated excellent anti-inflammatory effects in a DSS-induced colitis model. Generally, this research indicated that compound 8h has the potential to be developed as an anti-inflammatory drug candidate.

Effects of Thymol and Carvacrol Eutectic on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Intestinal Health in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diets supplementing with various levels of thymol and carvacrol eutectic (TCE) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, and the expression of intestinal nutrient absorption, barrier function- and inflammation-related genes in broiler chickens. A total of 640 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers with similar body weights were randomly divided into four groups (8 replicates/group, 20 broilers/replicate). Birds in the four experimental groups were fed a basal diet with TCE at 0, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg. The results showed that the growth performance of birds during 22-42 d or 1-42 d, serum IgE and IgG content at 21 d of age, jejunal and ileal morphology, ileal MUC2, OCLN, and IL-10 mRNA expression were significantly increased compared with the control group (p < 0.05), and the ileal IL-6 mRNA expression quadratically decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary TCE supplemented dosage, and its expression showed a linear downward trend (0.05 < p < 0.1). Meanwhile, compared with the other three groups, birds fed diets with 30 mg/kg TCE presented better (p < 0.05) growth performance, intestinal morphology, and function. These results indicated that the optimal supplementation amount of TCE in the broiler diets was 30 mg/kg.

Regulatory role of the programmed cell death 1 signaling pathway in sepsis induced immunosuppression

Sepsis is a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by the host's immune response to infection, with extremely high incidence and mortality. Immunosuppression is an essential pathophysiological alteration that influences the clinical treatment and prognosis of sepsis. Recent studies have suggested that the programmed cell death 1 signaling pathway is involved in the formation of immunosuppression in sepsis. In this review, we systematically present the mechanisms of immune dysregulation in sepsis and elucidate the expression and regulatory effects of the programmed cell death 1 signaling pathway on immune cells associated with sepsis. We then specify current research developments and prospects for the application of the programmed cell death 1 signaling pathway in immunomodulatory therapy for sepsis. Several open questions and future research are discussed at the end.

Excision of mesenteric lymph nodes alters gut microbiota and impairs social dominance in adult mice

INTRODUCTION

Mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) are central in immune anatomy. MLNs are associated with the composition of gut microbiota, affecting the central system and immune system. Gut microbiota was found to differ among individuals of different social hierarchies. Nowadays, excision of MLNs is more frequently involved in gastrointestinal surgery; however, the potential side effects of excision of MLNs on social dominance are still unknown.

METHODS

MLNs were removed from male mice (7-8 weeks old). Four weeks after MLN removal, social dominance test was performed to investigate social dominance; hippocampal and serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were investigated; and histopathology was used to evaluate local inflammation of the ileum. The composition of the gut microbiota was then examined to understand the possible mechanism, and finally intraperitoneal injection of IL-10 was used to validate the effect of IL-10 on social dominance.

RESULTS

There was a decrease in social dominance in the operation group compared to the control group, as well as a decrease in serum and hippocampal IL-10 levels, but no difference in serum and hippocampal IL-1β and TNF-α levels, and no local inflammation of the ileum after MLN removal. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that the relative abundance of the class Clostridia was decreased in the operation group. This decrease was positively associated with serum IL-10 levels. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of IL-10 in a subset of mice increased social dominance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that MLNs contributed to maintaining social dominance, which might be associated with reduced IL-10 and the imbalance of specific flora in gut microbiota.

Selenium Deficiency Promotes the Expression of LncRNA-MORC3, Activating NLRP3-Caspase-1/IL-1β Signaling to Induce Inflammatory Damage and Disrupt Tight Junctions in Piglets

Selenium (Se), as a trace element, is widely found in animals in the form of selenomethionine, which can provide nutrition to the body and has anti-inflammatory effects to prevent inflammatory damage in animals. In the past decade, there have been many studies on piglet diseases caused by selenium deficiency; however, under Se deficiency, the relationship between LncRNA-MORC3, inflammatory injury, and tight junctions in piglets has not yet been studied. We established piglet selenium deficiency models divided into three groups and obtained small intestinal tissues after 35 days of feeding. Small intestinal epithelial IPEC-J2 cells were divided into three groups, and samples were collected after 24 h of culture for qPCR and Western blot experiments. First, we found that Se deficiency led to an increase in LncRNA-MORC3 expression in piglets in vivo and in vitro. We found that the binding site of NLRP3 on LncRNA-MORC3 and the expression trends of both were the same: Se deficiency increased the secretion of NLRP3 and the expression levels of the inflammatory factors Caspase-1, ASC, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, which are related to the NLRP3-Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway. At the same time, Se deficiency decreased the expression levels of the tight junction factors ZO-1, Z0-2, Occludin, E-cadherin, and ZEB-1. This result showed that the tight junctions were disrupted. Herein, we demonstrated that Se deficiency promotes the expression of both LncRNA-MORC3 and inflammatory factors in piglets to activate the NLRP3-Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway and disrupt tight junctions. Ultimately, these factors lead to inflammatory damage in piglet small intestinal tissues.

Single CAR-T cell treatment controls disseminated ovarian cancer in a syngeneic mouse model

BACKGROUND

Treatment of some blood cancers with T cells that express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against CD19 have shown remarkable results. In contrast, CAR-T cell efficacy against solid tumors has been difficult to achieve.

METHODS

To examine the potential of CAR-T cell treatments against ovarian cancers, we used the mouse ovarian cancer cell line ID8 in an intraperitoneal model that exhibits disseminated solid tumors in female C57BL/6J mice. The CAR contained a single-chain Fv from antibody 237 which recognizes a Tn-glycopeptide-antigen expressed by ID8 due to aberrant O-linked glycosylation in the absence of the transferase-dependent chaperone Cosmc. The efficacy of four Tn-dependent CARs with varying affinity to Tn antigen, and each containing CD28/CD3ζ cytoplasmic domains, were compared in vitro and in vivo in this study.

RESULTS

In line with many observations about the impact of aberrant O-linked glycosylation, the ID8Cosmc knock-out (ID8Cosmc-KO) exhibited more rapid tumor progression compared with wild-type ID8. Despite the enhanced tumor growth in vivo, 237 CAR and a mutant with 30-fold higher affinity, but not CARs with lower affinity, controlled advanced ID8Cosmc-KO tumors. Tumor regression could be achieved with a single intravenous dose of the CARs, but intraperitoneal administration was even more effective. The CAR-T cells persisted over a period of months, allowing CAR-treated mice to delay tumor growth in a re-challenge setting. The most effective CARs exhibited the highest affinity for antigen. Antitumor effects observed in vivo were associated with increased numbers of T cells and macrophages, and higher levels of cleaved caspase-3, in the tumor microenvironment. Notably, the least therapeutically effective CAR mediated tonic signaling leading to antigen-independent cytokine expression and it had higher levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin10.

CONCLUSION

The findings support the development of affinity-optimized CAR-T cells as a potential treatment for established ovarian cancer, with the most effective CARs mediating a distinct pattern of inflammatory cytokine release in vitro. Importantly, the most potent Tn-dependent CAR-T cells showed no evidence of toxicity in tumor-bearing mice in a syngeneic, immunocompetent system.

High-fat diet increases mortality and intensifies immunometabolic changes in septic mice

Immunometabolic changes in the liver and white adipose tissue (WAT) caused by high-fat (HF) diet intake may worse metabolic adaptation and protection against pathogens in sepsis. We investigate the effect of chronic HF diet (15 weeks) on mortality and immunometabolic responses in female mice after sepsis induced by cecum ligation and perforation (CLP). At week 14, animals were divided into four groups: sham C diet (C-Sh), sepsis C diet (C-Sp), sham HF diet (HF-Sh) and sepsis HF diet (HF-Sp). The surviving animals were euthanised on the 7th day. The HF diet decreased survival rate (58.3% vs 76.2% C-Sp group), increased serum cytokine storm (IL-6 (1.41 ×; vs HF-Sh), IL-1β (1.37 ×; vs C-Sp), TNF (1.34 ×; vs C-Sp and 1.72 ×; vs HF-Sh), IL-17 (1.44 ×; vs HF-Sh), IL-10 (1.55 ×; vs C-Sp and 1.41 ×; HF-Sh), WAT inflammation (IL-6 (8.7 ×; vs C-Sp and 2.4 ×; vs HF-Sh), TNF (5 ×; vs C-Sp and 1.7 ×;vs HF-Sh), IL-17 (1.7 ×; vs C-Sp), IL-10 (7.4 ×; vs C-Sp and 1.3 ×; vs HF-Sh), and modulated lipid metabolism in septic mice. In the HF-Sp group liver's, we observed hepatomegaly, hydropic degeneration, necrosis, an increase in oxidative stress (reduction of CAT activity (-81.7%; vs HF-Sh); increase MDA levels (82.8%; vs HF-Sh), and hepatic IL-6 (1.9 ×; vs HF-Sh), and TNF (1.3 × %;vs HF-Sh) production. Furthermore, we found a decrease in the total number of inflammatory, mononuclear cells, and in the regenerative processes, and binucleated hepatocytes in a HF-Sp group liver's. Our results suggested that the organism under metabolic stress of a HF diet during sepsis may worsen the inflammatory landscape and hepatocellular injury and may harm the liver regenerative process.

Inhibition of gp130 alleviates LPS-induced lung injury by attenuating apoptosis and inflammation through JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is a life-threatening respiratory disease. Gp130 is a signal transduction receptor that participates in a variety of essential biological processes. The biological function of gp130 in ALI/ARDS is unclear. This study aims to investigate the roles and potential mechanisms of gp130 in lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODS

The ALI/ARDS mouse model was established using intratracheal LPS administration. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis were used to evaluate the degree of lung injury. Cell apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and western blot. Then the expression of gp130, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway-related proteins was assessed by RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The expression of gp130 increased after 24 h of LPS treatment. Inhibiting gp130 improved inflammatory infiltration and alveolar collapsed, decreased IL-6 and TNF-α levels, raised IL-10 levels, and decreased cell apoptosis in LPS-induced mice. Meanwhile, suppressing gp130 reduced the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis in LPS-induced Beas-2B cells. Furthermore, p-JAK1 and p-STAT3 expressions were elevated after LPS stimulation and decreased following gp130 inhibition, suggesting that gp130 may regulate the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway in LPS-induced mice and Beas-2B cells.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that gp130 regulates the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis through the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby mitigating LPS-induced lung injury. Gp130 may be a potential therapeutic target for ALI/ARDS.

Participation of fibroblast growth factor-1 and interleukin-10 in connective tissue repair following subcutaneous implantation of bioceramic materials in rats

AIM

To evaluate whether the bioceramic materials Bio-C Pulpo (Bio-C, Angelus) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Repair HP (MTA-HP, Angelus) induce fibroblast proliferation and release of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, stimulating connective tissue remodelling. The tissue response of Bio-C and MTA-HP was compared with the White MTA (WMTA; Angelus) since studies have demonstrated that WMTA induces tissue repair.

METHODOLOGY

Bio-C, MTA-HP and WMTA were inserted into polyethylene tubes and implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of Holtzman rats for 7, 15, 30 and 60 days. As a control group (CG), empty tubes were implanted subcutaneously. The number of fibroblasts (FB), Ki-67-, fibroblast growth factor-1- (FGF-1) and IL-10-immunolabelled cells and collagen content in the capsules was obtained. The data were subjected to two-way anova followed by Tukey's test (p ≤ .05).

RESULTS

At 7 days, significant differences in the number of FB were not detected amongst Bio-C, MTA-HP and WMTA groups (p ˃ .05). The capsules of all groups exhibited a significant increase in the number of FB and content of collagen over time. From 7 to 60 days, a significant reduction in the number of FGF-1- and Ki-67-immunolabelled cells was seen in the capsules of all specimens. In all periods, no significant difference in the number of FGF-1-immunolabelled cells was detected between Bio-C and CG specimens. At 60 days, significant differences in the immunoexpression of FGF-1 were not observed amongst the groups. At 7 and 15 days, the highest immunoexpression for Ki-67 was present in Bio-C specimens whilst, after 30 and 60 days, no significant difference was observed amongst the bioceramic materials. At 7 days, few IL-10 immunolabelled cells were present in the capsules of all specimens whereas, at 60 days, a significant increase in the IL-10-immunostaining was present in all groups. At 60 days, the Bio-C, MTA-HP and WMTA groups showed a greater number of IL-10-immunolabelled cells than in the CG specimens (p < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bio-C, MTA-HP and WMTA stimulate fibroblast proliferation, leading to the formation of collagen-rich capsules. FGF-1 and IL-10 may mediate the remodelling of capsules around Bio-C, MTA-HP and WMTA bioceramic materials.

Plasma cytokine levels characterize disease pathogenesis and treatment response in tuberculosis patients

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis-caused immunopathology is characterized by aberrant expression of plasma cytokines in human tuberculosis. Disease severity and long-term anti-mycobacterial treatment are potentially influenced by immunopathology and normalization of plasma cytokine levels during therapy may indicate treatment efficacy and recovery.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, we analyzed the concentrations of selected plasma cytokines (i.e., IL-6, IP-10, IL-10, IL-22, IFNγ, GM-CSF, IL-8) and M. tuberculosis sputum burden in patients with tuberculosis (n = 76). Cytokine levels were compared to healthy contacts (n = 40) and changes under treatment were monitored (i.e., 6 and 16 weeks after treatment start). According to differences in M. tuberculosis sputum burden and conversion, tuberculosis patients were classified as paucibacillary as well as 'rapid' or 'slow' treatment responders. A subgroup of tuberculosis patients had fatal disease courses.

RESULTS

Six of seven cytokines were significantly higher in tuberculosis patients as compared to contacts and four of these (i.e., IL-6, IP-10, IL-10, and IL-22) were detectable in the majority of tuberculosis patients. IL-6 showed the strongest discriminating capacity for tuberculosis disease and in combination with IL-10 concentrations efficiently classified paucibacillary tuberculosis cases as well as those with fatal disease outcome. In addition, IL-6 and IP-10 levels decreased significantly after 6 weeks of treatment and analyses of subgroups with differential treatment response showed delayed decline of IL-6 levels in slow treatment responders.

CONCLUSIONS

Combinations of different plasma cytokine (namely, IL-6, IL-10, and IP-10) efficiently classified tuberculosis patients with differential mycobacterial burden and especially IL-6 qualified as a biomarker candidate for early treatment response.

Circulating and skin biopsy-present cytokines related to the pathogenesis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a common disease that may appear as a separate entity from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), precede SLE development, or occur as a manifestation of this systemic disease. It has a complex pathophysiology that involves genetic, environmental, and immune-mediated factors creating a self-amplification pro-inflammatory cycle. CLE is characterized by prominent type I interferons (IFNs) inflammation which are considered as the first precursors of the inflammatory cascade generated within the pathophysiology of CLE. TNF-α enhances the production of antibodies through the activation of B cells, and favors the expression of surface nuclear antigens on keratinocytes. UV light exposure favors keratinocyte apoptosis or necroptosis, which results in the release of multiple proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFNs, and CXCL10. Serum levels of IL-17 are elevated in patients with ACLE, SCLE, and DLE. Evidence suggests IL-22 plays a role primarily in tissue repair rather than in inflammation. High expression of BAFF and its receptors have been found in lesioned keratinocytes of patients with CLE, and patients with CLE have lower serum levels of the regulatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10. The chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 (CXCR3 ligands) have an increased expression among these patients, and their expression is correlated with IFNs levels. CXCR3 ligands recruit cytotoxic type I cells through this receptor, further supporting the death of keratinocytes via necroptosis with the subsequent release of eNAs perpetuating the inflammatory cycle. Interface dermatitis is characterized by the presence of CXCR3-positive lymphocytes. This review describes the leading cytokines and chemokines present in the circulation and skin that play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of CLE.

Erratum: Type 1 regulatory T cell-mediated tolerance in health and disease

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Azithromycin attenuates wheezing after pulmonary inflammation through inhibiting histone H3K27me3 hypermethylation mediated by EZH2

BACKGROUND

Histone methylation modification plays an irreplaceable role in the wheezing diseases. The aim of this study was to explore whether azithromycin (AZM) attenuates post-inflammatory wheezing through inhibiting hypermethylation of histone H3K27me3 mediated by EZH2.

RESULTS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 227 children who underwent fiber-optic bronchoscopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for analyses. The expressions of IL-6, IL-2, NF-κB P65, EZH2 and H3K27me3 in the BALF of wheezing cases were significantly increased when compared with levels in non-wheezing cases (P < 0.05), while IL-10 was decreased (P < 0.05). AZM attenuated the overexpression of NF-κB P65, EZH2 and H3K27me3 in wheezing cases (P < 0.05) and shortened the time of wheezing in wheezing cases (P < 0.05). An in vitro model of inflammation was established using rat alveolar macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). AZM, SN50 (a NK-κB inhibitor) and GSK126 (an EZH2 inhibitor) attenuated the overexpression of EZH2, NF-κB P65 and H3K27me3 induced by LPS in rat alveolar macrophages (P < 0.05). AZM, SN50 and GSK126 normalized the decreased expression of IL-10 induced by LPS in the same samples (P < 0.05). Co-immunoprecipitation results showed that H3K27me3 interacted with EZH2 and NF-κB P65, and immunofluorescence data showed that AZM and SN50 inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB P65 nuclear translocation in rat alveolar macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Histone H3K27me3 hypermethylation mediated by EZH2 may be involved in wheezing after pulmonary inflammation. AZM attenuated wheezing after pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB P65-related hypermethylation of H3K27me3 mediated by EZH2.

Genetic Background and Molecular Mechanisms of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in the paediatric population. JIA comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders with different onset patterns and clinical presentations with the only element in common being chronic joint inflammation. This review sought to evaluate the most relevant and up-to-date evidence on current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of JIA subtypes to provide a better understanding of these disorders. Despite significant improvements over the past decade, the aetiology and molecular mechanisms of JIA remain unclear. It has been suggested that the immunopathogenesis is characterised by complex interactions between genetic background and environmental factors that may differ between JIA subtypes. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes and non-HLA genes play a crucial role in the abnormal activation of both innate and adaptive immune cells that cooperate in causing the inflammatory process. This results in the involvement of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, and others. These mediators, interacting with the surrounding tissue, cause cartilage stress and bone damage, including irreversible erosions. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the genetic background and molecular mechanisms of JIA.

Integrated omics analysis reveals the immunologic characteristics of cystic Peyer's patches in the cecum of Bactrian camels

Bactrian camels have specific mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) throughout the large intestine, with species-unique cystic Peyer's patches (PPS) as the main type of tissue. However, detailed information about the molecular characteristics of PPS remains unclear. This study applied a transcriptomic analysis, untargeted metabolomics, and 16S rDNA sequencing to compare the significant differences between PPS and the adjacent normal intestine tissues (NPPS) during the healthy stage of three young Bactrian camels. The results showed that samples from PPS could be easily differentiated from the NPPS samples based on gene expression profile, metabolites, and microbial composition, separately indicated using dimension reduction methods. A total of 7,568 up-regulated and 1,266 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, and an enrichment analysis found 994 DEGs that participated in immune-related functions, and a co-occurance network analysis identified nine hub genes (BTK, P2RX7, Pax5, DSG1, PTPN2, DOCK11, TBX21, IL10, and HLA-DOB) during multiple immunologic processes. Further, PPS and NPPS both had a similar pattern of most compounds among all profiles of metabolites, and only 113 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified, with 101 of these being down-regulated. Deoxycholic acid (DCA; VIP = 37.96, log2FC = -2.97, P = 0), cholic acid (CA; VIP = 13.10, log2FC = -2.10, P = 0.01), and lithocholic acid (LCA; VIP = 12.94, log2FC = -1.63, P = 0.01) were the highest contributors to the significant dissimilarities between groups. PPS had significantly lower species richness (Chao1), while Firmicutes (35.92% ± 19.39%), Bacteroidetes (31.73% ± 6.24%), and Proteobacteria (13.96% ± 16.21%) were the main phyla across all samples. The LEfSe analysis showed that Lysinibacillus, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Candidatus_Stoquefichus, Mailhella, Alistipes, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_005 were biomarkers of the NPPS group, while Escherichia_Shigella, Synergistes, Pyramidobacter, Odoribacter, Methanobrevibacter, Cloacibacillus, Fusobacterium, and Parabacteroides were significantly higher in the PPS group. In the Procrustes analysis, the transcriptome changes between groups showed no significant correlations with metabolites or microbial communities, whereas the alteration of metabolites significantly correlated with the alteration of the microbial community. In the co-occurrence network, seven DEMs (M403T65-neg, M329T119-neg, M309T38-neg, M277T42-2-neg, M473T27-neg, M747T38-1-pos, and M482t187-pos) and 14 genera (e.g., Akkermansia, Candidatus-Stoquefichus, Caproiciproducens, and Erysipelatoclostridium) clustered much more tightly, suggesting dense interactions. The results of this study provide new insights into the understanding of the immune microenvironment of the cystic PPS in the cecum of Bactrian camels.

Bear bile powder ameliorates type 2 diabetes via modulation of metabolic profiles, gut microbiota, and metabolites

Introduction: Bear bile powder (BBP) is widely used in the clinic and has a hypoglycemic effect, but its mechanism is not clear. Methods: In this study, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats induced by a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin were given BBP, and biochemical indexes, pathological sections, metabonomics, intestinal microbiota (IM) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined. Results: The results showed that BBP could reduce blood glucose, relieve inflammation, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism disorder, and alleviate tissue damage of the liver, spleen, kidney, and pancreas in T2DM rats. It is worth noting that BBP can reverse the changes in blood and urine metabolites in T2DM rats, which are mainly related to tryptophan metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, starch and sucrose metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. In addition, BBP restored IM disorder in T2DM rats, decreased the abundance of Allobaculum, Blautia, Dubosiella, and Anaerostipes, enriched the abundance of Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, UCG-005, and norank_f__Eggerthellaceae, and increased the concentration of SCFAs in intestinal contents. Discussion: These findings suggest that BBP may improve T2DM by regulating multiple metabolic pathways, IM composition, and SCFAs levels.

How Has Molecular Biology Enhanced Our Undertaking of axSpA and Its Management

PURPOSE

This review aims at investigating pathophysiological mechanisms in spondyloarthritis (SpA). Analysis of genetic factors, immunological pathways, and abnormalities of bone metabolism lay the foundations for a better understanding of development of the axial clinical manifestations in patients, allowing physician to choose the most appropriate therapeutic strategy in a more targeted manner.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to the contribution of MHC system, findings emerged about the role of non-HLA genes (as ERAP1 and 2, whose inhibition could represent a new therapeutic approach) and of epigenetic mechanisms that regulate the expression of genes involved in SpA pathogenesis. Increasing evidence of bone metabolism abnormalities secondary to the activation of immunological pathways suggests the development of various bone anomalies that are present in axSpA patients. SpA are a group of inflammatory diseases with a multifactorial origin, whose pathogenesis is linked to the genetic predisposition, the action of environmental risk factors, and the activation of immune response. It is now well known how bone metabolism leads to long-term structural damage via increased bone turnover, bone loss and osteoporosis, osteitis, erosions, osteosclerosis, and osteoproliferation. These effects can exist in the same patient over time or even simultaneously. Evidence suggests a cross relationship among innate immunity, autoimmunity, and bone remodeling in SpA, making treatment approach a challenge for rheumatologists. Specifically, treatment targets are consistently increasing as new drugs are upcoming. Both biological and targeted synthetic drugs are promising in terms of their efficacy and safety profile in patients affected by SpA.

Natural killer cells in sepsis: Friends or foes?

Sepsis is one of the major causes of death in the hospital worldwide. The pathology of sepsis is tightly associated with dysregulation of innate immune responses. The contribution of macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells to sepsis is well documented, whereas the role of natural killer (NK) cells, which are critical innate lymphoid lineage cells, remains unclear. In some studies, the activation of NK cells has been reported as a risk factor leading to severe organ damage or death. In sharp contrast, some other studies revealed that triggering NK cell activity contributes to alleviating sepsis. In all, although there are several reports on NK cells in sepsis, whether they exert detrimental or protective effects remains unclear. Here, we will review the available experimental and clinical studies about the opposing roles of NK cells in sepsis, and we will discuss the prospects for NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies for sepsis.

Human Cytomegalovirus pUL11, a CD45 Ligand, Disrupts CD4 T Cell Control of Viral Spread in Epithelial Cells

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes numerous immunomodulatory genes that facilitate its persistence. Previously described mechanisms by which HCMV avoids T cell control typically involve evasion of detection by infected cells. Here, we show that the virus also inhibits T cells directly via an interaction between the pUL11 glycoprotein on infected cells and the CD45 phosphatase on T cells. The antiviral functions of CD4 T cells are impaired as a result of this interaction, largely via induced interleukin 10 (IL-10) secretion in the CD4 T cell central memory compartment, resulting in enhanced viral spread. This establishes CD45 as an inhibitory receptor that regulates antiviral T cell functions and has parallels with the manipulation of natural killer (NK) cells by HCMV. By coculturing donor T cells with HCMV-infected epithelial cells, we observed that CD4 T cells can respond to epithelial cell antigen presentation and can control HCMV spread via cytolytic and cytokine-dependent mechanisms. pUL11 impairs both mechanisms. We showed that pUL11-induced IL-10 secretion requires IL-2, mTOR, and T cell receptor signaling. This characterization of the effects of the pUL11-CD45 interaction may allow for the development of new antiviral therapies and treatments for inflammatory disorders. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is adept at avoiding its host's immune defenses, both by evading detection and by directly inhibiting immune cells. This can lead to a loss of control of the infection, and dangerous disease can result, particularly in cases in which an individual's immune system is immature, weak, or suppressed. T cells form a crucial part of the response to HCMV and are used in cellular HCMV therapies. We show that an interaction between a viral glycoprotein (pUL11) and a T cell surface receptor (CD45) impairs T cell memory functions and allows for increased viral spread. This defines a new immunomodulatory strategy for the virus as well as a new T cell regulatory mechanism. These results are important, as they increase our understanding of how T cells function and how HCMV disrupts them. This will allow for the development of new antiviral therapies that restore T cell functions and indicates a new target for controlling pathological T cell disorders.

Genetic and Epigenetic Etiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Update

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease with periods of exacerbation and remission of the disease. The etiology of IBD is not fully understood. Many studies point to the presence of genetic, immunological, environmental, and microbiological factors and the interactions between them in the occurrence of IBD. The review looks at genetic factors in the context of both IBD predisposition and pharmacogenetics.

The association of γδT lymphocytes with cystic leukomalacia in premature infants

Background

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is an essential cause of cerebral palsy in preterm infants, and cystic PVL (cPVL) is the most severe form of the disease. The pathogenesis of cPVL is complex, and immune imbalances and inflammatory responses may play an essential role in it.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets, especially γδT cells with the pathogenesis of cPVL in preterm infants.

Methods

Peripheral blood from preterm infants with GA < 32 weeks and BW < 1,500 g was used in this study and was collected at 34 weeks corrected gestational age and within 24 h after the diagnosis with cranial MRI or cranial ultrasound. The infants were divided into cPVL groups and control groups. Flow cytometry was used to detect peripheral blood γδT, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and the proportion of total lymphocytes. Multiplex cell assays were used to detect the concentration of extracellular serum cytokines IL-6, IL-2, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-10, IL-1RA, eotaxin (CCL11), MCP-1 (CCL2), CXCL1, G-CSF, and IFNγ. A follow-up visit was carried out when the patient was 3 years old.

Results

After correcting for confounding factors, the proportion of peripheral blood γδT in the cPVL group was significantly lower than that in the control group (β: 0.216; 95% CI: 0.058-0.800, P < 0.022). Peripheral blood γδT (AUC: 0.722, P=0.006) and multivariate binary regression model (AUC: 0.865, P < 0.000) have good diagnostic values for cPVL. Peripheral blood γδT has some predictive power for neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants (AUC: 0.743, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

It seems that peripheral blood γδT cells are inversely correlated with cPVL, which is not only a risk factor for cPVL disease but also neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. However, the causality of cPVL and various lymphocytes is unclear and needs further study.