Identification and functional characterization of a second chain of the interleukin-10 receptor complex

Brusatol ameliorates intestinal mucosal injury in ulcerative colitis via activating IL-22/STAT3 pathway

Brusatol (BR) is an active compounds isolated from Brucea javanica, a Chinese herbal medicine that is famous for its anti-diarrheal effect. We have previously reported that BR mitigated inflammation in murine ulcerative colitis (UC) models. However, BR's role in intestinal mucosal healing, which is recently established as central strategy for the prevention and treatment of UC, remains unknown. In this study, the ameliorative effect of BR on intestinal mucosal damage was investigated in DSS-induced UC mice. BR significantly alleviated colitis symptoms, improved intestinal barrier function by preventing loss of goblet cells and downregulation of mucins and tight junction proteins, as well as maintained proliferative and apoptotic homeostasis in the colonic epithelium of UC mice. Mechanistically, BR enhanced the level and secretion of IL-22, but inhibited IL-22BP, an inhibitory protein of IL-22, in the blood serum and intestinal tissues of UC mice, as well as in MNK3 cells which is an effective cell model for studying ILC3s. Additionally, BR elevated the expressions of receptors for IL-22 (IL-10R2 and IL-22R1), and activated its downstream STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, the involvement of IL-22 was further investigated by using recombinant IL-22 (rIL-22) and IL-22 antibody (anti-IL-22). BR demonstrated comparable effects with rIL-22 on alleviating intestinal inflammation and repairing intestinal mucosal injury. Treatment with anti-IL-22 abrogated the mucosal protective effects of BR. The present findings shed novel insights into the role of BR in intestinal mucosal healing via activating IL-22/STAT3 signaling pathway in UC.

JAK-STAT pathway, type I/II cytokines, and new potential therapeutic strategy for autoimmune bullous diseases: update on pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid

Autoimmune Bullous Diseases (AIBDs), characterized by the formation of blisters due to autoantibodies targeting structural proteins, pose significant therapeutic challenges. Current treatments, often involving glucocorticoids or traditional immunosuppressants, are limited by their non-specificity and side effects. Cytokines play a pivotal role in AIBDs pathogenesis by driving inflammation and immune responses. The JAK-STAT pathway is central to the biological effects of various type I and II cytokines, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Preliminary reports suggest that JAK inhibitors may be a promising approach in PV and BP, but further clinical validation is required. In AIBDs, particularly bullous pemphigoid (BP) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV), JAK inhibitors have shown promise in modulating pathogenic cytokine signaling. However, the safety and selectivity of JAK inhibitors remain critical considerations, with the potential for adverse effects and the need for tailored treatment strategies. This review explores the role of cytokines and the JAK-STAT pathway in BP and PV, evaluating the therapeutic potential and challenges associated with JAK inhibitors in managing these complex disorders.

IL-10RA governor the expression of IDO in the instruction of lymphocyte immunity

BACKGROUND

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) impairs anti-pathogen and anti-tumour immunity. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) modulate immunity via IDO but also suppress IFN-γ. While MSC IDO induction by IFN-γ is established, other drivers in this immunosuppressive setting remain unknown.

METHODS

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with IDO or IL-10RA knockdown were co-cultured with healthy donor T cells to assess immunosuppression. PDAC organoid anticancer activity was also tested in these co-cultures.

RESULTS

Co-culturing MSCs with T cells in an IL-10RA-enriched environment enhances IDO expression, resulting in T cell suppression. Moreover, IL-10RA-positive MSCs collected from co-cultures with IL-10 supplementation show increased IDO expression. Conversely, MSCs with IL-10RA knockdown exhibit a significant reduction in IDO RNA and protein expression, as well as STAT3 phosphorylation status, which is a known upstream signalling pathway in IDO gene regulation, in T cell co-cultures. Down-regulation of IL-10RA also inhibits IDO activity in MSCs, resulting in reduced T cell suppression, and enabling the co-cultured T cells to kill PDAC organoids.

CONCLUSION

Our research reveals IL-10RA as a pharmacological target in stromal cells for enhancing T cell-mediated PDAC eradication by downregulating IDO via blocked IL-10/IL-10RA signalling in MSCs. This advances IL-10RA interference in the tumour microenvironment (TME) to restore T cell cytotoxicity against cancers.

Causal Relationship Between Physical Activity and Thymic Tumors Mediated by Circulating Cytokines: A Mendelian Randomization Mediation Analysis

Physical activity reduces chronic disease risk and enhances immune function, but its causal relationship with thymic tumors-rare neoplasms of the anterior mediastinum-remains unclear. This study investigated whether physical activity reduces thymic tumor risk and whether circulating cytokines mediate this effect. We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using genetic variants as instrumental variables for physical activity and cytokines. Data were obtained from large genome-wide association studies of Europeans, and included the following: physical activity (91,084 individuals), thymic tumors (473,681 individuals with 58 benign and 93 malignant cases), and cytokines (14,824 individuals). The inverse-variance weighted method served as the primary analysis. Genetically predicted physical activity was associated with reduced risks of benign (odds ratio [OR] = 0.381; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.158 to 0.921; p = 0.032) and malignant thymic tumors (OR = 0.312; 95% CI: 0.155 to 0.628; p = 0.001). Mediation analysis identified interleukin-10 receptor subunit β (IL10RB) as a partial mediator, accounting for 5.95% of the protective effect on benign tumors. Sensitivity analyses indicated no pleiotropy or heterogeneity. In conclusion, physical activity causally reduces the risk of thymic tumors, partially mediated by IL10RB, highlighting its potential role in cancer prevention through immunomodulation.

Exploring structure-function relationships in engineered receptor performance using computational structure prediction

Engineered receptors play increasingly important roles in transformative cell-based therapies. However, the structural mechanisms that drive differences in performance across receptor designs are often poorly understood. Recent advances in protein structural prediction tools have enabled the modeling of virtually any user-defined protein, but how these tools might build understanding of engineered receptors has yet to be fully explored. In this study, we employed structural modeling tools to perform post hoc analyses to investigate whether predicted structural features might explain observed functional variation. We selected a recently reported library of receptors derived from natural cytokine receptors as a case study, generated structural models, and from these predictions quantified a set of structural features that plausibly impact receptor performance. Encouragingly, for a subset of receptors, structural features explained considerable variation in performance, and trends were largely conserved across structurally diverse receptor sets. This work indicates potential for structure prediction-guided synthetic receptor engineering.

BTN2A1 targeting reprograms M2-like macrophages and TAMs via SYK and MAPK signaling

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), often adopting an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype, correlate with unfavorable cancer outcomes. Our investigation unveiled elevated expression of the butyrophilin (BTN)2A1 in M2-like TAMs across diverse cancer types. We developed anti-BTN2A1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and notably, one clone demonstrated a robust inhibitory effect on M2-like macrophage differentiation, inducing a shift toward an M1-like phenotype both in vitro and ex vivo in TAMs from patients with cancer. Macrophages treated with this anti-BTN2A1 mAb exhibited enhanced support for T cell proliferation and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) secretion. Mechanistically, BTN2A1 engagement induced spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) recruitment, leading to sequential SYK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Inhibition of SYK or ERK phosphorylation abolished M2 reprogramming upon BTN2A1 engagement. Our findings, derived from an analysis of macrophages from healthy donors and human tumors, underscore the pivotal role of BTN2A1 in immunosuppressive macrophage differentiation and function, offering potential applications in cancer immunotherapy.

Identification, functional characterization and immune response profiles of interleukin-10 in Nibea albiflora

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an immunosuppressive cytokine, which plays a vital role in regulating inflammation for inhibiting the generation and function of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vivo or in vitro. In the present study, the full length cDNA of IL-10 was characterized from Nibea albiflora (named as NaIL-10) of 1238 base pairs (bp), containing a 5'-UTR (untranslated region) of 350 bp, a 3'-UTR of 333 bp and an open reading frame (ORF) of 555 bp (Fig. 1A) to encode 184 amino acid residues with a signal peptide at the N-terminus. The sequence analysis showed that NaIL-10 possessed the typical IL-10 family symbolic motif and conversed cysteine residues, similar to its teleost orthologues. Real-time PCR indicated that NaIL-10 had wide distribution in different healthy tissues, with a relatively high expression in immune-related tissues (head kidney, spleen, kidney, liver and gill). Significantly, up-regulations of NaIL-10 after infection against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus and Poly I:C were also observed. Subcellular localization manifested that NaIL-10 mainly distributed in the cytoplasm unevenly and aggregately, and there was also a small amount on the cell membrane, indicating that NaIL-10 was secreted to the extracellular space as the known IL-10 homologous molecules. It could co-locate with IL-10 Rα on the membrane of HEK293T cells for their potential interaction, and GST pull-down and Co-IP studies certified the specific and direct interaction between NaIL-10 and NaIL-10 Rα, confirming that an IL-10 ligand-receptor system existed in N.albiflora. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, were dramatically inhibited in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages pre-incubated with recombinant NaIL-10 protein, demonstrating its anti-inflammatory roles. Taken together, the results demonstrated the existence of IL-10 ligand-receptor system in N.albiflora for the first time, and indicated the suppressive function of NaIL-10 on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in inflammatory response, which would be conducive to better comprehending the role of IL-10 in the immunomodulatory mechanisms of teleost.

IFN-υ and its receptor subunits, IFN-υR1 and IL10RB in mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Type IV interferon (IFN) has been shown to be a cytokine with antiviral activity in fish and amphibian. But, it has not been cloned and characterized functionally in avian species. In this study, type IV IFN, IFN-υ, and its 2 possible receptors, IFN-υR1 and IL10RB, were identified from an avian species, the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Mallard IFN-υ has a 531 bp open reading frame (ORF), encoding 176 amino acids (aa), and has highly conserved features as reported in different species, with an N-terminal signal peptide and a predicted multi-helix structure. The IFN-υR1 and IL10RB contain 528 and 343 aa, respectively, with IFN-υR1 protein containing JAK1 and STAT binding sites, and IL10RB containing TYK2 binding site. These 2 receptor subunits also possess 3 domains, the N-terminal extracellular domain, the transmembrane domain, and the C-terminal intracellular domain. Expression analysis indicated that IFN-υ, IFN-υR1 and IL10RB were widely expressed in examined organs/tissues, with the highest level observed in pancreas, blood, and kidney, respectively. The expression of IFN-υ, IFN-υR1 and IL10RB in liver, spleen or kidney was significantly upregulated after stimulation with polyI:C. Furthermore, recombinant IFN-υ protein induced the expression of ISGs, and the receptor of IFN-υ was verified as IFN-υR1 and IL10RB using a chimeric receptor approach in HEK293 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that IFN-υ is involved in the host innate immune response in mallard.

The role of inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the progression of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder characterized by an imbalance between (synthesis) and catabolism (degradation) in altered homeostasis of articular cartilage mediated primarily by the innate immune system. OA degenerates the joints resulting in synovial hyperplasia, degradation of articular cartilage with damage of the structural and functional integrity of the cartilage extracellular matrix, subchondral sclerosis, osteophyte formation, and is characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and loss of function. Inflammation triggered by factors like biomechanical stress is involved in the development of osteoarthritis. In OA apart from catabolic effects, anti-inflammatory anabolic processes also occur continually. There is also an underlying chronic inflammation present, not only in cartilage tissue but also within the synovium, which perpetuates tissue destruction of the OA joint. The consideration of inflammation in OA considers synovitis and/or other cellular and molecular events in the synovium during the progression of OA. In this review, we have presented the progression of joint degradation that results in OA. The critical role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of OA is discussed in detail along with the dysregulation within the cytokine networks composed of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines that drive catabolic pathways, inhibit matrix synthesis, and promote cellular apoptosis. OA pathogenesis, fluctuation of synovitis, and its clinical impact on disease progression are presented here along with the role of synovial macrophages in promoting inflammatory and destructive responses in OA. The role of interplay between different cytokines, structure, and function of their receptors in the inter-cellular signaling pathway is further explored. The effect of cytokines in the increased synthesis and release of matrix-decomposing proteolytic enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif (ADAMTS), is elaborated emphasizing the potential impact of MMPs on the chondrocytes, synovial cells, articular and periarticular tissues, and other immune system cells migrating to the site of inflammation. We also shed light on the pathogenesis of OA via oxidative damage particularly due to nitric oxide (NO) via its angiogenic response to inflammation. We concluded by presenting the current knowledge about the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Synthetic MMP inhibitors include zinc binding group (ZBG), non-ZBG, and mechanism-based inhibitors, all of which have the potential to be therapeutically beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Improving our understanding of the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms that regulate the MMP gene expression, may open up new avenues for the creation of therapies that can stop the joint damage associated with OA.

A Novel Homozygous Mutation Causing Complete TYK2 Deficiency, with Severe Respiratory Viral Infections, EBV-Driven Lymphoma, and Jamestown Canyon Viral Encephalitis

Autosomal recessive tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) deficiency is characterized by susceptibility to mycobacterial and viral infections. Here, we report a 4-year-old female with severe respiratory viral infections, EBV-driven Burkitt-like lymphoma, and infection with the neurotropic Jamestown Canyon virus. A novel, homozygous c.745C > T (p.R249*) variant was found in TYK2. The deleterious effects of the TYK2 lesion were confirmed by immunoblotting; by evaluating functional responses to IFN-α/β, IL-10, and IL-23; and by assessing its scaffolding effect on the cell surface expression of cytokine receptor subunits. The effects of the mutation could not be pharmacologically circumvented in vitro, suggesting that alternative modalities, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or gene therapy, may be needed. We characterize the first patient from Canada with a novel homozygous mutation in TYK2.

Synthetic Heterodimers of Type III Interferon Receptors Require TYK2 for STAT Activation

Type III interferons (IFN-λ) are central to host defense against viral infection of epithelial barrier surfaces. IFN-λ binding to its receptor induces a JAK-STAT cascade through kinases Janus-associated kinase 1 (JAK1) and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), which are associated on either subunit of the heterodimeric type III IFN receptor. Recent studies have shown that TYK2 is not necessary for IFN-λ to signal, in contrast to IFN-α, which uses the same JAK-STAT pathway activated by the type I IFN receptor. The mechanism for this differential TYK2 requirement is unknown. Our study uses synthetic IFN receptors in TYK2-deficient U2OS epithelial cells to define the processes in type I and III IFN signaling that require TYK2. We find that TYK2 deficiency reduces signaling equally from heterodimers of either type I or III IFN receptor intracellular domains. In contrast, JAK1-associated homodimers of IFNAR2 or IFNLR1 are both fully signaling competent even in the absence of TYK2. These results suggest that heterodimerization of the type III IFN receptor is insufficient to confer TYK2-independent signaling. Thus, we propose that noncanonical receptor complexes may participate in endogenous type III IFN signaling to confer TYK2-independent signaling downstream of IFN-λ stimulation.

Emerging interleukin targets in the tumour microenvironment: implications for the treatment of gastrointestinal tumours

The effectiveness of antitumour immunity is dependent on intricate cytokine networks. Interleukins (ILs) are important mediators of complex interactions within the tumour microenvironment, including regulation of tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, migration and activation. Our evolving and increasingly nuanced understanding of the cell type-specific and heterogeneous effects of IL signalling has presented unique opportunities to fine-tune elaborate IL networks and engineer new targeted immunotherapeutics. In this review, we provide a primer for clinicians on the challenges and potential of IL-based treatment. We specifically detail the roles of IL-2, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-15 in shaping the tumour-immune landscape of gastrointestinal malignancies, paying particular attention to promising preclinical findings, early-stage clinical research and innovative therapeutic approaches that may properly place ILs to the forefront of immunotherapy regimens.

Engineering cytokines for cancer immunotherapy: a systematic review

Cytokines are pivotal mediators of cell communication in the tumor microenvironment. Multiple cytokines are involved in the host antitumor response, but the production and function of these cytokines are usually dysregulated during malignant tumor progression. Considering their clinical potential and the early successful use of cytokines in cancer immunotherapy, such as interferon alpha-2b (IFNα-2b; IntronA^®) and IL-2 (Proleukin^®), cytokine-based therapeutics have been extensively evaluated in many follow-up clinical trials. Following these initial breakthroughs, however, clinical translation of these natural messenger molecules has been greatly limited owing to their high-degree pleiotropic features and complex biological properties in many cell types. These characteristics, coupled with poor pharmacokinetics (a short half-life), have hampered the delivery of cytokines via systemic administration, particularly because of severe dose-limiting toxicities. New engineering approaches have been developed to widen the therapeutic window, prolong pharmacokinetic effects, enhance tumor targeting and reduce adverse effects, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we focus on the recent progress and competitive landscape in cytokine engineering strategies and preclinical/clinical therapeutics for cancer. In addition, aiming to promote engineered cytokine-based cancer immunotherapy, we present a profound discussion about the feasibility of recently developed methods in clinical medicine translation.

Tonic Meningeal Interleukin-10 Upregulates Delta Opioid Receptor to Prevent Relapse to Pain

Chronic pain often alternates between transient remission and relapse of severe pain. While most research on chronic pain has focused on mechanisms maintaining pain, there is a critical unmet need to understand what prevents pain from re-emerging in those who recover from acute pain. We found that interleukin (IL)-10, a pain resolving cytokine, is persistently produced by resident macrophages in the spinal meninges during remission from pain. IL-10 upregulated expression and analgesic activity of δ-opioid receptor (δOR) in the dorsal root ganglion. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of IL-10 signaling or δOR triggered relapse to pain in both sexes. These data challenge the widespread assumption that remission of pain is simply a return to the naïve state before pain was induced. Instead, our findings strongly suggest a novel concept that: remission is a state of lasting pain vulnerability that results from a long-lasting neuroimmune interactions in the nociceptive system.

Fulminant Viral Hepatitis in Two Siblings with Inherited IL-10RB Deficiency

Fulminant viral hepatitis (FVH) caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a life-threatening disease that typically strikes otherwise healthy individuals. The only known genetic etiology of FVH is inherited IL-18BP deficiency, which unleashes IL-18-dependent lymphocyte cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production. We studied two siblings who died from a combination of early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (EOIBD) and FVH due to HAV. The sibling tested was homozygous for the W100G variant of IL10RB previously described in an unrelated patient with EOIBD. We show here that the out-of-frame IL10RB variants seen in other EOIBD patients disrupt cellular responses to IL-10, IL-22, IL-26, and IFN-λs in overexpression conditions and in homozygous cells. By contrast, the impact of in-frame disease-causing variants varies between cases. When overexpressed, the W100G variant impairs cellular responses to IL-10, but not to IL-22, IL-26, or IFN-λ1, whereas cells homozygous for W100G do not respond to IL-10, IL-22, IL-26, or IFN-λ1. As IL-10 is a potent antagonist of IFN-γ in phagocytes, these findings suggest that the molecular basis of FVH in patients with IL-18BP or IL-10RB deficiency may involve excessive IFN-γ activity during HAV infections of the liver. Inherited IL-10RB deficiency, and possibly inherited IL-10 and IL-10RA deficiencies, confer a predisposition to FVH, and patients with these deficiencies should be vaccinated against HAV and other liver-tropic viruses.

Evolution of developmental and comparative immunology in poultry: The regulators and the regulated

Avian has a unique immune system that evolved in response to environmental pressures in all aspects of innate and adaptive immune responses, including localized and circulating lymphocytes, diversity of immunoglobulin repertoire, and various cytokines and chemokines. All of these attributes make birds an indispensable vertebrate model for studying the fundamental immunological concepts and comparative immunology. However, research on the immune system in birds lags far behind that of humans, mice, and other agricultural animal species, and limited immune tools have hindered the adequate application of birds as disease models for mammalian systems. An in-depth understanding of the avian immune system relies on the detailed studies of various regulated and regulatory mediators, such as cell surface antigens, cytokines, and chemokines. Here, we review current knowledge centered on the roles of avian cell surface antigens, cytokines, chemokines, and beyond. Moreover, we provide an update on recent progress in this rapidly developing field of study with respect to the availability of immune reagents that will facilitate the study of regulatory and regulated components of poultry immunity. The new information on avian immunity and available immune tools will benefit avian researchers and evolutionary biologists in conducting fundamental and applied research.

Innate lymphoid cells in depression: Current status and perspectives

The recent discovery of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has provided new insights into our understanding of the pathogenesis of many disease conditions with immune dysregulation. Type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) induce type I immunity and are characterized by the expression of signature cytokine IFN-γ and the master transcription factor T-bet; ILC2s stimulate type II immune responses and are defined by the expression of signature cytokines IL-5 and IL-13, and transcription factors ROR-α and GATA3; ILC3s requires the transcription factor RORγt and produce IL-22 and IL-17. ILCs are largely tissue-resident and are enriched at barrier surfaces of the mammalian body. Increasing evidence shows that inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of depression. Although few studies have directly investigated the role of ILCs in depression, several studies have examined the levels of cytokines produced by ILCs in depressed subjects. This review summarizes the potential roles of ILCs in depression. A better understanding of the biology of ILCs may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the management of depression.

Interleukin (IL)-22 in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Immune modulation, antibacterial defense, and activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway

Interleukin (IL)-22 is an IL-10 family cytokine secreted by CD4⁺ T cells and plays an important role in regulating inflammation and infection elimination. IL-22 homologues have been reported in the teleost, but the functions of IL-22 are still unclear. In this study, we identified two duplicated IL-22 genes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), termed Cc_IL-22A and Cc_IL-22B. Sequence analysis showed that Cc_IL-22A and Cc_IL-22B had four conserved cysteine residues, which could form two intra-chain disulfide bridges. The Cc_IL-22A and Cc_IL-22B were constitutively expressed in various tissues, with the highest expression in the gill. The mRNA expression levels of Cc_IL-22A and Cc_IL-22B were significantly up-regulated in the gill, intestine, head kidney, and spleen of common carp challenged with Aeromonas. hydrophila. In vivo study showed that the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly up-regulated in the head kidney and spleen when Cc_IL-22A or Cc_IL-22B were over-expressed. Furthermore, the over-expression of Cc_IL-22A and Cc_IL-22B indicated a protective effect on tissues, with only lymphocytic infiltration observed in comparison to the control and pcN3 groups, without obvious change in tissue morphology. Similar stimulatory effects of rIL-22A and rIL-22B were observed in vitro. When HKLs were stimulated with rIL-22A or rIL-22B, the expression levels of critical signaling molecules in the Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway were significantly induced, including JAK1, JAK3, STAT1, and STAT3, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α). Together, these results suggest that Cc_IL-22A and Cc_IL-22B may regulate inflammatory responses through the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and have a significant impact on the immune defense of common carp against bacterial infection. Therefore, our study provides a new perspective on the functions of Cc_IL-22A and Cc_IL-22B in the immune defense mechanism of fish.

Major pathways involved in macrophage polarization in cancer

Macrophages play an important role in tissue homeostasis, tissue remodeling, immune response, and progression of cancer. Consequently, macrophages exhibit significant plasticity and change their transcriptional profile and function in response to environmental, tissue, and inflammatory stimuli resulting in pro- and anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, the categorization of tissue macrophages in inflammatory situations remains difficult; however, there is an agreement that macrophages are predominantly polarized into two different subtypes with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties, the so-called M1-like and M2-like macrophages, respectively. These two macrophage classes can be considered as the extreme borders of a continuum of many intermediate subsets. On one end, M1 are pro-inflammatory macrophages that initiate an immunological response, damage tissue integrity, and dampen tumor progression by fostering robust T and natural killer (NK) cell anti-tumoral responses. On the other end, M2 are anti-inflammatory macrophages involved in tissue remodeling and tumor growth, that promote cancer cell proliferation, invasion, tumor metastasis, angiogenesis and that participate to immune suppression. These decisive roles in tumor progression occur through the secretion of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteases, as well as by the expression of immune checkpoint receptors in the case of M2 macrophages. Moreover, macrophage plasticity is supported by stimuli from the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) that are relayed to the nucleus through membrane receptors and signaling pathways that result in gene expression reprogramming in macrophages, thus giving rise to different macrophage polarization outcomes. In this review, we will focus on the main signaling pathways involved in macrophage polarization that are activated upon ligand-receptor recognition and in the presence of other immunomodulatory molecules in cancer.

Long-term exposure to bisphenol A and its analogues alters the behavior of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) and causes hepatic injury

Bisphenols (BPA, BPF, and BPAF) are widely present in the aquatic environment and have various adverse effects on aquatic organisms. However, their hepatic toxicity in marine fish is not fully understood. Hence, we examined the growth parameters, histological features, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and gene expression profiles in the livers of marine medaka after exposure to single and combined bisphenols for 70 days. The final body weight and final body length of males exposed to BPAF were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the survival rate was significantly lower. Bisphenol exposure led to vacuolization and local lesions in the liver, especially in the BPAF group, and altered antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver, leading to oxidative stress. In addition, after bisphenol exposure, marine medaka showed anxiolytic effects and a significant reduction in swimming distance compared with that in the control group. As determined by RNA-seq, bisphenol exposure altered multiple biological pathways in the liver, such as fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and ribosome biogenesis pathways, with significant changes in gene expression levels. In particular, chgs and vtgs were significantly up-regulated after BPAF exposure, suggesting an estrogenic effect. Overall, bisphenols can adversely affect the growth and metabolism of marine medaka. BPF and BPAF may not be ideal substitutes for BPA.

The Role of MIF and IL-10 as Molecular Yin-Yang in the Modulation of the Host Immune Microenvironment During Infections: African Trypanosome Infections as a Paradigm

African trypanosomes are extracellular flagellated unicellular protozoan parasites transmitted by tsetse flies and causing Sleeping Sickness disease in humans and Nagana disease in cattle and other livestock. These diseases are usually characterized by the development of a fatal chronic inflammatory disease if left untreated. During African trypanosome infection and many other infectious diseases, the immune response is mediating a see-saw balance between effective/protective immunity and excessive infection-induced inflammation that can cause collateral tissue damage. African trypanosomes are known to trigger a strong type I pro-inflammatory response, which contributes to peak parasitaemia control, but this can culminate into the development of immunopathologies, such as anaemia and liver injury, if not tightly controlled. In this context, the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and the interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokines may operate as a molecular “Yin-Yang” in the modulation of the host immune microenvironment during African trypanosome infection, and possibly other infectious diseases. MIF is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine and critical upstream mediator of immune and inflammatory responses, associated with exaggerated inflammation and immunopathology. For example, it plays a crucial role in the pro-inflammatory response against African trypanosomes and other pathogens, thereby promoting the development of immunopathologies. On the other hand, IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, acting as a master regulator of inflammation during both African trypanosomiasis and other diseases. IL-10 is crucial to counteract the strong MIF-induced pro-inflammatory response, leading to pathology control. Hence, novel strategies capable of blocking MIF and/or promoting IL-10 receptor signaling pathways, could potentially be used as therapy to counteract immunopathology development during African trypanosome infection, as well as during other infectious conditions. Together, this review aims at summarizing the current knowledge on the opposite immunopathological molecular “Yin-Yang” switch roles of MIF and IL-10 in the modulation of the host immune microenvironment during infection, and more particularly during African trypanosomiasis as a paradigm.

CD4+ T-cell-derived IL-10 promotes CNS inflammation in mice by sustaining effector T cell survival

Interleukin (IL)-10 is considered a prototypical anti-inflammatory cytokine, significantly contributing to the maintenance and reestablishment of immune homeostasis. Accordingly, it has been shown in the intestine that IL-10 produced by Tregs can act on effector T cells, thereby limiting inflammation. Herein, we investigate whether this role also applies to IL-10 produced by T cells during central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. During neuroinflammation, both CNS-resident and -infiltrating cells produce IL-10; yet, as IL-10 has a pleotropic function, the exact contribution of the different cellular sources is not fully understood. We find that T-cell-derived IL-10, but not other relevant IL-10 sources, can promote inflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Furthermore, in the CNS, T-cell-derived IL-10 acts on effector T cells, promoting their survival and thereby enhancing inflammation and CNS autoimmunity. Our data indicate a pro-inflammatory role of T-cell-derived IL-10 in the CNS.

S-1-Propenylcysteine promotes IL-10-induced M2c macrophage polarization through prolonged activation of IL-10R/STAT3 signaling

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that may lead to the development of serious cardiovascular diseases. Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been reported to ameliorate atherosclerosis, although its mode of action remains unclear. We found that AGE increased the mRNA or protein levels of arginase1 (Arg1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), CD206 and hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) and decreased that of CD68, HIF1α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the aorta and spleen of apolipoprotein E knockout mice. We also found that S-1-propenylcysteine (S1PC), a characteristic sulfur compound in AGE, increased the level of IL-10-induced Arg1 mRNA and the extent of M2c-like macrophage polarization in vitro. In addition, S1PC increased the population of M2c-like macrophages, resulting in suppressed the population of M1-like macrophages and decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These effects were accompanied by prolonged phosphorylation of the IL-10 receptor α (IL-10Rα) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) that inhibited the interaction between IL-10Rα and Src homology-2-containing inositol 5'-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1). In addition, administration of S1PC elevated the M2c/M1 macrophage ratio in senescence-accelerated mice. These findings suggest that S1PC may help improve atherosclerosis due to its anti-inflammatory effect to promote IL-10-induced M2c macrophage polarization.

IL-10 as a Th2 Cytokine: Differences Between Mice and Humans

The discovery of IL-10 more than 30 years ago marked the beginning of our understanding of how cytokines regulate immune responses, based on cross-regulation between Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Although multiple cell types were shown to produce IL-10, its identity as a Th2 cytokine remained strong because it was rigidly associated with Th2 clones in mice, whereas both Th1 and Th2 clones could secrete IL-10 in humans. However, as new Th1/Th2 cell functionalities emerged, anti-inflammatory action of IL-10 gained more attention than its inhibitory effect on Th1 cells, which may occur as an indirect consequence of suppression of APCs. This notion is also supported by the discovery of regulatory T cells, whose suppressor functions involve the mediation of IL-10, among other molecules. From this perspective, we discuss the functionalities of IL-10 by highlighting important differences between mice and humans with an emphasis on the Th1 and Th2 paradigm.

The Potential Advantage of Targeting Both PD-L1/PD-L2/PD-1 and IL-10-IL-10R Pathways in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Tumor cells promote the suppression of host anti-tumor type 1 T cell responses by various mechanisms, including the upregulation of surface inhibitory molecules such as programmed death ligand (PD-L)-1, and the production of immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10). There are over 2000 trials investigating PD-L1 and/or its receptor programmed-death 1 (PD-1) blockade in cancer, leading to the approval of PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors in several types of solid cancers and in hematological malignancies. The available data suggest that the molecule PD-L1 on antigen-presenting cells suppresses type 1 T cell immune responses such as cytotoxicity, and that the cytokine IL-10, in addition to downregulating immune responses, increases the expression of inhibitory molecule PD-L1. We hypothesize that the manipulation of both the co-inhibitory network (with anti-PD-L1 blocking antibodies) and suppressor network (with anti-IL-10 blocking antibodies) is an attractive immunotherapeutic intervention for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients ineligible for standard treatment with chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and with less severe adverse reactions. The proposed combination of these two immunotherapies represents a new approach that can be readily translated into the clinic to improve the therapeutic efficacy of AML disease treatment.

IL-10 Receptor Neutralization-Induced Colitis in Mice: A Comprehensive Guide

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and its receptor (IL-10R) have been foremost targets to understand inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis. For the past several decades, IL-10-deficient (Il10^-/- ) mice were considered one of the best models to study immune-mediated colitis. Several physiologic limitations with this model, e.g., delayed and varied disease onset, have hindered investigators in testing new clinical therapies for IBD. In this article, we provide comprehensive guidance for using anti-IL-10R monoclonal antibody (αIL-10R mAb) neutralization as a superior alternative model to study IBD. This article describes the feasibility of using αIL-10R mAb to induce chronic colitis (within 4 weeks), perform time-dependent mechanistic studies, and assess the efficacy of IBD therapeutics. This article also delineates protocols for in-house assays to critically assess colitis and associated inflammatory parameters. Overall, we underscore αIL-10R mAb neutralization as a relevant immune-mediated murine colitis model to study human Crohn's disease. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Induction of chronic colitis in mice via αIL-10R mAb neutralization Basic Protocol 2: Biochemical evaluation of αIL-10R mAb neutralization-induced chronic colitis Support Protocol 1: Stool analysis and scoring Support Protocol 2: Swiss roll method.

Interleukin-22: a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is recognized as a chronic immuno-inflammatory disease that is characterized by the accumulation of immune cells and lipids in the vascular wall. In this review, we focus on the latest advance regarding the regulation and signaling pathways of IL-22 and highlight its impacts on atherosclerosis.

MAIN BODY

IL-22, an important member of the IL-10 family of cytokines, is released by cells of the adaptive and innate immune system and plays a key role in the development of inflammatory diseases. The binding of IL-22 to its receptor complex can trigger a diverse array of downstream signaling pathways, in particular the JAK/STAT, to induce the expression of chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines. Recently, numerous studies suggest that IL-22 is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by regulation of VSMC proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, inflammatory response, hypertension, and cholesterol metabolism.

CONCLUSION

IL-22 promotes the development of atherosclerosis by multiple mechanisms, which may be a promising therapeutic target in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

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

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

Interleukin-22 Influences the Th1/Th17 Axis

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is secreted by a wide range of immune cells and its downstream effects are mediated by the IL-22 receptor, which is present on non-immune cells in many organs throughout the body. IL-22 is an inflammatory mediator that conditions the tissue compartment by upregulating innate immune responses and is also a homeostatic factor that promotes tissue integrity and regeneration. Interestingly, the IL-22 system has also been linked to many T cell driven inflammatory diseases. Despite this, the downstream effects of IL-22 on the adaptive immune system has received little attention. We have reviewed the literature for experimental data that suggest IL-22 mediated effects on T cells, either transduced directly or via mediators expressed by innate immune cells or non-immune cells in response to IL-22. Collectively, the reviewed data indicate that IL-22 has a hitherto unappreciated influence on T helper cell polarization, or the secretion of signature cytokines, that is context dependent but in many cases results in a reduction of the Th1 type response and to some extent promotion of regulatory T cells. Further studies are needed that specifically address these aspects of IL-22 signaling, which can benefit the understanding and treatment of a wide range of diseases.

Divergent Mast Cell Responses Modulate Antiviral Immunity During Influenza Virus Infection

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a respiratory pathogen that infects millions of people each year. Both seasonal and pandemic strains of IAV are capable of causing severe respiratory disease with a high risk of respiratory failure and opportunistic secondary infection. A strong inflammatory cytokine response is a hallmark of severe IAV infection. The widespread tissue damage and edema in the lung during severe influenza is largely attributed to an overexuberant production of inflammatory cytokines and cell killing by resident and infiltrating leukocytes. Mast cells (MCs) are a sentinel hematopoietic cell type situated at mucosal sites, including the lung. Poised to react immediately upon detecting infection, MCs produce a vast array of immune modulating molecules, including inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and proteases. As such, MCs have been implicated as a source of the immunopathology observed in severe influenza. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that MCs play an essential role not only in inducing an inflammatory response but in suppressing inflammation as well. MC-derived immune suppressive cytokines are essential to the resolution of a number of viral infections and other immune insults. Absence of MCs prolongs infection, exacerbates tissue damage, and contributes to dissemination of the pathogen to other tissues. Production of cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-6 by MCs is essential for mitigating the inflammation and tissue damage caused by innate and adaptive immune cells alike. The two opposing functions of MCs-one pro-inflammatory and one anti-inflammatory-distinguish MCs as master regulators of immunity at the site of infection. Amongst the first cells to respond to infection or injury, MCs persist for the duration of the infection, modulating the recruitment, activation, and eventual suppression of other immune cells. In this review, we will discuss the immune modulatory roles of MCs over the course of viral infection and propose that the immune suppressive mediators produced by MCs are vital to minimizing immunopathology during influenza infection.

Trial Watch: Immunostimulatory cytokines

During the last two decades, a number of approaches for the activation of the immune system against cancer has been developed. These include highly specific interventions, such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and cell-based therapies, as well as relatively unselective strategies, such as the systemic administration of adjuvants and immunomodulatory cytokines. Cytokines constitute a huge group of proteins that, taken together, regulate not only virtually all the aspects of innate and cognate immunity, but also several other cellular and organismal functions. Cytokines operate via specific transmembrane receptors that are expressed on the plasma membrane of target cells and, depending on multiple variables, can engage autocrine, paracrine or endocrine signaling pathways. The most appropriate term for defining the cytokine network is “pleiotropic”: cytokines are produced by - and operate on - multiple, often overlapping, cell types, triggering context-depend biological outcomes as diverse as cell proliferation, chemotaxis, differentiation, inflammation, elimination of pathogens and cell death. Moreover, cytokines often induce the release of additional cytokines, thereby engaging self-amplificatory or self-inhibitory signaling cascades. In this Trial Watch, we will summarize the biological properties of cytokines and discuss the progress of ongoing clinical studies evaluating their safety and efficacy as immunomodulatory agents against cancer.

Tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) interleukin 10 receptors are involved in the immune response against bacterial infection

Interleukin (IL)-10, an immune-regulatory cytokine, exerts various biological functions through interaction with IL-10 receptors. In teleost, very limited functional studies on IL-10 receptors have been documented. In this study, we reported the expression patterns of IL-10 receptor 1 (CsIL-10R1) and receptor 2 (CsIL-10R2) of tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) and examined their biological properties. The expression of CsIL-10R1 and CsIL-10R2 occurred in multiple tissues and were regulated by bacterial challenge. In vitro binding studies showed that recombinant extracellular region of CsIL-10R1 (rCsIL-10R1ex) rather than rCsIL-10R2ex could bind with rCsIL-10. Cellular study showed that both CsIL-10R1 and CsIL-10R2 were expressed on peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), and blockade of CsIL-10R1 or CsIL-10R2 by antibody could reduce inhibitory effect of CsIL-10 on ROS production of PBLs. When injected in vivo, anti-rCsIL-10R1 or anti-rCsIL-10R2 antibody dramatically promoted the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and suppressed bacterial dissemination in tongue sole tissues. Consistently, the overexpression of CsIL-10R1 or CsIL-10R2 significantly enhanced bacterial dissemination, and the overexpression of CsIL-10R1M bearing STAT3 site mutation reduced bacterial dissemination. Overall, these results demonstrate for the first time teleost IL-10 receptors play a negative role in antibacterial immunity and add insight into the function of CsIL-10 receptors.

Dual Role of Interleukin-10 in Murine NZB/W F1 Lupus

As a key anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 is crucial in preventing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, in human and murine lupus, its role remains controversial. Our aim was to understand regulation and immunologic effects of IL-10 on different immune functions in the setting of lupus. This was explored in lupus-prone NZB/W F1 mice in vitro and vivo to understand IL-10 effects on individual immune cells as well as in the complex in vivo setting. We found pleiotropic IL-10 expression that largely increased with progressing lupus, while IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) levels remained relatively stable. In vitro experiments revealed pro- and anti-inflammatory IL-10 effects. Particularly, IL-10 decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and slowed B cell proliferation, thereby triggering plasma cell differentiation. The frequent co-expression of ICOS, IL-21 and cMAF suggests that IL-10-producing CD4 T cells are important B cell helpers in this context. In vitro and in vivo effects of IL-10 were not fully concordant. In vivo IL-10R blockade slightly accelerated clinical lupus manifestations and immune dysregulation. Altogether, our side-by-side in vitro and in vivo comparison of the influence of IL-10 on different aspects of immunity shows that IL-10 has dual effects. Our results further reveal that the overall outcome may depend on the interplay of different factors such as target cell, inflammatory and stimulatory microenvironment, disease model and state. A comprehensive understanding of such influences is important to exploit IL-10 as a therapeutic target.

Loss of IL-10 signaling in macrophages limits bacterial killing driven by prostaglandin E2

Cytokines and lipid mediators are key regulators of inflammation; but how they are mechanistically linked is poorly understood. Here, Mukhopadhyay et al. show a novel regulation between cytokine IL-10 and lipid mediator PGE2 that functionally connects them to intestinal inflammation.

Loss of IL-10 signaling in macrophages (Mφs) leads to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from an infantile-onset IBD patient lacking a functional IL10RB gene. Mφs differentiated from IL-10RB^−/− iPSCs lacked IL-10RB mRNA expression, were unable to phosphorylate STAT3, and failed to reduce LPS induced inflammatory cytokines in the presence of exogenous IL-10. IL-10RB^−/− Mφs exhibited a striking defect in their ability to kill Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, which was rescuable after experimentally introducing functional copies of the IL10RB gene. Genes involved in synthesis and receptor pathways for eicosanoid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were more highly induced in IL-10RB^−/− Mφs, and these Mφs produced higher amounts of PGE2 after LPS stimulation compared with controls. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of PGE2 synthesis and PGE2 receptor blockade enhanced bacterial killing in Mφs. These results identify a regulatory interaction between IL-10 and PGE2, dysregulation of which may drive aberrant Mφ activation and impaired host defense contributing to IBD pathogenesis.

Interleukin-22 and intestinal homeostasis: Protective or destructive?

Interleukin (IL)-22 is a member of IL-10 family cytokines with various immunologic functions. As its name implies, IL-22 is known to be secreted mainly by Th22 cells, a recently discovered lineage of CD4+ T cells. Also, Th17, Th1, natural killer cells, γδT cells, and innate immune cells along with some nonlymphoid cells have been confirmed as secondary cellular sources of IL-22. Different cell types such as bronchial and intestinal epithelial cells, keratinocytes, hepatocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and tubular epithelial cells are affected by IL-22. Both pathologic and protective roles have been attributed to IL-22 in maintaining gut homeostasis and inflammation. According to the latest fast-growing investigations, IL-22 is significantly involved in various pathologies including allergic diseases, infection, autoimmunity, and cancer development. Regulating gut immune responses, barrier integrity, and inflammation is dependent on a diverse complex of cytokines and mediators which are secreted by mucosal immune cells. Several investigations have been designed to recognize the role of IL-22 in gastrointestinal immunity. This article tries to discuss the latest knowledge on this issue and clarify the potential of IL-22 to be used in the future therapeutic approaches of intestinal disorders including inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer.

The Role of an IL-10/Hyaluronan Axis in Dermal Wound Healing

Scar formation is the typical endpoint of postnatal dermal wound healing, which affects more than 100 million individuals annually. Not only do scars cause a functional burden by reducing the biomechanical strength of skin at the site of injury, but they also significantly increase healthcare costs and impose psychosocial challenges. Though the mechanisms that dictate how dermal wounds heal are still not completely understood, they are regulated by extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, neovascularization, and inflammatory responses. The cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 has emerged as a key mediator of the pro- to anti-inflammatory transition that counters collagen deposition in scarring. In parallel, the high molecular weight (HMW) glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) is present in the ECM and acts in concert with IL-10 to block pro-inflammatory signals and attenuate fibrotic responses. Notably, high concentrations of both IL-10 and HMW HA are produced in early gestational fetal skin, which heals scarlessly. Since fibroblasts are responsible for collagen deposition, it is critical to determine how the concerted actions of IL-10 and HA drive their function to potentially control fibrogenesis. Beyond their independent actions, an auto-regulatory IL-10/HA axis may exist to modulate the magnitude of CD4⁺ effector T lymphocyte activation and enhance T regulatory cell function in order to reduce scarring. This review underscores the pathophysiological impact of the IL-10/HA axis as a multifaceted molecular mechanism to direct primary cell responders and regulators toward either regenerative dermal tissue repair or scarring.

The Regulatory Role of IL-10 in Neurodegenerative Diseases

IL-10, an immunosuppressive cytokine, is considered an important anti-inflammatory modulator of glial activation, preventing inflammation-mediated neuronal degeneration under pathological conditions. In this narrative review, we summarize recent insights about the role of IL-10 in the neurodegeneration associated with neuroinflammation, in diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease, focusing on the contribution of this cytokine not only in terms of protective action, but also as possibly responsible for clinical worsening. The knowledge of this double face of the same coin, regarding the biological role of the IL-10, could aid the development of targeted therapies useful for limiting neurodegenerative processes.

Targeting of interleukin-10 receptor by a potential human interleukin-10 peptide efficiently blocks interleukin-10 pathway-dependent cell proliferation

OBJECTIVE

Human interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a dimeric and pleiotropic cytokine that plays a crucial role in cellular immunoregulatory responses. As IL-10 binds to its receptors, IL-10Ra and IL-10Rb, it will suppress or induce the downstream cellular immune responses to protect from diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, a potential peptide derived from IL-10 based on molecular docking and structural analysis was designed and validated by a series of cell assays to block IL-10 binding to receptor IL-10Ra for the inhibition of cell growth.

RESULTS

The simulation results indicate that the designed peptide IL10NM25 bound to receptor IL-10Ra is dominated by electrostatic interactions, whereas van der Waals (VDW) and hydrophobic interactions are minor. The cell experiments showed that IL10NM25 specifically binds to receptor IL-10Ra on the cell surface of two B-lineage cell lines, B lymphoma derived (BJAB), and lymphoblastoid cell line, whereas the mutant and scramble peptides are not able to suppress the binding of IL-10 to receptor IL-10Ra, consistent with the molecular simulation predictions.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that structure-based peptide design can be effective in the development of peptide drug discovery.

The Role of Interleukins in Colorectal Cancer

Despite great progress has been made in treatment strategies, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the predominant life-threatening malignancy with the feature of high morbidity and mortality. It has been widely acknowledged that the dysfunction of immune system, including aberrantly expressed cytokines, is strongly correlated with the pathogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer. As one of the most well-known cytokines that were discovered centuries ago, interleukins are now uncovering new insights into colorectal cancer therapy. Herein, we divide currently known interleukins into 6 families, including IL-1 family, IL-2 family, IL-6 family, IL-8 family, IL-10 family and IL-17 family. In addition, we comprehensively reviewed the oncogenic or antitumour function of each interleukin involved in CRC pathogenesis and progression by elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, by providing interleukins-associated clinical trials, we have further driven the profound prospect of interleukins in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Human Cytomegalovirus Interleukin 10 Homologs: Facing the Immune System

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause a variety of health disorders that can lead to death in immunocompromised individuals and neonates. The HCMV lifecycle comprises both a lytic (productive) and a latent (non-productive) phase. HCMV lytic infection occurs in a wide range of terminally differentiated cell types. HCMV latency has been less well-studied, but one characterized site of latency is in precursor cells of the myeloid lineage. All known viral genes are expressed during a lytic infection and a subset of these are also transcribed during latency. The UL111A gene which encodes the viral IL-10, a homolog of the human IL-10, is one of these genes. During infection, different transcript isoforms of UL111A are generated by alternative splicing. The most studied of the UL111A isoforms are cmvIL-10 (also termed the "A" transcript) and LAcmvIL-10 (also termed the "B" transcript), the latter being a well-characterized latency associated transcript. Both isoforms can downregulate MHC class II, however they differ in a number of other immunomodulatory properties, such as the ability to bind the IL10 receptor and induce signaling through STAT3. There are also a number of other isoforms which have been identified which are expressed by differential splicing during lytic infection termed C, D, E, F, and G, although these have been less extensively studied. HCMV uses the viral IL-10 proteins to manipulate the immune system during lytic and latent phases of infection. In this review, we will discuss the literature on the viral IL-10 transcripts identified to date, their encoded proteins and the structures of these proteins as well as the functional properties of all the different isoforms of viral IL-10.

CD4+ T cell expression of the IL-10 receptor is necessary for facial motoneuron survival after axotomy

Background

After peripheral nerve transection, facial motoneuron (FMN) survival depends on an intact CD4+ T cell population and a central source of interleukin-10 (IL-10). However, it has not been determined previously whether CD4+ T cells participate in the central neuroprotective IL-10 cascade after facial nerve axotomy (FNA).

Methods

Immunohistochemical labeling of CD4+ T cells, pontine vasculature, and central microglia was used to determine whether CD4+ T cells cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the facial motor nucleus (FMNuc) after FNA. The importance of IL-10 signaling in CD4+ T cells was assessed by performing adoptive transfer of IL-10 receptor beta (IL-10RB)-deficient CD4+ T cells into immunodeficient mice prior to injury. Histology and qPCR were utilized to determine the impact of IL-10RB-deficient T cells on FMN survival and central gene expression after FNA. Flow cytometry was used to determine whether IL-10 signaling in T cells was necessary for their differentiation into neuroprotective subsets.

Results

CD4+ T cells were capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and associating with reactive microglial nodules in the axotomized FMNuc. Full induction of central IL-10R gene expression after FNA was dependent on CD4+ T cells, regardless of their own IL-10R signaling capability. Surprisingly, CD4+ T cells lacking IL-10RB were incapable of mediating neuroprotection after axotomy and promoted increased central expression of genes associated with microglial activation, antigen presentation, T cell co-stimulation, and complement deposition. There was reduced differentiation of IL-10RB-deficient CD4+ T cells into regulatory CD4+ T cells in vitro.

Conclusions

These findings support the interdependence of IL-10- and CD4+ T cell-mediated mechanisms of neuroprotection after axotomy. CD4+ T cells may potentiate central responsiveness to IL-10, while IL-10 signaling within CD4+ T cells is necessary for their ability to rescue axotomized motoneuron survival. We propose that loss of IL-10 signaling in CD4+ T cells promotes non-neuroprotective autoimmunity after FNA.

Cytokines in Inflammatory Disease

This review aims to briefly discuss a short list of a broad variety of inflammatory cytokines. Numerous studies have implicated that inflammatory cytokines exert important effects with regard to various inflammatory diseases, yet the reports on their specific roles are not always consistent. They can be used as biomarkers to indicate or monitor disease or its progress, and also may serve as clinically applicable parameters for therapies. Yet, their precise role is not always clearly defined. Thus, in this review, we focus on the existing literature dealing with the biology of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, IL-33, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-10, and IL-8. We will briefly focus on the correlations and role of these inflammatory mediators in the genesis of inflammatory impacts (e.g., shock, trauma, immune dysregulation, osteoporosis, and/or critical illness).

Title: IL-10-producing T cells and their dual functions

Interleukin (IL)-10 is considered a prototypical anti-inflammatory cytokine, which significantly contributes to the maintenance and reestablishment of immune homeostasis. However, this classical view fails to fully describe the pleiotropic roles of IL-10. Indeed, IL-10 can also promote immune responses, e.g. by supporting B-cell and CD8⁺ T-cell activation. The reasons for these seemingly opposing functions are unclear to a large extent. Recent and previous studies suggest that the cellular source and the microenvironment impact the function of IL-10. However, studies addressing the mechanisms which determine whether IL-10 promotes inflammation or controls it have just begun. This review first summarizes the recent findings on the heterogeneity of IL-10 producing T cells and their impact on the target cells. Finally, we will propose two possible explanations for the dual functions of IL-10.

Functions and regulation of T cell-derived interleukin-10

Interleukin (IL)-10 is an essential anti-inflammatory cytokine and functions as a negative regulator of immune responses to microbial antigens. IL-10 is particularly important in maintaining the intestinal microbe-immune homeostasis. Loss of IL-10 promotes the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a consequence of an excessive immune response to the gut microbiota. IL-10 also functions more generally to prevent excessive inflammation during the course of infection. Although IL-10 can be produced by virtually all cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, T cells constitute a non-redundant source for IL-10 in many cases. The various roles of T cell-derived IL-10 will be discussed in this review. Given that IL-10 is at the center of maintaining the delicate balance between effective immunity and tissue protection, it is not surprising that IL-10 expression is highly dynamic and tightly regulated. We summarize the environmental signals and molecular pathways that regulate IL-10 expression. While numerous studies have provided us with a deep understanding of IL-10 biology, the majority of findings have been made in murine models, prompting us to highlight gaps in our knowledge about T cell-derived IL-10 in the human system.

Il-10 producing T and B cells in allergy

The molecular and cellular mechanisms of allergen tolerance in humans have been intensively studied in the past few decades. The demonstration of epitope-specific T cell tolerance, particularly mediated by the immune suppressor functions of IL-10 led to a major conceptual change in this area more than 20 years ago. Currently, the known essential components of allergen tolerance include the induction of allergen-specific regulatory of T and B cells, the immune suppressive function of secreted factors, such as IL-10, IL-35, IL-1 receptor antagonist and TGF-β, immune suppressive functions of surface molecules such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, the production IgG4 isotype allergen-specific blocking antibodies, and decreased allergic inflammatory responses by mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils in inflamed tissues. In this review, we explain the importance of the role of IL-10 in allergen tolerance.

The cytokine network involved in the host immune response to periodontitis

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease involving the destruction of both soft and hard tissue in the periodontal region. Although dysbiosis of the local microbial community initiates local inflammation, over-activation of the host immune response directly activates osteoclastic activity and alveolar bone loss. Many studies have reported on the cytokine network involved in periodontitis and its crucial and pleiotropic effect on the recruitment of specific immunocytes, control of pathobionts and induction or suppression of osteoclastic activity. Nonetheless, particularities in the stimulation of pathogens in the oral cavity that lead to the specific and complex periodontal cytokine network are far from clarified. Thus, in this review, we begin with an up-to-date aetiological hypothesis of periodontal disease and summarize the roles of cytokines in the host immune response. In addition, we also summarize the latest cytokine-related therapeutic measures for periodontal disease.

Functional characterization of IL-10 and its receptor subunits in a perciform fish, the mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi

Interleukin (IL)-10 is an immune-regulatory cytokine with multiple functions. In the current study, IL-10 and its two receptors, IL-10R1 and IL-10R2 were identified in mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi. The inhibitory effect of mandarin fish IL-10 was investigated on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and the ligand-receptor relationship. This IL-10 possesses conserved cysteine residues, predicted α-helices and a typical IL-10 family signature motif, similar to its mammalian orthologue, and IL-10R1 harbours predicted JAK1 and STAT3 binding sites in the intracellular region. The fish IL-10 and IL-10R1 exhibit high expression levels in several immune-related organs/tissues, such as spleen, trunk kidney and head kidney, and IL-10R2 possesses a constitutive expression pattern. The expression of IL-10 shows significant increase in spleen from infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) infected mandarin fish, where the two receptors also exhibit different levels of induced expression. Mandarin fish IL-10 also exhibits significant response to the stimulation of LPS, PHA and PMA, with the two receptors exhibiting an interesting decrease in expression following the treatment of PMA. The pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, show diminished up-regulation in LPS-stimulated splenocytes pre-incubated with IL-10, indicating the anti-inflammatory roles of mandarin fish IL-10. In EPC cells transfected with different combinations of receptors, IL-10 can enhance the expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) only when IL-10R1 and IL-10R2 are both expressed, suggesting the participation of the two receptors in signal transduction of mandarin fish IL-10. Similar results are observed with the usage of chimeric receptors, IL-10R1/CRFB1 and IL-10R2/CRFB5. Overall, mandarin fish IL-10 shares conserved ligand-receptor system and the prototypical inhibitory activities on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression with mammalian IL-10, implying the evolutionary conservation of this cytokine.

Type-Specific Crosstalk Modulates Interferon Signaling in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are the primary target of enteric viruses. Their infection by viruses leads to the upregulation of both type I and type III interferons (IFNs). These IFNs then act in an autocrine and paracrine manner to protect IECs from viral propagation. To date, whether both IFNs use similar signaling pathways and whether these 2 cytokines can act synergistically to protect against viral infection remain unclear. Using human IECs depleted of either the type I or type III IFN receptor, we found that both signal transduction pathways are interconnected and influence each other at the level of interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression and efficiency of antiviral protection. Precisely, in human IECs, the presence of a functional type III IFN receptor negatively regulates type I IFN signaling and activity, whereas the presence of type I IFN receptor positively reinforces type III IFN signaling and function. We propose that this complex crosstalk allows for a preferential type III IFN-mediated protection of human intestinal cells.

Targeting Tumors with IL-10 Prevents Dendritic Cell-Mediated CD8+ T Cell Apoptosis

Increasing evidence demonstrates that interleukin-10 (IL-10), known as an immunosuppressive cytokine, induces antitumor effects depending on CD8⁺ T cells. However, it remains elusive how immunosuppressive effects of IL-10 contribute to CD8⁺ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. We generated Cetuximab-based IL-10 fusion protein (CmAb-(IL10)₂) to prolong its half-life and allow tumor-targeted delivery of IL-10. Our results demonstrated potent antitumor effects of CmAb-(IL10)₂ with reduced toxicity. Moreover, we revealed a mechanism of CmAb-(IL10)₂ preventing dendritic cell (DC)-mediated CD8⁺ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte apoptosis through regulating IFN-γ production. When combined with immune checkpoint blockade, CmAb-(IL10)₂ significantly improves antitumor effects in mice with advanced tumors. Our findings reveal a DC-regulating role of IL-10 to potentiate CD8⁺ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity and provide a potential strategy to improve cancer immunotherapy.