1
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Pei F, Gu B, Miao SM, Guan XD, Wu JF. Clinical practice of sepsis-induced immunosuppression: Current immunotherapy and future options. Chin J Traumatol 2024; 27:63-70. [PMID: 38040590 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition characterized by the failure of one or more organs due to a disordered host response to infection. The development of sepsis is closely linked to immune dysfunction. As a result, immunotherapy has gained traction as a promising approach to sepsis treatment, as it holds the potential to reverse immunosuppression and restore immune balance, thereby improving the prognosis of septic patients. However, due to the highly heterogeneous nature of sepsis, it is crucial to carefully select the appropriate patient population for immunotherapy. This review summarizes the current and evolved treatments for sepsis-induced immunosuppression to enhance clinicians' understanding and practical application of immunotherapy in the management of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Pei
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Guangdong Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bin Gu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Guangdong Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shu-Min Miao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Guangdong Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Guan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Guangdong Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jian-Feng Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Guangdong Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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2
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Savino W, Lepletier A. Thymus-derived hormonal and cellular control of cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1168186. [PMID: 37529610 PMCID: PMC10389273 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1168186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus gland is a central lymphoid organ in which developing T cell precursors, known as thymocytes, undergo differentiation into distinct type of mature T cells, ultimately migrating to the periphery where they exert specialized effector functions and orchestrate the immune responses against tumor cells, pathogens and self-antigens. The mechanisms supporting intrathymic T cell differentiation are pleiotropically regulated by thymic peptide hormones and cytokines produced by stromal cells in the thymic microenvironment and developing thymocytes. Interestingly, in the same way as T cells, thymic hormones (herein exemplified by thymosin, thymulin and thymopoietin), can circulate to impact immune cells and other cellular components in the periphery. Evidence on how thymic function influences tumor cell biology and response of patients with cancer to therapies remains unsatisfactory, although there has been some improvement in the knowledge provided by recent studies. Herein, we summarize research progression in the field of thymus-mediated immunoendocrine control of cancer, providing insights into how manipulation of the thymic microenvironment can influence treatment outcomes, including clinical responses and adverse effects of therapies. We review data obtained from clinical and preclinical cancer research to evidence the complexity of immunoendocrine interactions underpinning anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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3
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Supriya R, Gao Y, Gu Y, Baker JS. Role of Exercise Intensity on Th1/Th2 Immune Modulations During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Immunol 2021; 12:761382. [PMID: 35003073 PMCID: PMC8727446 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.761382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to several pioneering scientific discoveries resulting in no effective solutions with the exception of vaccination. Moderate exercise is a significant non-pharmacological strategy, to reduce the infection-related burden of COVID-19, especially in patients who are obese, elderly, and with additional comorbidities. The imbalance of T helper type 1 (Th1) or T helper type 2 (Th2) cells has been well documented among populations who have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who are at maximum risk of infection and mortality. Moderate and low intensity exercise can benefit persons at risk from the disease and survivors by favorable modulation in Th1/Th2 ratios. Moreover, in COVID-19 patients, mild to moderate intensity aerobic exercise also increases immune system function but high intensity aerobic exercise may have adverse effects on immune responses. In addition, sustained hypoxia in COVID-19 patients has been reported to cause organ failure and cell death. Hypoxic conditions have also been highlighted to be triggered in COVID-19-susceptible individuals and COVID-19 survivors. This suggests that hypoxia inducible factor (HIF 1α) might be an important focus for researchers investigating effective strategies to minimize the effects of the pandemic. Intermittent hypoxic preconditioning (IHP) is a method of exposing subjects to short bouts of moderate hypoxia interspersed with brief periods of normal oxygen concentrations (recovery). This methodology inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory factors, activates HIF-1α to activate target genes, and subsequently leads to a higher production of red blood cells and hemoglobin. This increases angiogenesis and increases oxygen transport capacity. These factors can help alleviate virus induced cardiopulmonary hemodynamic disorders and endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, during the COVID-19 pandemic we propose that populations should engage in low to moderate exercise individually designed, prescribed and specific, that utilizes IHP including pranayama (yoga), swimming and high-altitude hiking exercise. This would be beneficial in affecting HIF-1α to combat the disease and its severity. Therefore, the promotion of certain exercises should be considered by all sections of the population. However, exercise recommendations and prescription for COVID-19 patients should be structured to match individual levels of capability and adaptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Supriya
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Rashmi Supriya,
| | - Yang Gao
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yaodong Gu
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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4
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Rahman MM, Ahmed M, Islam MT, Khan MR, Sultana S, Maeesa SK, Hasan S, Hossain MA, Ferdous KS, Mathew B, Rauf A, Uddin MS. Nanotechnology-Based Approaches and Investigational Therapeutics against COVID-19. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 28:948-968. [PMID: 34218774 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666210701150315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus which is currently responsible for the global pandemic since December 2019. This class of coronavirus has affected 217 countries around the world. Most of the countries have taken some non-remedial preventive actions like country lockdown, work from home, travel bans, and the most significant one is social isolation. Pharmacists, doctors, nurses, technologists, and all other healthcare professionals are playing a pivotal role during this pandemic. Unluckily, there is no specific drug that can treat patients who are confirmed with COVID-19, though favipiravir and remdesivir have appeared as favorable antiviral drugs. Some vaccines have already developed, and vaccination has started worldwide. Different nanotechnologies are in the developing stage in many countries for preventing SARS-COV-2 and treating COVID-19 conditions. In this article, we review the COVID-19 pandemic situation as well as the nanotechnology-based approaches and investigational therapeutics against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Muniruddin Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Touhidul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Md Robin Khan
- Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Sharifa Sultana
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Saila Kabir Maeesa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Sakib Hasan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Md Abid Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Sayma Ferdous
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi 682041, India
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Swabi, Anbar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Bangladesh
| | - Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka. Bangladesh
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5
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Binder U, Skerra A. PASylated Thymosin α1: A Long-Acting Immunostimulatory Peptide for Applications in Oncology and Virology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010124. [PMID: 33374407 PMCID: PMC7795856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1) is an immunostimulatory peptide for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and used as an immune enhancer, which also offers prospects in the context of COVID-19 infections and cancer. Manufacturing of this N-terminally acetylated 28-residue peptide is demanding, and its short plasma half-life limits in vivo efficacy and requires frequent dosing. Here, we combined the PASylation technology with enzymatic in situ N-acetylation by RimJ to produce a long-acting version of Tα1 in Escherichia coli at high yield. ESI-MS analysis of the purified fusion protein indicated the expected composition without any signs of proteolysis. SEC analysis revealed a 10-fold expanded hydrodynamic volume resulting from the fusion with a conformationally disordered Pro/Ala/Ser (PAS) polypeptide of 600 residues. This size effect led to a plasma half-life in rats extended by more than a factor 8 compared to the original synthetic peptide due to retarded kidney filtration. Our study provides the basis for therapeutic development of a next generation thymosin α1 with prolonged circulation. Generally, the strategy of producing an N-terminally protected PASylated peptide solves three major problems of peptide drugs: (i) instability in the expression host, (ii) rapid degradation by serum exopeptidases, and (iii) low bioactivity because of fast renal clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uli Binder
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Str. 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Correspondence: (U.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Correspondence: (U.B.); (A.S.)
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6
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Hossain MF, Hasana S, Mamun AA, Uddin MS, Wahed MII, Sarker S, Behl T, Ullah I, Begum Y, Bulbul IJ, Amran MS, Rahman MH, Bin-Jumah MN, Alkahtani S, Mousa SA, Aleya L, Abdel-Daim MM. COVID-19 Outbreak: Pathogenesis, Current Therapies, and Potentials for Future Management. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:563478. [PMID: 33178016 PMCID: PMC7596415 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.563478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus (CoV) was found at the seafood market of Hubei province in Wuhan, China, and this virus was officially named coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) by World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 is mainly characterized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) and creates public health concerns as well as significant threats to the economy around the world. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is unclear and there is no effective treatment of this newly life-threatening and devastating virus. Therefore, it is crucial to search for alternative methods that alleviate or inhibit the spread of COVID-19. In this review, we try to find out the etiology, epidemiology, symptoms as well as transmissions of this novel virus. We also summarize therapeutic interventions and suggest antiviral treatments, immune-enhancing candidates, general supplements, and CoV specific treatments that control replication and reproduction of SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Farhad Hossain
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Inje University, Gimhae, South Korea
- Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sharifa Hasana
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sahab Uddin
- Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mir Imam Ibne Wahed
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Sabarni Sarker
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life and Earth Sciences, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Irfan Ullah
- Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Yesmin Begum
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md. Shah Amran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Habibur Rahman
- Department of Global Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - May N. Bin-Jumah
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alkahtani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaker A. Mousa
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lotfi Aleya
- Chrono-Environnement Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6249, Bourgogne Franche-Comté University, Besançon, France
| | - Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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7
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Chen KH, Wang SF, Wang SY, Yang YP, Wang ML, Chiou SH, Chang YL. Pharmacological development of the potential adjuvant therapeutic agents against coronavirus disease 2019. J Chin Med Assoc 2020; 83:817-821. [PMID: 32568969 PMCID: PMC7434021 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, also called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) outbreak accelerates, vigorous and diverse efforts were made in developing treatment strategies. In addition to direct acting agents, increasing evidence showed some potential adjuvant therapies with promising efficacy against COVID-19. These therapies include immunomodulators (i.e. intravenous immunoglobulin, thymosin α-1, interleukin [IL]-6, tocilizumab, cyclosporine, thalidomide, fingolimod), Chinese medicines (i.e. glycyrrhizin, baicalin, Xuebijing), anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (bevacizumab), estrogen modulating drugs, statins, and nutritional supplements (i.e. vitamins A, B, C, D, E and zinc). This article reviewed the pharmacological development of potential adjuvants for COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Pharmacy, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Sheng-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Pharmacy, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Szu-Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mong-Lien Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Sih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yuh-Lih Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Pharmacy, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Address correspondence. Dr. Yuh-Lih Chang, Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Section 2, Shi-Pai Road, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC. Email address: (Y.-L. Chang)
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8
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Khodadadi E, Maroufi P, Khodadadi E, Esposito I, Ganbarov K, Espsoito S, Yousefi M, Zeinalzadeh E, Kafil HS. Study of combining virtual screening and antiviral treatments of the Sars-CoV-2 (Covid-19). Microb Pathog 2020; 146:104241. [PMID: 32387389 PMCID: PMC7199731 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The recent epidemic outbreak of a novel human coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 and causing the respiratory tract disease COVID-19 has reached worldwide resonance and a global effort is being undertaken to characterize the molecular features and evolutionary origins of this virus. Therefore, rapid and accurate identification of pathogenic viruses plays a vital role in selecting appropriate treatments, saving people's lives and preventing epidemics. Additionally, general treatments, coronavirus-specific treatments, and antiviral treatments useful in fighting COVID-19 are addressed. This review sets out to shed light on the SARS-CoV-2 and host receptor recognition, a crucial factor for successful virus infection and taking immune-informatics approaches to identify B- and T-cell epitopes for surface glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. A variety of improved or new approaches also have been developed. It is anticipated that this will assist researchers and clinicians in developing better techniques for timely and effective detection of coronavirus infection. Moreover, the genomic sequence of the virus responsible for COVID-19, as well as the experimentally determined three-dimensional structure of the Main protease (Mpro) is available. The reported structure of the target Mpro was described in this review to identify potential drugs for COVID-19 using virtual high throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsaneh Khodadadi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Parham Maroufi
- Department of Orthopedy, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Khodadadi
- Department of Biology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
| | | | | | | | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Elham Zeinalzadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Hossein Samadi Kafil
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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9
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Zhang L, Liu Y. Potential interventions for novel coronavirus in China: A systematic review. J Med Virol 2020; 92:479-490. [PMID: 32052466 PMCID: PMC7166986 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 704] [Impact Index Per Article: 176.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
An outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID‐19 or 2019‐CoV) infection has posed significant threats to international health and the economy. In the absence of treatment for this virus, there is an urgent need to find alternative methods to control the spread of disease. Here, we have conducted an online search for all treatment options related to coronavirus infections as well as some RNA‐virus infection and we have found that general treatments, coronavirus‐specific treatments, and antiviral treatments should be useful in fighting COVID‐19. We suggest that the nutritional status of each infected patient should be evaluated before the administration of general treatments and the current children's RNA‐virus vaccines including influenza vaccine should be immunized for uninfected people and health care workers. In addition, convalescent plasma should be given to COVID‐19 patients if it is available. In conclusion, we suggest that all the potential interventions be implemented to control the emerging COVID‐19 if the infection is uncontrollable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yunhui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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10
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Abd El-Kader SM, Al-Shreef FM. Inflammatory cytokines and immune system modulation by aerobic versus resisted exercise training for elderly. Afr Health Sci 2018; 18:120-131. [PMID: 29977265 PMCID: PMC6016983 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v18i1.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aging is characterized with immunosenescence associated with a hyper-inflammatory state, characterized by elevated circulating levels of pro-inflammatory mediators. Physical exercise is a potential strategy for improving the immune system dysfunction and chronic inflammation that accompanies aging. However, there is a need to differentiate between aerobic and resistance exercise training regarding human immune system and systemic inflammation among the elderly Saudi population. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the impact of 6 months of aerobic versus resisted exercise training on inflammatory cytokines and immune system response among elderly. Material and methods Sixty previously sedentary elderly subjects participated in this study, their age ranged from 61–66 years. All Subjects were randomly assigned to supervised aerobic exercise intervention group (group A, n=40) or resistance exercise group (group B, n=40). Number of CD3+,CD4+,CD8+ T cells count and CD4/CD8 ratio were quantified, IL-6, TNF-α and IL10 were measured before and after 6 months, at the end of the study. Results The mean values of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells count and IL-10 were significantly increased, whereas the mean values of CD4/CD8 ratio, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in group (A) and group (B). Also; there were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) after treatment. Conclusion The current study provides evidence that aerobic exercise is more appropriate in modulating the immune system and inflammatory markers among the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehab M Abd El-Kader
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadwa M Al-Shreef
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Naylor PH, Mutchnick MG. Immunotherapy for hepatitis B in the direct acting antiviral era: Reevaluating the thymosin α1 efficacy trials in the light of a combination therapy approach. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:4-9. [PMID: 29052304 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes both acute and chronic hepatitis and infects large numbers of individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, prediction of typical clinical outcome is problematic and there is considerable variability in the frequency, duration and severity of disease progression. The mainstay of HBV treatment is directed towards the suppression of HBV replication by nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs). The use of immunomodulators such as α-Interferon and thymosin α1 can, in select patients, results in elimination of both HBsAg and HBeAg. Given the observation that viral clearance is most effective in the presence of a strong immune response, this review summarizes data suggesting that the use of a combination of an immune modulator such as Tα1 with a highly effective NUC may result in a more successful therapeutic approach in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Results from small studies using combination Tα1 and NUCs are encouraging, and ongoing clinical trials combining entecavir with Tα1 are anticipated to provide important data assessing the use of a combination of Tα1 with a NUC to achieve resolution of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Naylor
- Department of Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Harper University Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - M G Mutchnick
- Department of Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Harper University Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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12
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Mandaliti W, Nepravishta R, Pica F, Vallebona PS, Garaci E, Paci M. Thymosin α1 Interacts with Hyaluronic Acid Electrostatically by Its Terminal Sequence LKEKK. Molecules 2017; 22:E1843. [PMID: 29077041 PMCID: PMC6150299 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22111843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1), is a peptidic hormone, whose immune regulatory properties have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo and approved in different countries for treatment of several viral infections and cancers. Tα1 assumes a conformation in negative membranes upon insertion into the phosphatidylserine exposure as found in several pathologies and in apoptosis. These findings are in agreement with the pleiotropy of Tα1, which targets both normal and tumor cells, interacting with multiple cellular components, and have generated renewed interest in the topic. Hyaluronan (HA) occurs ubiquitously in the extracellular matrix and on cell surfaces and has been related to a variety of diseases, and developmental and physiological processes. Proteins binding HA, among them CD44 and the Receptor for HA-mediated motility (RHAMM) receptors, mediate its biological effects. NMR spectroscopy indicated preliminarily that an interaction of Tα1 with HA occurs specifically around lysine residues of the sequence LKEKK of Tα1 and is suggestive of a possible interference of Tα1 in the binding of HA with CD44 and RHAMM. Further studies are needed to deepen these observations because Tα1 is known to potentiate the T-cell immunity and anti-tumor effect. The binding inhibitory activity of Tα1 on HA-CD44 or HA-RHAMM interactions can suppress both T-cell reactivity and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Mandaliti
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ridvan Nepravishta
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- School of Pharmacy, East Anglia University, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Garaci
- San Raffaele Pisana Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care, 00163 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Matteucci C, Grelli S, Balestrieri E, Minutolo A, Argaw-Denboba A, Macchi B, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Perno CF, Mastino A, Garaci E. Thymosin alpha 1 and HIV-1: recent advances and future perspectives. Future Microbiol 2017; 12:141-155. [PMID: 28106477 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of the consistent benefits for HIV-1 infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, a complete immune reconstitution is usually not achieved. Actually, antiretroviral therapy may be frequently accompanied by immunological unresponsiveness, persistent inflammatory conditions and inefficient cytotoxic T-cell response. Thymosin alpha 1 is a thymic peptide that demonstrates a peculiar ability to restore immune system homeostasis in different physiological and pathological conditions (i.e., infections, cancer, immunodeficiency, vaccination and aging) acting as multitasking protein depending on the host state of inflammation or immune dysfunction. This review reports the present knowledge on the in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the use of thymosin alpha 1 in HIV-1 infection. Recent findings and future perspectives of therapeutic intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Beatrice Macchi
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Antonio Mastino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome 00133, Italy.,Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical & Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization & Health Care, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, Roma 00166, Italy
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14
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King R, Tuthill C. Immune Modulation with Thymosin Alpha 1 Treatment. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 102:151-78. [PMID: 27450734 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Ta1) is a peptide originally isolated from thymic tissue as the compound responsible for restoring immune function to thymectomized mice. Ta1 has a pleiotropic mechanism of action, affecting multiple immune cell subsets that are involved in immune suppression. Ta1 acts through Toll-like receptors in both myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, leading to activation and stimulation of signaling pathways and initiation of production of immune-related cytokines. Due to the immune stimulating effects of Ta1, the compound would be expected to show utility for treatment of immune suppression, whether related to aging or to diseases such as infection or cancer. Extensive studies in both the preclinical and clinical setting will be summarized in the subsequent sections. These studies have demonstrated improvements in immune system cell subsets and the potential of Ta1 for the treatment of a range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R King
- SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States.
| | - C Tuthill
- SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
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15
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Thymosin alpha 1 suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells through PTEN-mediated inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Apoptosis 2016; 20:1109-21. [PMID: 26002438 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-015-1138-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1), an immunoactive peptide, has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in human leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, and other human cancers. However, the response and molecular mechanism of breast cancer cells exposed to Tα1 remain unclear. PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene, is frequently mutated in a variety of human cancers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the biological roles of PTEN in the growth inhibition of human breast cancer cells exposed to Tα1. Using wild-type and mutant PTEN-expressing cells, we found a strong correlation between PTEN status and Tα1-mediated growth inhibition of breast cancer cells. The growth inhibition effect was more pronounced in breast cancer cells in which Tα1 enhanced PTEN expression, whereas endogenous PTEN knockdown reversed the growth inhibition effect of Tα1 in breast cancer cells. Further investigation revealed that PTEN up-regulation, which was induced by Tα1, can inhibit the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, leading to the growth inhibition of breast cancer cells. The addition of the synergy between Tα1 and the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation could strongly block cell viability in PTEN down-regulated breast cancer cells. PTEN-overexpressing cells not only up-regulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3/9 and PARP expression but also down-regulated Bcl-2 compared to the treatment with Tα1 alone. Together these findings suggest that PTEN mediates Tα1-induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial death cascade and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in breast cancer cells.
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16
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Binsfeld M, Hannon M, Otjacques E, Humblet-Baron S, Baudoux E, Beguin Y, Baron F, Caers J. Impact of the immunomodulating peptide thymosin alpha 1 on multiple myeloma and immune recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:989-98. [PMID: 25971542 PMCID: PMC11028767 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the accumulation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow and causes several immune alterations in patients. Thymosin α1 (Tα1) is a thymic peptide that has been associated with immuno-stimulating properties. In addition, this peptide exerts anti-tumor effects in several cancer types. Beneficial effects of Tα1 administration have also been shown on immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), a current treatment modality in hematological malignancies including MM. In this study, we observed a slight reduction in the proliferation of murine and human MM cell lines in the presence of Tα1 in vitro. However, using two immunocompetent murine MM models (5TGM1 and MOPC315.BM), we did not observe any impact of Tα1 administration on MM development in vivo. Furthermore, no beneficial effects of Tα1 treatment were observed on lymphocyte immune reconstitution after transfusion of human hematopoietic stem cells into immunodeficient mice. In conclusion, despite direct effects of Tα1 on human MM cell line proliferation in vitro, Tα1 did not exert anti-myeloma effects in vivo in the two murine models tested. Moreover, Tα1 failed to improve immune recovery in a xenogeneic HSCT model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilène Binsfeld
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, Bat. B34, CHU of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000, Liège, Belgium,
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17
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Li W, Song L, Wu S, Xue X, Zhang L, He L, Han W, Wang Q, Ling R, Zhang W, Yan Z, Zhang Y. Expression, purification and characterization of a novel soluble human thymosin alpha1 concatemer exhibited a stronger stimulation on mice lymphocytes proliferation and higher anti-tumor activity. Int J Biol Sci 2011; 7:618-28. [PMID: 21647330 PMCID: PMC3107470 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.7.618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) has immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effects in patients and has been commercialized in worldwide. An innovative technique is therefore impending to achieve high-yield expression and purification of Tα1 to meet the increasing requirements for clinical applications. Tα1 can enhance T cells, dendritic cells and antibody responses, and also augment an anti-tumor immune response. In the current study, we developed a novel technique to produce Tα1 concatemer and investigated its capability in anti-tumor immunotherapy. We expressed the recombinant 2×Tα1 concatemer protein (Tα1② protein) in Escherichia coli. The purity of Tα1② was higher than 95% as assessed by HPLC analysis. In vitro, Tα1② could stimulate the proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocyte, and increase the apoptosis of tumor cell lines. In vivo, Tα1② significantly inhibited the tumor growth in B16 tumor-bearing mice. Compared with Tα1, the Tα1② is of more effective bioactivity than Tα1. The purified Tα1② is a promising substitute for synthetic Tα1 because of its potent anti-tumor effects. We concluded that the expression system for Tα1 concatemer was constructed successfully, which could serves as a highly efficient tool for the production of large quantities of the highly active protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China
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18
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Gish RG, Gordon SC, Nelson D, Rustgi V, Rios I. A randomized controlled trial of thymalfasin plus transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Int 2009; 3:480-9. [PMID: 19669251 PMCID: PMC2748379 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-009-9132-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have few treatment options. Thymalfasin (thymosin α-1) is an immunomodulator that may increase response to ablative therapy through direct anti-tumor action or enhanced protection against infections. We compared transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus thymalfasin with TACE alone for unresectable HCC. METHODS In this phase II, randomized trial, 25 patients received either TACE plus thymalfasin (1.6 mg SC, 5 times weekly; n = 14) or TACE alone (n = 11) for 24 weeks. Response was defined as transition to transplant eligibility or lack of disease progression through week 72. Survival was assessed through 24 months post-treatment. RESULTS Eight of fourteen (57.1%) patients in the TACE + thymalfasin group versus 5 of 11 (45.5%) patients in the TACE-only group became responders (P = 1.0). Four of fourteen TACE + thymalfasin patients versus none of 11 TACE-only patients became eligible for transplant. Median overall survival time was 110.3 weeks for the TACE + thymalfasin group versus 57.0 weeks for the TACE-only group (P = 0.45). Seven patients in each group experienced serious adverse events; there were no bacterial infections in the TACE + thymalfasin group versus 4 in the TACE-only group. There were 3 deaths in the TACE + thymalfasin group and 5 in the TACE-only group. CONCLUSIONS In patients with unresectable HCC, TACE + thymalfasin resulted in numerically higher rates of survival and tumor response, including transplant candidacy, with fewer bacterial infections, than TACE alone. Treatment regimens for HCC including thymalfasin as an immunomodulator should be evaluated in larger trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Gish
- Department of Hepatology and Complex Gastroenterology, California Pacific Medical Center, 2340 Clay St. #233, San Francisco, CA 94115 USA
| | - Stuart C. Gordon
- Division of Hepatology, Henry Ford Health System, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202-2689 USA
| | - David Nelson
- Section of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0214 USA
| | - Vinod Rustgi
- Metropolitan Liver and Gastroenterology Center, 8316 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 515, Fairfax, VA 22301 USA
| | - Israel Rios
- SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 950 Tower Lane, Suite 900, Foster City, CA 94404-1573 USA
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19
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Goldstein AL, Goldstein AL. From lab to bedside: emerging clinical applications of thymosin α1. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2009; 9:593-608. [DOI: 10.1517/14712590902911412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Allan L Goldstein
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 2300 I St., N.W., Room 438, Washington, DC, USA ;
| | - Adam L Goldstein
- Medical School for International Health at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel
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20
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Expression and hydroxylamine cleavage of thymosin alpha 1 concatemer. J Biomed Biotechnol 2008; 2008:736060. [PMID: 18645619 PMCID: PMC2467460 DOI: 10.1155/2008/736060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2007] [Revised: 02/21/2008] [Accepted: 06/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is an important peptide in the development and senescence of immunological competence in human, and many studies have reported the expression of this peptide. In this study, we designed and synthesized the Tα1 gene according to the E. coli codon usage preference and constructed a 6×Tα1 concatemer. The latter was inserted into an E. coli expression vector pET-22b (+), and transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). After induction with IPTG, the concatemer protein was successfully expressed in E. coli then cleaved by hydroxylamine to release the Tα1 monomer. Gly-SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry confirmed that the recombinant protein was cleaved as intended. The bioactivity of the Tα1 monomer was analyzed by lymphocyte proliferation and by mitochondrial activity in two different tumor cell lines. This study provides a description of the preparation of a bioactive Tα1, which may prove useful in future biomedical research.
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21
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Pathak N, Khandelwal S. Impact of cadmium in T lymphocyte subsets and cytokine expression: differential regulation by oxidative stress and apoptosis. Biometals 2007; 21:179-87. [PMID: 17641822 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-007-9106-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2007] [Accepted: 06/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), a possible human carcinogen is a potent immunotoxicant. In rodents it causes thymic atrophy and splenomegaly, in addition to immuno-suppression and modulation of humoral and/or cellular immune response. Oxidative stress and apoptosis appear to be underlying mechanism of Cd induced thymic injury. To understand the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular glutathione (GSH) and apoptosis in modulation of T-cell repertoire, we studied the effect of Cd (10, 25 and 50 microM) on primary T lymphocytes of BALB/c mice at different time intervals (6, 12 and 18 h). We observed a dose and time dependent decline in CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio (a bio-indicator of immunotoxicity) as a result of significant suppression of CD4(+)subsets (helper T-cells) and enhancement in CD8(+) cells (cytotoxic T-cells) At the same time, the CD4(+)CD8(+) (DP) cell population was lowered while the CD4(-)CD8(-) (DN) cells were increased. The oxidative stress and apoptotic data revealed almost similar ROS generation in both CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells, but relatively more marked GSH depletion and apoptosis in CD4(+) than in CD8(+) population. On further analysis of CD4(+) T-subsets, cytokine release (IL-2 and IFNgamma) by Th 1 cells and IL-4 by Th 2 cells were shown to be significantly suppressed in a dose responsive manner. The highest inhibition was observed in IFNgamma, then IL-2 followed by IL-4. In conclusion, our data demonstrates that T-cell apoptosis by Cd, more in CD4(+)than in CD8(+)cells appear related to higher depletion of intracellular glutathione. Th 1 cells of CD4(+) sub-population are more responsive to Cd than Th 2, leading to higher suppression of IL-2 and IFNgamma than IL-4 and hence, the study unravels to some extend, the underlying events involved in Cd immunotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelima Pathak
- Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, India
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22
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Chen PF, Fu GF, Zhang HY, Xu GX, Hou YY. Liposomal plasmid DNA encoding human thymosin alpha and interferon omega potently inhibits liver tumor growth in ICR mice. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 21:1538-43. [PMID: 16928214 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04536.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of liposomal gene delivery, genes encoding for human thymosin alpha1 (Talpha1) and interferon omega1 were injected via the tail vein into mice bearing a Hep-A-22 liver tumor. METHODS The cDNA of human Talpha1 and interferon omega1 were obtained by synthesis or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. Eukaryotic expressing vectors pIRES2, encoding Talpha1 and/or interferon omega1, were constructed and injected with liposome via the tail vein into ICR mice bearing a Hep-A-22 tumor. The potency of tumor inhibition was evaluated when three treated groups were compared with the group receiving the empty vector. Apoptosis of tumor cells was investigated by analyzing DNA fragmentation. RESULTS Only the group treated with dual-gene plasmid reached an eligible level of tumor inhibition (43%). The difference in tumor weight was statistically significant between the Talpha1 gene or the interferon omega1 gene treated groups and the control (P<0.05), and highly significant between the dual-gene treated group and the control (P<0.01). DNA ladder was observed in the tumor cells from the purpose gene treated groups but not from the control. CONCLUSION The dual-gene plasmid-liposome complex showed more potent inhibition than the single gene constructs on the growth of Hep-A-22 tumor cells in mice, which may be attributed to indirect and additive induction of apoptosis in tumor cells by increased expression of Talpha1 and interferon omega1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Fu Chen
- Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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23
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Fan YZ, Chang H, Yu Y, Liu J, Wang R. Thymosin alpha1 suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in human leukemia cell lines. Peptides 2006; 27:2165-73. [PMID: 16644063 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2006] [Revised: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 03/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha1 (Talpha1), a 28-amino acid peptide, is a well-known immune system enhancer for the treatment of various diseases. In the present investigation, the effects of Talpha1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemia cell lines (HL-60, K562 and K562/ADM) were studied. The proliferation was significantly depressed after 96 h of treatment with Talpha1, and obvious signs of apoptosis, i.e., cell morphology, nuclei condensation and Annexin V binding, were observed thereafter. Moreover, the up-regulation of Fas/Apol (CD95) and decrease in bcl-2 anti-apoptotic gene expression were observed in apoptotic cells. The expression and the function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) can be slightly inhibited by Talpha1. It is noteworthy that K562 and K562/ADM were more sensitive than HL-60 cells when subjected to Talpha1. Furthermore, HepG-2, the human hepatoma cell line, displayed significant less sensitivity to Talpha1 than all the human leukemia cell lines. D-Tubocurarine (TUB), a nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) antagonist, significantly antagonized the inhibition effects induced by Talpha1, whereas atropine, a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, did not exhibit such effects. All the results indicate that Talpha1 was able to significantly suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in human leukemia cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-zhe Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 73000, PR China
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24
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Spangelo BL, Pompilius M, Farrimond DD, Stevens N, Nieva R, Shroff S, Badamchian M, Johnson CR, Jarvis WD. Presence of a peptide component of thymosin fraction-5 manifesting discrete cytostatic properties in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2005; 5:1317-29. [PMID: 15914336 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2005.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2005] [Revised: 03/31/2005] [Accepted: 04/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin fraction-5 (TF5), an array of small molecular weight peptides present in crude extracts of the adult bovine thymus, contains numerous constituents with demonstrable biological activity. Because TF5 generally enhances immune reactivity in a variety of settings, and additionally restricts proliferation of certain neoplasms, we examined the effects of TF5 on proliferative capacity in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. Vital dye-exclusion, oxidative metabolism of chromogenic dyes, and clonogenic growth profiles were monitored to assess rates of cellular proliferation; our results demonstrate that TF5 restricted HL-60 cell growth, an influence that exhibited comparable potency and efficacy among all three indices. This antiproliferative activity was labile, insofar as medium conditioned in HL-60 cells for 24 h became devoid of the initial growth-suppressive activity after 24-h culture when subsequently administered to naive cultures. Review of cytoarchitectural traits, chromatin staining by TUNEL, and fluorescent cytometric analyses demonstrated that TF5 failed to elicit apoptosis, however, suggesting that this material instead drove treated cells into growth arrest and an unanticipated cytostasis. Qualitatively similar responses were noted in the human monoblastic leukemia cell line U937. Partial purification of TF5 by FPLC yielded a component containing an antiproliferative activity associated with the approximately 1000-Da fraction. These results demonstrate that TF5 contains a sub-fraction possessing a growth-suppressive activity capable of restraining normal proliferation of human myeloid neoplasms via the apparent induction of true cytostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan L Spangelo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154, United States.
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Zhang P, Chan J, Dragoi AM, Gong X, Ivanov S, Li ZW, Chuang T, Tuthill C, Wan Y, Karin M, Chu WM. Activation of IKK by thymosin alpha1 requires the TRAF6 signalling pathway. EMBO Rep 2005; 6:531-7. [PMID: 15905851 PMCID: PMC1369095 DOI: 10.1038/sj.embor.7400433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2004] [Revised: 04/19/2005] [Accepted: 04/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin alpha1 (T(alpha)1) is noted for its immunomodulatory activities and therapeutic potential in treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of its effectiveness is not completely understood. Here, we report that T(alpha)1 induces interleukin (IL)-6 expression through the I(kappa)B kinase (IKK) and nuclear factor-(kappa)B (NF-(kappa)B) pathway. Using IKK(beta)-deficient bone-marrow-derived macrophages and mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), we show that IKK(beta) is essential for IKK and NF-(kappa)B activation as well as efficient IL-6 induction. Further analysis using tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)-deficient MEFs shows that TRAF6 is crucial for activation of IKK and induction of IL-6 by Talpha1. Intriguingly, T(alpha)1 triggers protein kinase C (PKC)iota/zeta activation, which is TRAF6 dependent and involves IKK. In addition, T(alpha)1 induces the formation of a signalsome composed of TRAF6, p62 and PKC(iota)/zeta as well as IKK. Thus, our study identifies T(alpha)1 as a unique activator of the TRAF6 signal pathway and provides a cohesive interpretation of the molecular basis of the therapeutic utility of T(alpha)1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Justin Chan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Xing Gong
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Stanimir Ivanov
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Zhi-Wei Li
- Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, SRB-22344, 3011 West Holly Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Tsheng Chuang
- Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | | | - Yinsheng Wan
- Department of Biology, Providence College, North Providence, Rhode Island 02918, USA
| | - Michael Karin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Wen-Ming Chu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
- Tel: +1 401 863 9786; Fax: +1 401 863 1971; E-mail:
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26
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CHEN PF, ZHANG HY, FU GF, XU GX, HOU YY. Overexpression of Soluble Human Thymosin Alpha 1 in Escherichia coli. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7270.2005.00014.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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27
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Chien RN, Liaw YF. Thymalfasin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2004; 2:9-16. [PMID: 15482167 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a serious problem because of its worldwide distribution and possible adverse chronic sequelae, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Chronic hepatitis B infection is a dynamic state of interactions between the virus, hepatocyte and host immune response. Interferon-alpha and direct antiviral agents, such as lamivudine (Epivir, GlaxoSmithKline), are effective in the therapy of chronic HBV infection but the efficacy is far from satisfactory. Thymalfasin (thymosin alpha1; Talpha1, Zadaxintrade mark, SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) is a 28-amino acid polypeptide produced synthetically but originally isolated from thymosin fraction 5, a bovine thymus extract containing a number of immunologically active peptides. In vitro studies have shown that Talpha1 can influence T-cell production and maturation, stimulate production of Th1 cytokines such as interferon-gamma and interleukin-2, and activate natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Seven randomized controlled studies on Talpha1 monotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B showed that 6 months treatment with Talpha1 (1.6 mg twice-weekly) resulted in a significantly higher sustained response rate than untreated controls. The benefits of Talpha1 therapy is usually not immediately apparent during therapy. There is a trend for complete virological response to increase or accumulate gradually after the end of thymosin therapy. The results of Talpha1 and interferon combination therapy in two open-label trials were also promising. In terms of the mechanisms of action, a combination of Talpha1 and nucleoside or nucleotide analogs is a logical approach in the control of chronic HBV infection and a randomized control study is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Nan Chien
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 199 Tung Hwa North Road, Taipei, Taiwan
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28
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Nishihara H, Hwang M, Kizaka-Kondoh S, Eckmann L, Insel PA. Cyclic AMP promotes cAMP-responsive element-binding protein-dependent induction of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-2 and suppresses apoptosis of colon cancer cells through ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:26176-83. [PMID: 15078890 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m313346200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that cAMP suppresses apoptosis in colon cancer cells and induces cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-2 (c-IAP2) via a cAMP-responsive element (CRE), suggesting a mechanism for chemoprevention of colon cancer by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, we used T84 human colon cancer cells to define the pathway by which increases in cAMP induce c-IAP2 expression. Treatment with several different cAMP agonists stimulated phosphorylation of CRE-binding protein (CREB) and activated expression of c-IAP2 in a CREB-dependent manner. Studies with pharmacological inhibitors revealed that cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of CREB required activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK but was largely independent of protein kinase A. Immunoblots and transcriptional reporter assays using specific inhibitors, as well as expression of constitutively active forms of MEK1 and MKK3, showed that c-IAP2 induction by cAMP is regulated predominantly through ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and suggested involvement of p90 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and mitogen and stress response kinase-1 as well. Consistent with those results, we found that cAMP-dependent suppression of apoptosis was blocked by treatment with inhibitors of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. We conclude that cAMP can induce c-IAP2 expression in colon cancer cells through CREB phosphorylation and CRE-dependent transcription in a manner that involves activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. These results emphasize that activation of kinases other than protein kinase A can mediate the actions of agents that increase cAMP, particularly in the regulation of CREB-dependent events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nishihara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0636, USA
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29
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Chadwick D, Pido-Lopez J, Pires A, Imami N, Gotch F, Villacian JS, Ravindran S, Paton NI. A pilot study of the safety and efficacy of thymosin alpha 1 in augmenting immune reconstitution in HIV-infected patients with low CD4 counts taking highly active antiretroviral therapy. Clin Exp Immunol 2004; 134:477-81. [PMID: 14632754 PMCID: PMC1808897 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2003.02331.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the safety and efficacy of thymosin alpha1 in stimulating immune reconstitution in combination with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), a phase II randomized, controlled open-label trial of subcutaneous thymosin alpha1 was undertaken for 12 weeks. Twenty clinically stable patients with viral loads <400 copies/ml and CD4 counts less than 200 cells/microl were randomized to receive 3.2 mg thymosin alpha 1 subcutaneous injections twice weekly or no injections for 12 weeks. CD4 and CD8 counts, CD45 RO+ and RA+ subsets and signal joint T cell receptor excision circles (sjTREC) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured every 2 weeks. Thirteen patients received thymosin alpha 1 and seven were controls. Thymosin alpha 1 was well tolerated and there were no serious adverse events. There was no significant difference between the thymosin alpha1 and control groups in CD4, CD8 and CD45 lymphocyte subset changes at week 12; however, PBMC sjTREC levels increased significantly in the thymosin alpha 1-treated patients compared to controls at week 12. In conclusion, the increase in PBMC sjTREC levels in patients taking thymosin alpha1 may represent enhanced immune reconstitution; however, the clinical benefits and long-term consequences remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Chadwick
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
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30
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Almon RR, DuBois DC, Brandenburg EH, Shi W, Zhang S, Straubinger RM, Jusko WJ. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenomics of diverse receptor-mediated effects of methylprednisolone in rats using microarray analysis. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2002; 29:103-29. [PMID: 12361239 DOI: 10.1023/a:1019762323576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone (MPL) produce many of their anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and exaggerated physiological effects by receptor and gene-mediated mechanisms. The temporal pattern of change in four genes in rat tissues was measured by quantitative Northern hybridization and rtPCR after a single dose of MPL. Two profiles were observed: two genes with enhanced expression showed a slow onset and moderate rate of decline within a 24 hr time frame while two genes with reduced expression exhibited a rapid onset and prolonged suppression over a > or = 72 hr time span. These patterns are consistent with and rationalized by pharmacodynamic expectations based on earlier models. cDNA microarrays used to assess the expression levels of 5200 genes at one optimal time-point showed marked variation in baseline values. Of these, 20 genes showed statistically significant enhanced expression with increases ranging from 130 to 1690%, 31 genes exhibited reduced expression ranging from 31 to 72% of control. Many genes could be categorized as affecting acute phase/immune response, energy metabolism, microsomal metabolism, and hepatic function. These studies provide the first simultaneous assessment of the diversity in pharmacogenomic effects of corticosteroids. They also provide some insight into the advantages and limitations of microarray measurements in regard to the pharmacodynamics of drugs having complex, multi-faceted, and integrated mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard R Almon
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, 14260, USA.
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31
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Andreone P, Cursaro C, Gramenzi A, Margotti M, Ferri E, Talarico S, Biselli M, Felline F, Tuthill C, Martins E, Gasbarrini G, Bernardi M. In vitro effect of thymosin-alpha1 and interferon-alpha on Th1 and Th2 cytokine synthesis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2001; 8:194-201. [PMID: 11380797 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2893.2001.00285.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that increased expression of Th1-associated cytokines is important for immune-mediated eradication of hepatitis C infection, while an increase in Th2-associated cytokines is associated with persistence of infection. In this study we evaluated the effects of thymosin-alpha1 (TA1), a naturally occurring thymic peptide, and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C. We examined the effect of incubation with TA1, IFN-alpha, or both, on production of Th1-associated cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma), Th2-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), and synthesis of the antiviral protein 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase. TA1 treatment induced a significant increase in production of IL-2 and 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase. Smaller increases were also seen after treatment with IFN-alpha, while incubation with TA1 and IFN-alpha together led to an additive or synergistic effect. Incubation with TA1 resulted in a decrease in IL-4 and IL-10, whereas IFN-alpha increased these cytokines. The addition of TA1 to IFN-alpha significantly reversed this IFN-alpha-induced increase. Hence, TA1 treatment could benefit patients with hepatitis C infection by increasing the Th1-type response, fundamental for sustained clearance of hepatitis C; and by decreasing the Th2-type response, associated with persistence of viraemia.
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MESH Headings
- 2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase/analysis
- 2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase/biosynthesis
- 2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase/blood
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology
- Adult
- Antiviral Agents/pharmacology
- Cells, Cultured
- Concanavalin A/pharmacology
- Cytokines/analysis
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Female
- Hepacivirus/drug effects
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/blood
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/immunology
- Humans
- Interferon-alpha/pharmacology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Th1 Cells/metabolism
- Th2 Cells/immunology
- Th2 Cells/metabolism
- Thymalfasin
- Thymosin/analogs & derivatives
- Thymosin/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- P Andreone
- Semeiotica Medica, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Cardioangiologia ed Epatologia, Università di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola, Via Massarenti, 9-40138 Bologna, Italy.
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32
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Baumann CA, Badamchian M, Goldstein AL. Thymosin alpha1 is a time and dose-dependent antagonist of dexamethasone-induced apoptosis of murine thymocytes in vitro. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY 2000; 22:1057-66. [PMID: 11137612 DOI: 10.1016/s0192-0561(00)00065-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that glucocorticoid hormones induce apoptosis in immature developing thymocytes. Thymocyte apoptosis can be modulated by growth factors, anti-oxidants and adhesion receptors. We have previously demonstrated that thymosin alpha1 (Talpha1) antagonizes dexamethasone-induced apoptosis of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. In the present study, we further characterize the dose and time dependence of Talpha1's antagonism of dexamethasone-induced thymocyte apoptosis. Talpha1 is effective at concentrations ranging from 2 to 100 microg/10(6) thymocytes. Talpha1 pre-treatment is necessary to achieve its anti-apoptotic activity. Talpha1 provides temporary protection to thymocytes by slowing dexamethasone's apoptotic activity up to 12 h post dexamethasone treatment. Additionally, Talpha1's activity is not sensitive to cycloheximide treatment, suggesting Talpha1's activity is independent of protein synthesis. Finally, Talpha1 is unable to antagonize apoptosis induced by the reactive oxygen species, H2O2, suggesting Talpha1's antagonism of dexamethasone occurs at the early stages of dexamethasone-induced apoptosis, prior to the production of reactive oxygen species. This evidence suggests that Talpha1 may provide a mechanism to transiently extend the life of a thymocyte during thymic selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Baumann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye St. N.W., Washington, DC 20037, USA
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33
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Yan L, Herrmann V, Hofer JK, Insel PA. beta-adrenergic receptor/cAMP-mediated signaling and apoptosis of S49 lymphoma cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2000; 279:C1665-74. [PMID: 11029315 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.2000.279.5.c1665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
beta-Adrenergic receptor (betaAR) activation and/or increases in cAMP regulate growth and proliferation of a variety of cells and, in some cells, promote cell death. In the current studies we addressed the mechanism of this growth reduction by examining betaAR-mediated effects in the murine T-lymphoma cell line S49. Wild-type S49 cells, derived from immature thymocytes (CD4(+)/CD8(+)) undergo growth arrest and subsequent death when treated with agents that increase cAMP levels (e.g., betaAR agonists, 8-bromo-cAMP, cholera toxin, forskolin). Morphological and biochemical criteria indicate that this cell death is a result of apoptosis. In cyc(-) and kin(-) S49 cells, which lack G(s)alpha and functional protein kinase A (PKA), respectively, betaAR activation of G(s)alpha and cAMP action via PKA are critical steps in this apoptotic pathway. S49 cells that overexpress Bcl-2 are resistant to cAMP-induced apoptosis. We conclude that betaAR activation induces apoptosis in immature T lymphocytes via G(s)alpha and PKA, while overexpression of Bcl-2 prevents cell death. betaAR/cAMP/PKA-mediated apoptosis may provide a means to control proliferation of immature T cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0636, USA
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34
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Shurlygina AV, Litvinenko GI, Dergacheva TI, Trufakin VA. Changes in thymosin-α1 content in patients with nonspecific gynecologic diseases depending on inflammation type and efficacy of antiinflammatory and immunomodulating therapy. Bull Exp Biol Med 2000. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02682263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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35
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Abstract
Physiological cell turnover plays an important role in maintaining normal tissue function and architecture. This is achieved by the dynamic balance of cellular regeneration and elimination, occurring periodically in tissues such as the uterus and mammary gland, or at constant rates in tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue. Apoptosis has been identified as the prevalent mode of physiological cell loss in most tissues. Cell turnover is precisely regulated by the interplay of various endocrine and paracrine factors, which modulate tissue and cell-specific responses on proliferation and apoptosis, either directly, or by altering expression and function of key cell proliferative and/or death genes. Although recent studies have provided significant information on specific tissue systems, a clearly defined pathway that mediates cell turnover has not yet emerged for any tissue. Several similarities exist among the various tissues with regard to the intermediates that regulate tissue homeostatis, enabling a better understanding of the general mechanisms involved in the process. Here we review the mechanisms by which hormonal and cytokine factors mediate cell turnover in various tissues, emphasizing common themes and tissue-specific differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Medh
- Department of Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston 77555-0645, USA.
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36
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Tuthill CW, Rudolph A, Li Y, Tan B, Fitzgerald TJ, Beck SR, Li YX. Quantitative analysis of thymosin alpha1 in human serum by LC-MS/MS. AAPS PharmSciTech 2000; 1:E11. [PMID: 14727844 PMCID: PMC2784822 DOI: 10.1208/pt010211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2000] [Accepted: 05/11/2000] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to measure the thymosin alpha 1 (Talpha1) concentration in human serum. Tá1 in human serum was determined by solid phase extraction and reverse phase LC-MS/MS. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system interfaced with the MS/MS system with a Turbo Ion spray interface. Positive ion detection and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode were used for this human serum quantitation. Eight different concentration standards were used to establish the detection range. Six quality control (QC) and 2 matrix blanks were checked by calibration curves performed on the same day. The lower quantitation limit was 0.5 ng/mL Talpha1 in human serum. Calibration curves were established between 0.5 to 100 ng/mL by weighted linear regression. The correlation coefficients for different days were 0.9955 or greater. Quantitation of Talpha1 by the LC-MS/MS method is fast, accurate, and precise.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Tuthill
- SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 901 Mariner's Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404-159, USA.
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37
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Turrini P, Aloe L. Evidence that endogenous thymosin alpha-1 is present in the rat central nervous system. Neurochem Int 1999; 35:463-70. [PMID: 10524714 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-0186(99)00084-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that administration of Thymosin alpha 1 (T-alpha1) can enhance the level of the Nerve Growth Factor and the distribution of its receptor in the developing Central Nervous System (CNS) of rat. To further explore the role of T-alpha1 and verify its presence in cells of rat CNS, we carried out an immunohistochemical study using a polyclonal antibody against T-alpha1. T-alpha1 immunoreactivity was found mainly in neurons of the hippocampus and spinal cord and in several small cells, resembling glial cells, of specific regions of the brain. Moreover, to study whether cerebral cells were receptive to T-alpha1, we injected iodinated T-alpha1 (125I-T-alpha1) i.c.v.. 125I-T-alpha1 labelled neurons were observed in the hypothalamus and septal nuclei. Our results indicate that specific neuronal populations in the rat CNS are able to express and respond to T-alpha1.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Turrini
- Institute of Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy
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38
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Colić M, Gasić S, Vasilijić S, Pejanović V, Jandrić D, Medić-Mijacević L, Rakić L. A nucleoside analogue, 7-thia-8-oxoguanosine stimulates proliferation of thymocytes in vitro. Immunol Lett 1999; 69:293-300. [PMID: 10528791 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-2478(99)00101-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
7-thia-8-oxoguanosine (immunosine) is a nucleoside analogue with immunoenhancing activity. In this work, its effects on proliferation of thymocytes in vitro were studied. It was found that immunosine stimulated proliferation of thymocytes both of mice and rats. The stimulatory effect depended on antigen presenting cells (APC), since thymocytes depleted of accessory cells did not proliferate to immunosine. In addition, pretreatment of APC with immunosine for 24 h significantly increased proliferation of thymocytes. Immunosine stimulated interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and the expression of activation markers (CD25 and CD71). The upregulation of CD25 (alpha subunit of IL-2R) was detected both on thymocytes and thymic dendritic cells. Proliferation of thymocytes in the presence of immunosine was predominantly mediated by IL-2 since blocking IL-2Ralpha by specific monoclonal antibodies inhibited cell proliferation by 65-85%.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Colić
- Institute of Medical Research, MMA, Belgrade, Yugoslavia
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